I find myself making a beeline home from Indiana.  My 2016 summer trip has come to an abrupt end, cut a month short because of a traffic accident in Boston.  I’m not going to let someone else write the end of this summer’s story.  I’m doing my best to stick with the plan and I made some of my own detours but now I have to go home.  One of my last changes is Kansas City.  Kansas City wasn’t on Plan A, but it was always in the back of my mind simply because of barbecue.  My trip has been driven by history and a big part of our history is food.  I had Texas BBQ and Memphis BBQ and Carolina BBQ so now I was going to finish the tasting with Kansas City BBQ.

As I drove into town I could see the rich history of Kansas City.  Known for it’s importance in our westward expansion, it’s located on the Missouri River and the Santa Fe Trail.  Remnants of the old city stand with the new.  I can see the downtown skyline as I cross the Missouri River and head towards the older and redeveloped part of town near Brush Creek.  I’ve seen this renewal in cities throughout my travels, parts of towns once discarded by “progress” are now getting a second chance from residents, cities and developers.  The buildings are magnificent pieces of art.  The locations are beautiful.  The transformations are stunning.

I made my way to Jack Stacks BBQ on Wyandotte Street.  The servers are friendly and eager to help a first timer make a choice about the BBQ.  I, of course, wanted to try it all.  I had a local beer while I waited and I enjoyed the relaxing setting.  Soon my “Jack’s Best” came and it was delicious.  Crown Prime Beef Rib, Pork Baby Back ribs and Beef Burnt Ends were paired with Coleslaw and Cheesy Corn Bake.  The beef in Kansas City is some of the best I’ve ever had!  I arrived with plenty of time to eat and stroll along the water before night fall.  This area of town is vibrant and buzzing with activity.  People of all ages are enjoying the waterfront and the shops.  I people watch for a while and drop into some of the shops before the sun starts to fade, reminding me that I have a short drive to Lawrence Kansas where I will be staying the night.

As my summer journey’s end hastens, my drives get longer and my stays get shorter.  Phoenix is calling me home.