What exactly is it about Columbia Missouri that makes visitors come back
again and again?
Is it because, as one travel writer quipped, Columbia Missouri is “fun, funky
and surprisingly sophisticated”? Maybe The District’s exciting mix of unique
restaurants, specialty stores, galleries, and coffee shops has something to do
with it.
Could it be our fantastic festivals? The Twilight Festivals in June and
September bring thousands of people to The District for food, fun and
entertainment. Art in the Park and the Fall Festival of the Arts are also a
big hit. They showcase the work of local, regional and national artists.
And who can forget the Blind Boone Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival, honoring
one of Columbia Missouri’s most renowned citizens, John William "Blind" Boone?
Or the Heritage Festival, featuring exhibits honoring Lewis & Clark’s legacy.
When visitors do come back, they often return on two wheels instead of four!
The beautiful MKT trail, starting at 4th & Cherry connects to the state’s
225-mile long Katy Trail State Park and attracts folks from all over the world.
Of course, it could be all about the entertainment. Columbia has indie films
at the Ragtag Cinema, classic movies at the Missouri Theater, big performers at
the Hearnes Center or the Concert Series at Jesse Hall. Did I mention, the “We
Always Swing” Jazz Series, summer concerts at the Mizzou Amphitheater and
cutting edge contemporary artists at the Blue Note?
And, to round out the year, visitors always enjoy Columbia’s First Night
Celebration complete with an incredible fireworks display at midnight!
I suppose the reasons visitors come back are the same reasons many become
residents.
Arts &
Culture
