Kansas City, Missouri

Where: Kansas City, Missouri

Why: As if barbecue and ten annual outdoor Twins games weren’t enough, Country Club Plaza is one of the best shopping venues in middle America.

How: By car, it’s about seven hours south on 35W. By air, it’s slightly over an hour; at presstime, Northwest’s rate was around $400 roundtrip.

Stay: Presidents and tourists have headed to the Art Deco Hotel Phillips (800-433-1426) since the 1930s, and now it’s been renovated and is even more luxurious. Rates start at $119; specials and packages cater to girls’ weekends and Royals fans.

Eat: The trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Arthur Bryant’s (816-231-1123), the legendary barbecue “grease house.” Try the brisket and burnt ends.

Pack: Ruby slippers—you’ll want something a little nice for stepping out into the jazz and nightlife scene.

P.S.: There’s an art crawl the first Friday of every month in the Crossroads Arts District.