It’s summertime, and the living is easy. However, if you are stuck in Columbia, you might be looking for something a bit different than relaxing by the Columns or staying cooped up in an apartment.
Warning: The following is only for the truly adventurous.
Oftentimes, college students are forced into a routine structured by class schedules and nap times. Below is a bucket list composed to experience this summer to the fullest and maybe even discover something new in Columbia.
Make a new furry friend- Every Saturday at Bear Creek Trail in north Columbia, participants can walk a dog from a local animal shelter for $10. All the proceeds go directly toward the animal shelter. Walks begin at 8, 9 and 10 am and includes a t-shirt with the donation. Not only can you get great exercise, but you can help out a local furry friend.
Road trip (insert Legally Blonde screams) – After a few weeks, Columbia might seem a little boring, so explore the surrounding area. Grab a car (or a friend that has one) and travel to a surrounding town. Take a stop in Hannibal or explore the state capital in Jefferson City. You never know what you’re going to find, anything from a new restaurant to an adorable antique shop.
Book worm- Did you know Columbia has a public library? It does, and it’s awesome. Just off Broadway, the Daniel Boone Regional Library holds an endless collection of good reads and a great selection for e-readers. There is no better way to enjoy a summer than sitting out by Tiger Grotto with a wonderful book. What makes it better is that students get free library cards.
Picnic it up- Nothing says summertime better than watermelon, a blanket and ants… well hopefully not. There are, however, a multitude of parks in the greater Columbia area that offer terrific areas to picnic. Try Stephens Lake or Cosmo Park, and remember to bring sunscreen.
Let’s go fly a kite- Too often the Columns are only used as a nice place to take a picture and a place to walk by with your parents. I say challenge that. Grab a kite, grab a blanket and take advantage of the worst thing at MU… the wind.
Noms galore – Take the MOVE challenge and find the best of the best in Columbia. Pick something — coffee, pizza, anything— and try out every place in the area. For instance, a good category to start with is sushi because there aren’t too many places. Not only will you have a mission, but you will be able to give an educated answer when someone asks for a good place to eat.
Old McDonald had a farmer’s market- Open every day and not far away, the Columbia Farmer’s Market offers everything from fresh flowers, folk music and pie. So help the local economy and choose local.
Norm!- Have you ever wanted to be a regular somewhere that wasn’t Baja? Well, now is your chance. Pick a spot — a café, a diner, anywhere — and go there all the time. Study, drink, laugh and get to know the people that work there. Trust me, they enjoy the company too.
Hit the road, Jack – There is really nothing better than an open road and an endless sky to clear the mind. Exploring the back roads of Columbia with an open window is one of the most fun and spontaneously great things to do. So make a sing-a-long playlist and hit the road.
“It’s for Free!”- There are so many free things offered during the summer, so why not take advantage of them? From outdoor concerts to free movies, just because half of the students left doesn’t mean that Columbia has fallen asleep.
After completing this list, summer will have gone, and classes will be quickly approaching. Thankfully though, your summer won’t have been boring! YOSO!
