A Boomer and a Millennial Explore KCK

Bridging the Generation Gap

When I was growing up rather than labeling generations, we called it the generation gap. Back in the seventies, three decades age difference felt like wider and deeper then the Missouri River. Especially when it came to travel.  Times have changed or at least some generational mindsets have. The bridge is shorter with BBQ, tacos, sweet treats and adventure in Kansas City, Kansas

My attitude has been to bridge the gap or at least find interests in common through shared experiences.  Ever since my children were young, I’ve encouraged them to experience life, adventure and travel.   The world is a playground full of fun to discover. Life is too short and too fun not to travel together regardless of age.

Planning our Trip

My youngest daughter and I started tossing ideas around for a girls’ getaway from the Minneapolis area. We agreed we wanted to go somewhere new to both of us. Just a little over a 6 hour drive or a quick 70 minute flight from Minneapolis is Kansas City. Kansas City, Kansas checked all the boxes: affordable, spicy and a little off the beaten path.

We booked our Delta flights. Lucky for us, we both got upgraded to first class.  Wahoo!  If you have never experienced first class before, let me tell you it is a sweet treat! You get more leg room, big comfy seats, free flowing beverages. Plus the there is multiple choices of snacks, not just a tiny bag of pretzels or biscuits. You also can choose two!

Planning the trip about a month prior we both looked at places we wanted to dine at and visit.  Ritz at Visit Kansas City Kansas also gave us a great two-day itinerary of things we like. Through texts my daughter and I shared links, but I also shared places from google maps. Saving places to a Google Maps list makes them easy to find and navigate to during your trip. My Google maps profile is under SuzyB of CommunityCalendarND.

Let the KCK Adventure Begin

Strawberry Hill

It was called Strawberry Hill according to locals because of a field of wild strawberries growing in the area. We did not see a strawberry field but we did see strawberries imprinted in the history of the area. It was once named Split Log after Mathias Splitlog, a wealthy Wyandotte Native American mill owner.

Hey Sugar

Flagship Book Store

We continued our exploration of the Strawberry Hill area and found a quaint independent bookstore. It just happened to be #IdependentBookstoreDay. Shoppers filled the book store exploring the next best read and the specials the bookstore offered.

Split Log Coffee Shop

Located at 548 Central Ave Kansas City Kansas in historic Strawberry Hill neighborhood, dine in or drive thru and catering. Hot breakfast is available 7am-10am. Your pooch can join you outside and on the roof top. There is plenty of parking. We loved the rooftop where you see the Mathias Splitlog mural and a view to Kansas City. They serve Hana’s Donuts, get there early, you snooze you lose. My daughter sipped her coffee on th rooftop. Duane gave me a quick tour of the event space and local coffee roasting area. Splitlog Coffee Shop prides itself on hospitality and are “the friendliest shop in KCK.” Founded by two brothers, Adam and Caleb Wittmer in 2017. The Kansas City, Mo skyline is a great view from the rooftop.

Hana’s Donuts

My daughter and I love donuts! Their Facebook and TikTok videos inspired me to get to this place. One of their videos had people driving miles to get their delicious donuts. Hana’s Donuts has many donut choices. Chandra was fast asleep, a difference in our age. Boomers often rise at the crack of dawn or I do. While I waited in line, a customer who frequent buys donuts at Hana’s shared her strategy for buying Hana’s Donuts. Her tip: get some donut holes bagged up to snack on while ordering and during the drive home. Of course I bought some donut holes. I bought so many donuts to try and too many to eat in one day. I missed the Key Lime, which my daughter pointed out after I showed her the display case video. So there will be another trip to Hana’s Donuts in my future.

Boulevard Drive In Movie Theatre: Where Nostalgia Meets First-Time Magic

For me, a classic boomer weekend would often be a trip to the local drive-in. We’d pile into the back of the family station wagon. Dressed in our pajamas, pillows in tow, and blankets for a “camp-out”. It was the ultimate camp-out—just with a movie screen the size of a building.

For my millennial daughter, Chandra, drive-ins were more of a vintage concept than a lived experience. By the time she was born, the ones in our hometown of Bismarck-Mandan, North Dakota, had already faded into memory. During our Kansas City trip planning, she discovered that Boulevard Drive-In in KCK was still going strong, 75 years strong.

