Location: 18th and Vine
Top Things to do in 18th and Vine
8 Things to do in 18th and Vine That You Shouldn't Miss
The home of swing and bebop for some, "The City of Fountains" to others, Kansas City is different things to different people. Music enthusiasts are drawn to the jazz clubs and old haunts of famous musicians such as Charlie Parker and Count Basie. With more fountains than Rome, there is ample opportunity for scenic strolling from fountain to fountain. Stop along the way to discover interesting neighborhoods and browse through eclectic shops. Families are particularly attracted to the city because of its child-friendly events and venues. Science City features hands-on exhibits including a mock television studio where kids can deliver a weather forecast, while the Zoo houses impressive African and Australian exhibits plus an IMAX Theater. The city's museums cover everything from the history of jazz music to a celebration of African American baseball players. Once a trading post for pioneers heading to the Western United States, today Kansas City is a burgeoning metropolis with activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.
Restaurants in Kansas City
1. KC Barbecue Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 330 reviews
Calling all Carnivores! Hop on and let us take you to the BBQ. KC is famous for its barbecue and now you can find out why. Never mind stopping at just 1 restaurant, hit 3-4 in less than 4 hours. Our tours visit some of Kansas City's big name barbecue restaurants and hidden gem barbecue joints. Our tours not only include sampling various barbecue meats & side dishes, but also provide historical Kansas City sight seeing. Come hungry!
2. Blue Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
This jazz bar opened in 1997.
Reviewed By 160marybethh - Tucson, United States
Way back when Jazz and Blues were evolving, Kansas City was one of THE great jazz cities of this evolving genre. Blues, jazz and barbecue kind of go together in this Kansas City historic district at 18th and Vine. The Blue Room is kind of a Twofer. The Blue Room sits cozily under the American Jazz Museum and you can get to the Jazz Museum from an unassuming door in the back of the Club. The Museum side of the door says something like 'Jazz'. I took my 15-year-old nephew, who plays a bass trombone in a high school marching band, to the Blue Room because he's old enough to recognize styles and I wanted blues and jazz represented in his musical education. He was the only young one there but the crowd's age was a pretty good mix. It was a Friday and we nabbed the last two available seats in this intimate house. A local blues artist (and KC has some great ones) entertained an appreciative Happy Hour audience with her 4-piece backup band from 5:30 to 7:30. The drinks are pretty cheap and the house wines are nothing to write home about but really - when smooth blues and Jazz are being offered who cares about the drinks? Plenty of hard liquor choices if you are picky. The drive down 18th is a little industrial but the two- or three-block stretch around 18th and Vine has plenty of restaurants and other clubs that offer music to make it a night. As a bonus, if you get there early enough, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is adjacent to the Jazz Museum. These two museums highlight the incredible Black American music and sports contributions not only to Kansas City but to the world. The Blue Room door is right on the corner of 18th and Vine and if you look catty-corner across the street you will see a free parking lot. There is street parking but you have to get there plenty early. I highly recommend the Blue Room for not only the quality musical talent, both national and local, in this intimate venue but also for the great people watching (jazz clubs are so much fun). And please, remember to dress up a little. Show your respect for this wonderful historic space and this fine music.
3. Monarch Glass Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
4. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,038 reviews
Opened in 1991, this museum is a tribute to some of baseball's best unknown players.
Reviewed By DMGAmes_Iowa - Ames, United States
This museum is excellent in presenting its topic, the Negro Baseball Leagues, in the context of general American history and African-American history specifically. The exhibits include videos and films, photographs, baseball uniforms, extensive biographies of all stars like Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson, also Negro women baseball players. Also on display are lockers of some 3 dozen baseball players, dioramas of a black barber shop and a boardinghouse room (blacks were not permitted to stay in hotels until the 1950s/1960s), autographed baseballs, mannequins and the center masterpiece consisting of a baseball diamond with life-size bronze sculptures of specific players. If you are "in" to museums like my wife and I are, I suggest buying a combination entrance ticket to this museum and the adjoining American Jazz Museum. Seniors get an additional discount.
5. American Jazz Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 348 reviews
Located in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District in Kansas City, MO, the American Jazz Museum showcases the sights and sounds of jazz through interactive exhibits and films, the Changing Gallery exhibit space, Horace M. Peterson III Visitors Center, The Blue Room jazz club, and Gem Theater. Since its inception in 1997, the Museum hosts thousands of students, scholars, musicians and fans of the arts for over 200 performances, education programs, special exhibitions, community events and more each year, providing an opportunity to learn about the legends, honor their legacy, or simply enjoy the sounds of modern day jazz.
6. 18th and Vine District
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 75 reviews
Historic district of Kansas City filled with renovated buildings, museums and a performing arts center.
Reviewed By vinylguybilly - Idyllwild, United States
I really loved the culture and the heritage of kanas City , Food and the people where really polite and helpful.... :)
7. Mutual Musicians Foundation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
8. Gem Theater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
