Getaways

Kansas City is in the midst of a boom in architecture, museums and performing arts and, as befits the "City of Fountains," spring finds this bustling Midwest city brimming with hospitality. (www.visitkc.com)

SEE: Known for its collections of Asian Art and Henry Moore sculpture, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has a new, breathtaking contemporary extension filled with photography, contemporary and African art and a lauded collection of Isamu Noguchi sculpture. Nearby, explore the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and a plethora of galleries in the Crossroads Art District. The National World War I Museum, filled with artifacts from biplanes to battle flags, opened last year at the site of the city’s Liberty Memorial obelisk. For those whose interest in history extends to hoops, there’s the College Basketball Experience and National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, tucked into the new Sprint Center.

STAY: The downtown renaissance extends to hostelries, with two new historic hotels, Hilton President and The Aladdin, featuring cool lounges, refurbished rooms and public spaces, and plenty of buzz.

DINE: Wood-smoked barbecue put the city on the culinary map, so get thee to Arthur Bryant’s, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue or Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue and dig in.

SHOP: Opened in 1922, Country Club Plaza was the nation’s first shopping center as a destination, and it still is. More than 180 shops, 18 outdoor dining venues and 40 fountains make this historic, Spanish-style complex a must-see. Stop for food, arts and crafts at City Market, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

INSIDER TIP: Music lovers shouldn’t miss the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District: Immerse yourself in America’s musical contribution to the world at the American Jazz Museum, and then hit The Blue Room for live music, Kansas City-style.