The Tour (Part Two)
Got it! Here's an elevated, slightly more concise and elegant rewrite of your tour recap from Week One of #SGT26, keeping the tone engaging while making it feel more refined and structured:
Week One Recap: Mountains, Midwestern Marvels & Major League Ideas
#SGT26 | Southern Gentleman Tour
On July 8, I set out on a 26-day journey through 16 cities across the South and Midwest—part philanthropic road trip, part urban study, all in support of local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Week One? A whirlwind that took me from the quiet charm of Charleston, West Virginia to the explosive energy of Kansas City, Missouri. Let’s dive in.
Charleston, West Virginia
Traveller (my trusty car) and I began our journey with a reflective pit stop in Lexington, Virginia, to visit the final resting place of General Lee’s own Traveller. After winding through West Virginia’s breathtaking mountains and river valleys, we arrived in Charleston. A Monday visit meant a rather sleepy downtown, but the run along the Kanawha River offered a peaceful start to the tour.
Louisville, Kentucky
Tuesday’s route through Kentucky’s rolling hills delivered us to Louisville, where I explored Louisville Live!, a Cordish Companies entertainment district designed with weekend crowds in mind. While quieter midweek, its potential is clear: a lively pedestrian street surrounded by bars, restaurants, and a stage-ready setup.
Later that night, my gig took me to The Highlands, a stretch that felt like the lovechild of Carytown and The Fan—eclectic, energetic, and packed with personality. I’d definitely return.
St. Louis, Missouri
Onward west via I-64, the Gateway Arch welcomed me to St. Louis. I took in panoramic views from the top and quickly realized how deeply this city loves its Cardinals. With Busch Stadium set squarely downtown, game day becomes a city-wide celebration. The surrounding bar scene buzzes pre- and post-game, and rooftops like 360 Bar offer fans a skyline-level seat.
The takeaway? A centrally located ballpark transforms the energy of an entire district. Take notes, Richmond.
Kansas City, Missouri
And then came Kansas City—an unexpected highlight of the week.
Once a dormant part of downtown, the Power & Light District is now a thriving entertainment hub thanks to Cordish’s vision and local support. Anchored by the Sprint Center, the KC Live! Block features 16 bars around an open-air courtyard, complete with a stage and the uniquely-named Living Room bar. Most impressive? Patrons can carry drinks between bars inside the district thanks to a special entertainment permit passed by the Missouri legislature.
Across the street, a parking deck cleverly combines utility and luxury. Inside? A grocery store. Above? A rooftop park available for events. And atop that? The Jones Pool—a full-scale rooftop day club with cabanas, cocktails, and skyline views. It’s the kind of multi-layered, mixed-use development that Richmond could seriously benefit from.
Other KC neighborhoods worth noting:
Country Club Plaza – Think: Carytown meets Short Pump. Ideal inspiration for reimagining Richmond’s Boulevard.
Westport – Like a condensed Fan District, with nightlife in a tight footprint.
The Riverfront – And yes, KC—like every city I visited—has accessible running trails right along the water. C’mon, Richmond Riverfront Plan!
Week One was eye-opening and idea-filled. From stadium synergy to rooftop innovation, these cities are doing exciting things that Richmond can learn from. I’m heading south next—San Antonio and more to come. Stay tuned, follow the journey at #SGT26, and connect with me @thebowtieddj
Let’s keep building.