A Chicagoan in Kansas City: The One Where I Finally Flew
August was an absolute whirlwind, and if you've been feeling the same, you’re definitely not alone. Between the last sweltering days of summer, last-minute trips, and for us teachers, the frantic back-to-school scramble, life was pure chaos. My brain felt like it was running a marathon, so please forgive my tardiness on this little travel recap.
One of the many things that kept me busy last month was a work conference in Kansas City, Missouri. I could bore you with the professional details, but let's be real—there are enough "LinkedIn-style" posts out there to last a lifetime. Instead, I want to give you the personal highlights. Consider this my unfiltered, cheeky take on a trip to the Show-Me State.
My First Time Flying (at 31, No Less!)
Okay, so this might not be a big deal for the frequent flyers, but for me, this was monumental. In my 31 years of life, I had never been on a plane. I know, I know—it sounds wild. The time, the money, the opportunity—it just never lined up. Luckily, with work covering the tab, I finally got my chance to join the jet-set club.
An aerial shot from my first flight.
As a Chicagoan, my maiden voyage took off from the glorious O’Hare International Airport. While I’m sure every local has their airport gripes, I actually had a pretty pleasant experience. The place is a massive, bustling maze, but the employees were super helpful to a young (but not too young) novice like me. My bags were checked and approved, and I met my coworkers right on time for our super early 6 a.m. flight.
Honestly, I was more tired than anxious. Still, a little voice in my head started whispering about plane crashes. But I quickly reminded myself that statistically, flying is safer than driving. That thought, plus a small prayer, got me to my seat.
Speaking of which, the plane to KC was tiny, and my statuesque self felt the squeeze! With only two seats on my side of the aisle, the whole space felt a bit cramped. I was so thankful the person next to me was small. But the view from my window seat? Absolutely incredible. I know it sounds cheesy, but seeing all the sprawling ground below suddenly shrink into a tiny, vibrant patchwork quilt of fields and buildings was truly inspiring.
Kansas City vs. Chicago: A Midwestern Showdown
For those of you not in the U.S., a quick note: our country is vast. It can take hours to get from one city to another, which means different regions develop their own unique "mini-cultures." The Midwest is no exception, and after visiting Kansas City, the differences between it and my hometown of Chicago were obvious.
First, the terrain. The Midwest is famously flat, and Chicago is a prime example. I’m used to walking on level ground, so when I got to Kansas City, my legs were in for a surprise. That city is not flat. We did so much walking, and every incline felt like a mountain!
Then there's the food and sports. Chicago has its iconic deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, while Kansas City is all about that BBQ life. And while we Chicagoans have the Bears, they have the Chiefs—who, let’s be honest, have a lot more to brag about right now thanks to some recent Super Bowl wins and a certain pop star. I’ll just leave it there.
Select photos from the Museum of BBQ located in the Crown Center Plaza.
The people we met were a mixed bag, which was interesting. Our first Uber driver at the airport was a total grump, rudely leaving us because we were "too many people." Like, dude, it's an airport, what did you expect? On the flip side, our last driver was incredibly kind and calming, which was a godsend since several of us were feeling under the weather. He was so easygoing, sharing stories about his travels and job.
And let me just say, Kansas City TSA takes itself very seriously. My sunscreen and shaving cream made it through security in Chicago just fine, but on the way back, they were confiscated with zero hesitation. They even offered to escort me out if I wasn’t willing to part with my items. I wasn't about to fight the power, so my toiletries are now officially in a Kansas City landfill. RIP.
From BBQ to Bargains: My KC Favorites
Our trip had a packed itinerary with some scheduled visits outside of our conference and a few impromptu ones that were even better.
We started at the Crown Center, a mall that felt like a time machine back to the early 2000s. Unlike the sleek, modern malls in Chicago, this one had a fun, cartoony vibe and featured many unique local shops. Inside, there was even a BBQ Museum, which was a first for me—a museum in a mall! I’ll admit, barbecue history wasn’t my jam, so I found it a little too commercial for my taste.
We also ventured off-script and found some real gems, like La Paleteria. Despite my Latino roots (I’m American with Swedish, Irish and Haitian ancestry), I’d never been to one, and it was a revelation! I got the fresa con crema (strawberries and cream), and it was unbelievably refreshing. And then there was Buy the Pound, which is basically a local Goodwill Bins. I’ve always wanted to check out a Goodwill Bins, but haven’t had a car to get to one. It was a cool first experience, even if I didn't find anything I loved.
A few of the plethora of items from my visit at River Market Antiques.
But my absolute favorite place, hands down, was River Market Antiques. Chicago has some great antique shops, but they're usually small. This place, located in the historic River Market district, was something else. From the outside, it looks pretty unassuming, but once you step inside, it's a massive, four-story emporium of vintage wonders.
The first two floors are crammed with household items, decor, and art. The third floor is more odds and ends, and the fourth is a treasure trove of vintage clothes. They even have cashiers on multiple floors because the place is just that big! What I loved most is that it was a true antique and vintage mall, not just a bunch of modern home decor hiding in an old building. The vendors here get it.
I barely made a dent in exploring the place on my first visit and had to go back for a quick second trip. Even then, I could’ve spent all day. But I didn't leave empty-handed. I found a killer late '90s/early 2000s black dress with white floral patterns and two little Swedish wooden mice for $5 each. One had a chipped tail, but I couldn't bear to leave it behind. They're a perfect pair for my personal collection!
I wouldn't call Kansas City a traditional tourist destination, but it was absolutely perfect for a personal adventure. It challenged my perception of Midwestern cities, offered up some delicious new foods, and—most importantly—helped me get over my fear of flying. All in all, I’m happy to say I came away with some unforgettable memories and a few fantastic vintage treasures to boot.
Have you ever been to a place that wasn't on your "must-visit" list but totally surprised you?
