City: Kansas City, MO

Category: Tours & Attractions

Description: Westport got its start in 1833 when John Calvin McCoy built a trading post on the northeast corner of Westport Road and Pennsylvania. By 1836 the area’s colorful population of 50 or so included scouts Kit Carson and Jim Bridger as well as John Sutter, a guy who skipped town to escape creditors and look for gold. The area also played a bloody role in the Civil War when the Battle of Westport became known as the Gettysburg of the West. Learn more at www.westporthistorical.org. Today Westport is still a stopping point for thirsty and hungry travelers. Lucky for you, prairie dog is no longer on the menu; instead you’ll find dining choices including award-winning bluestem, chic (and gay-friendly) Bistro 303, and Westport Flea Market, home of the town’s best burger—make that the world’s best burger—plus bars and live music venues. And instead of spurs and cattle prods, shops offer candles, handcrafted jewelry, and garden art. Most of us agree that a trip to Kansas City isn’t complete without visiting Kelly’s Westport Inn (500 Westport Rd., 816-561-5800, www.kellyswestportinn.com), the city’s oldest standing building. Built in 1837, it was once a grocery store operated by Albert Boone, grandson of Daniel.