Disclosure: Visit Kansas City Kansas sponsored this post in partnership with Midwest Travel Network. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
Kansas City, Kansas, offers visitors an abundance of cultural experiences because of its diverse community. Immigrants journeyed to the heart of America, looking for a future for themselves and their families. The city’s cultural traditions and food scene are rich with heritage. Plan an overnight stay to take advantage of authentic experiences, from following The Legacy Trail to feasting on flavorful food.
I visited the city with a group of travel writers to the area to experience the city’s culture first-hand. How many of the following experiences will you check off the list?
1. VOLER – THIEVES OF FLIGHT
If you’ve witnessed aerial acrobatics and wondered if you were capable of such feats, Voler – Thieves of Flight (558 Lowell Ave.) is your chance to find out. Part of the Eastern European Journey, the academy teaches students a combination of aerial dance and acrobatics using ceiling-suspended silks. Located in a one-time Russian Orthodox Church, instructors guide students step-by-step through maneuvers to lift themselves into the air.
Although I had to sit out during the class, I watched as my travel friends warmed up by stretching and conducting breathing exercises. Soon, they were standing with colorful silk fabric in hand learning the basics of foot locks and climbing. It was a major test of strength and flexibility.
Do you think you’ve got what it takes to test your balance and core strength? Voler – Thieves of Flight Voler offers private group classes and ongoing classes on a weekly basis. To sign up for an Aerial Silks session, click here.
2. VIETNAM CAFÉ
Vietnam Café (39324 Rainbow Blvd) is the story of success. The new location opened its doors on May 2022 to serve loyal customers heaping bowls of pho, curry, and rice platters. I ordered a large bowl of piping hot pho with beef without hesitation. It arrived with a side plate of Thai basil and sprouts to add to the pho at my discretion.
Our table’s conversation was lively between bites of shared appetizers and dinner entreés. I learned that Vietnamese families represent a large portion of the community having immigrated to the area at the end of the Vietnam War. Further study taught me that Vietnamese refugees to the American Great Plains sought manufacturing or other jobs in Kansas City.
I encourage you to dine at Vietnam Café to try a food you’ve never tried while learning more about the culture. View the restaurant’s Facebook page for details.
3. Three Bees Pottery & Coffee Shop
I can’t think of a better way to start a day of exploring Kansas City, Kansas than dining at a locally-owned coffee shop. Oh, wait! Yes, I can. Add authentic tamales and it’s way better. Three Bees Pottery & Coffee Shop (925 Southwest Blvd) is a quaint eatery specializing in homemade meat and vegan tamales paired with gourmet coffee drinks.
If you’ve not enjoyed tamale, you can expect shredded chicken, pork, or beef in sauce wrapped in masa inside a corn husk. The dish is representative of traditional food brought to the states by Mexican immigrant populations. Masa is a soft dough made from ground corn that takes on a slightly sweet yet savory flavor.
I ordered a Dirty Horchata served hot to accompany my meal. A cinnamon vanilla rice drink with a double espresso was served in a vibrant handmade coffee cup. The interior of the cafe is visually stunning as it is filled with colorful pottery from Mexico. All of it is marked for sale, so keep your eyes peeled for a gem to take home with you.
View the coffee shop’s hours and menu via its Facebook page.
4. The Legacy Trail
Visit Kansas City created The Legacy Trail, a mapped-out journey used for self-guided audio tours throughout the city. At each location, users of the app simply tap the screen to play back narrated stories that explain the site’s cultural significance. Latino, Eastern European, Black Heritage, Indigenous People, and Modern Immigrants are referenced on the trail.
To access The Legacy Trail, visit this website. Complete all five journeys and you can win a KCK t-shirt and your name will be included on the KCK Legacy Trail Wall of Fame.
Our group visited the Central Avenue Betterment Association (CABA) (1303 Central Ave.) Anthology of Argentine Mural, and Eagles Nest. At CABA, we learned how a small staff works diligently with the help of community sponsors to support diverse and inclusive programs and events like the Day of the Dead Celebration. On the day of our visit, staff member and volunteers hurriedly prepared for the Dia De Los Muertos parade. A makeup artist was on-hand to apply face paint to Catrinas who planned to walk in the parade. 
When our bus stopped at the Anthology of Argentine Mural (30th & Woodland), my jaw dropped open in shock. The massive mural is a city block long and uses vivid imagery to tell the tale of the Argentine neighborhood and its history. The narrative story sets the scene complete with natural sounds like railroad trains, industrialization, and rainfall. Its imagery will give you pause and like me, may evoke an emotional response.
