Greetings from Kansas City!
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We just got back from a quick weekend in Kansas City! Brian and I spent 48 hours in the Show-Me State so he could check off stadium #27 in his quest to visit all 30 Major League Baseball parks. I have visiting a new MLB park on my 2025 bingo card, so this was a win-win for both of us.
It was so fun to tag along for a little baseball and my first-ever trip to Missouri. While this wasn’t a race weekend for me, it was a fun reminder that showing up for someone else’s goal can be just as meaningful as chasing your own.
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Kauffman Stadium Review: Mets vs. Royals Game Day Highlights
Brian’s a diehard Mets fan, so when we saw they were playing in KC this July, we booked the weekend. We’ve learned it’s way more fun to visit new stadiums when one of our teams (Mets, Cubs or the Padres) is visiting and it adds a little excitement when we have a little skin in the game.
Kauffman Stadium is a “vintage stadium” since it was built in 1973. I loved the retro charm of the older stadium features like the ramps to the upper deck and the crown on top of the scoreboard.
The game itself was a blast. We sat on the third baseline behind the Mets dugout with a whole section of other Mets fans. They also have a hilarious hot dog derby (yes, people dressed as hot dogs race each other mid-game).
Now that we’ve visited the Royals, Brian has three stadiums left on his list: Miami, Arizona, and Texas. I can’t wait to head out for the next one.
Related Post: Looking to create your own running adventure? Read more about creating a running adventure bingo card!
Kansas City Weekend Guide: Where to Stay + What to Eat
We stayed in downtown Kansas City and we packed a lot into our short trip. It was a go-go-go kind of weekend so I didn’t get a run in and it wasn’t the worst. Enjoying the culture of another city was a fun way to enjoy a non-runner travel weekend.
Kansas City Food and Drink Recommendations
Here is a highlight of the restaurants we visited in Kansas City.
- Parlor KC – A super fun food hall with cocktails and multiple food stand vendors (great for a group who has a diverse palette). They had options for tacos, Mediterranean, pizza, and sliders to name a few options.
- Succotash – A standout brunch with a funky vibe. Highly recommend! I saved this place in my phone with the note “burrito of love” (not sure who recommended it but thank you). I had a build your own omelette and Brian tried the build a burrito with a green juice. We also tried the watermelon limeade (it was so good and so refreshing!)
- Q39 BBQ – We had to try Kansas City’s famous BBQ, and Q39 did not disappoint! We ordered a platter and a few extras to try the most popular items and enjoyed some of the meats the next day.
- Boulevard Brewing – Their seltzers (Quirk!) and beer options were the perfect game-time refresher.
- Streetcar Grille & Tavern – A chill bar right by our hotel in downtown KC. The menu was pretty expansive for a snack or a meal and the staff was really friendly.
- Bonus Tip: The KC streetcar is a great way to get around and it’s free! It was perfect when we wanted to cut the walk to Succotash a little shorter.
Honorable Mention: A friend recommended visiting Tom’s Town Distillery but with so much on our agenda, it was closed when we had time to visit. Their selections of gin, vodka and bourbon are available in many of the restaurants we stopped in.
Reflections on Supporting Your Partner’s Bucket List Goal
This wasn’t my weekend and I loved that. Brian shows up for my training, my races, and my blog adventures more than I can ever put into words. It felt so good to flip the script and celebrate him for a change.
Watching him get excited for each stadium, seeing his face light up at Kauffman, and making memories in a brand-new-to-me city reminded me how important it is to support the people who believe in you. Marathon goals, baseball stadiums, dream careers — it’s all better when you’re building it together.
Related Post: Brian and I traveled to London when he supported me for the marathon. Read more about our trip!
Quick Travel Packing List Favorites
If you’re heading out of town for a quick weekend, here are some of my favorite travel essentials on my packing list:
- Away Bigger Carry-On Luggage: I’ve owned this suitcase for six years and it still looks brand new. I love that the overall size is slightly bigger than a standard carry-on suitcase. My Away suitcase is one of my most cherished travel items and is 100% worth the investment!
- BagSmart Cord Organizer: This organizer kept all my charging cords, portable battery, charging blocks and headphones neat in my carry-on tote.
- BagSmart Puffer Tote: I have had this bag for a year and it’s incredibly durable. This bag is my everyday work tote, carry-on bag and it’s in perfect condition!
- grace & stella Eye Masks: These are a must for a flight! Get a little me time on your flight with these eye masks!
- Hydrojug 40oz Travel Mug: A reusable water bottle is a must-have for air travel. The fact that it has a handle and fits in a cup holder is incredible!
For more of my favorite travel items, check out my full list!
Related Post: Need a packing list for your next long-haul flight? Check this post for what I pack for a long-haul flight.
Until Next Time Kansas City!
Whether the goal is 26.2 miles or 30 ballparks, I’m a big fan of chasing big goals — and supporting the ones you love as they chase theirs. Kansas City was a fun, flavorful stop on someone else’s bucket list! I’m so glad I got to be there and spend 48 hours in Kansas City. I hope you found this travel guide useful!
What’s your big travel goal? I’d love to hear more about it! Drop a note in the comments!
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