2018

Immersion Excursion

The word “unique” is too often misused and abused, but in the case of these three day trip destinations, the term truly applies. Only in Missouri can you find these world-class, one-of-a-kind experiences. So, pack a day bag and head for the car. Let’s explore!                              

WWI Museum and Memorial

This year marks the centennial of the armistice of World War I, and the place to be to recognize the importance of this event is the federally designated National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City.  This museum complex, a National Historic Landmark, is one of the little-known wonders of the state — […]

Wonders of Wildlife

WOW! In a word, that’s a common reaction to the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium that opened in Springfield last September. It’s not often that the acronym for something is also the most fitting descriptor, but in this case, it is.  Thousands of people agree. Wonders of Wildlife was voted America’s Best New […]

Under the Arch

Whether this is your first trip to the Gateway Arch, or your 20th, you are in for a treat. At 630 feet, the Arch is the country’s tallest man-made monument, and that alone makes it awe-inspiring and mesmerizing. But there is more to marvel at with the grand opening of the Arch’s new entrance, visitor […]

Reasons to Start Drinking Aloe Vera Juice

If the title of this article has you wondering why we’re talking about the benefits of consuming aloe juice, you’re not alone. As a health professional, I am always skeptical about new food trends that may not have any scientific validity to support their cause. Traditionally, aloe is the solution we all turn to through […]

Lasting Legacies: Booches, American Shoe, L.C. Betz

Legacy and family businesses are rare. They not only survive the ups and downs of business cycles, but they keep their doors open and customers keep coming in for lifetimes, sometimes for three or four generations. Three local legacy businesses — Booches, American Shoe and L.C. Betz Associates have become part of the business fabric […]

American Shoe

About 100 years ago, an immigrant from Lebanon made his way from Ellis Island to Jefferson City. He knew very little English, but that didn’t stop him from starting a shoe repair business that eventually became the American Shoe Store. If he had been able to see into the future, he would never have believed […]

L.C. Betz

Diamonds may be forever, but the same can’t be said for the jewelry shops that sell them. Robert Flynn, general manager of L.C. Betz Associates, has more realistic goals. He’s ensuring that a Columbia legacy business remains a prominent part of the community. And he’s working to maintain its reputation as a trusted jeweler. “We’re […]

Booches

Parents returning to Columbia for a football game or to drop their college students off for the semester might stop by Booches on 9th Street for the nostalgia. The place oozes with it. But it’s not the nostalgia that brings in the students and other regulars. They come here for burgers, beer and good times. […]

The Creative Creatures of Kaye Gray-Manolov

Oatmeal, twigs, rocks and pieces of shoe. These are the type of inanimate objects that talk to Kaye Gray-Manolov. And she gladly keeps the conversation going. She collects an odd assortment of these objects, storing them in her dining room/art studio. When she gets a few free moments, she digs them out of their cardboard […]

Heather Brown

– PROMOTIONAL CONTENT –  Heather Brown began her military career being sworn into service by her mother, an active duty captain in the United States Army Reserve. Through her eight years, Brown worked as a Civil Affairs Specialist, taking on numerous responsibilities as she aimed to win the hearts and minds of foreign nationals. At […]

Robert Ross

– PROMOTIONAL CONTENT – Robert Ross retired after serving 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He spent three of those years in the infantry, and the remaining 17 in public affairs. He was stationed both in the U.S. and in Japan. During his service, Ross was awarded numerous medals: the Meritorius Service medal, Navy […]

Devara Brock

– PROMOTIONAL CONTENT –   Devara Brock served her country for many years in the Army, repairing top secret communication equipment. She says the highlight of her military career was being deployed to Saudi Arabia. Brock enjoys learning about other cultures and their traditions, and says that the best place she had the opportunity to […]

Joseph Blanton

– PROMOTIONAL CONTENT-   Joseph “Jo Jo” Blanton served in the Army as a 91E-Allied Trade Specialist, stationed in Kosovo, Germany. He is currently in the Reserve/Guard.   Blanton is a highly decorated veteran, a two-time recipient of the Army Achievement Medal and numerous other distinctions. If he were advising members of the younger generation […]

Culinary Adventures Tour 2018

Enjoy a fun evening of custom-prepared cuisine and selected drink pairings from some of Columbia’s finest including CC’s City Broiler, Grand Cru, Brasserie French Steakhouse, and The Roof. Inside Columbia is partnering with Columbia Culinary Adventures to give participants a unique, one-of-a-kind experience. Sponsored by Missouri Beef Industry Council.

Best of Columbia Winners Revealed

  Inside Columbia readers have spoken, and the 12th annual Best of Columbia results are official! Readers submitted more than 11,500 nominations and cast more than 815,000 total votes across 68 categories for their favorite food, drinks, people, shopping and services for the Best of Columbia list this year. Jostling for the top spot was […]

Where did you get that?

Best Place to Buy an Antique More than 500 booths are tucked into 73,000 square feet at the Midway Antique Mall and Flea Market, making it the readers’ favorite place to buy an antique. Just off exit 122 on Interstate 70, this antiques and collectibles mecca is home to both the rustic and refined. From […]

Exceptional Defined

Best Athlete  She’s tough. She’s fierce. She’s competitive — Mizzou’s Sophie Cunningham tops the list for Best Athlete. Her attitude on the basketball court is infectious, and her talent has helped draw record crowds to see the women’s team in action. With a lengthy awards list, Cunningham is still a hometown girl at heart, and […]

Eat & Be Merry

Best Appetizer If you haven’t tried the Nachos Bianco at Addison’s, a heapin’ helpin’ of Italian pasta chips covered with tasty toppings and Asiago cheese sauce, you’re missing out. The plentiful portion is piled high with tomatoes, scallions, Kalamata olives, banana peppers, mozzarella cheese and your choice of chicken, black beans or chorizo sausage. This amazing […]

Crispy, Creamy Crab Rangoons

Crab Rangoons are not traditional Chinese food, but they are delicious. You find them in just about every Chinese restaurant in the United States, but they originally started showing up on menus in San Francisco, not China, in the 1950s. It’s not difficult to make them; if you can make a dip, you can make […]