The area between Kansas and Missouri, where the eponymous Kansas and Missouri rivers meet, was originally thought to be a good place for settlements. The first visitor from Europe to what would become the city of Kansas, was lower Missouri River explorer Étienne de Veniard, Sieur de Bourgmont. In 1763, the Spanish took over the region, and through the Treaty of Paris, allowed the French to pursue their fur trade under license. In 1834, John McCoy founded Westport Landing on a Missouri river bend as a landing point. He found it more convenient to have his goods offloaded at the Prudhomme landing than in Independence. In 1838, fourteen investors group-purchased the land, the investors first dividing it in 1849 and then later selling it in 1846. The Town of Kansas was incorporated on that land in 1850, and the scene was set for its future strategic importance with three major trails, Santa Fe, California, and Oregon passing right through the area. The City of Kansas was created on February 22, 1853. Because of its location, the city and its surroundings saw quite concentrated military action during the Civil War, after which the city prospered extremely quickly, seeing substantial growth. As the population began to grow dramatically, it officially became known as Kansas City in 1889, with Westport becoming part of it in 1897. Over the past 20 years, $6 billion has been spent improving and redeveloping downtown Kansas to bring in tourist and convention dollars, as well as new residents and office workers.

Whether the sun is beating down or the rain decides to fall, the region’s largest all-year-round farmers market, with more than 140 stalls of everything freshly grown, made, baked, or preserved can be found every Saturday and Sunday at Overland Park. Or perhaps the Arabia Steamboat Museum or hands-on College Basketball Experience might take your fancy.

Country Club Plaza sits in 15 city blocks of Spanish-inspired architecture, interspersed with water fountains. Great shops, plenty of designer brands and wonderful restaurants all combine to make this Kansas City’s premier retail center.

Crown Center is not just a shopping center selling absolutely everything from kitchen accessories to food, clothing and furnishings to Kansas souvenirs. Here you’ll find the city’s first aquarium, there’s a great hands-on LEGO experience for children, and a Hallmark-run creativity section where children of all ages can let their imagination run riot making artwork miniatures.

The Kansas City Zoo, National WWI Museum and Memorial, and The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures also make a good day out. Do also keep a sharp eye out for events at the T-Mobile Center, which is one of the USA’s busiest arenas attracting amazing acts, both national and international.