In recent years, my husband and I started a tradition of going on vacation around Christmastime. Last year we did a friends’ trip to New Orleans. This year we decided on Kansas City, Missouri. My husband went last year, for the Eagles/Chiefs football game, but only spent about 36 hours there and wanted to experience more of the city.

Most people we told about our travel plans asked, “Why Kansas City?” While it may not be the first — or second — destination that comes to mind for a weekend getaway, we both love exploring new places with hidden gems.

We arrived early and immediately drove to Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. The popular spot is right over the state line in Kansas. I have not traveled much in the Midwest, so I was happy to cross two new states off my list. Since we arrived on Dec. 26, many places throughout the city were still decorated for Christmas, including our hotel, The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection.

Other highlights from our trip included exploring the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, listening to live jazz at the Green Lady Lounge, grabbing some beers at Brewery Emperial and eating barbecue, of course. We packed a lot into our short trip and would definitely visit the city again.

We already started thinking of where we should visit during the holiday season in 2019. I vote for a warm-weather destination. Do you have any suggestions?

— Katie Skrzek, vice president/digital director