Kansas City, Missouri is the most populated city in the entire state. The name “Kansas City” actually refers to two cities, as it is situated opposite Kansas City, Kansas, at the convergence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers. Both cities are included in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, populated in excess of two million residents. Not only is Kansas City, Missouri the largest city in Missouri in terms of land mass, but with its estimated population of 480,129, it is also the largest in terms of residents. Kansas City is the Midwest's seventh largest city, as well as the entire country's thirty-fifth most populated. It encompasses sections of four counties, namely, Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte. The city is often referred to with the abbreviations “KCMO” or simply “KC”. Some of the city's other nicknames include “Paris of the Plains” and “The Heart of America.”
Kansas City, Missouri became an official incorporated city in March, 1853. It was generally considered that the border of the two states would be a good location for a settlement. Etienne de Veniard made the first recorded visit from Europe to the site of Kansas City. He was avoiding French authority due to some criticism he had received, and lived in a nearby village with his wife, illegally trading furs. Wishing to have his name cleared, he wrote an extensive description of Louisiana's lands, waters, Indian tribes, and all possible advantages of the area. This was during the year 1713. He also wrote a description of the intersection of the Kansas and Missouri rivers. These descriptions were utilized by Guillaume Delisle, a French cartographer, to construct a decent map of the Kansas City area.
Following the Louisiana Purchase, it was noted by Lewis and Clark after their visit to the river junction that it would be an excellent location for a settlement. During the year 1831, a gathering of Mormons did just that, and built a school inside of the boundaries of what is now known as Kansas City. Not long after this, the Kansas Town Company, who received the name from an English version of the word “Cansez,” started major settlement in the region. During 1850, this area became the Town of Kansas. During February, 1853, a mayor was elected and the City of Kansas had 2,500 people in its population.
Kansas City, Missouri has all the amenities and attractions one would expect from one of the largest cities in the United States. It provides a home for the Kansas City Royals, a Major League baseball team; the Kansas City Wizards, a professional soccer team; and the Kansas City Chiefs from the National Football League. Kansas City is also known for its educational facilities, and is in a close tie with Boston for the highest amount of accredited medical schools. Some of these schools include the University of Kansas School of Medicine and the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Kansas City also has a dentist school, pharmacist school, and seventeen other colleges.
Kansas City, Missouri's tap water has been called the cleanest out of the United States' fifty biggest cities. No impurities or contaminants were detected during the most recent testing. Kansas City is also known for its aesthetic appeal, as it has more fountains than any other city in the whole world, with the exception of Rome, Italy. This gives it another popular nickname: City of Fountains. Some other fun facts about the city include its being referred to as the barbeque capital of the world, and its Eighteenth and Vine streets intersect at an empty lot where jazz legend Charlie Parker used to practice. The city also has several noteworthy museums.
Being such a large metropolis, Kansas City is home to many large corporations and employment options. The city is the headquarters of four Fortune 500 companies, as well as five more Fortune 1000. There are also plenty of agricultural-related careers in and around the city as well, since the Kansas City Board of Trade is the main center for wheat.
Some of the biggest companies for careers in Kansas City are Best Buy, HCA Health Care, IBM, and Pizza Hut. Some common jobs in the area are in managing and professional careers, being about 31% of total occupations. Sales clerking and office jobs follow at 26%, while servicing jobs total about 16%. An estimated 74% of workers in the area are employed by a company. 13% of workers are in government, while 5% are self-employed. Therapy-related occupations, nursing, and project managing are some of the occupations currently in demand in Kansas City, Missouri. The typical salary for a Kansas City job is $36,538 per year. The average median income for a household in the city is $41,060 per year. While the national unemployment is just under 7%, Kansas City's rate is just under 8%.
Kansas City, Missouri, has been called the barbeque capital of the world, and even holds an annual barbeque contest. There are over 90 barbeque restaurants just in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The city was also famous for its Kansas City strip steaks, back when the area's Kansas City Stockyards and Kansas City Livestock Exchange were in operation. However, due to extensive damage received in the infamous 1951 flood, they closed down. Kansas City barbeque was something of a phenomenon in the city in the early 1900s.
