1. It Might Look A Little Like Athens…
Columbia is often referred to the “Athens of Missouri” or the “Athens of the West” because of its classic beauty, architecture, and most notably, the columns at Mizzou.
2. …But That’s CoMo To You
The people in Columbia affectionately refer to their city as CoMo. You’ll rarely say Columbia unless you’re filling out a tax form. So if you want to blend in, remember it’s “CoMo.”
3. A College Town Through and Through
The city is home to the University of Missouri (Mizzou), Stephens College and Columbia College. It is the headquarters of the University of Missouri system, which houses campuses in St. Louis, Kansas City and Rolla. The college influence is everywhere you go in the city, especially the mad Mizzou sports love.
4. So Get Some Black And Yellow And Yell Tramp, Tramp, Tramp!
The Missouri Tigers are the state’s only NCAA Division I program, and the locals go crazy for some black and yellow. Football is held at the Faurot Field where locals gather to cheer for their team and also –and maybe even more importantly- to throw the best tailgating parties in the Midwest while they yell the Tiger Fight song at the top of their lungs.
5. Show-Me Is A Must-See
The Show-Me STATE GAMES are hosted in Columbia as a part of a non-profit health program and are the largest state games in the United States. Up to 28,000 amateur athletes of all ages compete in the Olympic-style events every summer at the games which ESPN named in their list of 101 Things All Sports Fans Must Experience Before They Die.
6. It’s Easy To Put That Degree To Good Use
Because of the city’s excellent higher education programs, excelling job growth, and low cost of business expenses, the job market and economy is booming here. That’s why Forbes listed Columbia in the top 20 best small places for business and careers, ensuring that all those years (and dollars) spent on your education don’t go to waste.
7. The Little Kids Fit In As Well As The Big Ones
Just because CoMo is a booming college town doesn’t mean it’s not full of families. The city boasts a low crime rate and good schools, which is appealing to any family. The amazing Albert -Oakland Family Aquatic Center, well-maintained skatepark, active Parks and Recreation department, and endless family-friendly events like watching movies in the park are just the icing on the cake.
8. Eat Farm To Table With Ease
Hit up the Columbia Farmers Market to socialize with your neighbors while you pick up the freshest produce local to the city. You can also choose from a wide assortment of homemade breads and pastas with the freshest meats and eggs for miles at this market that brings out an average of 4,000 visitors every Saturday.
9. True Or False: Columbia Has Its Own Sundance
True! The True/False Film Fest is a four day event that fills the city with the latest nonfiction independent films making the most buzz, bringing cinema lovers from across the state together to celebrate their love of movies. Hosted by the Ragtag Cinema, The True/False Film Fest has become one of Columbia’s most unique and celebrated annual events.
10. The Music Scene Is Booming
Another massive contribution the college crowd has brought to CoMo is a flourishing music scene. The indie band White Rabbits formed while attending the University of Missouri before moving to Brooklyn. Want to learn more about the local bands? The ComoMusic Anthology series highlights the artists from the area that have been gaining national momentum.
11. You Should Hit The Blue Note For The Alternative Scene
If the alternative music scene is your thing, then you’ll probably end up spending a lot of time at The Blue Note. This old-style theater is a favorite spot for national bands including the likes of OK GO, Snoop Dogg, and even hometown boys White Rabbits. The small venue makes for great acoustics and an intimate feel that can’t be beat in the area.
12. And Jazz Is Going Strong In Como Too
If you like jazz, a great night out is always just around the corner in CoMo. The "We Always Swing" Jazz Series has been bringing jazz fans downtown throughout the year since 1995. And the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival fuses the locals’ love of jazz and barbecue for a spectacular three day annual event complete with a 10K race and all the ribs your bluesy heart desires.
13. Even The Snobby Music Fans Will Find Their Scene
The Missouri Theater hosts a multitude of acts of the fine arts including those from The Missouri Contemporary Ballet, The Treblemakers, Belly Dance United, Women’s Symphony League, The Columbia Civic Orchestra, and the UM School Of Music to name just a few. Built in 1928, the grand foyer, staircase and beautifully restored proscenium arch and red velvet main curtain make it the perfect place to take in culture.
14. Everyone Travels On Two Wheels In Columbia
The city is working harder every day to making bicycling around CoMo more friendly and enjoyable hosting events like Bike To Market Day and Bike, Walk and Wheel Week. The Bicycle Commuting 101 class will teach you the tricks of the trade, and On The Fly Bike Repairs To Get You Home classes that help riders learn how to fix a flat and other issues that might arise on the road are also available, and always free!
15. Sparky’s Ice Cream Is The Stuff Of Dreams
A list of CoMo isn’t complete without a nod to Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream, the city’s premium ice cream hot spot. Sure, the space can be cramped and the lines can be long, but it’s oh-so worth the mild hassle to experience a little taste of heaven in unique flavors like Banana Nutella, Figs & Caramel, and Mocha Cake Batter.
Adults love Sparky’s even more than kids do, since you can get their milkshakes and floats spiked. Awesome.
16. Find The Sign
The Uncle Tupelo song “Whiskey Bottle” is believed to be about Columbia. The rumor began because of a lyrical reference to a sign that was on display at a Columbia tackle shop that said “Liquor, Guns & Ammo.” The sign is now on display at Shakespeare’s Pizza. speaking of...
17. The Cool Kids Get Their Slice At Shakespeare’s
When you’re looking for the best slice, look no further than Shakespeare’s. This much beloved pizza joint offers, hands down, the best pizza hangout in the city – the kind that the locals rave about and that everyone who leaves can’t wait to come back home to try. Order your crust white or wheat and load up on the various toppings like the unique asparagus pie.
18. Looking For Art? Columbia’s Got You Covered
The Columbia Art League is dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the people of the city. The Art In The Park project is just one of the many art programs available. The Museum of Art and Archeology boasts an impressive collection at UM and the wide variety of art galleries, studios, public art exhibits and murals make finding art in the city a snap.
19. A Trail For All Seasons
Head to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park for the day where you can hike to check out the large cave system boasting a rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and underground stream at the Devil's Icebox. But if serious trails are what you’re looking for, head to the MKT trail, a 10-foot wide and five mile-long trail of crushed limestone built on the old railbed of the MKT railroad, for walking, jogging, running, and bicycling.
20. A Cocktail Plus A Slushy Equals The Best Drink Ever
There’s no better way to beat the heat in CoMo than a frozen cocktail from Tropical Liqueurs. Better known as The Trop, locals can’t resist the wide variety of specialty alcoholic slushies including flavors like Tiger Paw, the Pina Colada, and the Brain Freeze. Grab a group of friends and head to either of the two locations in the city.
21. Celebrate CoMo With your Neighbors
There’s always an event on the horizon here in CoMo. Popular festivals include the annual Heritage Festival and Craft Show for old time exhibits and education along with crafting vendors, the monthly Family Fun Fest for a bunch of PG-rated entertainment, the Columbia Food & Wine Festival to stuff your face through the city’s best, and everyone’s favorite mellow Hot Summer Nights Festival, just to name a few.
What you love about living in Columbia? Tell us in the comments below!
