Kansas City Calling: The Sound, Taste & Spirit of the City of Fountains

Tour Dates: April 22-27, 2026
Tour Arrival: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 – Arrive at Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Tour Departure: Monday, April 27, 2026 – Depart from Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
City/Towns Visited: Kansas City, St. Joseph, Independence, Kearney, and others

Kansas City has made waves internationally for its sports scene and association with famous faces, and for good reason! This tour will give you the chance to experience the city’s most popular attractions as well as stops loved by locals. From slow mornings in River Market to energetic nightlife, you’ll get a sense of the real KC. In addition to can’t-miss destinations, like The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, and J. Rieger Distillery, we’ll also venture outside of the city to get a taste of Missouri’s history beyond the barbecue capital. (But make no mistake, there will be plenty of barbecue on the agenda!) History, culture, food and effortlessly cool atmosphere are key elements that make the area a place that sticks with you long after you leave. We can’t say for sure which stop will be your favorite, but we’re certain you’ll agree with most first-time visitors – there’s just something special about Kansas City.

Destination Highlights:

Kansas City – “The Heart of the Midwest”
Kansas City blends big-city energy with Midwestern charm. Known worldwide for its sports legacy and world-famous barbecue, the city also offers renowned museums, historic neighborhoods, craft distilleries, and a thriving creative culture. As a regional hub, KC connects travelers to surrounding towns like St. Joseph, Independence, and Kearney, each adding layers of history and character to the experience.

Culinary

Barbecue is king, with legendary smokehouses serving everything from burnt ends to ribs. Beyond barbecue, Kansas City’s food scene includes farm-to-table restaurants, global flavors, and the revived J. Rieger & Co. distillery, where craft spirits pair with innovative dining.

Arts and Culture

Cultural highlights range from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, with its vast collections and sculpture park, to the National WWI Museum and Memorial, offering unparalleled insight into world history. Beyond the city, nearby towns add to the story—St. Joseph with its frontier and Pony Express history, and Independence with presidential and pioneer heritage. Music, too, runs deep: Kansas City’s jazz traditions still inspire performances citywide.

Neighborhoods

The River Market district is a hub for local shopping, fresh food, and eclectic finds, perfect for relaxed mornings. The Crossroads Arts District brims with galleries, murals, and breweries, while the Country Club Plaza blends Spanish-inspired architecture with upscale shops and dining. Beyond KC, nearby small towns offer their own unique character and historic main streets, rounding out the hub-and-spoke journey.

Story Ideas

From Burnt Ends to Fine Dining: A Kansas City Culinary Journey
Explore Kansas City’s barbecue heritage and its evolving dining scene, from smokehouses to chef-driven kitchens.
Historic Perspectives: Inside the National WWI Museum
Highlight how Kansas City is home to the nation’s leading WWI museum and memorial.
Beyond the BBQ Capital: Exploring St. Joseph, Independence & Kearney
Showcase how day trips from Kansas City reveal frontier, pioneer, and presidential history.
Art in the Heartland: Discovering the Nelson-Atkins Museum
Share the cultural significance of one of America’s premier art institutions.
River Market Mornings and Crossroads Nights
Capture the rhythm of daily life in Kansas City through its vibrant neighborhoods.
Spirited Stories: The Revival of J. Rieger & Co. Distillery
Chronicle the history and modern revival of this iconic distillery and its role in Kansas City’s culinary culture.

Limited spots are available, and these global media fams are offered first-come, first-serve. Don’t delay – contact your recruiter today to begin your exploration of Missouri, the Show-Me State.