Entertainment

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…

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…

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…

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…

I don’t remember what year it began. I just know that the strawberries were big and juicy and covered in chocolate. They were perfect, thus contributing to my perfect Valentine’s Day. Over the years, my husband has continued to treat me…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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.…

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…

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…