Kansas vs. KXYZ

Today, while listening to the morning show on the way to work, I heard an interesting, although not surprising fact: Kansas is one of the cheapest places to visit. (Believe me, after Chicago, I even go to restauarants and stared at the menus in delighted awe). "Ah, yes!" I gave myself a mental pat on the back.

However, moments later, my state pride turned to horror as the announcers continued. There were two men, both from Missouri, and a woman from Kansas. "Yeah, too bad your state ends at Lawrence!" One told her.

To my utter shock, she agreed! They all went further saying, "Have you seen those Kansas advertisements, too? They advertise places like the Flint Hills! Come see a big field? What's up with that? Visit Salina! You know what's worst? They put Wichita on there! It's like one big giant trailor park!"

Okay...it ends here. Right now! I have been a Kansan all my life and, unlike the female announcer, I have a little bit of state pride. And that means the entire state.

Recently I had to compile a top ten list of things to do in Kansas for a curious friend. You know what was on that list? The top item was Konza Prairie - the most beautiful nature walk in the Flint Hills - conveniently located in Manhattan! (Likewise, I believe a KSU football game was on the list - if the team's not winning, at least the atmosphere's great!)

I also put Abilene, the salt mines of Huchinson, Dodge City, and, yes, something I'm sure in the Kansas City area.

The truth is, Kansas has a lot of great places to visit, and city slickers who grew up in Johnson county probably couldn't understand. So I'll make it simple.

People don't come to Kansas for the racetrack or the plaza. Sure - it's something to do while in Kansas city. But Kansas City draws Kansans! That's right - people already in the state! Or Nebraskans, or Missouri...ans...not real tourists. Can you really imagine someone from Chicago, Washington D.C., New York, or San Fransisco coming to Kansas City and really being wowed by the racetrack? Seriously?

Now, I'm not saying they would be wowed by Dodge City, but I am saying that if a city slicker dared to venture into the Wild West (or central) areas of Kansas, he probably would be coming to see something akin to the Wild West - the outdoors, nature. Not a half-baked version of what he came from. Because, really, that's what Kansas City is!

Kansas city is similar to weapons in the Civil war. They had advanced weaponry, but no one had bothered to update the manner of actually fighting, causing more casualties. Likewise, Kansas City is a fairly large metro area. But it hasn't updated with the times. There's no public transportation, so there's always traffic jams. The people aren't even all that educated. And, frankly, I'm really searching here for quality things to do that my peers might actually find interesting.

It all boils down to not judging, really. I mean, your idea of a good place to be might be a city with lots of restaurants and shopping. But if that's what you want, then Kansas City doesn't nearly stack up to other major cities around the country. I, however, am interested in history and culture. I am interested in learning about the history and culture that Kansas City has to offer.

But don't knock Kansas! We've got you beat on history, culture, and panoramic views any day of the week!