Top 10 Things to Do for Active Travelers in Kansas City
Biking, disc golf, hiking—there's no shortage of fun ways to get your blood pumping in Kansas City. And, you'll find healthy eateries where you can fuel up for your active Midwest weekend getaway.
1) Shoal Creek Golf Club Play on a nearly 7,000-yard course with varying elevations and a 25-station driving range/putting green. Golf carts are equipped with GPS to let you see exactly how far you'll need to hit the ball. After your round, relax on the outdoor patio at the 11,000-square-foot clubhouse and refuel with a beer and a burger at the Players Grill. shoalcreekgolf.com
2) Kessler Park Disc Golf Course Get a workout-as well as some great views-as you make your way around this rolling course that threads through wooded terrain and around an old municipal reservoir. Because Kessler Park is one of the highest points in Kansas City, you'll catch some stunning overlooks. kcparks.org
3) Cafe Gratitude All organic, all the time. This vegan cafe in the Crossroads Arts District serves fresh flavors with fun names; try the I Am Comforted roasted sweet potatoes in mint coconut chutney or the I Am Transformed corn tacos with black beans, brown rice and guacamole. cafegratitudekc.com
4) Car-Free Weekends on Cliff Drive An innovative Kessler Park program promotes healthy lifestyles by encouraging visitors to swap their four wheels for two. The Cliff Drive gates close to cars at 2 p.m. on Friday and stay shut until 8 a.m. Monday. This is a designated State Scenic Byway, guaranteeing you'll see some beautiful natural features like woods and limestone bluffs as you hike, walk or bike. kcparks.org
5) Mill Creek Park Fitness Trail Test your strength and stamina at 10 fresh-air fitness stations along a 1-mile path through Mill Creek Park. Each exercise works a different muscle group, and walking or running between stations provides a little cardio boost. kcparks.org
6) Blue Bird Bistro This cheerful Crossroads District cafe puts locally sourced organic ingredients to tasty use, and even grows herbs and produce in a garden across the street. At dinner, we enjoyed a hummus and spinach salad topped with Granny Smith apples and pecans, as well as an organic risotto with broccoli, tomatoes and portobellos. bluebirdbistro.com
7) Kansas City B-cycle Rent a bike for an hour or a day from any of the dozen B-stations scattered throughout downtown, saddle up for a DIY tour, then drop your wheels back ato any station when you're done. Six organized tour options center around themes like spa, coffee, veggies and art; pick up a free mapped route card at local shops and hotels or download and print all six from the website. kansascity.bcycle.com
8) The Mixx Build a salad with your choice of greens, dressing and customized Mixx-ins that include fruit, herbs, veggies, nuts, seeds, proteins and grains. You can also create a sandwich or order tempting menu items such as a Mediterranean veggie wrap or Thai salmon salad. Two locations; mixxingitup.com
9) Crown Center Ice Terrace For many Kansas City families, seasonal ice skating at this outdoor public rink is an annual wintertime tradition. Almost 45 years old and still going strong, the rink attracts skaters of all skill levels, and looks beautiful dressed in Christmas lights during the holidays. Rental skates available. crowncenter.com/Attractions-Theaters-List/Ice-Terrace
10) City Market Historic City Market (founded in 1857) sells everything from natural lip balm to chocolate croissants in the downtown River Market neighborhood. More than 40 shops and restaurants are open daily; on weekends year-round, a farmers market complements the mix. thecitymarket.org