Be sure to visit 'Magazines Coffee' in downtown Kansas City, MO for the best espresso and over 100 magazine titles.

The airport in Kansas City is tricky because each gate is a secured area with its own security checkpoint. Be sure you have the right gate before getting in the security line. In addition go to the bathroom before going to your gate or you will have to go through security twice.

For the best Thai food, be sure to visit 'Lulu's Noodles' in downtown Kansas City, MO.

Downtown Kansas City rolls up the sidewalks on evenings and weekends. If you're looking for shopping or restaurants, look elsewhere.

Downtown Kansas City has gone through a revitalization now, and has much more to offer than it ever did. The Power Light District (stores, restaurants and bars) located in downtown next to the new Sprint Center, plus there's Westport (cafes, bars and nightclubs) and the Country Club Plaza (cafes, shopping and great restaurants).

Kansas City is one of the US homes of Barbeque. KC masterpiece, has some shops in the city, including one at the airport. Gate's Barbeque is another classic Kansas City Barbeque Restaurant.

Raytown, like much of Kansas and Missouri, is not somewhere I would recommend visiting unless you have a good reason.  There isn't a whole lot here worth seeing.  

Kansas City really isn't as bad as many people make it out to be.  That being said, it isn't a great place to visit either.  While living here is fine, there just isn't enough to do to justify a vacation of any sort.  If you do find yourself stuck in KC for some reason, head to the Overland Park area.  Especially try to hit Town Center Plaza at 119th and Roe for some good food and decent shopping.  Try Han Shin Japanese Steakhouse behind Barnes and Noble for a great lunch or dinner at a reasonable price.  The atmosphere is casual and the food is excellent.  Follow 119th street down to Metcalf and you'll pass several more restaurants and coffee shops.  
If you want a high class night-cap in the Overland Park area, head to The Wine Bar inside Lucas Liquors along 135th street.  Simply follow Roe and take a left onto 135th St.  Take the first left after State Line Rd and then an immediate right into a shopping center.  Lucas Liquors is past the Quizno's and Part Warehouse.  The Wine Bar is immediately inside the main doors (it always looks closed, but it open any time after 11:00am).  Chef Terry Barkley does excellent food in addition to a selection of 92 wines by the glass or bottle.

If you want a more upscale atmosphere, head to The Country Club Plaza along Ward Parkway.  There are more than enough restaurants and stores here to empty anyone's wallet.  You can find everything from McDonalds to Starbucks to The Melting Pot (fondue).  For shopping, The Country Club Plaza (also called simply 'The Plaza') has the biggest Barnes and Noble in Kansas City and everything from computer stores (including Kansas' only Apple Store) to clothing and makeup boutiques.  The Plaza is always worth a visit in the winter time.  After Thanksgiving night, the entire plaza is lit up for Christmas time.  

Kansas City Missouri is just as bad as you hear.  I would never recommend visiting this place if you can avoid it.  If you do have to come here, take a trip over to the Kansas side and then travel to the outskirts of the city to find something to do.

Stay on the west side of Troost st. also, if you don't want to spend a lot of time in the car, looking at big chain stores and shopping malls that you can find anywhere in the USA, stay on the Missouri side, preferably in the down town area. Also, the best pizza in the world (beats Italian by a mile) is Waldo Pizza, located at 75th and Wornell Rd. Go there.