Things to do

Get your sports fix at several venues in this area, including Kansas Speedway, home to NASCAR legends; Field of Legends, where the Kansas City Monarchs take the field; and Children’s Mercy Park, the venue that helped KC claim the title of Soccer Capital of America (and home of the 2013 MLS Cup champion Sporting Kansas City).

Vegas meets Tinseltown inside Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway—where the slots and gaming tables are perched right above Turn 2 of the racetrack. During summer months, cool off inside at Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor waterpark where it’s always a sunny 84 degrees.

Where to shop

Stretch your dollar at Legends Outlets, an open-air shopping center boasting a long list of factory stores and big-name outlets—including Nike and Polo Ralph Lauren.

Only a short drive away stands Cabela’s, a gigantic 180,000-square foot outdoor equipment retail space that manages to double as an attraction, thanks in part to a panorama of wild animals in their natural habitats, tropical aquariums and more.

What to eat

Dancing Crab features creole-style seafood with their own blend of Old Bay and Cajun seasonings. More in the mood for barbecue? No worries—Jousting Pigs BBQ is also in the ’hood, with competition-quality barbecue that serves freshly smoked meats daily.