Art in the Park Delivers Fun for the Entire Family!

The first weekend in June is home to one of Columbia’s favorite festival traditions…Art in the Park. This year marks the festival’s 55th year and on June 1st and 2nd there will be something for every member of the family to love!

Stephen’s Lake Park, Home of Art in the Park.

One of the best parts of Art in the Park is its location. Stephens Lake Park is one of Columbia’s most beautiful locations, with a rolling landscape, open spaces, a stunning lake and play areas. Nature combined with the incredible art makes Art in the Park sure to inspire.

Stroll through the booths in the park to explore the art!

Sometimes people may think Art in the Park is all paintings…but it’s so much more than that! The festival attracts artists from across the country to sell their work in mediums ranging from jewelry and ceramics to weaving and, yes, paintings. You can pick up a new coffee mug for your office, a new painting for that empty wall in the living room or a gorgeous scarf that all your friends will want.

Let the kids get their hands messy!

Of course, buying and shopping isn’t all you can do. Let the kids get in on the act to make some art! Face painting, tie-dyed a t-shirts and more all await the little ones.

This June, take the first weekend and round up the whole family (and some sunscreen) for Art in the Park. It’s two days of art and play you’ll come to Columbia for every year.

Uniquely Columbia: The Broadway Diner

It’s late at night…you’ve just spent a fun time on the town with your friends in Columbia…and you’re hungry.

What. Do. You. Do.

You head to the Broadway Diner, of course!

Shown during the daytime. Hopping during the nighttime.

This Columbia institution is located just across the street from Flat Branch Park in downtown. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the Diner has late night hours (opening at 11:00 p.m. and serving it up until 2:00 p.m. the next day).

There are no tv’s, the menus aren’t fancy and the place is tiny, but nowhere comes to mind as quickly after a night out as The Diner. The biscuits and gravy are perfect for breakfast, lunch or late night snack and if you’re really feeling hungry, order The Stretch. It’s a multi-layered platter of hashbrowns topped with scrambled eggs, chili, cheese, peppers and onions. Definitely the perfect cure to a night out on the town.

During your next night on the town in Columbia, head to the Diner to meet some characters and have some great food.

What’s your favorite dish on the menu?

Columbia Snapshot: Flavors

In the mood for something sweet? Come to Columbia and check out The Velvet Cupcake. Located in the historic Tiger Hotel in downtown Columbia, the Velvet Cupcake bakes up fresh, fantastic treats every day for patrons with a sweet tooth.

This photo is a quick shot of the flavors on any given day. From traditional cupcakes like white wedding and chocolate to the more unique maple bacon, a menu of rotating flavors will delight any visitor. Head to 8th Street on your next visit and take a bite of a Columbia favorite!

Wine and Food and Chocolate, Oh My!

Since its first year, the Inside Columbia Wine and Food Festival has been gaining fans and followers from across the country. This week-long festival celebrates everything wine and food related both here in Columbia and all over the world. This year, the festival begins on May 10th with the final event on the 14th. Tasty meals and decadent wines await festival attendees and some new events will make your festival experience even better.

The Farm to Table Shop & Chop is a new event this year that celebrates the way local produce is used by chefs to create the spectacular meals served in their restaurants each day.  Participants will meet the chefs at the Columbia Farmer’s Market to learn how they pick the freshest and best produce.  After a short walk to the Activity and Recreation Center (ARC), the chefs will demonstrate how they turn those fresh ingredients into a memorable meal.

For the Love of Chocolate will tempt your taste buds with perfect pairings of wine and chocolate. The sampling stations will allow attendees to sample local chocolates paired with incredible wines from all over. Don’t miss this new festival event…it’s sure to become one of your favorites!

As always, the Wine and Food Festival will feature the Grand Tasting and meals with Columbia’s best chefs. Tickets are on sale for each event now and many Columbia hotels are offering special rates for festival attendees. Don’t miss out on this festival that continues to get better year after year. We’ll be here to clink glasses with you!

Finally Farmers Market Season!

‘Tis the season…for the farmers market!

The local enthusiasm for fresh, sustainable produce, meats, baked goods and more means the Columbia is home to three farmers markets! On your next visit to Columbia you can take home something fresh and delicious almost any day of the week.

Boone County Farmers Market

1005 W. Worley Street (The corner of Worley Street and West Blvd)

Saturdays 8 am – 12 pm (April  thru October)

Home to around 20 vendors on any given Saturday morning, the Boone County Farmers Market has an array of produce and goods available. From spring to fall, you can pick up the ingredients for an incredible meal and also buy plants to help you grow your own garden!

Columbia Farmers Market

Main Market Location: The ARC (1701 W. Ash Street)

Monday Market (4:00-6:00 at the ARC), Wednesday Market (4:00-6:00 at the ARC), Thursday Market (3:00-6:00 at Forum Christian Church), Friday Market (3:00-6:00 at Brookside Square), Saturday Market (8:00-Noon at the ARC)

Columbia’s largest farmers market brings in droves of people throughout the week to their various locations. Their largest market is on Saturday morning, when over 75 vendors fill the lots. The Saturday market often features live music performances, hot breakfast burritos made by local culinary students and other special events in addition to the products available to buy. Try honey ice cream from Walk About Acres, buy fresh cheese from Goatsbeard Farms or pick up something freshly baked from Uprise Bakery. From the salad to the steak to dessert, you can create an entire meal from what’s available at the Columbia Farmers Market.

