How far apart are Kansas City and St. Louis? Is it a barrier big enough to keep people from taking on the distance? Well, distance can make the heart grow fonder, and this is exactly what has happened between The Heart of America aka Kansas City and The Gateway to the West aka St. Louis.

The rivalry between these two cities runs deep in their sports teams, but there’s so much more to discover. For generations, Kansas City and St. Louis maintained a respectful distance from one another, with little interaction beyond sporting events or school rivalries. However, things are beginning to change!

Did you know that Kansas City and St. Louis have some of the most fantastic barbeque cuisine in the world? The Kansas City-style rib vs. St. Louis-style rib debate could easily escalate to petty wars among foodies. Speaking of wars, the once-upon-a-time important Pony Express trail linked these two cities, located along the old Missouri frontier. Recently, the Interstate 70 sprawls the distance offering more opportunities for exchange!

The ease of travel – car or plane - has brought together to KC and STL and encouraged cultural exchanges that have planted seeds of friendship all around. This inspired the Show-Me State to create the Missouri River Bridges Initiative a program launched in 2018 to construct two new bridges for tall 'ships' as well as vehicular traffic over the Missouri River, linking the heart of the two cities. Bringing locals together on taste, transportation, fun, craft, music; collaborations are turning these two distant cities into next-level buddies. From city to city, organization to organization there is a growing partnership and emphasis on the innovation of the communities according to Kansas City magazine.

Overall, thanks to improved transportation, economic development, regional planning, investments, infrastructure and trust -The divide between the equally vibrant Kansas and St. Louis regions is lifting- growth conditions up-limited only by imagination - might present many possibilities for opportunity and across a rapidly-progressing culture alongside technology.Kansas City loves its Royals and Chiefs team of athletes shining in Sports returns, in fashion, and not least recently making its identity known beyond its BBQ lore to show respect and appreciation for Art, Movement, and Commerce. Let's savor both these beautiful jewels of Missouri.

In conclusion, the distance may have made their hearts grow stronger and created a sense of eagerness to embrace their long-distance buddies from afar. That union is finding its place beyond ballgames and rivalries. Welcome more cultural partnerships! What else the future holds is down the horizon road... time and space cannot dictate how far two determined hearts and ideas shall survive against all odds.

Thank you for reading our blog about the connection between Kansas City and St. Louis. We hope to have provided insight and inspiration towards building and maintaining connections with the people and places we love. Remember that although distance may separate us, our hearts can remain intertwined. Take this reminder with you as you continue on your own journeys towards meaningful relationships.

Stay connected, stay inspired.

- The Bloggers