One of the oldest original barbeque restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri is Gates and Sons Bar-B-Q. Established in 1946, it grew from one restaurant to a chain of six around Kansas City. Due to high cost, the distribution of their famous sauce is severely limited, so one must visit one of the Gates and Sons Bar-B-Q locations to experience it. Considered to be the best barbeque restaurant in the whole country by many, Arthur Bryant's is another original establishment that traces right back to the beginning of the phenomenon. It has been applauded by many notable visitors, including Harry S. Truman, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, John McCain, and Sarah Palin, and has been described by writer Calvin Trillin, as “possibly the single best restaurant in the world.” Especially known for their open-face sandwiches, Arthur Bryant's special sauce focuses on tangy, exquisite flavors rather than sweetness.
Kansas City offers the area's top professional theater, the Kansas City Repertory Theater, and the Starlight Theater. The Starlight is an outdoor theater that is capable of holding 8,105 guests. Showcasing Broadway plays and musical concerts, the Starlight Theater is one of just three self-producing outdoor theaters left in America. Kansas City also offers a variety of other prestigious entertainment such as The Kansas City Symphony, The Kansas City Ballet, and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City.
Kansas City also offers gambling and casinos for the entertainment of its residents and visitors. In 1992, gambling was approved by voters in Missouri with a majority of 63%. In 1994, Harrah's Entertainment opened Missouri's first casino. There are four casinos currently open in Kansas City today, and they are Ameristar, Argosy, Harrah's North, and Isle of Capri. As of the year 2008, one more facility, the 7th Street Casino, opened for business in Kansas City, Kansas. Kansas City also offers venues for professional sports. Venues for watching professional football, baseball, soccer, tennis, hockey and rugby can all be found in Kansas City and the surrounding areas. Some of the venues include Arrowhead Stadium, Kauffman Stadium, Barney Allis Plaza, and the Sprint Center.
Kansas City, Missouri is home to many impressive sights within the boundaries of the beautiful city. Whether you are a resident looking for something new to explore or a tourist hoping to get as much out of your trip as possible, you are sure to find something interesting to do in Kansas City. With a prestigious zoo, national monument, and upscale museums as part of its repertoire, Kansas City has something for everyone. The Kansas City Zoological Park, or simply known as the Kansas City Zoo, is the United States' tenth largest zoo. A delight to both children and adults, the Zoo was voted one of the best in America during 2008, with a number one ranking given to its exhibit of African animals. The Kansas City Zoo features over a thousand exotic animals from all over the world and an interactive Kid Zone.
Kansas City is also home to one of the National Historic Landmarks: The Liberty Memorial. Erected in 1926 to honor World War I soldiers and housing the National World War I Museum, the Liberty Memorial is a striking and impressive monument that can be seen from far off. During certain holidays, such as Memorial Day, the top of the monument is lit, made to resemble a burning fire. Kansas City offers multiple prestigious museums, including the Kansas City Museum and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Located in Kansas City's history-filled Northeast neighborhood, the Kansas City Museum offers exhibits focused on local histories, natural science and features a planetarium and an antique, fully operational soda fountain. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, in operation since 1994, features works from 1913 to present day. The striking facilities contain pieces by Georgia O'Keeffe, Robert Mapplethorpe, Frank Stella, Arthur Dove, and many more.
After visiting Kansas City's museums, restaurants and memorials during the day, head back out at night to let your hair down at some of the area's most famous bars and clubs. Whether you are looking for a small bar to relax and have a few drinks, or a flashy downtown dance club, Kansas City has just what you are looking for.
The Angels Rock Bar, located in the city's Power and Light district, has the decadence of world-class clubs without the attitudes. The bar is pure rock and roll and features a wild performance every night with great DJs, live bands, and the guests on the indulgent dance floor. A 130-foot bar, stage for live music presentations, and a 20-foot for video make the Angels Rock Bar one of the coolest bars in Kansas City. For one of the classiest dance lounges in the city, head to the Backroom Ultra Dive Lounge. Tucked away in the Point Bar & Grill's basement, this quaint and intimate lounge plays all the music you love, all night long. For a no-nonsense, casual experience, try the Quaff Bar and Grill. With thirty plasma televisions and a smoking patio, this family sports bar is welcoming, fun and has been family-owned since 1946.
