The Most Charming College Town In Missouri Is Home To Delicious Dining, Shopping, And More
By Beth Price-Williams|Published August 24, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Exploring Missouri means drinking in its spellbinding natural beauty and strolling through the pages of time with visits to its many adorable towns. We’re never really far from our next adventure. Whether we’re scouting our next weekend getaway or planning a day trip, we can’t go wrong with a trip to the most charming college town of Columbia, Missouri.
With a population of more than 126,000, Columbia technically counts as a city, but its small-town feel and friendliness are what attract Missourians, visitors, and college students.
Columbia is perhaps best known as the home of the University of Missouri, Columbia College, and Stephens College. This vibrant college town is also within driving distance of several dozen other colleges and universities.
Like most college towns, Columbia boasts plenty to do, including having a vibrant downtown that’s well worth a visit. Known as The District, downtown Columbia spans 50 square blocks and is home to nearly 5,000 residents.
Downtown Columbia is divided into five distinct districts – Flat Branch, Government District, North Village Arts District, the Sharp End, and the Stollway – where you’ll find everything from restaurants and shops to hotels and theaters.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll feel like you’ve landed in paradise in this town with an eclectic collection of restaurants that serve classic American, Cajun, and Italian fare.
Columbia’s a nature lover’s paradise, too, home to several neighborhood parks and natural sanctuaries. Carve out some time to visit Finger Lakes State Park.
You’ll find plenty to do at this popular Missouri state park, including hiking, biking, OTV-riding, boating, and camping. Soak up the sun on the swimming beach during the summertime, too.
Whether you’re spending a day or a weekend, you’ll quickly discover that Columbia is dog-friendly, with numerous restaurants with patios that welcome your four-legged friends.
Have you been to the charming college town of Columbia, Missouri? What did you think? Let me know in the comments! While you’re in town, grab a delicious bite at Uprise Bakery, my favorite tiny bakery in Columbia, Missouri.
Get to know this darling college town by going on a leisurely stroll through downtown and beyond. Just make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes.
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