The wedding site and nearby hotels are surrounded by shopping, restaurants, nightlife, art museums and other attractions all within walking distance. Many more attractions are a short drive away.

Walking Distance

Shopping, Restaurants, Nightlife

Country Club Plaza, just a quarter-mile from the Marriott, is one of Kansas City's best known neighborhoods and hosts a variety of upscale shops, bars and bistros packaged in Spanish-style architecture.

Westport, a half-mile from the Marriott, is another well known area for nightlife and restaurants in KC. You are more likely to find local and independent shops and restaurants here. The Westport bar scene is also pretty lively on Friday and Saturday nights.

Art Museums

Kemper Art Museum is a small free (donations encouraged) contemporary art museum just behind the Marriott hotel with free WiFi access. It also contains Cafe Sebastienne, which serves high-quality, if a bit expensive, meals for brunch, lunch and dinner.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a much larger free art museum less an 1/4 mile from the Marriott. It maintains collections of more than 33,500 works of art and its grounds feature a large grass lawn with sculptures scattered throughout.

Other attractions

Kauffman Legacy Park lies just south of the Nelson-Atkins Museum and their garden is full of flowers and sculptures.

Loose Park is a large park a few blocks south of the plaza. A major attraction in the park is the rose garden. Some neighborhoods near the park boast impressive and interesting homes.

A short drive away

Shopping, Restaurants, Nightlife

39th Street West is 1.5-2 miles from the Simpson House, but may be more easily walkable if you are already on the west end of Westport. The area has several good local restaurants and shops near 39th and State Line Rd. It's where the young, arty and hip in KC go to eat, drink and shop.

Crown Center is a couple miles north of the plaza and has family-friendly shopping and entertainment. Nearby Union Station has a science center.

The River Market hosts many restaurants and shops as well as a farmer's market and occasional live music.

The Crossroads Arts District is full of art galleries and great food.

Other attractions

The 18th and Vine Historic District contains museums for American Jazz and the Negro Leagues.

Powell Gardens is a good half hour outside KC, but if gardens are your thing you will kick yourself for missing them.

More info

There is much more to see and do in KC. Go to VisitKC.com or ExperienceKC.com for more ideas and attractions.