In downtown Kansas City, Missouri, you will find the Kansas City Power & Light District. This enormous shopping and entertainment area was designed by 360 Architecture, and encompasses nine city blocks. Anchored by the Sprint Center, the Power & Light District offers shops, restaurants, nightclubs, live music, and more. Some of the shopping facilities offered in the Power & Light District are Cosentino's Downtown Gourmet Market, GNC, MeMa's Bakery, and T-Mobile.
For fresh foods, head to the City Market. Serving the Kansas City area since 1857, it is one of the biggest and long-lasting public farmer's markets in the country. At least thirty of the merchants offer their products all year long. Items such as fresh meat, fish and poultry, flowers, home décor, and much more can be found at the City Market. Kansas City is also the home to multiple upscale shopping malls, and was even the site of the country's first outdoor mall. The Country Club Plaza is Kansas City's most prestigious shopping district, featuring big name designers and retailers like Armani Exchange, N. Valentino, Anthropologie, Tiffany, BCBG, and much more. With over 170 stores and restaurants, the Country Club Plaza is a legendary name in Kansas City shopping.
Kansas City offers many facilities for their residents' health, fitness, and beauty. Stress from hectic lifestyles is one of the main factors in declining health. With many salons, spas, fitness centers, and massage parlors available, relaxation and rejuvenation will only be a call away.
There are plenty of salons and spas available in the Kansas City area. Though there are many family-style salons that offer basic services to men, women, and children, there are many specialty and professional facilities as well. Some of the most highly rated salons in the area are Double Take Salon and Day Spa, Naturally Salon & Day Spa, ROCA Salon and Spa, and Indulge Salon & Day Spa. Massage parlors for relaxation and pain relief are important as well, and some of the highest rated facilities in the Kansas City Area are Plaza West Massage and Day Spa, House of Elan, and Rainbow Therapeutic Massage. These facilities are all well-known with the locals and provide top-notch service. Diet, fitness,s and nutrition are the top concern for most people, whether they are watching their figure or conscious of their health issues. Kansas City offers many facilities to help with these aspects of life. A few of the area's best fitness and nutrition centers include Kansas City Health and Human Performance, Kensington Gym, Kumc Dietetics & Nutrition, and The Natural You.
Kansas City has several historic sites that are worth-visiting. Tourists come to Kansas to see these beautiful places, explore the city life and culture, and enjoy the recreational activities that the city offers. The guests coming here for a week-long vacation won't be disappointed. Visitors can have a wonderful vacation as they stay in the affordable Kansas hotels.
There are a lot of the affordable choices of hotels for the vacationers who come here for a budget. The Drury Inn and Suites Kansas City Airport is one of the most affordable places to stay in the city. This property is conveniently located near the airport. The guests can enjoy a daily complimentary of hot breakfast, wireless Internet access, and free 60-minute long distance calls on their stay. Amenities in the rooms include cable television with premium channel, refrigerators, and microwaves. If one wants to be closer to the Sprint Center, City Market of Kansas City or Crown Center and Hallmark Visitors Center, the Hotel Phillips is the great location for that. This hotel features fitness facility, meeting rooms, 24-hour business center, bar/lounge, restaurant, and many more. Another hotel situated close to the airport is Hilton Kansas City. Outdoor and indoor pools, sauna, and spa tub provide relaxing hotel experience for the guests. This hotel has an overwhelming 347 guestrooms that are equipped with video-game consoles, televisions, comfortable premium beddings, coffee makers, refrigerators, and convenient bathrooms. A little farther from this hotel is the Courtyard by Marriott Kansas City – Airport with Harley Davidson Factory and Zona Rosa Shopping Mall nearby. This hotel has 149 well-furnished guestrooms.
