Kansas City

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Despite mainly being overlooked by travelers, Kansas City has a lot to offer and is one of the Midwest's biggest and liveliest metro areas. It lies on the Missouri River's banks, bordering the Kansas-Missouri state line, and is surrounded by the much smaller Kansas City, Kansas (KCK). More than 200 fountains dot the city's scenic streets, making it the "City of Fountains" and the "Boulevard City"—the only city with more boulevards than Paris.

With world-class museums and theaters tucked into the heart of the city, wandering the streets is a real treat. In addition to jazz and live music, the city is also known for its Southern cuisine and Kansas City-style barbecue. There are hundreds of BBQ restaurants in the city, so no visit is complete without a sizzling strip steak.