Hey everyone, Scott Asner here.

Dinner is great. Always will be.

But sometimes romance hits harder when you step outside the reservation.

Kansas City has a lot of moments that feel personal, unplanned, and quietly memorable. The kind of experiences that slow things down and let you actually connect. No rush. No menu decisions. Just time together.

Here are seven romantic things to do in Kansas City that go beyond the usual dinner date.

• Take a sunset walk through the Nelson-Atkins Sculpture Park. Wide open space, iconic art, and a sky that does most of the work. Walk slowly, stop often, and let the conversation wander where it wants to go.

• Share coffee and conversation at Thou Mayest Coffee. Dim lighting, cozy corners, and zero pressure. It is a great place for long talks that start small and end up somewhere meaningful.

• Take in the view from the Liberty Memorial. Kansas City looks especially good from up here. Go at dusk, stand side by side, and say very little. Sometimes that is the most romantic move.

• Go for a slow stroll through the Country Club Plaza. The fountains, architecture, and easy pace make it perfect for wandering without a plan. Grab a coffee or dessert if you want, but the walk itself is the date.

• Spend an evening listening to live jazz at the Green Lady Lounge. Low lights, live music, and no need for small talk. Jazz gives you permission to sit close and just feel the moment.

• Do a quick art stop at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. You can see everything in under an hour without feeling rushed. Art is a great way to learn how someone thinks without forcing conversation.

• Take in the atmosphere at Union Station in the evening. The grand space feels especially romantic later in the day. Walk the hall, sit for a bit, and let the building set the tone.

If you’re looking for even more ways to slow down and savor the season, don’t miss my guide to Cozy Kansas City Spots to Escape the Winter Blues, where I share some of my favorite warm, inviting places around the city that are perfect when January feels long and you just need a comforting space to relax and recharge.

Scott Asner, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri

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