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Anchored on the western edge of Missouri, straddling the border and sprawling south and west into Kansas, the one-time trading post of Kansas City has emerged as a major metropolitan center in the Midwest. Famous for its music, food and ever-present fountains, the "Heart of America" is in the midst of a downtown redevelopment program, recently renovating the 18th and Vine Historic District, where bebop and jazz clubs were once homes to the likes of Count Basie and Charlie Parker. A brand new entertainment district and performing arts center are also in the making, and a new arena -- Sprint Center -- is scheduled to open in 2008. The arena will be the site of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, and it hopes to attract a professional basketball or hockey team as a permanent tenant.

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority operates a bus system throughout the area, including a new rapid transit service that runs along the Main Street corridor called the Metro Area Express (MAX). Fares for all buses are $1.25, and a day pass is also available for $3.

Kansas City International Airport is 20 miles north of downtown and offers public transportation service into the city via bus route 129x (I-29 Express). Taxi fares are metered and run approximately $40 to $45.

Join the Chiefs Fans for Raider Hater Week
The bitter Chiefs-Raiders rivalry dates to their years in the AFL's Western Division in the 1960s, and Kansas City still gets geared up when the Silver and Black come to town. In addition, the Chiefs' home of Arrowhead Stadium -- probably the loudest outdoor building in the NFL -- is slated for more than $400 million worth of improvements.

Kick Up Your Boots at the American Royal
A Kansas City tradition since 1899 and held throughout October and early November, the American Royal Rodeo, Livestock and Horse Show is the city's main event. The American Royal includes all the major horse and rodeo events, plus professional bull riding, plenty of live country music and the largest barbecue contest in the world, with nearly 500 teams competing in four disciplines.

See the Waterfalls and Fountains of Kauffman Stadium
City officials are pushing for construction of a new facility for the Royals, but with its wide-open views behind the outfield and distinctive 322-foot-wide fountain, Kauffman Stadium still competes with baseball's most beautiful parks despite opening way back in 1973. During games, the team's 1985 World Series trophy is on display in section 107 through the sixth inning.

Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Lasting 42 years and boasting such alumni as Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige, the Kansas City Monarchs gave the city a rich tradition in Negro League baseball. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which shares a complex with the American Jazz Museum, features artifacts, memorabilia and a special exhibition of Negro League players honored in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Click here to learn more.

Get in the Grandstand for Wiener Dog Nationals
The Woodlands, a horse- and dog-racing track in northwest Kansas City, diverges from its usual business once a year for Wiener Dog Nationals. In eight qualifying runs and a final held amidst a full card of greyhound races, 64 dachshunds compete for the title of Grand Champion.

American Jazz Museum
1616 E. 18th St., Kansas City, Mo. 64108
The clubs in Kansas City's historic 18th St. and Vine District are where jazz masters such as Charlie Parker and Count Basie defined their sound. This museum is a wonderful homage to the musicians of the 1920s, '30s and '40s who created this sound. See rare photos, listen to seminal jazz recordings, experiment with rhythm and harmony in the museum's recording studio. See live performances by top local and national acts.
http://www.americanjazzmuseum.com/

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111, 816-561-4000
The museum's special treat is its superb collection of Chinese art, particularly with ceremonial vessels and weapons from the Bronze Age (1200 B.C. to 500 B.C.). Don't miss Kansas City Sculpture Park, which boasts the country's largest collection of Henry Moore's work.
http://www.nelson-atkins.org/

Harry S. Truman Library & Museum
500 W. US Hwy. 24, Independence, Mo. 64050
President Truman grew up in nearby Independence, Mo., and cut his political teeth in Kansas City. This is the nation's premier resource for everything Truman -- both in his personal life and events that defined his presidential career.
http://www.trumanlibrary.org/index.php

Country Club Plaza
47th and Main Sts., Kansas City, Mo. 64101
Designed in 1922 as the nation's first suburban shopping district, this 15-block area is the city's premier dining and shopping stop. It's designed to resemble a Spanish outdoor plaza. The shops are upscale and eclectic, the restaurants comfortable and varied. It is also home to eight major hotels.
http://www.countryclubplaza.com/plaza.aspx?pgID=1012

American Royal
1701 American Royal Ct., Kansas City, Mo. 64102
The American Royal opened in 1899 by presenting a livestock show. The venue is now home to a year-round smorgasbord of horse and livestock shows, rodeo and bull-riding events, country music concerts and barbecue cook-offs. Welcome to the gateway of the American West.
http://www.americanroyal.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1

1985 Kansas City Royals (defeated St. Louis Cardinals, 4 games to 3)
1970 Kansas City Chiefs (defeated Minnesota Vikings, 23-7)