Spanning the border between Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City is actually two cities — one on either side of the Missouri River. K.C.K., as the Kansas side is often called, is known for its barbecue and its sports, from baseball to brisket and from speedway to smoked sausages. Though smaller than its Missouri counterpart, which has three times the population, it boasts a buzzing nightlife and vibrant downtown, from the four-block Avenue of Murals to the strong Croatian history in Strawberry Hill. On the other side of the river, the National WWI Museum and Memorial offers a new perspective on the city from its 270-foot-tall Art Deco tower. And west of K.C.K., Wyandotte County Lake and Park offers acres of peaceful scenery for hiking, biking, and angling for catfish.

Kansas City sees all four seasons, with hot, sticky summers and cold, windy winters. You’ll experience the highest temperatures in July and August, so be sure to drink plenty of water, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time outside. If you time your visit right, you can join in the all-ages fun at the Wyandotte County Fair in mid-July, which has been in operation for more than 150 years. Fall brings temperate weather and the Renaissance Festival in nearby Bonner Springs, where you can watch knights jousting, shop for artisan-made goods, and enjoy a turkey leg and a glass of mead.

Winters are cold, and snow falls occasionally, so bundle up before you head out for the day, but the holidays are an excellent time to visit as the city celebrates in style with tree-lighting ceremonies and a Victorian-themed Christmas wonderland. As temperatures begin to warm up and flowers bloom in spring, celebrate the city’s diversity at the Wyandotte County Ethnic Festival, with traditional music and performances, food, and crafts from more than 50 countries.

Avenue of Murals

Along Minnesota Avenue in the heart of the downtown area, you’ll find a four-block stretch that plays host to eight incredible murals. The project was undertaken over the course of four years by high school students with the help of professional artists. The murals depict the legacy of African art and its influence on African American culture, the history of Hmong farmers and the Hmong peoples’ growing representation in Kansas, and a tribute to Mexican dance, among other works.

Barbecue

Famous for its barbecue fare, Kansas City is bursting with sizzling pits and grills serving up the city’s signature sweet and spicy sauce. From burnt ends to ribs, hickory smoke fills the air from Strawberry Hill to Kensington. Kansas City’s love of barbecue dates from the 1920s, when an enterprising resident began smoking ribs in an outdoor pit and selling them to his neighbors. The tradition involves masterful sauces, rubs, and grilling techniques, and you can tour the city’s many BBQ joints to find your favorite place to get Kansas City’s unofficial cuisine.

Wyandotte County Lake Park

Just a five-minute drive from downtown, this 1,500-acre park is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are more than eight miles of trails where you can hike, bike, or horseback ride, and the lake at the center of the park is perfect for kayaking or fishing, with plenty of places to stop for a picnic. Near the entrance of the park you’ll find a Korean-Vietnam War Memorial, which pays tribute to those who served in both wars.