Film Buffs
Have the winter blues got you down? How about taking a weekend road trip to Columbia?
See
Downtown Columbia hosts the sixth annual True/False Film Festival from February 26 to March 1 at multiple venues. The festival features work that promotes discussion on the medium of documentary film and takes an innovative look at the subject matter. Most of the films premiered at recent Sundance film festivals, among others. Best of all is the opportunity to interact with other film-lovers at parties and to pick the brains of filmmakers at Q & As. Cost to get in to any single film is $8, or purchase a Simple Pass ($55), which is good for shows Friday through Sunday. A Lux Pass ($125) will get you in to see all films Thursday through Sunday, plus added perks such as parties and Q&As. Visit truefalse.org or call 573-442-8783.
Eat
When it comes to good, local eateries, Columbia hits the spot. At Flatbranch Pub & Brewing (115 S. Fifth St., flatbranch.com, 573-499-0400), more than 80 beers are brewed in-house, and they also serve one of the most delicious takes on artichoke dip we’ve ever had. For a nice dinner, try Murry’s (3107 Green Meadows Way, 573-442-4969, murrysrestaurant.net) on the south side. Live jazz five nights a week and an à la carte menu with standouts like Brock’s green pepper rings (fried green peppers with powdered sugar), fantastic steaks and a fabulous tuna, pesto and feta sandwich.
Play
You’ll find plenty to do downtown beyond the film fest. There are several vintage and second-hand stores, plus art galleries, live music and entertainment venues and specialty shops, like Tiger Spirit (111 S. Ninth St., 573-449-0608), the ultimate stop for Missouri Tiger fans. Whatever you do, you must save room for a cold, sweet treat from Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream (21 S. Ninth St., 573-443-7400)
Relax
While it isn’t actually in Columbia, Les Bourgeois Vineyards (missouriwine.com) in Rocheport is only a 15-minute drive from town and well worth it, especially if the weather is nice. Have lunch at the Blufftop Bistro, and pop into the tasting room while you’re at it. Then, head over to the A-Frame, where you can pick up a bottle of your favorite wine and a couple of glasses, and find a spot overlooking the Missouri River below to enjoy it.
Stay
The 100-year-old Taylor House Inn (716 West Broadway; taylor-house.com, 573-256-5567) features five guest bedrooms, each with a private bath. Owners Robert and Deborah Tucker purchased the rundown home just 10 years ago, and after a two-year, $1.3 million renovation, they re-opened it as a B & B. On the website, you’ll find a clip from HGTV that tells the history of the house. A similar set-up, the Gathering Place B & B
(606 S. College Ave., gatheringplacebedandbreakfast.com, 573-443-4301) also offers five guest suites with private baths—some with jetted tubs. Prices range from $159 to $199 per night. Both B & Bs are super-close to downtown.
