2020

Adam & Eve Meet 2020

A book of prose poems that was first imagined and contributed to over 15 years ago is now coming to fruition. Mid-Missourian Walter Bargen, one of Missouri’s former poet laureates, is publishing his 24th book this August. The prose poetry book, Pole Dancing in the Night Club of God focuses on well-known Biblical characters in […]

On Par for Steady Growth

During the 35 years that Tim and Toby Rost have been growing their business, they have taken their company from a small mom-and-pop landscape service to a sophisticated cluster of interrelated companies. Visitors to Superior Garden Center, located on 15 acres just outside Midway, would be surprised at the range of enterprises that the couple […]

Back in Business

The last few months have shaken the business community to its foundation. While many are reeling from the instability in our local economy, it’s imperative that we find the opportunities in the shake-up. They’re there… if you look for them. Every change, while difficult, brings with it a chance to return smarter, stronger and better […]

Well In Hand

There’s no need to carry a purse without personality this season. Not when it’s so easy to get your hands on an attractive array of options! In materials from luxe leather to sturdy straw, you’ll find a collage of colors, plus distinctive details including a trend toward tassels. So, whether you favor a slim style […]

Charm of Chicken Parm

It is time to harvest tomatoes. You can peel plain tomatoes and freeze or can them. You can also make salsa or tomato sauce and have them to use all winter. One of my favorite uses for tomato sauce is to top chicken parmesan. The sauce does not need to be fancy; tomatoes, salt, pepper, […]

Re-Envisioned Ramen

Ocha Ramen, a ramen and noodle restaurant on Grindstone Parkway, opened its doors this summer and offers authentic Thai-inspired ramen dishes. Owner Sittiporn Kanthabanjong, who goes by Jenny, has lived in Columbia for four years and realized there wasn’t an authentic Thai ramen restaurant, so she decided to open one herself. “My family back in […]

A Tasty Business Expands

Changes are brewing at Camacho Coffee, a roasting and distribution business owned by Jesse Walters and Megan Meier-Walters. The business is expanding and will be moving early this fall to a new location at Copperstone Plaza, behind Addison’s on Vawter School Road. Currently, Camacho roasts and packages its coffee in a commercial kitchen it shares […]

Pivot Professionals

Many Columbia businesses were on track for a record-breaking year — until this March, when the first COVID case was reported in Boone County. Health officials imposed a stay-at-home order and closed businesses deemed non-essential, such as retail stores, to prevent community transmission. In the last month, we’ve seen a partial re-opening of the county, […]

The Thrill of the Grill

Grilling is a primal process, cooking outdoors over an open flame, similar to how our early cave ancestors did. It has a ritualistic flavor, and there’s often a social component, too — the gathering of family and friends to share in a communal feast. Whether you’re gassed about gas, or you place your bets on […]

Pairing Beef & Missouri Wine

Bold Red Norton Grilled w/caramelized onions French dip sandwich Short ribs London broil Pasta Bolognese Smoked brisket Pepper steak Pot roast Light Red Chambourcin Hamburger On a pizza Filet with mushrooms Meatloaf With Swiss on a sandwich Lasagna Concord BBQ brisket Carne asada Rosé Dry Carpaccio Mongolian Philly cheesesteak Sweet In spicy Asian dishes Curried […]

Beautifying Columbia’s Traffic Boxes

If you’ve ever wondered how a guitar-playing deer made it onto a traffic box in downtown Columbia, you’ve come to the right spot. Every year, the City of Columbia hires local artists to decorate downtown’s traffic boxes not only to deter graffiti, but also to bring some local art into everyday life. It’s a great […]

Watts Up with E-Bikes?

E-bikes (electric bikes) are everywhere. More people are riding them along the streets and trails of Columbia than ever before. But it’s a hidden trend. Spotting an e-bike on the move is tough because e-bikes look just about the same as standard pedal-powered bicycles. Their motors are all but invisible — completely silent and built […]

An Age Imagined

“You’ll think of The Paris Hours for many hours after you’ve finished it, haunted by its shocking ending.” Paris in the 1920s was a magnet magnifique, attracting all manner of artists, both acclaimed and aspiring. It hosted the likes of literary legends such as Ernest Hemingway, Marcel Proust and Gertrude Stein, musicians such as composer […]

Upscale Upgrades

A quaint unmanned guardhouse at each entrance signals that you’ve arrived at Arrowhead Lake Estates, a development that began in the 1990s and was originally 265 acres. Seven lots have been added to the neighborhood within the past five years, bringing the total now to 300 acres. There are 40 private lots. This home, built […]

Spruce-Up Specifics

Chances are if you self-isolated because of COVID-19, you had a good, long look at your home’s interior. If you’ve found some things that need to be updated, you’re not the only one. “I’ve gotten calls from clients saying they’ve had a chance to look around and evaluate changes in their home’s design,” Ed Rohlfing, […]

Hometown Heroes

As Columbians battled their way through the stay-at-home order, personal quarantines, working from home with their spouses and schooling their kids over the past several months, one thing stood out. Well, several people and businesses stood out. While everyone did their part staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, some members of our community […]

Ready for a Road Trip

Natural Bridges National Monument, located 35 miles west of Blanding, definitely qualifies as a hidden gem in southeastern Utah and a fun American Southwest adventure. The national monument offers hiking opportunities to three sandstone land bridges, as well as amazing star gazing. But if you’re short on time, the 9-mile scenic drive is a great way to see […]

Simple Shortbread

I have loved shortbread cookies since I was a kid. I love sugar, but I may love butter more. Shortbread is like the best of both worlds. I remember eating Archway shortbread cookies; all of my grandparents lived in Boonville, and for many years Archway maintained a plant there. It was not until I was […]

Light & Bright

Now that it’s heating up outside, it’s the perfect excuse to buy adorable summer outfits for your little ones. That can mean cute suits so they can splish like fish and all sorts of comfy shorts and tops. From sloth-printed button-ups to red bandana tanks, the options are endless at Carter’s, The Children’s Place and […]

On the Lake

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published June 1, 2020, be sure to check hours of operation for restaurants and attractions described below, as they may have changed since time of publication. With the alluring promise of swimming, boating, fishing or just simple relaxation, a lake getaway in the summer is practically a rite of […]