MY HOME TOWN GUIDE FOR A HOME TOWN EXPERIENCE
Travel & Transportation
MCI- Kansas City International Airport
All flights should be booked from your starting destination to MCI Airport. Click the link here to see what airlines fly to MCI. Transportation from MCI to the Airbnb is 40 minutes. Airbnb to the studio is 21 minutes.
Welcome to our new and beautiful airport! Ask any native to Kansas City and they will tell you just how awesome it is. I would arrive an hour and a half in advance prior to boarding. Enjoy a drink or some fantastic food—it’s that cool.
Transportation
My recommendation for transportation would be Uber or Lyft. They’re super reliable, safe, and easily accessible. Download your apps before you land! Don’t forget to ride share.
You can easily rent a car at the airport while in KC but Uber & Lyft rides will be sufficient if you ride share.
KC Spring Weather
Spring is in full swing by April in Kansas City, but the weather can still feel unpredictable—so packing smart is key.
Average High: 65‑67°F
Average Low: 45‑47°F
Precipitation: About 3.5 inches (around 10–11 days of rain) is typical.
Snow: Very rare — only trace amounts (around 0.2″) happen on average.
Packing Tips:
Bring layers — think a light jacket or sweater for daytime, and something warmer for cool evenings.
Be prepared for rain — a rain jacket, umbrella, or waterproof shoes will come in handy.
Sleeping Accommodations
Stay at the New EV Lodge – Your All-Inclusive Retreat!
For this all-inclusive experience, we’ve reserved the newly renovated EV Lodge—a historic yet modern cabin escape set on 6 beautiful acres. Thoughtfully furnished with Crate & Barrel pieces and loaded with amenities, this home is designed for both comfort and connection. Check them out on Instagram: @theevlodge
Key Features Include:
Hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge for ultimate relaxation
Fire pit lounge and stargazing dome
Private movie theater, game room, and whimsical treehouse
Spacious sleeping accommodations for up to 21 guests (there’s only 8 of you).
While not everyone is expected to stay in the house, it offers plenty of space to relax, have fun, and bond. This home is designed to create memories, whether you’re unwinding, playing games, or enjoying the outdoors.
If you prefer to book accommodations elsewhere at your own cost, recommended hotels are listed below. That said, we strongly encourage everyone to stay together—bonding is a core part of this workshop and ensures a fully immersive experience.
If you plan on making separate sleeping arrangements please notify us at JSPhotographyEDU@gmail.com
Please note that this workshop isn’t exclusive to any gender. We welcome everyone and will make sleeping arrangements accordingly.
All of the hotels listed below are within 10 minutes from my studio. I have looked at prices, but please note that they are subject to change.
The Crossroads
7 minutes from my studio and my personal favorite.
2101 Central Street, Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816.897.8100
Pricing: $186 - $230 USD
The Fontaine
12 minutes from my studio, and a second favorite.
901 W. 48th Place, Kansas City, MO 64112
Phone: 816.753.8800
Pricing: $239 - $300 USD
21c Museum Hotel
5 minutes from my studio.
219 W 9th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone: 816.443.4200
Pricing: $200 - $310
The Ambassador
8 minutes from my studio.
1111 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816.298.7700
Pricing: $213 - $350
Hotel Phillips
5 minutes from my studio.
106 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone: 816.221.7000
Price: $147 - $195
Kansas City Marriott
6 minutes from my studio.
200 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone: 816.421.6800
Pricing: $249 - $400
Got Free Time?
If you find yourself with some extra time to spare, or want to explore more, here are some fun recommendations for food, and activities.
Bars & Pubs
Live music, great vibes, and “adult only” atmospheres
Prime Social: A KC cocktail hotspot with a “high-end” feel
Manifesto: A speakeasy environment that’s only accessible by a hidden door.
Mercury Room: Want to feel like you’re grabbing a cocktail in NYC? this is your spot.
Monarch: Locally produced cocktails, and a high-end vibe.
The Piano Room: Cozy atmosphere with live music.
The Drunken Worm: It’s a tequila bar, that’s all that needs to be said.
The Cigar Box: Your “hole-in-the-wall” with live music, and delicious drinks.
Julep: Liquor only accessible by a sliding ladder? sounds like out of a fairy tale right?
Green Lady Lounge: Known for its candle lit atmosphere and iconic KC Jazz.
Restaurants
BBQ: Want to experience what Kansas City Barbecue is all about? Your husbands you left at home will be jealous.
Q39-Midtown
Jack Stack Barbecue Freight House
Joes Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Italian: Kansas City is actually historically known for their Italian routes, they’re also known for their fantastic Italian food. Carb load!
Lidia’s Restaurant
Garozzo’s Ristoriante
Cascone’s Italian Restaurant
Mexican: Authentic and delicious…chips and salsa? Yes! All downtown, and all guarantee a good time.
Chuy’s
Zocalo Mexican Cuisine & Tequileria
Seafood: Nothing goes better with wine than some light apps, and a moody environment. This may just be the category for you.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Bristol Seafood Grill
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Steakhouse: Don’t let “steak house” intimidate you. These are all what living in the heart of America tastes like, and it’s oh so good!
The Majestic Restaurant
JJ’s Restaurant
801 Chop House
Traditional: I have to give you some of the “locals only” hot spots, because who doesn’t love traveling like a local?
Town Topic
Cupini’s
Portia’s Cafe
Vegan Options: Vegan friends… Kansas City is actually extremely vegan friendly, and I can assure you the options listed below are some of the best.
Cafe Gratitude Kansas City
Blue Bird Bistro
Succotash
River Market Finds: Lovely spots just minutes from my studio in the lively River Market of Kansas City.
Brown & Loe
The Farmhouse
Enzo Bistro & Wine Bar
