Entertainment

On the Lake

Editor’s Note: Due to COVID-19, 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 passage for many Missourians. In […]

The Ins and Outs of Pet Parenting

Columbia is a pet-friendly city with amenities that include three fenced dog parks and two leash-free nature areas. There are local shops dedicated to pet needs, social events that revolve around our non-human friends and even several restaurants that allow animals on their patios. Whether they’re four-legged, furry, feathered or scaled, pets are a meaningful […]

Binge the Blues Away

It doesn’t matter if you’re a die-hard Netflix fan, an Amazon Prime-watcher or a Disney-plus subscriber, chances are you’ve binge-watched at least one series since the inception of streaming services. Don’t worry, we’re not judging. In fact, we’re big fans of grabbing a bowl of popcorn and curling up on the couch … for several […]

50 People, Places, and Things that are So Columbia

People J’den Cox Hometown hero J’den Cox easily captured Columbia’s heart with his winning moves on the wrestling mat, first for Hickman High School and then at the University of Missouri, where he was a three-time NCAA Division I national champion and four-time All-American. But he would go on to capture much more: a bronze […]

Your Best Valentine’s Ever

This piece was originally published in our February 2020 issue. Please check with the restaurants, stores or other places mentioned to see whether the offerings mentioned are available in February of 2022. I don’t remember what year it began. I just know that the strawberries were big and juicy and covered in chocolate. They were […]

Chill Out

Snuggle up with a hot cocktail in a new way this winter season with The Roof’s latest addition — igloos. The structures debuted with a soft opening on Nov 21. As soon as the five igloos were constructed on the rooftop bar, The Roof used word of mouth and a social media post to advertise […]

Winter Fun Guide

It’s officially that time of year when the sky is almost always gray and several layers have to be donned before stepping foot outside. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun! We’ve put together 25 activities that are sure to keep you entertained and jolly this winter. From chop-your-own-tree to an epic craft […]

Shop Local

Editor’s Note: This 2019 article has been updated to reflect data and trends from the effects of COVID-19 on the Columbia business community. Let’s take a brief trip back through the recent history of major retail trends. In the 1970s, shopping malls burst onto the scene. Then the big-box stores such as Walmart and Target […]

Coffee Curriculum

The first official cup of coffee — well, tea — served at the new Kaldi’s Coffee shop in Cornell Hall was a chai latte for Ajay Vinzé, the dean of the business school. The shop, referred to as a learning café, is a partnership between MU’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business and Kaldi’s […]

Columbia’s Foodie Scene

Columbia might not be as big as Chicago — or even Kansas City — but when it comes to food, we can compete with the best of them. With Columbia’s expansive restaurant scene, there are sure to be many who consider themselves “foodies,” or experts in all things gastronomical. In case you don’t consider yourself […]

Dining Deals

A good deal is hard to pass up, especially when it’s a 12-ounce strip steak for less than $11. Yes, you read that correctly. Who says good food has to break the bank? We’ve rounded up the best dining deals in Columbia — including bottles of Portuguese wine for under $10 and $5 brick-oven pizzas […]

Autumn Festivals

Cooler temperatures and low humidity combine to create perfect weather in mid-Missouri during September and October. Celebrate the bounties of the season with art shows and festivals. Whether you are looking for a new piece of art to brighten your home or office, or a pumpkin or a mum plant to embrace the season, there’s […]

Cuisine Culture

A lime-green storefront on East Broadway pops against a sea of brick and tan buildings in downtown Columbia. The Herrera family opened Paleteria El Tajín, a Mexican ice cream shop, in August at 923 E. Broadway. Since moving to Columbia in 2006 from Veracruz, Mexico, the Herreras felt that the city was missing an authentic […]

Patio Perfection

The pleasure of “dining out” is magnified when it happens literally.  Enjoy our warmer weather by dining al fresco at one of Columbia’s 40-plus restaurant and bar patios. There’s a patio for every occasion, from happy hour to date night. To aid you in your search, we’ve profiled five of Columbian’s favorite outdoor places to […]

Touchdown Tipple

During the summer heat, beer or wine can seem too heavy, especially when you’re tailgating in the sun all day. The solution? A creative cocktail. We spoke with three of Columbia’s bartenders to get the low-down on the best mixed drinks to tailgate with. Create these cocktails prior to heading to your tailgate spot, or […]

Be Our Guest

Dan Bauer and Ali Ratcliffe Bauer aren’t new to Columbia — or even new to The Wine Cellar & Bistro, which they purchased earlier this year. The husband-and-wife pair first met each other more than 10 years ago at the bistro, soon to be renamed the Cherry Street Cellar. “I was just looking for a […]

Fancy Footwork

Day or night, Columbia is hopping with people twisting, twirling, leaping, swaying and spinning their way through dances of all kinds. From salsa and swing to folk and hip-hop, there are places for all styles, ages and experience levels. From the 1920s through the 1940s, swing dancing was all the rage. Today, it is still […]

Getaway to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park has long been a mid-Missouri gem. For Columbia residents, and those who visit the city, the scenic park offers plenty of outdoor fun from hiking and mountain biking to cave exploring and wildflower spotting. The namesake of the park is a massive, tree-topped limestone rock bridge that was separated from […]

5 Places to Get Your Feet Wet

Summer’s here and the livin’ is easy. It’s also hot and humid. Definitely time to get your feet — not to mention the rest of your body — nice and wet. To this end, we’ve scouted five bodies of water within easy driving distance of Columbia where you can chill out and cool off. Lake […]

Beyond The Fourth Wall

Elizabeth Braaten Palmieri had built an extensive resume. An actor, director, writer and educator, she had no shortage of accomplishments in her theatrical career. Yet wit in this artist burned the fire of an entrepreneur, aiming to inspire audiences with her dynamic and unique brand of performance. The daughter of a Minnesota farmer and a […]