Anyone In / Near Kansas City?

[Barefootgirl]

I'm going to be there for a flying visit in November, and I was wondering if any locals or anyone who knows the place could give some idea of what its like. My US geography is a bit rubbish - what's the weather likely to be like? Will there be snow, or will it still be warm enough for shirt sleeves? Should I bring my knee-length boots or will I be too hot and look silly?

Is it a very cosmopolitan city? If I look out from the plane coming in, will I see it surrounded by huge wheatfields? And, um, this is a stupid question, but I have to ask it because I am somewhat stupid in these matters, but; is it tornado season in November?

I'd say lets meet up for a beer or two, but these trips tend to be very structured timewise and I rarely have enough time to just pootle around the city and meet up with friends. If i can persuade them to let me have another night or a super-late flight out, I'd be up for a quick meet, if anyone's interested of course....

[morgana]

BFG,

I live in Topeka, about an hour's drive from KC. No, you won't be risking tornadoes, but you'd be very uncomfortable in shirtsleeves, I have a feeling. Boots might be a good idea. We've got temperatures in the thirties Fahreinheit (sp?) predicted for tonight.

It's quite a large city, not Chicago-sized but getting close. It's actually two cities, both named 'Kansas City', crossing the Kansas-Missouri state line (KCK, KCMO). Can get a little confusing. Yes, there are cornfields surrounding the airport and surrounding the city, but depending on where in KC you're staying, you might have to drive awhile to get to them. Driving 'across town' once I reach the outskirts can take as long as getting to the outskirts from Topeka.

And yes, quite cosmopolitan. Dance clubs, shopping, funky old neighborhoods full of Victorian houses, symphony, ballet, museums, art galleries . . .

Can you tell I miss living there? :D

If you have some time while you're there, drop a note to the list. I might be free that day . . .

[NightAngel]

I have yet to find anywhere around here (Tampa) that is as much fun for clubs, shopping, food as Westport! I love Westport...

[Trishlovesdolphins]

i live in kc, if i were you, i'd plan on cold weather, but also bring some lighter shirts and a jacket, there's an old saying that you can throw a snowball, but by the time it hits its water. just as an example, it was 80 day before yesterday, today its 50 and raining. and no its not *technically* tornado season in November, but they have happened, though I seriously doubt that will be the case this year, we've had a very mild tornado season this year.

there's plenty to do, westport is good if you're a clubber, the plaza is good if you're a window shopper (pretty expensive) crown center is cool, and if you come after thanksgiving all the xmas lights will be up.pm me if you want more places to go, i'm not sure what kinds of things you'll like. we have obvious places like the casinos, but there are some places that you might now know about if you don't live here.

this might help
http://www.visitkc.com/

[Heksubah]

November in Kansas City, I'd say be prepared for cold but, like Trish said, bring a few lighter things too just in case. Missouri likes to throw people for a loop whenever possible.

I live in the northland, the north side of KC, which is actually where the airport is located and a rather nice little area. I don't know much about the clubbing scene, but I know there's a lot to do in the area. No, don't expect wheat fields here. We may be Kansas City, but the majority of it is on the Missouri side and is quite city-esque ;)

[Barefootgirl]

Thanks, everyone. That's really helpful for me (especially the bit about tornadoes!). I guess the key is layering when it comes to dressing - i'm not expecting to be outside much, as these events are invariably airport-cab-hotel-client offices-cab-airport but its as well to be prepared. Turns out I'm going on to Boston afterwards, and I think that will be quite chilly, so it looks like cold-weather kit for me !