MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
PAGE 12
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TEN
Kansas City offers a getaway from life in Lawrence
DYLAN DERRYBERRY
dderryberry@kansan.com
Lawrence may have plenty of fun activities to offer this summer, but a quick trip over to Kansas City will reveal a wide variety of attractions including sky-high pools, free concerts and exotic sea creatures.
Country Club Plaza
There isn't a better way to spend a free summer afternoon than shopping down at the Country Club Plaza. With over 150 shops, including Anthropologie, H&M and Apple, the variety of restaurants and a unique assortment of architecture show that the Plaza has something for everyone.
"The Plaza is a great place to shop and there are also a bunch of works of art around the walkways, especially a lot of fountains," Richard McWherter, a senior from Olathe, said. "I guess that's why Kansas City is called the City of Fountains."
Worlds of Fun.
Worlds of Fun delivers thrills and features the inverted Patriot and wooden Timber Wolf roller coasters. Themed after Jules Verne's novel "Around the World in Eighty Days," the park boasts
4545 Worlds of Fun Ave.
43 rides. Single day tickets cost $34.99 online.
Right across the road is Oceans of Fun, with 18 water rides and slides as well as the Castaway Cove adult pool and bar. Single day tickets cost $24.99 online.
Sea Life Aquarium at Crown Center,
2475 Grand Blvd.
JESSICA JANASZ/KANSAN
The Thinker is one of many works fea-
tured at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Featuring 5,000 types of underwater creatures,the newly opened aquarium is fun for all ages.Surround yourself with the overhead underwater tunnel housing Blacktip Reef Sharks and sting rays, get up close and personal with live crabs and starfish in the interactive Touchpool Experience and check out any of the 30 displays the center offers. Online tickets cost $13.50.
Power and Light District
The nine-block district has more than 50 bars, restaurants and shops with a long event list for the summer. Coors Light Friday Night Live offers a free concert every week until the end of August.
"I suggest P&L to anyone looking for an upgrade from the college bar scene here," Mary Ellen Patterson, a senior from Overland Park, said. "The drinks can get pricey, but it's certainly a destination everyone should check out."
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Don's Auto Center Inc.
Crossroads KC at Grinders.
417 E. 18th St.
JESSICA JANASZ/KANSAN
JESSICA JANASZ/KANSAN
This outdoor music venue has reasonably low ticket prices, big acts and is connected to Grinders Pizza. You can choose from the 44 types of beer and grab a slice of pizza there. Once the sun goes down, the venue offers a superb view of the skyline. This, combined with some tunes, leads to a good night.
The Kansas City Power & Light District is full of shops, restaurants, entertainment and bars in the heart of downtown. Summer Happy Hour is every Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. with $1 beer, live music, games, prizes, and food.
Check out acts like Death Cab for Cutie (July 8), The Avett Brothers (July 26) and Tech N9ne (August 24) this summer.
The original Midland Theatre opened in 1927 and since renovations in 2008, it has seen well-known faces such as Jerry Seinfeld, Kid Rock, Bill Cosby, and Tony Bennett. The Midland hosts events and concerts every week.
The Jones Rooftop Pool.
1271 Main St.
The good times don't need to wait until the sun sets. This 20,000 square feet rooftop pool features a 150 foot bar, cocktail service and private cabanas overlooking downtown Kansas City. Because it's located in the Power and Light district, the drink prices tend to be higher, but the luxurious setting, daily DJs and unique location makes this worth checking out.
Trying to keep cultured this summer? Head over to the Nelson-Atkins
- Nelson-Atkins Museum of Ar,
4525 Oak St.
Westport Flea Market,
817 Westport Road
The name may hint at a unique sales booth, but this Westport location hosts a bar and grill with some of KC's best burgers, along with 23 beers on tap. In 2006, the joint was in danger of being demolished and replaced by a Hooters. After locals revolted, a new owner bought it in order to save the legacy. He didn't change a thing, and with persistent loyalists, this place offers an interesting experience.
Museum of Art to see a collection of more than 33,500 objects, including ancient Chinese bronze ritual vessels, an assortment of African artwork made from a variety of materials and the 22-acre Kansas City Sculpture Park. The best part? Admission is free Wednesday through Sunday.
Oklahoma Joe's, 3002 W.47th Ave.
Even though the name may seem a bit displaced, the barbecue restaurant has garnered national attention. The team behind the culinary creations has won awards across the country for their work.
the hype. Everybody knows about Joe's," Jarred Kramer, a junior from Belton, MO said. "There are good barbecue places all around the KC area, but OK Joe's is at the top of the list."
The City Market. 20 E. 5th St.
Whether you're looking for fresh food, unique shopping or another outdoor concert venue, City Market is sure to please. Created in 1857, the Market is a hub of social interaction. The weekly community yard sale offered every Sunday displays an assortment of antiques, collectibles and unique finds.
"I mean, it's pretty much world famous barbecue, and it totally lives up to
—Edited by Maegan Mathiasmeier
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