Heidi Gardner, the beloved Saturday Night Live star, has been making audiences laugh for years. But beyond comedy, she has a deep love for travel, especially when it comes to her hometown—Kansas City. As SNL celebrates its 50th anniversary, Heidi reflects on her favorite travel memories, her connection to Kansas City, and what she has learned from exploring the world.
Heidi Gardner’s Travel Stories
For Heidi Gardner, Kansas City is more than just where she grew up—it’s a place of warmth and comfort. She describes it as a city that feels like a hug, a sentiment shared by visitors who immediately feel welcomed. Over the years, Kansas City has evolved from a “stop-over town” into a travel destination filled with culture, sports, and incredible food.
One thing the city is famous for is its barbecue scene. Heidi knows it well and has her go-to spots. For burnt ends, LC’s Bar-B-Q is her top choice. She heads to Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque for its legendary ribs, Gates BBQ for its nostalgic sauce, and Slap’s BBQ for its melt-in-your-mouth sausage.
For first-time visitors, she recommends River Market, an open-air marketplace with diverse vendors. The Arabia Steamboat Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into frontier life. She also suggests checking out vintage movie theaters like Screenland Armour and Stray Cat Film Center, as well as art spots like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
A self-proclaimed Kansas City Chiefs fan, Heidi Gardner loves how sports bring the city together. She encourages visitors to watch a game at the newly opened CPKC Stadium, home to the Kansas City Current, the first stadium built specifically for a women’s professional sports team. She also enjoys catching Kansas City Royals baseball games at Kauffman Stadium.
When it comes to traveling, Heidi Gardner has some simple must-haves. She never boards a plane without a toothbrush, as she believes brushing her teeth mid-flight helps her feel refreshed. She also describes herself as an “under-packer,” often re-wearing clothes to avoid carrying too much luggage.
Her next dream destination? Japan—especially Tokyo Disneyland and Sanrio Puroland, as she is still a fan of amusement parks.
Growing up, Heidi was surrounded by travel stories since her mother was a travel agent. While most of their family trips were road trips to Branson, Missouri, one of her most cherished childhood memories is a trip to Walt Disney World with her grandparents.
As an adult, she has enjoyed destinations like Santa Barbara and Malibu, where she recently took a road trip. She recalls staying at San Ysidro Ranch and Nobu Hotel Ryokan Malibu, where the sound of ocean waves made for a peaceful sleep.
One travel lesson she has learned? Embracing the unexpected. She recalls a flight delay in Hawaii that forced her to spend an extra night in Honolulu. Initially frustrated, she later realized it was a gift—an extra day in paradise.
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After eight years at SNL, Heidi still appreciates the magic of Rockefeller Center. She enjoys passing by the iconic murals and floral arrangements every Saturday before a show. She even has a favorite post-show snack spot—Rosa Mexicano, where she prefers guacamole and a margarita over a heavy steak at 3 a.m.
Heidi Gardner’s love for Kansas City and travel is evident. Whether she’s exploring new destinations or celebrating her hometown, she embraces every journey with humor and appreciation.