What a fun adventure this turned out to be—for both of us. For me, it was pure nostalgia. For her, a delightful first. Boulevard even had those classic window-mount speakers still in use. You can tune to a radio FM station to listened through your car’s stereo system. With the new car system listening with your radio you may need to restart your car. No fear if you end up with a drained car battery, the drive-in will give the battery a jump.

75th Celebration

The timing couldn’t have been better for taking in the drive in this night. It just so happened to be their 75th anniversary celebration. The lot buzzed with energy. Community out pouring of supporters, families, vintage car enthusiasts and even the Mayor came out for the festivities. The evening fun started with a band at 5pm, the KC Hoop Girl group spinning and twirling hula hoops. The drive in had just unveiled their new sign. They had a time capsule but many the items in it had not survived the decades of weather. The spirit of community was stronger then any weather.

75th Celebration KC Hoop Girl

A Fun fact: Chandra received the title of the hula hooper who hooped the longest at a local 50’s celebration. So she went for it with the KC Hoop Girl. I have had two hip replacements , my hooping days are done. I did perform a hoop routine when I was involved in Modern Gymnastics back in my school days.

Sirenna the KC Hoop Girl is an insured Hula Hoop Dance Artist, Entertainer & Certified Hoop Dance Instructor. She offers six services: performances, Hula Hoop Parties for all occasions, Corporate & Group Team Building Workshops & Hula Hoop Classes

75th Celebration KCK Mayor Speaks

The mayor made a proclamation for the Boulevard Drive In 75th anniversary.

75th Celebration the Movies Grease and Back to the Future

Grease the first feature danced across the big screen. We both wondered how it was projected. Do you know? There was no big projection light coming from the concession stand or anywhere we saw. We were amazed. We sat in the car and sang along with Olivia Newton and John Travolta. So nostalgic, so fun.

The second feature was Raiders of the Lost Ark which was released in 1981 the year our oldest daughter, Amy was born. We ended up heading out as we had a long day with traveling.

Play

The concession stand is fabulous. As a child we did not have a feast of the offerings Boulevard offers. They have burgers, fries, giant pretzels, all kinds of things to eat. While grabbing a snack you can also get a souvenir, like a t-shirt and other items to purchase . The wall of speakers from the past, photos, movie reels is a marvel to look at.

KCK Shopping

No “girls” trip is complete without shopping. Chandra and I love to shop!

Three Bees Pottery and Coffee shop

Pottery, Coffee, Tamales on some days a market

The Three Bees Pottery and Coffee shop is also located in the Strawberry Hill area. Arriving on a day they were hosting a market we were thrilled! Ordering drinks and picking out our favorite Mexican pottery to pose with we sat awhile.

The Three Bees Market

Then with our drinks in hand we went to their back lot. The market vendors that were there that day:

1. All the Feels Candles
2. Aurabloom Polish
3. Bearded Barrel Co
4. Lux & Match Creative  is also on Etsy
5. Mamas House KC
6. Nature Craft Studios
7. Payday Pennant Co
8. Psychopomp glass

A unique combination, pottery, coffee, and drum roll for this unexpected find, tamales!

This shop is located in the Strawberry Hill area at 925 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, KS. We happened to be there when they were also hosting a makers market.

Thrift Shops We loved

If you love thrifting, you will love all the huge thrift shops in the KCK area. Chandra found clothing from the 90’s she loved. I found a little pitcher to hold my wooden bee spoons.

The shops we loved: Adelante Thrift Shop 3720 State Ave KCK ; Turnstyle Thrift Shop 5304 Martway St Mission, KS; Salvation Army Family Store 6219 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS

EL Padrino KC, Downtown KCK

Piñatas Galore & World Cup fever

While exploring the KCK downtown area we stopped at EL Padrino KC 916 Minnesota Ave, KCK. This is a party store and a shop for all kinds of soccer items. Did you know Kansas City is a host city for the Soccer World Cup 2026? I love soccer but we were drawn to all the different piñatas.

I should have bought my birthday piñata at El Padrina’s. Four years ago I had not been to KCK . This looked like a tiny baby next to the massive Impressive ones in this shop.

