Depending on where you’re from, Columbia is on the smaller side for a city, but it has a lot to offer. Here are five things you need to do and see when in CoMo for Summer Welcome:
####5. Window shop downtown
From Poppy to Absolute Vintage, Columbia’s unique downtown scene has a lot to offer. Go window shopping downtown to take a look at all the mom ‘n’ pop shops and see if you can find the perfect painting or perfect outfit that will always remind you of Summer Welcome, the orientation to your new adventure.
####4. Harold’s Doughnuts/Strange Donuts
If you’re looking for a great way to start your visit to Columbia, experience the best doughnuts we have to offer. Harold’s offers artisanal classic doughnuts with great flavors and unique touches like homemade sprinkles, while Strange Donuts is a little more… well… strange, with distinctive flavors like chicken and waffle, blueberry cheesecake and rainbow pony. If you’re trying to decide which one fits best, take the advice of the girl in the Old El Paso commercial and tell yourself “why not both?” Harold’s is open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Strange is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and they’re within walking distance of each other, so treat yo’self.
####3. Ragtag Cinema
Ragtag Cinema is a movie theater on Hitt Street where you can watch independent and foreign films while sitting on comfy couches and eating sweets from the in-house bakery. If you’re feeling cuddly, pick a love seat or a couch instead of just a chair. The theater is an unusual experience that is a must for visitors of Columbia. It’s also a True/False Festival venue, so it’s good to get to know it before you’re seeing incredible documentaries there next spring. For Gilmore Girls fans, it’s a lot like the Black, White and Read Theatre that Kirk runs, and it’s a super fun small-town touch that represents Columbia.
####2. Shakespeare’s Pizza
Is the pizza as hyped as everyone makes it out to be? No, but Shakespeare’s is a must for anyone trying to experience CoMo at it’s finest. It’s often called “Shakes” by all the cool kids, and you get a free plastic cup that you can take home when you get a drink. The atmosphere, even in “Tempspeare’s,” the temporary location while their other location is under construction, is great for bonding with friends and family.
####1. See a show
One of the most prominent things about Columbia is the music scene. From The Social Room, a speakeasy-type concert venue and bar where local musicians play, to The Blue Note, a venue where big artists like Elle King come, CoMo is a great place for music-lovers. Notable shows in June include The David Wax Museum, Mangosteen, Grapevine Fires and Yonder Mountain Spring Band. In July, CoMo will welcome Dr. Dog, Shakey Graves and Mountain Sprout. Get your groove on.
_Edited by Theo DeRosa | tderosa@themaneater.com_
