America's Biggest Small Town Steps Onto the World Stage

Travel Writers
Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:00:00 -0800
Lifestyle

By Tony Winders and Carmen Zermeno

Kansas City reveals itself not all at once but through moments — shared meals, friendly conversations, unexpected kindness and the quiet confidence of a city that knows what it offers and is eager to share it.

We experienced Kansas City through two lenses, shaped by different passions and united by curiosity and affection. What made this trip memorable wasn't just what we came for but how easily the city allowed us to experience so much more of the unexpected that defines it.
Updated: Sat Jan 31, 2026

By Tony Winders and Carmen Zermeno

Kansas City reveals itself not all at once but through moments — shared meals, friendly conversations, unexpected kindness and the quiet confidence of a city that knows what it offers and is eager to share it.

We experienced Kansas City through two lenses, shaped by different passions and united by curiosity and affection. What made this trip memorable wasn't just what we came for but how easily the city allowed us to experience so much more of the unexpected that defines it.

For Carmen, the anchor was the Hallmark Christmas Experience, held at Crown Center. The multiday immersive event celebrates the storytelling universe of Hallmark: the films, series and stars, and the fans who love them. The experience included access to live sessions such as Behind the Lens, where Hallmark actors and creators discussed the craft behind their movies, and Reindeer Games, a spirited onstage competition that leaned fully into fun. Outside, Hallmark created an open-air square complete with a light walk, Jingle Bars, local artisans, ice-skating and a tree-lighting ceremony.

One of the most meaningful touches was the Hallmark Card-Sending Station. True to the company's Kansas City roots, guests were invited to pick a card, write a message and drop it into one of two mailboxes directed to loved ones or Hallmark stars. It was heartfelt and deeply on brand, representing a bridge between Hallmark's origins in greeting cards and its future in entertainment.

For Tony, Kansas City's sports culture provided a parallel rhythm to the weekend as a lifelong Chiefs fan. We warmed up at Tavern on 103rd, our local bar of choice, where barkeep Bob Yancey helped set the tone and connected us with access to the Bud Light VIP Tailgate Party, complete with music from local DJ Jody Rhew. A visit to Arrowhead Stadium reinforced why the Kansas City Chiefs resonate far beyond football. From the moment we arrived, volunteers greeted fans carrying signs that read, "How may I help you?" — a phrase that echoed throughout our time in the city. Chiefs Kingdom is loud, proud and deeply communal, yet authentically welcoming. During the game, the Hallmark Christmas Experience even appeared on the stadium's video screens during a fan-cam moment. Paid promotion, yes, but also something more revealing: Kansas City institutions lifting one another up, confident enough to share the spotlight and proud of what they represent together.

Food, of course, was its own narrative. At Gates Bar-B-Q, we were met with the call that made it famous; "Hi, may I help you?" a phrase not just full of hospitality but identity within this city. Denise ("Nisey") took a photo with us, sauce-stained fingers and all, as we dug into burnt ends and long beef ribs in the same booth where she says actor Jason Sudakis sat for a scene in "Ted Lasso."

Closer to our home base, dinner at Rye on the Country Club Plaza delivered exactly what the moment called for. Here we were served casual gourmet in the truest sense, with comforting precision: a perfectly prepared ribeye, rich macaroni and cheese, and homemade pies that felt like exclamation marks at the end of a great day. It's the kind of place that locals rely on and visitors remember.

Another night we noshed at Gram & Dun, an easy walk from where we were staying. Upscale but relaxed, it captured Kansas City's culinary confidence, refined without being formal, inventive without losing warmth. Another late night called for a stop at Winstead's, where hospitality and comfort food are delivered exactly as they have been for generations — affordable and with friendly service.

Where we stayed shaped everything. Touted as an "urban inn," Southmoreland on the plaza blends the elegance of a historic mansion with the ease of a private residence. Keyless entry and a self-serve continental breakfast replace a traditional front desk, creating a stay that feels independent and unhurried.

Some travelers may appreciate the autonomy this offers, while others might prefer a more traditional greeting — but either way, the house quickly invites you to settle in and make it your own. Rooms are named after Kansas City luminaries — ours was Kathryn Winstead — and gracious common spaces encourage lingering. Artwork lines the halls through a partnership with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, located just steps away, reinforcing the sense that this is a place to inhabit rather than simply check into.

Evenings often ended back at Southmoreland, watching Hallmark+ streaming content in the cozy shared living room or in the comfort of our room. It felt warm, quiet and personal. We met fellow guests easily, including a couple celebrating their first anniversary whose car we gave a jump in the driveway. Strangers becoming neighbors, if only briefly.

Just as the city beckons a gathering of longtime friends, it creates opportunities for never meeting a stranger. One morning, Tony hosted a breakfast with civic and business leaders, including representatives from Visit KC, the Kansas City Area Development Council, Back2KC, the University of Central Missouri and the office of Mayor Quinton Lucas. The conversation offered an inside look at a city preparing thoughtfully for FIFA World Cup 2026, not just with infrastructure but with intention. Plans like "Kansas City House," a plaza-based hospitality club envisioned as a living room for international visitors, reflect a city thinking globally while staying true to its genuine self. The gathering of the minds just shows how much the locals love their city.

We didn't get to everything. We missed nights of live jazz. We didn't linger long enough in the museums. And that, perhaps, is the point. Kansas City doesn't reveal itself in a weekend; it invites return.

As the world looks toward World Cup 2026, host city Kansas City, Missouri, is ready. Whether you come for FIFA, the Country Club Plaza, Hallmark, a Chiefs or Royals game, jazz, art or food. Or whether you add Kansas City as an extra week alongside a visit to another U.S. city, you'll find a place that leads with its heart and where everyone is welcome.

Kansas City isn't just prepared for the world stage. It's prepared to take care of you while you're here.

WHEN YOU GO

For more information: visitkc.com

Streetcars in Kansas City, Missouri, are already preparing for the FIFA World Cup later this year. Photo courtesy of VisitKC.

Helpers at Arrowhead Stadium welcome fans to a Chiefs game in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo courtesy of Tony Winders.

Kansas City's Crown Center is the venue for the annual Hallmark Experience. Photo courtesy of VisitKC.

Carmen Zermeno and Tony Winders are freelance writers. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.