The District
There’s never a lack of momentum in Columbia’s downtown business district, day or night. Confectioneries open their doors as the sun rises, bars and nightclubs wake up well after dark. “It’s a constant change of scenery,” says Executive Director Katie Essing. “You can come down and discover different things with every visit. I love how […]
Local Business
Entrepreneurship is alive and well in Columbia. Skilled locals, who have developed a passion for trades in a variety of arenas, are embracing the town they call home and planting strong business roots here. Veterans United Home Loans is one of such companies that first began in Columbia with just four employees in 2002, and […]
Philanthropic Spirit
The true wealth of Columbia is found in its philanthropic spirit. It seems that in every moment, someone in Columbia is in fact working to make the world a better place. From escorting our veterans to see war memorials in Washington, D.C., supplying families in need or raising funds to pay off health care bills, […]
History
BOONE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Boone County Historical Society is a 93-year-old organization and has been collecting historical artifacts for 40 years. The 5,000 square foot exhibit space is home to many of these artifacts, some of which have been donated to the society. But you won’t just get to take a peek into the […]
Local Landmarks
There are those places that fire up a memory when thinking of home. Places that are well-known to locals and visitors alike. For us, these Columbia landmarks always come to mind. There are so many great places to highlight, this was a little like trying to pick our favorite child… Francis Quadrangle As G.F. Rothwell, […]
Festivals
This story originally appeared in our July 2017 issue. Some of the parties quoted are no longer in the same roles. Festivals conjure up an excitement like no other in our town. You can feel the pulse heighten even in the chill of winter or the humid heat of summer. Art in the Park has […]
Live Music
From seeing big names in large venues to listening to local bands on the lawns of smaller locales, music takes center stage in many Columbia memories. The Blue Note The theater turned music and event venue has been one of Columbia’s favorite spots to listen to live music for over 30 years. Its new owners, […]
Theaters
Columbia is home to many fine places to catch a flick, a stage performance or other entertainment. These theaters have helped some of our favorite festivals, such as True/False and Citizen Jane, come alive and keep us entertained time and time again. Though a buttered popcorn and a blockbuster can be an unbeatable combination, these […]
Creative Expression
Art galleries, city installations, performance arts and artists are all embraced in and around Columbia. The North Village Arts District hosts First Fridays, a free “art crawl” every first Friday of the month. The schedule changes monthly, but always includes the participation of art galleries, artists, restaurants and other businesses. Parades, outside performances and its […]
School
Columbia’s public and private schools foster healthy and productive learning environments from Pre-K through high school graduation. Some Columbia school kids loved their time here so much that they stuck around to teach the new kids on the block. Enter Erin Demzcak, Paxton Keeley elementary school first grade teacher, and former K-12 Columbia Public Schools […]
Farmers Markets
There’s something about strolling through the market in the early morning that starts the day off right. It’s not just the fresh local produce, but also the conversations with producers. Shaking the hands that just harvested so much delicious food just feels right. Columbia Farmers Market Established in 1980, the Columbia Farmers Market is the […]
Good Libations
Sometimes life calls for a drink. In the case of celebration, sorrow or simply social, Columbia’s locally crafted liquors are a well-loved town treasure. Whatever your pleasure — wine, beer or spirits — Columbia can craft beverages with serious drinkability. The May issue of Inside Columbia magazine showcases some of Columbia’s best places to sit […]
Good Eats
There are some Columbia meals which, when brought to memory, have the power to make your mouth water years down the road. What makes them memorable will vary — maybe it’s the ambiance, the great service, the robust flavors or the unforgettable company. My food memories of Columbia are scattered among high school summer evenings […]
Family and Pet Friendly
Family Friendly Although many college students depart Columbia for bigger cities after graduation, for many of those alumni, Columbia comes calling again when it is time to settle down. Sure, the memories made in our little Midwestern city are undoubtedly part of the reason, but the charm of a family-friendly lifestyle also comes into play. […]
The Great Outdoors
There is an abundance of opportunities to take in a breath of fresh air within Columbia’s city limits. With trails, parks and more to choose from, it’s easy to see why we love to spend time in mid-Missouri’s great outdoors. Trails Columbians love our trail systems! A study shows 82 percent enjoy using our extensive […]
Healthcare
Just over a year ago, days after she walked across the stage at her college graduation, my closest friend was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Stage 4. She was 23. It wasn’t certain whether she’d make it to 24. For the next six months, she endured pain in search of healing, had few […]
A Quest for Comfort
The sweet smoky smell hits you as you walk in the door. A friendly greeting and a seat amidst laughter begins the meal. Paper towels and an assortment of sauces line the end of the table. Whether you’re dining with friends or dining alone, the atmosphere feels like family. This is what you hope to […]
Faces of Columbia 2017
A special section celebrating the people responsible for some of Columbia’s best businesses — the places that help our community prosper. Photography by L.G. Patterson
The Face of Textbook Excellence
MBS Textbook Exchange, LLC is the largest used college textbook wholesaler, bookstore systems provider and distributor of direct-to-student course materials in the nation. The industry leader in course material fulfillment solutions, MBS serves K-12 and higher education institutions in North America and students around the world. MBS’s primary goals are to provide its partner schools […]