North Village Farmers and Artisans Market

Wabash Parking Lot in the North Village

Sundays from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

The North Village Farmers and Artisans Market is Columbia’s newest market, celebrating not only local produce but local art. Artisans from the North Village sell their art alongside local farmers and you may even see one of Columbia’s delicious food trucks serving up breakfast during the market. You can also watch cooking demos and there’s a kids booth for the little ones.

Uniquely Columbia: The Bur Oak

Down a quiet road just a few miles south of Columbia is a local treasure. At over 350 years old, the largest bur oak tree in Missouri is a beautiful spot that you shouldn’t miss on your next visit.

The tree stands 90 feet tall and has a stately spot in the middle of a field between the tiny spots of McBaine and Huntsdale. One of the most popular places for photos in the area, ‘The Big Tree’ even has its own Facebook page. Beautiful in the spring and sometimes haunting in the winter, the tree is a majestic sight.

To reach the tree, head south on Providence Road and just keep driving. And driving. As the houses become farther and farther apart, you’ll know you’ve almost reached your destination. You can also reach the tree easily from the Katy Trail trailhead at McBaine, where Columbia’s MKT Trail joins with the Katy. Rain or shine, the tree is a uniquely Columbia gem.

Columbia Excited to Welcome the SEC Track & Field Championships!

Columbia is thrilled to have the opportunity to host the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Outdoor Track & Field Championships this year! This event is a great chance for you and your family to enjoy a weekend full of world-class athletic competition.

When: May 9-12, 2013

Where: Audrey J. Walton Stadium on the University of Missouri campus.

Tickets: Only available at the gate. All session tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youth. Single session tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth.

Parking: Dedicated parking is available for the competing teams, and specific lots are reserved for use by meet officials, volunteers, media, etc. General-public parking is designated on the map below.

This year’s event will showcase some of the most talented collegiate student-athletes on the nation. 81 total current or former SEC student-athletes competed in track & field at the London Olympics. In 2012, athletes from the SEC excelled in the NCAA Championships with the Florida Men’s team taking the team title, LSU Women’s team taking the team title and over 100 combined All-Americans.

To find out when your favorite event is taking place, check out the schedule. You can also track live results during the event.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic event having its first time in Columbia. We hope you’ll take the time to explore the rest of our city while you’re here, so take some time to experience our delicious local restaurants, vibrant downtown area and beautiful parks and trails. You can plan the rest of your visit on our website.

Columbia Snapshot

Now that longer days and warmer temperatures are back, outdoor enthusiasts are back out on the trail! This particular shot was taken just after crossing under Stadium Blvd. going toward the Stadium trailhead. This section of the MKT Trail provides lots of shade, beautiful scenery and a great way to explore Columbia by foot or on your bike!

Columbia has over 50 miles of trails to explore this spring and summer. Put on those running shoes or hop on your bike to start exploring them all!

Columbia is Poised for Patio Season!

With the trees turning green and flowers starting to bloom, it’s a great time to visit Columbia and experience its outdoor dining options. Last year, we told you about our perfect patios, but we have a few more suggestions for your next trip. Relax with some of Columbia’s most delicious food and enjoy the gorgeous spring weather!

In the District, there’s never a shortage of places to stop and have an incredible meal.

For al fresco dining, check out Teller’s. It only has a few tables out on the sidewalk and they go fast, but it’s a prime location for both food and people watching.

Teller’s in downtown Columbia decked out with Homecoming decorations.

Also in the District, Shiloh Bar and Grill is the perfect spot to sip a drink on their expansive patio, enjoy local music and have a great meal. The large shaded area is perfect for those hot days and the restaurant itself is a restored train station.

Food, fun and festivities.

Heading to the south part of town, a variety of outdoor options await you.

Las Margaritas is a family-friendly and festive place serving up fantastic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant opened this fall, so this spring marks the first time patrons will be able to enjoy their beautiful lakeside patio. Take happy hour outside and take in the view at Las Margaritas.

Fresh and fantastic at Las Margaritas.

If something from across the pond is more your speed, head over to 44 Stone Pub, where a seat on the patio and an extensive beer selection make for a wonderful experience. Dive into welsh rarebit, signature burgers and fish & chips. Be sure to get a side of colcannon. This mix of smashed potatoes, cabbage, bacon, butter and chives is absolute perfection.

44 Stone in south Columbia. Image from the Columbia Business Times.

Now that we’ve introduced you to a few more great Columbia patios, it’s time to come check them out! Did we miss any of your favorites?

Columbia, Missouri – What You Unexpect!

After months of research and learning more about our destination, we are thrilled to unveil our new tourism brand…Columbia, MO – What You Unexpect!

Time and time again, visitors are delightfully surprised by what Columbia has to offer. From picturesque parks and clever cuisine to amazing art and superb shopping, visitors find that Columbia is ‘more than a college town’ and ‘surprisingly sophisticated.’

We like to think of Columbia as the cool neighborhood in a big city, with a young vibe, an active buzz and an engaged community. We’re also a friendly and welcoming community, with a thriving downtown and abundance of cultural opportunities.

Along with our new brand, we’re also launching a new marketing campaign. This campaign comes complete with our very first television commercial.

We are so excited to launch this new brand and hope you’ll join us in our enthusiasm. Now all you have to do is get planning your next Columbia visit. We promise it’ll be exactly what you unexpect!