Sometimes, you're casually people watching and you notice something out of place. Is it a tourist? Odds are, there are a few easy tells that'll give you an idea where they're from. Besides the obvious difference of state tags and faraway football teams, here's some great ways to spot them. Tourists aren't a bad thing to have around... but they are funny to watch sometimes.
1. They've never been to Joe's KC BBQ, Arthur Bryants, or Gates BBQ.
I mean, does anyone really live here until they've tried these?
2. Beer sampling, especially Boulevard's.
Some of us might go tasting other brews, just in case a good one comes along, but we've all pretty much made our choices by adulthood. Boulevards or bust!
3. They've brought the wrong clothing.
You can tell they don't know about our weather when they have so many layers on in the fall. It's going to be 80 in three hours, don't you know?
4. Taking more than a couple pictures of the Plaza.
You can always tell whether they're just in the spirit or if they've genuinely never seen it before.
5. They're at the Kansas Speedway for a race.
Though many Kansas Citians do come here for races, odds are you're also seeing a lot of tourists.
6. The first place they want to go is Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun.
We've been there and done that more than a couple times already.
7. That accent that's always stronger than yours.
Double points if they tell you that you have the accent.
8. If they mention the Wizard of Oz at all.
We just don't mention this, ever. It doesn't even have anything to do with us!
9. They don't wave politely at oncoming drivers on the country roads around the city.
We don't expect you to do it to everyone, but if you meet eyes, at least lift a couple fingers to say hi.
10. They're covering their ears at Arrowhead Stadium.
Odds are you've already planned to wear earplugs or earmuffs. You just know better.
11. They say "y'all" instead of "you guys."
This ties in with the accent part, but sometimes their vocabulary is what sets them apart from locals.
If you're looking to avoid tourists, you probably won't find many of them at these family-owned restaurants right here in Kansas City.
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