2. City of Fountains Kansas City is said to be the home of more fountains than any city in the world except Rome. Exactly how many fountains Kansas City has is not known, for public and private fountains are added regularly. It's sort of an unwritten policy that a fountain of some fashion is incorporated into the design of most new commercial building projects in Kansas City.
3. The Plaza Upscale Shopping District built in 1922. Includes retail, dining and entertainment. Listed as one of the world’s 60 greatest public spaces. More than 30 statues, murals and tile mosaics as well as architectural reproductions (Giralda Tower of Seville.)
4. Plaza Light Show Huge light ceremony on Thanksgiving Night every year to celebrate the start of the Christmas Season. A celebrity flips the switch to turn on over 80 miles of lights. Considered the most spectacular display in the country. Ceremony includes performances, etc.
5. Kansas City Ballet Founded in 1957, Kansas City Ballet is a 25-member professional ballet company. Over 15,000 people annually benefit from KCB’s Community Programs through student matinees, discounted tickets, pre-performance programs and Reach Out And Dance (ROAD), a program where dance is incorporated into area elementary schools’ curriculum. The programs provide introduction, enrichment, and opportunity for anyone to explore dance as a powerful and transformational art form.
6. Crossroads Art District With well over 50 different art venues, the Kansas City Crossroads Art District has quickly gained national notoriety as being a premier art destination in the Midwest. From the rubble of old brick warehouses and abandoned businesses, Kansas City created a mixed use neighborhood that brings thousands of people to the area each year. A favorite event in Kansas City is First Fridays, sponsored by the many galleries and businesses in the district.
7. Crossroads Art District: Places The Arts Incubator: a non profit group that assists emerging artists. The Brick: art is everywhere, with a sharp wait staff and great food. The Brick features music as well, mostly local bands and indie types. Artists from the district hold receptions here on the Saturday after First Fridays, to discuss all things art.
8. 39th Street Artwalk Every third Friday from 6 – 10pm the merchants of 39th Street open their doors to local and regional painters, photographers, sculptures, printmakers, artists, musicians, belly-dancers, fire twirlers, roller-derby girls, motorcycle enthusiasts, and – of course – to you the lover of the arts.
9. Nelson Atkins Museum The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is internationally recognized for its outstanding collection of more than 33,500 objects. From ancient times to modern day, this encyclopedic museum is one of the best in the country, offering visitors the opportunity to explore civilization through the eyes of painters, sculptors, craftsmen, and many other artists.
10. Gambling Legal age to gamble in Missouri is 21. Only race track betting and other forms of parimutuel gambling are illegal in Missouri. Casinos are totally legal. Many Vegas-like Casinos in Kansas City including at Harrahs.
11. Riverboat Gambling Missouri has a "$500 loss limit" law. Gamblers can buy tokens up to $500 value beginning at 8am and can only purchase more tokens each at 2 hour interval. For instance one cold purchase $500 worth of tokens at 9:30, another $500 at 10, but then would have to wait until 12 to purchase any more tokens. Additionally one must be at least 21 to gamble in Missouri.
12. Missouri Association for the Deaf The Missouri Association of the Deaf (MoAD) is the oldest and largest nonprofit, consumer-based organization of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people in the state of Missouri. MoAD was founded in 1904 by the alumni of the Missouri School for the Deaf and incorporated in 1907. Membership is open to any Missourian who is Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing; parents of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children; professionals who work with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children, youths and adults; and ANY other individuals interested in supporting MoAD's goals. There is a Miss Deaf Missouri pageant
13. Arthur Bryants Best BBQ in Kansas City. Arthur Bryant, the legendary King of Ribs, is the most renowned barbequer in history. He created a sauce that has attracted the likes of former Presidents Harry Truman and Jimmy Carter to his restaurant . . . considered to be the best restaurant in the world by New Yorker columnist Calvin Trillin.
14. Basketball Kansas City does not have an NBA team, but is hoping to attract one with a new stadium soon. Had an ABA team (Knights) who haven’t played since 2005. Often host College Big 12 Basketball championships at the Sprint Center.