The Kansas City, Missouri school district is made up of over thirty elementary, middle, and high schools. There are 16 total districts in Kansas City that make up schools in the area. Total there are 207 preschools, 159 elementary schools, 124 middle schools, and 62 high schools. Out of these there are a total of 206 private schools. Lots of the private schools are Catholic Schools and Christian Schools. There are schools that have programs for home-schooled children and those who have special needs. Kansas City gives parents a wide choice to pick from to ensure their child gets a good education.
Kansas City has 83 colleges to choose from. The University of Missouri is located in Kansas City and has over 14,000 students attending every year. The university brings people in from across the world, in over 60 countries. The Metropolitan Community College is a five campus system with over 80 different programs. The campuses have small classrooms which appeal to students who are looking for a more personal learner experience. On the five campuses there are over 18,000 students. There are lots of schools to choose from and lots of sites to see. Education in Kansas City draws students from all over the United States.
Kansas City is easily accessible by plane from most cities in the United States. There are four separate airports to fly into. The largest one is the Kansas City International Airport. Kansas City is relatively easy to get around in. There are lots of taxi services and car rentals available throughout the city. The two larger car rental companies are Enterprise and Discount Rent A Car. There are two shuttles that run back and forth from the airport. These are the Kansas City International Airport Shuttle, and the MO-X Airport Shuttle. The KCI Airport Shuttle is a fleet of blue vans that have helpful employees stationed around the airport. The MO-X shuttle provides service between Columbia and Kansas Airports.
There are two main bus stations in Kansas City. The bus stations are the Metro Area Express, or MAX, and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. The KCATA is good for business travel, and getting to conferences. The Metro Express has both charter services and bus services in Kansas City. These buses will take you to see all the museums, sports, and casinos Kansas City has to offer. The Shuttle system offers different options in the way of car rentals, mini buses, and trolleys. The charter buses can be rented to take groups to sporting events or conferences. The Metro also offers a rapid bus line will take you to see such places as River Market, Downtown, and Crown City. Fares are between $1.50 and $5.00 depending on how far you need to travel. You can catch Amtrak services in Kansas City, and there are three separate stations. Amtrak runs to over 500 destinations. Two interesting tours you may want to go on while you are in Kansas City are the Kansas City Gangster Tour and the Harley Davidson Factory Tour. Kansas City has a lot of history with the Mob having gangster hideouts. The tour will take you to see a lot of those hideouts, homes, and the bullet holes from the Famous Union Station Massacre. The tour is only $25.00 and should be interesting experience learning about history. The Harley Factory Tour is another thing worth seeing in Kansas City. Two of the largest Harley factories are in Kansas City, and you get to see how they are made from start to finish! These are just a few of the exciting things Kansas City has to offer.
Kansas City have a local government that continually provides helpful services; the mayor's office and city council are proud of the way their many departments are run. All of these government departments have online services and if you need to access one, the website home page can be found at www.kcmo.gov, where there is a special tab for their E-services. Whether you need to pay taxes, your water bill or that undeserved parking ticket, they are all accessible through the E-services Portal.
The local government officials are there to provide great community living. Kansas City encourages everyone to make the most of its facilities. The City has recently joined the nationwide discount prescription card offer which can give major savings to its residents. The City uses all types of media to keep you informed, including its own public service TV station, Channel KCCG-TV2. Alongside the TV programs, the Mayor's office have helped co-ordinate many community initiatives: including helping Kansas City's restaurants, hotels and attractions to come together to offer citywide savings. You can contact City Hall if you need information on sports teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, the status of public safety projects, the availability of tee-times at the municipal golf courses, flight schedules at Kansas City airport, the condition of transport routes, garbage pick-ups, and even maps and guides to the major city attractions The Kansas City council offices, including the Mayor's office, are located at City Hall. 414 E. 12th St. Kansas City, MO 64106. The city information and action centre can be reached by calling 311 or the normal phone number of (816) 513-1313. Kansas City's governing body would like involvement from all members of the public, whether it is through taking classes at your local community centre or proposing an affirmative action program for the city. Contact the Kansas City council and request that a local government officer comes to your organization's next meeting to explain the City's operations.
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