Legends Outlets KCK

Back in the day, a favorite back-to-school activity for both of us is hitting up a outlet mall. Neither of us no longer shop for back-to-school but we do love the deals that can be found. Legends Outlets, the only designer outlet in Kansas, is a beautiful space, and an experience! We had fun exploring the beautiful outdoor space outside the shops during the day. We even looked around at night. There are cascading fountains, beautiful landscaping featuring native plants, legendary Kansas icons, scenic, and plenty of photo opportunities. There are plenty of spaces to relax too, such as the fun the “Lawn” space.

Legendary Shopping

We grabbed beverages at the Dutch Bros Coffee at 1800 Prairie Crossing, KCK . We had never been to one before. I was impressed how the order is placed with a real live human being car-side. With drinks in hand we were ready to tackle a day of shopping. First we explored the many beautiful sculptures and outdoor space, posing for photos.

I stopped inside Bath and Body works to pick up my favorite mini of “In the Stars”. After finding some great deals at Lee-Wrangler Shop T-113. we headed through the “Lawn” to the Books-A-Million, BAM F101 Bookstore. Yes we love reading & books! I found and purchased, 100 Things to Do in Kansas Before you Die. This book is written by my fellow Midwest Travel Network writer and author Roxie Yonkey’s . Number 45 in her book is embracing “the beautiful game”, soccer with sporting Kansas City. The Children’s Mercy Park is very close to Legends. The Nascar Kansas City Speedway , number 48 in her book is also close to Legends.

The “Lawn” is a great outdoor space at the Legends. Legends Outlets was designed as an open-air “lifestyle center” with a theme that blends Kansas heritage with an urban-industrial vibe. In this area is a huge “smokestack” it is an architectural feature to reinforce the warehouse-district type theme. Along with other features of the Legends, the fountain and court yard features built to emphasize “edutainment” What is edutainment? Entertaining historical references woven in to the shopping spaces.

Before heading back to our hotel, we stopped in at Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen for a cold beverage. Jazz has a definite New Orleans vibe. It is voted as one of the KCK’s favorite for their seafood, affordable Cajun dishes.

Exploring more of KCK

Lewis & Clark, Native American Memorial and Kaw Point Park

Both of us growing up in North Dakota we are very familiar with Lewis & Clark history in our area. We did not know of the history in the Kansas City area. We love the Missouri river, so we had to check out Kaw park. This is in the area where the corps spent a night. Kaw is ( Native American for Kansas ).

Picnic Lunch from Breit’s Stein and Deli

Before heading to the park we thought we would get a sandwich and have a picnic in the park. We drove along the water and parked, looking at the skyline across the river.

We stopped at the Strawberry Hill Neighborhood local pub, Breit’s Stein and Deli. Infamous for their Reuben sandwich, neither of us are big fans of a Reuben. We decided to choose our own ingredients, a turkey penne sandwich with ooey gooey cheese, tomatoes and spinach, so yummy.

After our picnic we explored the park. At the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri river is a metal sculpture depicting Lewis & Clark.

Dessert from Bonito Michoacan Bakery

Now for a treat we had driven to the Bonito Michoacan Bakery for our dessert. The selection is huge. We each picked out our favorites. I got one with chocolate chips and Chandra got Sprinkles

More KCK Eats

Fritz’s Diner

This diner is a railroad theme. oldest location is at 250 N 18th Street. This is the location we dined at. It is a fun little diner. We even had to have our photos taken with the railroad hats they offer for kids. We both are big kids! So to order you use an the old fashioned telephone. You probably know the kind. We both remember but my grandsons are unfamiliar with. Then a model train toots it horn and the food you ordered is delivered to your table. The train runs along a track overhead of the tables. When it gets to the correct table it lowers the box of the food to your table. The burgers are delicious. The Skat Kat is a marvel of ingenuity and invention.

All Aboard For Burgers and Fun

Step into a time machine bringing you back to a by-gone era. Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant in KCK is more than just a burger joint. It’s a nostalgic blast from the past with a side of delicious charm.

Fritz’s serves up old-fashioned hamburgers just like Fritz’s dad made back in the 1920s.  100% ground beef burgers made to order.  With grilled onions seared right into the patty on a perfectly toasted bun.

