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PUBLISHED JUNE 27, 2023
BEST ART GALLERY
The absolute center of the cultural universe in Kansas City, as it has been almost since the doors first opened in 1933, is the NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART. With its vast collection of classical painting and sculpture in the main gallery, contemporary works in the adjacent Bloch Building, traveling exhibitions and appeal as a civic gathering place, the museum earns Gold here, and stands alone in the medalist category.
BEST CASINO
Bringing the feel of Vegas to the heartland, ARGOSY CASINO HOTEL & SPA is so much more than a gamer’s paradise—the dining, accommodations and rejuvenation possibilities pay off with Gold here. With a sprawling 60,000 square foot gaming floor, HARRAH’S KANSAS CITY makes off with the Silver, and AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL KANSAS CITY, with more than 2,000 games to choose from, deals the Bronze.
BEST CHARITABLE EVENT
You can’t accuse Ingram’s readers of being out of touch with the local philanthropic scene: In a year where they awarded the BIG SLICK its first Gold, the event racked up a record $3.5 million for Children’s Mercy Hospital. A commitment from locals-turned-stars Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Eric Stonestreet and Rob Riggle has made that event one of the hottest tickets in town each June. Silver goes to JAZZOO, a longtime favorite in this category, benefitting the Kansas City Zoo, while SNOW BALL racks up Bronze for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.
BEST DAY TRIP
Ever want to get away from it all? At least for a few hours? Where better to start than WESTON, MO.? Our Gold winner—for a 20th straight year—features dining straight out of the surrounding farmland, museums, vineyards, and public houses. What more do you need for a mini-vacation? Or try the very definition of close-knit communities, Silver winner LAWRENCE, KAN., which calls back many of the KU alumni living in this region. Nestled in the quiet country near Kingsville, Bronze-winning POWELL GARDENS is spectacular when things are blooming but open all year round with various attractions.
BEST FAMILY OUTING/VENUE
Always a contender for Gold in this category, the KANSAS CITY ZOO scores again for its range of wildlife on display, and the coming Sobela Ocean Aquarium opening this year will only enhance that relationship. TOP GOLF, bringing the sport into the realm of hospitality with its food and drink options, nabs Silver. Pickleball has become a Thing as an American pastime, which works out well for the business model of Bronze winner CHICKEN N PICKLE, sharing that distinction with WORLDS OF FUN.
BEST GOLF COURSE
A typical game of golf can take a long time to unfold, so why not play through in a place where relaxation is paramount? The choices are plentiful—so much so that we have multiple ties, including a rare one for Gold. There, THE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB offers a variety of amenities to members, from wonderful dining, pools, gyms, and of course, golf. Voters were equally enamored with HALLBROOK COUNTRY CLUB in Leawood, with a long history of challenging and fun links. The other tie, for Silver, goes to BROOKRIDGE GOLF & FITNESS in Overland Park and OAKWOOD COUNTRY CLUB in south Kansas City.
BEST JAZZ/BLUES CLUB
Jazz’s history in Kansas City can’t be ignored by guests or long-time residents. If you want to experience the best Kansas City jazz, visit any one of the following clubs, starting with GREEN LADY LOUNGE, a club with a rich legacy of undistracted music and a solid pick for Gold. Part of the American Jazz Museum and located in the 18th & Vine district, THE BLUE ROOM honors the street musicians who created the distinct sounds of Kansas City jazz—a worthy Silver winner. Bronze is split between THE PHOENIX and KNUCKLEHEADS—and honestly, can you argue with that? With so many wonderful musicians and clubs, voters just couldn’t decide between the two.
BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINER
The greatest entertainers in Kansas City are steeped in our rich history of music, and though not all of them can be jazz musicians, our Gold winner, LONNIE McFADDEN, most certainly is. Raised in the heart of the 18th & Vine district, he keeps KC Jazz alive, touring all over the USA and appearing at clubs (including his own, Lonnie’s Reno Club) around town. From jazz to performance art, QUIXOTIC’s unique blend of dance, music, and projection clinch Silver—if you haven’t seen them, it’s a real treat. Two bands round out our list for Bronze: THE ZEROS and THE M-80’s, both bringing distinct styles and rhythms to music lovers.
BEST PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The whole world might be a stage, but sometimes you just need to set a place apart to perform. Embracing both the Kansas City Symphony and Lyric Opera, KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS has brought grand music and grand performances to Kansas City since 2011. STARLIGHT THEATRE easily claims Silver with the 8,000-seat outdoor capacity to host everything from Broadway musicals to touring bands.
BEST SPORTS EVENT TO ENTERTAIN CLIENTS
The KANSAS CITY CHIEFS have been on a hot streak for a solid decade, so naturally, the voting tilts heavily toward Arrowhead Stadium. Though it’s been a tough stretch for the KANSAS CITY ROYALS since packing fans into Kauffman Stadium for those World Series glory days in 2014-15, the team and venue still earn Silver status with our baseball-loving readers. For Bronze, look to SPORTING KANSAS CITY and Children’s Mercy Park, where professional soccer draws ’em in.
BEST THEATER
The best theater experience is one where the focus is on the screen, and B&B THEATRES, the Gold standard for experience. Of course, they’ve had a lot of time to perfect the experience: The family-owned theater chain turns 100 next year. AMC THEATERS take Silver for their accessibility and comfort, while Bronze belongs to STARLIGHT THEATRE, KC’s favorite outdoor venue.
BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY
A full weekend to recharge from the rigors of the office is not far away, which is why our readers are huge fans of mid-Missouri’s LAKE OF THE OZARKS. Lake life earns Gold for its array of hotels, fine dining, caves, water parks, and theaters—there’s plenty to discover and more to be had. If you like shopping, fishing, the occasional game of golf, and theme parks, you can’t do better than BRANSON, MO., a shining Silver nugget in southern Missouri. Bronze belongs to Missouri’s wine country with HERMANN, MO. Situated in Gasconade County, this wine-rich countryside is a slice of small-town heaven.
