Nestled in the heart of the Midwest is Kansas City, Missouri which has been steadily establishing itself as a destination for craft spirits enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. With a rich history, a burgeoning craft beverage scene, and a passion for quality, the local distillery scene in Kansas City is an exciting and dynamic part of the city’s cultural landscape. In this article, we will delve into the world of Kansas City’s distilleries, as well as the city in general so you have all of the information you need should you want to explore! Let’s get started.

About Kansas City

Kansas City, often referred to as the “City of Fountains” or the “Heart of America,” is a vibrant and culturally rich city located in the Midwestern United States. It straddles the border between the states of Missouri and Kansas, with the majority of the city lying in Missouri.

Kansas City was founded in the 1830s as a river port at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers. It played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States and was a key trading post during the era of frontier exploration.

Kansas City Distilleries

Kansas City is home to a growing number of distilleries that contribute to the city’s dynamic craft spirits scene. Here are a few notable distilleries in Kansas City.

Tom’s Town Distilling Co

Named after the notorious Kansas City political boss, Tom Pendergast, Tom’s Town Distilling Co. embraces the city’s Prohibition-era history.

They produce a range of spirits, including gin, vodka, and bourbon, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional distillation methods.

Lifted Spirits Distillery

Lifted Spirits Distillery focuses on small-batch, artisanal spirits made with locally grown grains.

Lifted Spirits is known for its award-winning vodka and gin, which showcase the unique flavors of the region.

Union Horse Distilling Co

Located just outside Kansas City in Lenexa, Kansas, Union Horse Distilling Co. produces a range of handcrafted spirits, including bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka.

They prioritize using locally sourced grains and traditional distilling methods to create high-quality, flavorful spirits.

Restless Spirits Distilling Company

Restless Spirits Distilling Company prides itself on its innovative approach to craft spirits.

With a focus on quality and creativity, Restless Spirits Distilling Company offers tours and tastings, providing insights into their distilling process and allowing visitors to sample their diverse range of spirits.

Kansas City Accessibility

Kansas City is a city that prioritizes accessibility and offers various options for residents and visitors to navigate and explore the area. Here’s some information regarding accessibility in Kansas City.

Transportation

Kansas City provides accessible transportation options for individuals with mobility challenges.

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) operates an accessible bus system, with many buses equipped with wheelchair ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities.

RideKC Freedom is a paratransit service that offers door-to-door transportation for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use fixed-route buses.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Many public buildings, including museums, restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers, in Kansas City comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible parking spaces are typically available in public areas.

Sidewalks And Public Spaces

Kansas City continues to improve its infrastructure to enhance accessibility for pedestrians. The city has made efforts to ensure accessible curb cuts, sidewalk ramps, and crosswalks in various neighborhoods.

Some older areas of the city may have limited accessibility features due to historical architectural constraints.

Service Animals

Kansas City adheres to the ADA guidelines regarding service animals. Individuals with disabilities are generally allowed to bring their service animals to public places, including restaurants, hotels, and attractions.

It’s important to ensure that service animals are properly identified and trained in accordance with ADA regulations.

While it’s advisable to plan ahead and confirm accessibility features with specific establishments or service providers, Kansas City strives to make its attractions, transportation, and facilities accessible to individuals of all abilities.

Things To See In Kansas City

Kansas City offers a diverse array of attractions and experiences for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Kansas City.

Nelson-Atkins Museum Of Art

Known for its extensive collection spanning thousands of years, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a must-visit destination.

Country Club Plaza

Designed as the first outdoor shopping district in the United States, the Country Club Plaza is a beautiful Spanish-inspired shopping and dining district.

Union Station

A historic landmark, Union Station is a vibrant hub of activity in Kansas City and features stunning architecture as well as various attractions.

Monuments In Kansas City

While Kansas City is not widely known for its monuments, there are a few notable landmarks and memorials that hold historical and cultural significance. Here are some monuments and memorials you can find in Kansas City.

Liberty Memorial

The Liberty Memorial is a prominent monument and memorial dedicated to the soldiers who served in World War I.

Located at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, it stands as a symbol of remembrance and honors the sacrifices made during the war.

Firefighters Fountain

Found in Penn Valley Park, the Firefighters Fountain pays tribute to the brave firefighters who have served the city throughout history.

Children’s Peace Pavilion

Located within the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden, the Children’s Peace Pavilion is a unique monument dedicated to promoting peace education among children.

While these are some of the notable monuments and memorials in Kansas City, the city also has numerous sculptures, public artworks, and historical markers that contribute to its cultural landscape.

Kansas City Culture

Kansas City has a vibrant and diverse culture that encompasses various aspects of art, music, cuisine, and sports. Let’s check out some of the key elements of the rich cultural scene in Kansas City.

Jazz and Blues

Kansas City has a significant jazz and blues heritage. In the early 20th century, the city’s 18th and Vine District was a thriving center for jazz, attracting legendary musicians such as Count Basie and Charlie Parker.

Today, the city continues to celebrate its jazz roots with numerous jazz clubs, festivals, and events.

Barbecue Tradition

The city is also renowned for its distinctive barbecue tradition. The city’s style is characterized by slow-cooked meats, rich smoky flavors, and tangy sauces.
Sports Culture

Sports play a significant role in Kansas City’s culture. The city is home to passionate fan bases supporting professional sports teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Kansas City Royals (MLB), and Sporting Kansas City (MLS).

Visitors and residents alike can immerse themselves in the city’s cultural offerings, experiencing the vibrant energy and rich heritage that make Kansas City a unique and engaging destination.

Kansas City Food And Beverage Scene

Kansas City has a thriving food and beverage scene that showcases a diverse range of culinary delights. Here are some highlights of the Kansas City food and beverage scene.

Barbecue

As mentioned, Kansas City is renowned for its mouthwatering barbecue. The city’s signature style features slow-cooked meats, including ribs, burnt ends, and pulled pork, slathered in rich and tangy sauces.

Ethnic Cuisine

The city also boasts a vibrant selection of ethnic cuisine, reflecting the city’s diverse population.

You can explore flavors from around the world, including Mexican, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Middle Eastern, and more.

Coffee Culture

Kansas City has a thriving coffee culture, with numerous specialty coffee shops and roasters spread throughout the city.

These establishments take pride in serving high-quality, carefully crafted coffee beverages.

Farm-to-Table And Locally Sourced Cuisine

The farm-to-table movement is thriving in Kansas City, with restaurants showcasing locally sourced ingredients and highlighting the region’s agricultural bounty.

Distilleries And Craft Cocktails

As mentioned, Kansas City has a growing craft spirits scene, with distilleries producing a variety of spirits, including whiskey, gin, vodka, and more.

Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado, a beer lover, or an adventurous foodie, Kansas City’s culinary landscape will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more!

Final Thoughts

Kansas City’s local distillery scene is a testament to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for craft spirits and artisanal beverages.

With a combination of innovative distilleries, passionate distillers, and a supportive community, Kansas City has carved its place on the map of the craft beverage industry!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Time To Visit Kansas City?

The spring and fall seasons in Kansas City tend to offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making them popular times to visit.

Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall.

How Can I Get Around Kansas City?

Kansas City has a public transportation system consisting of buses, known as the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA).

The city is also served by ride-sharing services, taxis, and rental car companies. Many areas of interest in Kansas City are also easily accessible by walking or biking, especially in the downtown area.