River Market - Kansas City, MO

As the oldest incorporated district in the city, River Market commemorates the spot where Kansas City first became a city. This area has served as a central hub of commerce over the decades, thanks to its open-air market and its dock during the days of trading goods along the Missouri River.

If the area's history catches your imagination, visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum. Centered around an excavated steamboat that sank to the bottom of the Missouri River in the 1850s, this unique museum highlights the restored items found in the cargo hold, showing what life was like before the Civil War.

Inspire your creative side at the Kansas City Artists Coalition, a gallery and resource center. The Coalition showcases the works of emerging and established talent. Festivals bring the community together. The Wine Walk on Delaware gives you a chance to sample fine wines at neighborhood bars and restaurants.

Diversity reigns when it comes to dining in River Market. Eateries found throughout the neighborhood boundaries reflect a range of international influences.

You may not spot Le Fou Frog right away, but the unassuming appearance hides a treasure trove of quirky French cuisine that you won't find anywhere else. Local foodies recommend trying the decadently creamy lobster bisque or starting your meal with chilled foie gras on brioche. Watch the evolving menu for exotic offerings, including kangaroo or ostrich.

The Farmhouse takes the concept of farm-to-table seriously. This rustic Midwestern restaurant serves locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on innovative meals that reduce wastefulness in preparing food. A homey atmosphere, friendly staff, and entrees such as fried green tomato sandwiches and gourmet cheese plates turn the Farmhouse into a local gem.

Blue Nile Café stands out as a smart choice for vegetarians. Even if you don't know a lot about Ethiopian dishes, Blue Nile's menu brims with flavorful meals that will win you over. Use injera, a tasty flatbread, to scoop up spicy blends of vegetables or meat. Try the sampler platter to get a taste for a variety of dishes.

With downtown Kansas City so close, your weekends will never lack for nightlife options. River Market hosts a small selection of its own bars and pubs. The Blue Line caters to sports fans with a laid-back vibe -- except during hockey season, when fans congregate at this Walnut Street hangout to cheer on their favorite team while munching on carnitas tacos and nachos.

If live music strikes your fancy, head to Harry's Country Club. This bar hosts a revolving roster of home-grown talent.

A safe and efficiently sized neighborhood, River Market invites pedestrian activity. Running errands on foot tends to be simple. Downtown Kansas City is working towards becoming a more bicycle-friendly community, with some bike infrastructure already in place that makes cycling to work or for fun a viable option. River Market Cyclery provides road bike rentals for the day.

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, or KCATA, keeps you connected with the greater downtown region and beyond. The Metro Area Express, a rapid transit bus service, arrives every nine minutes during rush hour. For longer trips, such as a voyage to nearby Chicago, try the Megabus service, which has a designated station in the River Market area.

Reserving a cab via the Internet or by phone serves as the quickest way to get a taxi. Atlas Cab Company can be a reliable option. Uber, the popular ride-sharing app and service, also provides service in downtown Kansas City. A number of parking lots and parking garages charge roughly $3 a day for parking access. Interstate 70 stands a short drive away, while I-35 and I-29 are easily accessible from this neighborhood.

Multiple parks call River Market home, so you'll never be far from green space. City Market Park, adjacent to the famous farmer's market, includes ample seating space and plenty of shade, inviting you to relax while enjoying coffee from the nearby vendors. Though small, City Market Park is good for a brief stroll or letting the dogs play.

For cyclists, runners and joggers, Berkley Riverfront Park promises the kind of stunning scenery that motivates you to keep up with your weekly workout. Sprawling across 17 acres and looking out over the Kansas City skyline, the park lies along the Missouri River. Don't forget your camera, whether you're a professional or amateur photographer.

Although Berkley Riverfront Park doesn't have playground equipment, kids can enjoy the fresh air or ride their bikes. During July, Berkley plays host to the city's Independence Day Celebration, complete with fireworks.

River Market's top amenities make this neighborhood somewhat pricey, costing 11 percent more than the Kansas City average.

The cost of a beer at a local pub comes close to the national average, between $8 and $9. With downtown Kansas City situated right nearby, traveling to the city center costs about $3 for a round-trip via the MAX. When driving your own vehicle, expect to see gas prices at about 13 percent cheaper than the national average.

The average rental rate in the River Market neighborhood stands at about $1,137 for a one-bedroom home. Many rental properties within the area are converted lofts or luxurious condo spaces.

River Market doesn't host many high-end shops, instead typically focusing on the home and garden. If you love blasts from the past, swing by the River Market Antique Mall. Packed with four floors of treasures and miscellany, this mall often causes shoppers to lose more hours than they expected, searching for the right knick-knack or unique piece of furniture. Visit Planters Seed & Spice Co. for a taste of history. Since 1924, this aromatic haven has sold fragrant teas, fresh spices, live plants and everything else you need for a cozy home and a gorgeous yard.

City Market is one of River Market's biggest draws, welcoming Kansas City residents from all corners of the city. This large, well-curated farmer's market on East 5th Street stays open seven days a week, but many locals consider early Saturday morning to be the best time to drop by for fresh offerings. Local farmers, artisans and restaurant owners host a variety of stalls, with restaurants near the outer border and produce near the middle.

As far as grocery-shopping goes, you have numerous options, including specialty and international groceries. Chinatown Food Market, Taste of Brazil Market and Al Habashi Middle Eastern Grocery sell produce, ingredients and dry goods. Several Market 3 stores serve the River Market residents as well.