We drove to a historic two-story stone building near railroad tracks and a baseball field, which has served as the headquarters for American Legion Post 213 “Eagles Nest” since the 1940s.
The nondescript building was constructed because the community needed a place where Latinos could gather without discrimination. In the early 1900s, it served as a Methodist mission and school. Years later, the outside of the building contrasts greatly with the interior’s design which features a sports bar where locals gather to enjoy game day.
5. Jarocho’s Pescados y Mariscos
Continue the cultural journey to a cozy spot where high-quality Mexican seafood is served, Jarocho’s (719 Kansas Ave.). You can’t miss the building’s brightly painted facade featuring murals with ocean scenes.
It’s a hidden gem, or the kind of restaurant locals know and dare not tell others about because then their go-to places become crowded. Bring your appetite and prepare to be wowed by fresh seafood dishes like Shrimp Chipotle, Fire Grilled Trout, and Seafood Paella. They didn’t win Best Seafood and Best Mexican food by Feast magazine for nothing.
6. Day of the Dead Celebration
Dia De Los Muertos translated to Day of the Dead is a time of celebration for the Latino community in Kansas City, Kansas. The day remembers friends and family members who have died and the life they lived. In fact, the Mexican holiday dates back hundreds of years.
It’s one of the most festive celebrations I’ve attended. Vendors line both sides of Central Avenue offering the best in gifts and authentic Mexican food dinners. The smell of freshly grilled meat lingers in the air.
As you walk the route, you encounter live bands performing Latin pop and regional Mexican music in front of small groups of onlookers. Women dressed as Catrinas wear makeup resembling skeletons ad flowing gowns with hats or elaborate headdresses.
I was asked if I wanted to ride in the parade inside a decorated bus that played authentic music (see pictured). “Yes, of course!” From the bus, we threw candy to eager children and waved at families. Dancers led our path down the street. Everyone was in good spirits laughing, eating authentic food, dancing, and singing. The festival is one you don’t want to miss.
7. URBAN HIKE THROUGH STRAWBERRY HILL & DOWNTOWN KCK
The following morning, our group enjoyed coffee and pastries at Splitlog Coffee Co. (548 Central Ave.) before meeting our Urban Hikes KC tour guide. The plan? To walk a 4.5-mile hike through the city’s Eastern European neighborhood along the Legacy Trail and learn about the immigrants who founded businesses and churches in the area.
The guided tour is the best way to explore the city’s history while learning in-depth historical facts about each destination. While the route may be long, the pace is moderate and there are only a couple of steep streets – and it offers some of the best views of the Kansas City skyline.
From Russian Hill to Strawberry Hill and downtown Kansas City to the Wyandotte Native American National Burial Ground, the guide highlights the stories of ethnic groups. It is the most effective way to learn about the city’s culture.
A number of churches were erected during the time of European immigration to the area. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, built in 1890, is the oldest Catholic parish in Kansas City. At present day, it is a parish that is known for its cultural diversity. A community-driven garden sits in its shadow where fruits and vegetables are grown and donated to residents.
I appreciate learning about the hard-working families who made the location what it is today, including the Loose Brothers who opened the Takhoma Biscuit Company. The name was updated to Sunshine Biscuit Company in 1946 and was considered the largest bakery in the city. Keebler eventually bought it, and now it is owned by Kellogg’s.
Time permitting, you should plan extra time to take a guided tour of Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center (720 N. 4th St.) where you can learn about the ethnic groups that settled in the area. Each room of the mansion built in 1887 tells the story of the city’s earliest residents. Note: You can buy tickets to the Olde World Christmas Tour during the holidays.
I have no doubt that you’ll appreciate Kansas City’s traditions and food scene as much as I did. To truly get to know a place, you have to understand its history. Of course, these seven cultural experiences merely scratch the surface of Kansas City’s can’t-miss destinations. Endless learning awaits. 
Take a moment to downtown The Taco Trail app and The Legacy Trail app created by Visit Kansas City, Kansas prior to your visit. Let this guide and the mobile apps help you enjoy an immersive cultural tour of the city – an unforgettable experience.
If you appreciated this post, you may also want to check out a second blog post “Essential Stops in Kansas City, Kansas” that features more attractions, restaurants, and notable shopping destinations.
The seaside restaurant is known for an extensive menu of rum drinks and fresh seafood, which have received rave reviews. It was an incredibly windy day, so we dined indoors near a window. The service was excellent. Our waitress took the time to review the menu with us and give her recommendations.
