Above: The 43-block District in Columbia features shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Below: Columbia offers several trails including access to the popular Katy Trail State Park. Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau photos

An easy drive from major metropolitan areas like St. Louis and Kansas City, visitors are often surprised to find more than a college town in Columbia. Much of the natural charm of the area has benefited from revitalization efforts that fashioned an eclectic and fun place to visit. Popular festivals, entertainment districts and outdoor recreation make Columbia an enjoyable weekend destination.

Funky festivals

People who know Columbia come to expect the unexpected with festivals that bring in participants and audiences from across America. The year usually kicks off with the annual True/False Film Festival in late winter, this year Feb. 26–March 1. The documentary film festival has garnered increasing attention since it began in 2004. Last year’s True/False festival debuted at RagTag Cinema’s new location on Hitt Street. Five other downtown venues join the RagTag in showing festival films.

There are many other festivals in Columbia throughout the year, including Art in the Park. Artists converge on Stephens Lake Park during the first weekend in June to showcase their creations.

Music has always been a special part of living in Columbia, whether it’s the classical music of the Summer Music Festival or the John William “Blind” Boone Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival honoring Columbia’s own “Blind” Boone.

Discover the District

Even if you don’t have a plan, chances are you’ll end up in the District that’s bordered by Columbia’s three college campuses (University of Missouri, Stephens, and Columbia College). You can feel the energy of the area pulsating as you weave your way through a variety of shops and restaurants, museums and galleries.

Whether you’re in the mood for an elegant dinner following a visit to a high-end art gallery or a casual evening of pizza and beer, the 43-block District answers the call. Street musicians at various corners play everything from folk to blues to classical music. After all, you are in a college town, and diversity is a way of life.

If you have the time, stroll around one or all three campuses for a look at lovely landscaping, historic buildings and various events open to the public.

Trails Galore

Adventurous types who like to stay active choose Columbia, according to Outside magazine, which placed it in the Top 10 best small towns in which to live.

Columbia offers many parks and even more trails, whether you’re into walking, jogging or biking. The most popular trail is the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail. The downtown trailhead at Fourth and Cherry streets can even take you to Katy Trail State Park, the 225-mile rails-to-trails conversion.

Head to the southern part of town for eight different trails at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park or explore the limestone caves, like the Devil’s Icebox. For something different, try the rock climbing at Capen Park.

Meals and more

With so much to do in Columbia, you’ll enjoy good meals and your choices are many. For a different kind of dining experience, try the unique menu billed as “innovative American cuisine” at Grand Cru (2600 S. Providence Road). An indoor fireplace adds ambiance to a cozy dinner on a cold winter evening. When the weather warms up, opt for the outdoor dining.

In the District, try the sweet potato chips or the satisfying salads at Tellers Gallery and Bar. Changing gallery exhibits provide a new eating experience every time. And if you want to hang out with the college crowd, try pizza at Shakespeare’s Pizza or the rooftop patio at Heidelberg Restaurant, an MU institution since 1963.

Columbia features a number of hotels and bed-and-breakfast inns. If you want to be in the middle of everything, try the Hampton Inn & Suites location near Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. Just make certain it’s not a home game weekend. Other AAA three Diamond-rated options include Stoney Creek Inn and the Drury Inn.

Columbia proves that you can pack a lot of fun into your weekend without being a college student.

Karen Gibson is a contributor from Norman, Okla.