Columbia, Missouri: My Favorite Places in and Around Town

If you are new to Columbia as a student or otherwise, or you just haven't had the time to get out and check out all the great things that Columbia, Missouri offers, you might be wondering what some of the city's gems are. Having been born and raised in Columbia, I have a deep fondness for this growing college town, and have compiled a list of a few of my favorite places. You can check them out, but be cautious! You just might fall in love.

1. Stephen's Lake Park is gorgeous. It is like a little piece of heaven just walking distance from The District. The lake is large and well maintained, much like the rest of the environment around the lake. There are two playgrounds, multiple concrete paths for taking a stroll or a jog through the park, picnic tables and benches, and even a roped off area for swimming (including a small beach) and a designated area for fishing. Ice skating is allowed when the weather permits, and it is even a dog-friendly park! If you're looking for a way to spend a gorgeous day, you should take a trip to Stephen's Lake Park on Highway Old 63, just north of Broadway.

2. Slackers is my favorite music store, and it's easy to find right on Broadway. They aren't just a music store, though. You can go check out their movies, games, and game systems, too. But, if you're there for the music, they pretty much have it all - right down to the local musicians. And, if you buy three CDs (CDs in good condition with a lowered price), you get the fourth one free! How cool is that?

3. The Blue Note is a great place to hear live music. It is right there in The District (on 9^th Street). They welcome bands and musicians of all genres - famous and local, alike. It is a bar, so they serve alcohol, but minors are not discouraged from coming for the music (with a two dollar cover charge). You can stop by the venue to see a list of who's playing in the future, or you can just buzz over to their websites, www.thebluenote.com.

4. Bambinos is a great little Italian restaurant on the corner of Hitt and Locust in The District. It is small and cozy with quaint little Italian restaurant feel. The service is almost as great as the food, and some nights they even have free live music to entertain you while you dine.

5. The Daniel Boone Regional Library is located on the corner of Broadway and Garth, just outside of downtown Columbia. It is a fairly new building, renovation having only been done a few years ago. This three story building has a great atmosphere. There is an abundance of cozy places to curl yourself into a chair to read/work, a great area for children (books, readings, a dramatic play area, etc.), and even a little coffee shop right inside the front doors. Check it out to check out some books, music or movies, or if you just need a quite place to work.