We knew we were in the right place. I ordered a cucumber mojito and the seared tuna appetizer. Tossed in peanut vinaigrette, the chilled rice noodles, veggies, and herbs paired nicely with the seared tuna. It was a meal for one dine, yet perfect for sharing for two people. The mussels appetizer was tasty but certainly wasn’t nearly as large of a portion.
If you get the chance, visit Doc Ford’s at the near the St. Pete’s Pier. It’s a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. The deck seating area is a choice spot for snapping a photo with Tampa Bay in the background
We hopped on a free shuttle from the gateway to Pier Teak, a rooftop bar serving cocktails and beer. The view of the city’s skyline were in the background as sailboats and yachts sat docked near shore. We admired the city’s architecture noting a contrast between modern skyscrapers and Art Deco, brightly painted buildings.
Level 2 of the St. Pete Pier is the Driftwood Cafe. Quaint in size, it offers vast views of the bay in a cozy setting. We found ourselves inside Pier Gear & Gifts on Level 1. After purchasing new sunglasses, we headed outside to the fishing deck.
If you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the option to catch fresh seafood and clean it on-site. Gator Jim’s Tackle sells last-minute fishing supplies if you find yourself in need.
Further down the pier’s walkway we discovered the Family Park with a splash pad nearby. Families stood in line for ice cream at a nearby creamery. The weather might have been windy, but the sun was shining and everyone was enjoying themselves.
Whether you’re relaxing in an Adirondack chair in the shade under a canopy of palm trees or watching children at play on the beach, you’ll find more than enough to do on a good weather day. Adults can peruse the Marketplace to shop from local vendors while art enthusiasts can seek out 
I particularly appreciated “Morning Stars,” a mosaic mural of geometric shapes created by artist Xenobia Bailey. As I walked back and forth, it appeared as if the shapes took a movement of their own.
A visit to St. Pete isn’t complete without spending time at the pier. Parking at St. Pete Pier requires payment but it’s inexpensive. Once you park, make note of the parking space number and walk to a payment kiosk to deposit $4 for two hours. It’s a small price to pay for access to pristine beaches and the pier’s grounds. Pro Tip: View weekday vs. weekend parking rates 
We stopped by 
Known for serving craft beer, mead, and cider, Green Bench’s slogan is “It’s more than beer. It’s community.” If you’re not sure what you want to order, they’re happy to pour you a sample or two. The menu is always changing. The staff goes out of their way to make patrons feel right at home.
Several of us in our group ordered the Cuban sandwich made with roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mayo, and mojo served on crusty bread. The sandwich’s flavor was no joke. I could’ve easily eaten another one. Latin pop music played over the stereo. It was a festive experience.
Pro Tip: When visiting Bodega, order at the window on the sidewalk. They will give you a number to take to the table and servers will run your food to you. View the menu 
I settled for the Fish & Chips, which arrived to our table piping hot. The Garlic Steamed Middle Neck Clams didn’t last long either. Other good-looking menu items included Mahi Mahi Tacos and the Grilled Garlic Shrimp Roll.
I chose the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs served with fresh fruit and toast. Our family seemed just as happy with their menu selections ranging from chocolate chip pancakes for the kids to omelets and breakfast skillet meals. The server was a pro at managing a bustling restaurant, ringing up orders, and attending to our needs. The restaurant experience was 5-stars.
Highlights of the world-class aquarium include listening to animal handlers as they feed turtles, fish, and dolphins. Also serving as an animal hospital, many of the exhibits showcase information about on the walls about each animal in captivity and their rehabilitation story.
We took the aquarium at our own pace rather than booking an animal experience session. However, if you’d like to get an up close look at what it is to care for dolphins or have a photo moment with one, you can book a hand-ons Animal Care Experience 
Pro Tip: If you arrive in your own vehicle, you can park in the nearby parking garage. Ticketing is on the third level near the entrance. We parked our car in the neighborhood and walked to the aquarium’s third level to purchase admission. Plan your visit and get directions to the aquarium 
A popular destination for anglers, you can fish from the pier if you pay for admission. It’s the spot to see dolphins, hammerhead sharks, and other fish like grouper and snapper. 
Pro Tip: Parking at Pier 60 requires depositing money at a pay station. Be prepared to deposit $4 per hour at nearby lots. A downtown-to-beach trolley runs every 30 minutes Monday-Thursday, every 15 minutes Friday-Sunday.
Popular with tourists and locals, the restaurant is known for its fresh gulf grouper dishes, fish tacos, and Boom Boom Shrimp Bites. I opted for a House Salad with Blackened Mahi. Other menu items that caught my eye for a future visit included the Stuffed Flounder and Clam Chowder.
Pro Tip:To get a sneak peek of the restaurant’s upper deck view, check out their live web cam 
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