Ingrams June 2023

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Big Slick

BEST OF BUSINESS KANSAS CITY 2023

photo by Alistair Tutton Photography

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE

BEST ART GALLERY The absolute center of the cultural universe in Kansas City, as it has been almost since the doors first opened in 1933, is the NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART . With its vast col lection of classical painting and sculpture in the main gallery, contemporary works in the adjacent Bloch Building, traveling exhibitions and appeal as a civic gathering place, the museum earns Gold here, and stands alone in the medalist category. BEST CASINO Bringing the feel of Vegas to the heartland, ARGOSY CASINO HOTEL & SPA is so much more than a gamer’s paradise—the dining, accommodations and rejuvenation possibilities pay off with Gold here. With a sprawling 60,000 square foot gaming floor, HARRAH’S KANSAS CITY makes off with the Silver , and AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL KANSAS CITY , with more than 2,000 games to choose from, deals the Bronze . BEST CHARITABLE EVENT You can’t accuse Ingram’s readers of being out of touch with the local philanthropic scene: In a year where they awarded the BIG SLICK its first Gold , the event racked up a record $3.5 million for Children’s Mercy Hospital. A commitment from locals-turned-stars Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Eric Stonestreet and Rob Riggle has made that event one of the hottest tickets in town each June. Silver goes to JAZZOO , a longtime favorite in this category, benefitting the Kansas City Zoo, while SNOW BALL racks up Bronze for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. BEST DAY TRIP Ever want to get away from it all? At least for a few hours? Where better to start than WESTON, MO. ? Our Gold winner—for a 20th straight year—features dining straight out of the surround ing farmland, museums, vineyards, and public houses. What

more do you need for a mini-vacation? Or try the very definit ion of close-knit communities, Silver winner LAWRENCE, KAN. , which calls back many of the KU alumni living in this region. Nestled in the quiet country near Kingsville, Bronze winning POWELL GARDENS is spectacular when things are blooming but open all year round with various attractions. BEST FAMILY OUTING/VENUE Always a contender for Gold in this category, the KANSAS CITY ZOO scores again for its range of wildlife on display, and the com ing Sobela Ocean Aquarium opening this year will only enhance that relationship. TOP GOLF , bringing the sport into the realm of hospitality with its food and drink options, nabs Silver . Pickle ball has become a Thing as an American pastime, which works out well for the business model of Bronze winner CHICKEN N PICKLE , sharing that distinction with WORLDS OF FUN . BEST GOLF COURSE A typical game of golf can take a long time to unfold, so why not play through in a place where relaxation is paramount? The choices are plentiful—so much so that we have multiple ties, including a rare one for Gold . There, THE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB offers a variety of amenities to members, from wonder ful dining, pools, gyms, and of course, golf. Voters were equally enamored with HALLBROOK COUNTRY CLUB in Leawood, with a long history of challenging and fun links. The other tie, for Silver , goes to BROOKRIDGE GOLF & FITNESS in Over land Park and OAKWOOD COUNTRY CLUB in south Kansas City. BEST JAZZ/BLUES CLUB Jazz’s history in Kansas City can’t be ignored by guests or long time residents. If you want to experience the best Kansas City jazz, visit any one of the following clubs, starting with GREEN LADY LOUNGE , a club with a rich legacy of undistracted

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Kansas City’s Business Media

Best of Business Kansas City 2023