History of the Diner

After serving in the Navy aboard the USS San Francisco, including during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Fritz Kropf returned home with big dreams. In 1954, he and his wife Virginia opened their first diner in Kansas City, Kansas.

But Fritz wasn’t just a cook.   He was an inventor. When staff shortages hit, he designed a unique food delivery system right in his basement. By the late ’70s, that system was in full swing—literally—zipping meals out to tables on overhead tracks. Nicknamed the “Skat Kat,” it evolved into the train-themed experience we know and love today.

The Legacy

Fritz’s is still proudly family-owned and operated. Continuing the tradition of fun and flavor with his son Fred and wife Mary. Whether you come for the trains or the burgers, chances are you’ll fall in love with both. We did!

Located at 250 N 18th Street in Kansas City KS, Fritz’s is a such a fun place to dine. We both loved it! It is like no other fifties diner we have been to. It has a train theme and a actual train which delivers your food to your table.

Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen

We had drinks here but came back to try the Chicken and listen to the live music.

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

You know a place is legendary when it serves up a million pounds of finger-lickin’ BBQ from inside a gas station.  Yes, I said a gas station at 3002 West 47th, Kansas City Kansas. Usually, the line is out the door but we came early, 5pm on a Monday night.  Service was fast!  Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que isn’t just a local favorite; it’s a full-blown foodie pilgrimage site.  Back in the day, Anthony Bourdain put Joe’s on his list of “13 Places to Eat Before You Die.” We made it!  You are in for something special at Joe’s!  We even got a peak behind the scenes with Jake.  Orlando was loading the smokers and smiling as he worked. 

History

It starts in 1990 with Jeff and Joy Stehney entered into a barbecue contest for the first time.  Jeff says “I loved everything about it. The smoke. The smell of it.  The camaraderie. The competition.  The passion.  And, of course, the food.  I was hooked.  I knew then and there this was something I had to do.” 

Investing in a competition-style smoker and together with a few friends they formed a barbecue team. Calling themselves the Slaughterhouse Five.

The Start of a Restaurant

While out on the competition circuit, Jeff and Joy became friends with Joe Don Davidson.  Joe was the founder and owner of the Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker Company.  Maybe it was the heavy influence of the barbecue smoke, Jeff and Joe go into the restaurant business together.

In mid-1995 Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue and Catering was created.  The first Oklahoma Joe’s restaurant opened in January 1996 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.  Later that year opportunity and serendipity crossed paths, at the corner of 47^th Avenue and Mission Road in Kansas City Kansas.

Why a gas station?

Not too far from the Stehneys’ house, the owner of the little neighborhood gas station and convenience store, closed his little fried chicken counter. Jeff said, “It seemed like a pretty good place to for a barbecue joint.” Long hours on the road, the proximity to home, they put together a proposal,. Made an offer. All of a sudden, they were not only in the barbecue business, but also the gas station business. 

What happened to Oklahoma Joe?

In 1997 Joe Davidson sold his smoker company and left for Texas.  Jeff and Joy bought Joe’s share of the Kansas City Restaurant.  Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is now a true mom and pop business under the sole ownership of the Stehneys.

KCK Favorite BBQ, The World’s Favorite BBQ

Let’s talk about the food.  The brisket is cut thin and delicious.  My favorite side is the dirty rice, spiced just right and tasty.  To dine in or take out you line up. They even have a counter, counting the customers displayed on a large Instagram counter sign.  You place your order and are given a number. Fill your drinks, take a seat and wait for the smoky magic to appear. On Monday’s they have a smoked chicken special. OMG I could not eat it all. Do not skip the banana pudding even if you are stuffed to the top.  It is so delicious and you can get it to go. That is what we did.

The Z-man you got to try.  It is brisket, provolone cheese, topped with onion rings and BBQ sauce served on a bun.  Rumor has it this is a favorite of the KC Cheifs Travis Kelce. Him and Taylor Swift are frequent customers.  This sandwich is so popular you can send it as a gift! The Z-Man kits ship with everything you need to assemble the sandwich at home and includes their amazing BBQ sauce.   Order on their website.  How cool is this?

