Kansas City, MO

Country Club Plaza
KC’s most popular destination, this 14-square-block plaza was designed in 1922 with an airy architecture style modeled after Seville, a sister city in Spain; it offers over 160 outstanding shops, cafes and restaurants among its old world architecture of Spanish towers, red-tiled roofs, ornate ironwork, 40 fountains and 50 sculpted works of art, the Plaza is also distinguished as the nation's first suburban shopping district for the automobile; Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat 10a-7p, Thu 10a-9p, Sun Noon-5p; 47th Street & Broadway; http://www.countryclubplaza.com

Crown Center
Opened in 1973, this 85-acre live, work and shop environment is one of KC’s most popular destinations; the development includes two luxury hotels, 300,000 square feet of shops, restaurants, theatres, and a children's creative workshop; the center always hosts events –including the bigger ones during Christmas, Valentines Day, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween and Thanksgiving; card-lovers will enjoy the Hallmark Visitors Center, showcase for the world's largest manufacturer of greeting cards; Hallmark Visitors Center is open Mon-Sat; FREE admission; 2450 Grand; 816-274-8444; http://www.crowncenter.com

City Market
A few blocks north of downtown is the Midwest's largest outdoor farmer's market; take in the fragrance of farm fresh produce and flowers while other vendors sell a wide variety of gift items; restaurants, shops, art galleries antique stores and the Arabia Steamboat Museum round out the attractions; 5th & Walnut; 816-842-1271; http://kc-citymarket.com

KC Power & Light District
Opening spring 2008, this $850 million development re-energizes downtown with entertainment, retail and dining in a 9-square-block district in a vital link between the convention center, hotels, businesses and attractions; attractions Consentino’s Gourmet Market, Lucky Strike bowling lanes, Bristol Seafood Grill, China BAR, wine bistros, barbeque, Mosaic ultragroove lounge  and Gordon Biersch Brewery; located downtown; http://powerandlightdistrict.com

Westport Square
A unique mix of shops, restaurants, galleries, movie theaters and popular nightclubs; Westport once played a key role as an outfitting post for wagons heading West along the trails; Historical markers recount the story of the 1864 Battle of Westport, the last major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi; Broadway & Westport Road; 816-756-2789; http://www.westportkc.com

Harrahs Casino Resort
Aside from the casino, it features 392 luxurious rooms, 7 restaurants/cafes, plus The District and VooDoo Lounge nightclubs; 1 Riverboat Drive; 816-472-7777; http://www.harrahs.com

Isle of Capri Casino
The exterior resembles a riverboat from the 1800's, but the interior has a tropical theme with five restaurants/cafes cover most of what you’d like to eat while at a casino; free live entertainment on the casino stage every weekend; 1800 East Front Street; 800-THE-ISLE; http://www.isleofcapricasino.com/Kansas_City

Ameristar Casino & Hotel
One of the largest casinos in the country with entertainment that includes Star Pavilion for concerts – Brian McKnight has performed here, Depot #9, Casino Cabaret, a large Cineplex, video arcade; and a Kids Quest supervised child-care facility; the onsite 184-room hotel offers a mixture of suites and standard rooms; 3200 North Ameristar Drive; 816-414-7250; http://www.ameristarcasinos.com

Riverside, MO

Argosy Casino
A recently built $105 million casino with a Moroccan/Mediterranean theme; upon entering you’ll notice the domed, stained glass ceiling, hand-made Moroccan tile and terrazzo floors; this is definitely as upscale 62,000 square foot casino with upscale cafes; the hotel includes a luxury suites and a spa; entertainment varies widely though so check the website calendar; 777 NW Argosy Parkway; 800-270-7711; http://www.argosycasinos.com/kansascity

Kansas City, KS

The Legends at Village West
KC’s newest shopping and entertainment destination boasts almost 100 shops, a Cineplex with luxury stadium seating and VIP balcony, bowling alley, gourmet restaurants and the country's first T-REX Restaurant filled with animatronics; increasing the eye-candy quotient, outdoor art is also sprinkled throughout; 1843 Village West Parkway, State Route C-127, 15 minutes west of Downtown, at the intersection of I-70 and I-435; 913-788-3700; http://www.legendsshopping.com