The opening of the western half of America was a critical period in our history. That process of emigration and settlement, beginning in earnest in the 1830s and 1840s, doubled the country's geographical size and expanded our global perspective to include the Pacific rim nations. This momentous westward movement of thousands of people, primarily over the historic Oregon, California and Santa Fe Trails, began in the Heart of America. Specifically, the Trails began in the then-frontier Missouri towns of Independence and Westport later part of Kansas City). Today, fascinating evidence of outfitting for the epic overland journeys west, and the unusual breed of men and women who made those journeys, can still be found in the metropolitan area.

Some of the greatest jazz players in all of history got their start in the clubs of Kansas City. World-class musicians such as William "Count" Basie, Charlie "Bird" Parker, and Orin "Hot Lips" Page, among many others, came together to create a sound the town can call its own. As much as jazz is America's original contribution to music, Kansas City was a unique voice in jazz," said Chuck Haddix, director of the Marr Sound Archives at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Haddix, also known as Chuck "Haddock," is host of "The Fish Fry," a late-night weekend jazz show on KCUR 89.3 FM.

When it comes to lip-smackin', finger-lickin', chin-dribblin', literally rib-stickin' barbecue, Kansas City holds its own. The Carolinas can rightfully claim to be the cradle of American barbecue and Texas is by far the brisket capital of the world. But Kansas City brings it all together with more than 90 barbecue joints - from little bitty eateries to full-blown, nothing-but-barbecue restaurants. True to tradition, barbecue here is dry rub-spiced, slow roasted hour after hour over a pit of hickory, and slathered up all around with some of the smoothest, richest, sweetly tangiest sauces in all the world. Thickest, too, for that matter. Traditional Carolina barbecue sauce consists of a mix of peppers in a bottl of vinegar. Traditional Texas sauce takes a tomato base, thins it with Worcestershire and vinegar, and adds a lot more hot peppers.

The perennial end-all, be-all of the Kansas City shopping scene is the Country Club Plaza, located in the blocks surrounding 48th Street and Nichols Road in Kansas City, Missouri. Having celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1997, The Plaza is the oldest shopping center in the country and attracts 10 million tourists each year. Along with some of the country's chic-est fashions and major labels, shoppers will find true Kansas City originals. More than 180 stores fill this 14-block area to make it a one-of-a-kind shopping destination. Seville on the Plaza, an enclosed four-floor structure at 500 Nichols Road, offers nearly 30 specialty stores and dining and entertainment options as well. But the architecture on The Plaza is as much a treat as the merchants' wares. Modeled after Seville, Spain, one of Kansas City's sister cities, the area features magnificent Spanish tile, piazzas, and terra cotta rooftops. The Plaza also did more than its share to earn Kansas City the title "City of Fountains." Perched on nearly every corner, each fountain is steeped in history and has its own story to tell. In addition, a stroll along the recently completed lighted walkway beside Brush Creek, which runs along Ward Parkway, makes for a romantic nightcap after dinner. The Plaza also is known for its exceptional holiday lighting display, illuminated each Thanksgiving through mid-January.

Kansas City is sometimes called the City of Fountains. Here is why!