Everything's Like a Dream in Kansas City

36 Hours is a New York Times column in which the columnist spends 36 hours in a particular city and chronicles his/her journeys and experiences and offers suggestions on places to visit while in town.

In this week's column, Charly Wilder visits Kansas City, Missouri, a city I'd previously identified as one of the top five in the country I'd most like to visit.

Despite really wanting to visit, I didn't know how much Kansas City had to offer to the average visitor beyond fantastic barbeque and a fun music scene.

Wilder says that "Kansas City is said to have more fountains than any other city except Rome," which I was surprised to learn. While aesthetically, Rome (and other European cities, for that matter) probably has the edge, I'd still love to see what Kansas City has to offer.

There also appears to be a bigger art scene than I believed there to be. Yes, there's a great indie music scene, which, of all the artsy things the city has to offer, I think I'd enjoy the most. But there's also the Crossroads Art District, which is home to over 70 galleries, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (it's free to the public!), and a few fashion boutiques (which couldn't be less interesting to me, but are likely of fascination to at least a few people).

Wilder also speaks of "the flashy new Kansas City Power and Light District," which sounds rather unenjoyable; Wilder describes it as an area "that can feel like an open-air fraternity party." No thanks.
He offers a "smarter alternative" in West Bottoms, a district that holds what seems to be a true gem: The Mutual Musicians Foundation. Every Saturday, from midnight until about 6am, the establishment, which opened in 1917, holds public jam sessions that can be enjoyed for just $8. Yes, please!

And as always, there's some delicious cuisine to be had. In addition to the famous barbeque, Wilder also enjoys Midwestern Mediterranean-style tapas and Mexican food, which is evidently "a big deal" in the city.

I'm sure it's all great, but really, I just want some delicious barbeque. I'm craving it desperately now.