Vaile Mansion – 91/100

Vaile Mansion

#91 – The Vaile Mansion
1500 N Liberty St, Independence, MO 64050

Cost: $6
Good for: Design inspo, home envy.
Tip:  Visit around Christmastime, the mansion is decorated to max.

The Vaile Mansion is a 31-room historic mansion in the heart of Independence, Missouri. Built by businessman and politician, Harvey Vaile, in 1881, the mansion was an extreme show of wealth.

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Overland Park Arboretum – 90/100

Overland Park Arboretum
#90 – Overland Park Arboretum
8909 W 179th St, Bucyrus, KS 66013

Cost: $
Amenities: Gardens, cafe, sculpture gardens, paved trails, hiking trails.
Good for: Families, runners, outdoorsy people, plant lovers.
Tip: Check out their calendar for fun events like forest runs and wine tastings.

The Overland Park Arboretum is a 300-acre botanical garden located in Overland Park, KS. The Arboretum is a relatively new arboretum, being dedicated in 1996. It includes a variety of gardens, hiking trails, prairie land and an education center.

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Uptown Theater Kansas City – 89/100

Uptown Theater Kansas City

#89 – Uptown Theater Kansas City
3700 Broadway Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64111

Cost: $$
Good for: Singing along to your favorite band.
Pro tip: Check out the balcony if it’s open for great views of the architecture.

The Uptown Theater is an ornate, historic theater in Midtown Kansas City. Similar to the Midland, the Uptown Theater has amazingly unique décor, paint, light fixtures and more.

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Crossroads’ First Fridays – 88/100

Crossroads First Fridays

#88/100 – Crossroads’ First Fridays
Crossroads Art District, Kansas City

Cost: Free – $$$
Atmosphere: Crowded
Good for: Art lovers, food truck fans
Tip:  Don’t go with a big group – Crossroads’ First Fridays works best with 1-2 other people.

The first Friday of each month, art galleries, shops and restaurants in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District stay open late. Many art galleries offer wine and beer while you peruse the art and other stores will have specials. With street artists and food trucks, it’s a night everyone can enjoy.

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Harry Truman Presidential Library – 87/100

Harry Truman Presidential Library

#87 – Harry Truman Presidential Library and Museum
500 W US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050

Cost: $8
Good for: Getting a refresher on U.S. history.
Tip: Explore the Independence Square and the Harry Truman home nearby for more history on former President.

The Harry Truman Presidential Library and Museum highlights Truman’s life and presidency extensively. It covers his youth, time in the military, rise to Presidency and political decisions. Truman seemed to be one of the people – always talking to constituents, returning letters and even saving letters of criticism.

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