Five Favorites of Columbia, Mo 2021
I LOVE Columbia, Missouri, or CoMo as us locals like to call it. I have lived here since 1991. I have been a Columbia Chamber Ambassador, a Rotarian, I’ve volunteered for so many non-for-profit organizations, and worked with TONS of local business in many aspects.
Trust me, I know all the best spots, things to do, and how to really experience this amazing college town.
Here’s my current Top Five Things TO DO:
See the sunset over the Missouri River at Cooper’s Landing. I have been going to Cooper’s Landing since I was in high school. It has definitely changed in just the last two years but still has the charm and character that I’ve grown to love. When it’s warm weather you can find local food trucks posted up, travelers stopping by while riding the MKT Trail, and locals gathering to enjoy the gorgeous atmosphere. If you go, Make sure you meet Rodney (He.ll be the one in overalls, going in a million different directions).
Murry’s. Good Food. Good Jazz. Since 1985. This place never disappoints. Consistency of food is key when being successful in the restaurant industry and this place has it locked down. The food is the best and ya’ll the prices are shocking. Thursday through Friday you can catch live music in the evenings and the ambiance is original. I have tried everything on the menu (yes, even the sardines). My go to order is usually the fried eggplant (for appetizer), dinner salad (but add cucumbers, onions and tomatoes), Chicken Poblano and a side of mashed potatoes for entree and then YOU HAVE TO GET A DESSERT!! They are all homemade and change daily. Trust me, save room for the dessert or take it home for later. YOU WON’T REGRET IT!
The Trail. Columbia, Missouri has multiple places to access the MKT Trail. It is great for running, walking, biking and just exploring. Majority of the trail is lined with trees that provide an inviting shade on hot summer days and in the fall...Well, it’s a foliage oasis.
The District. Downtown CoMo is such a unique place, eclectic and thriving. Many of my favorite local businesses are located within the heart of our town. Some of my favorites are American Shoe, Room 38, Maude Vintage, 44 Canteen, Moon Yoga, Sparky’s Ice Cream, Poppy, and The Blue Note. You can also see the famous Columns and explore The University Of Missouri’s campus.
Tailgate at a Mizzou football game. You should know (if you don’t already) is that the tradition of Homecoming was first started right here in Columbia, Missouri. There are a couple other schools who try to claim they were the first but the story goes that in 1891 Mizzou played against our biggest rival kU (which is the oldest college rivalry west of the Mississippi). Then in 1911, Mizzou’s Athletic Director invited all alumni to “come home” for the game, which included a parade and spirit rally with a bonfire. Home football game Saturdays are a vibe. There is a feeling in the town that can only be explained by experience. The smell of grills, the vision of comradery, and the shouting of “MIZ-ZOU is everywhere. When we joined the SEC the other schools' fans even noticed how we do “tailgate Saturdays.'' We’ve been complimented on hospitality and traditions. I love wearing black and gold and supporting our Mizzou Tigers.
I love Columbia, Missouri. Everyone does. While these are only five, there are so many more I will share later. In the meantime, I’d love to hear what you love to do here in CoMo.