Spicin’ Foods

Have you seen the Hot Ones show by First We Feast on youtube? You will often see guests trying the sauce they all love to hate, Da’Bomb. Spicin Foods is the home of the Da’Bomb but they also have BBQ sauce, marinades, salsa and other sauces. Both of us love spicy. We stopped in their Museum/ Gift shop of where they make and ship out their spiciness.

The Taco Trail

We both agree this was one of our favorite things to do in KCK . The Red Machine Party Bus is provides the public and private tours. They had a cooler on the bus to put beverages in. We brought a bottle of wine from Rowe Ridge Winery. It opened really cool with a spiral type twist off thingie.

Each of us also received a taco seasoning packet. Robert the owner and bus driver made the tour safe and fun. We sampled four tacos from four different restaurants. Some dates it may all one type of taco. We had four different kinds: carnita, carne asada, al pastor, and chicken. The tour departs from the Hilton Garden Inn and the taco mascot may even be there to greet you.

Kansas City Kansas is not just known for great BBQ. It is the “true American taco capital”. The Taco Trail tour is a must while visiting Kansas City Kansas. This is a exclusive taco party for about 12 to 16 guests. We were not just chasing tacos we were experiencing culture. KCK is full of vibrant neighbors, family-run kitchens and taco joints. Each tour the places you may stop can vary. You will try four different restaurants and four different tacos.

Taqueria Stops

Here are the four our party bus stopped at:

1. Tarahumaras at 503 N 6th KCK we had a carnitas. Carnitas are made braising, simmering and frying pork in its own fat or lard.
2. El Poblano 1003 Osage Ave KCK we had carne asada is marinated and grilled beef. They brought out a plate of garnishes for the taco. Loved the guac!
3. El Camino Real 1147 Argentine Blvd KCK we had al pastor. Al pastor is made marinated pork meat, seared, and sliced. This place also served chips to us. Not only can you just have the taco, other items can be ordered. Incidentally, another attendees order a taco of beef “tongue” . He let me try a taste. Surprisingly I liked it.
4. Tacos El Viejon 800 S 7th St KCK we had a chicken taco

During the tour we rate the taco with points. All the tacos were delicious. 4 points is amazing, 3 is good, 2 is just ok and 1 is poor. After the tour our tour guide and owner, Robert emailed the results to the attendees. Tarahumaras received the most points. 2nd was El Camino Real. 3rd was El Poblano. All received high scores with only 10 point difference between first and fourth. I didn’t count how many were on the party bus but about 15 or 16 were on the bus. My favorite was the carnitas. Chandra favorite was the carne asada.

We purchased the musical candle at Taqueria El Poblano & Mini Market #2 1003 Osage Ave. We comment on it the Taco Trail video. The candle we light for Rose, my mother-in-laws 97th birthday. It was a hit !

Where we stayed

Residence Inn by Marriott in Kansas City at The Legends

This is a great place to stay. Located at 1875 Village West Parkway just off of two major highways I-435 or I-70 . The Residence Inn is minutes away from Sporting KC, Community America Ballpark, and the Hollywood Casino. The hotel is in short walking distance from the Legends Outlets feature over 100 plus stores, restaurants and entertainment venues. The 150 foot “smokestack” was visible from our third floor window, along with a illuminated Legends sign.

All great trips come to an end

Our last evening, we drove out to the Wyandotte County Lake Park. It is over 15,000 acres a rural oasis in a city. The park offers fishing, boating, boat rentals, trails, horse riding trails, archery range, skate park, playground, picnic shelters.  Near the entrance is a Korean- Vietnam War Memorial.  There are shelters and an 150 person event space to rent, great for weddings and reunions.  We came to capture a Kansas City Kansas sunset and that we did.  We both agree we need to explore more of KCK.

Travel and the experiences shared have given us — the baby boomer and the millennial — more things in common. The generational gap? It’s not just narrowing; it’s becoming a bridge.  We both love bridges!  No matter the age adventure, good food, shared memories are good for the soul. Intergenerational travel is a joy— one adventure, one bite, one belly laugh at a time.

So go ahead, plan the trip, invite someone from another generation to join the ride. Kansas City Kansas is calling — and it’s got room for everyone.

See you again KCK