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MU's bucket list — 10 things to do before leaving Columbia
Skip those finals, and entertain yourself with these pastimes instead.
Published April 30, 2010
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An MU student returns a volley Wednesday afternoon at the volleyball courts located behind the Student Recreation Complex.
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Columbia residents enjoy books in the lobby of the Columbia Public Library, located on Broadway.
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A woman jogs on the MKT Trail, which has an entrance off Providence Road.
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Ragtag Cinema, located on Hitt Street, serves wine and other non-traditional concessions and provides couches for movie viewing.
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In Rock Bottom Comics, located on Walnut Street, shelves sag with the stores massive collection of new and old comics.
WATCH
See a movie at Ragtag Cinema
Film buffs should look no further than Columbia icon Ragtag Cinema at 10 Hitt St. This locally owned movie theater shows indie, low-budget and lesser-known studio flicks daily. Older than 21? Grab a brew at the conjoining Uprise Bakery before kicking back on one of the plush couches or chairs in the theater. Better yet, if you're low on cash and desperate for the cinema experience, stop by Ragtag for the free Sunday Night Cult Gathering on (you guessed it) Sunday nights.
READ
Visit the Columbia Public Library
You've driven passed it on Broadway. You've seen the beautiful sculptures outside and probably said something like: "That's pretty. I wonder what building that is." Well, folks, that's the Columbia Public Library. When stressed students overrun Ellis Library, study at the Columbia's library. It's quiet, peaceful and still has everything you need to write that paper on 20th century Russian literature.
SEARCH
Shop for comics at Rock Bottom
Rock Bottom Comics sits a block north of Broadway on Walnut Street. Whether you're a comic book noob or a full-blown manga addict, Rock Bottom has a something for everybody. Thousands of comics, action figures and trading cards line the shelves of this two-room shop. It all can be a little daunting at first, but the friendly staff will help you navigate the labyrinth. Get together with a buddy, and troll through the inventory to find some gems one afternoon. Releasing your inner nerd will never be as fun.
PLAY
Play volleyball on Stank and Frisbee on the Quad
Grab a volleyball, muscle the shirtless guys off a court and get your game on at one of the four sand volleyball courts next to Stankowski Field. You don't have to be a volley pro or even have six-pack abs to smack a ball over a net with a couple of friends. Afterward, toss the disc around Francis Quadrangle. Passersby might be at risk for getting hit by overthrown flying disks, so only disc throwers should apply.
JOG
Take a trip down the MKT Trail
The weather is warm and swimsuit season is around the corner. It's time to get that body into shape. Instead of going to the Student Recreation Complex or the gym at your apartment, stretch your legs on the legendary MKT trail. This trail snakes through Columbia and is perfect for bikers and joggers alike. If you don't want to break a sweat, bring your honey and enjoy the scenic view.
LIVE
Visit Carpe Diem and hear from Alex Innecco
If you've never been to an Alex Innecco-sponsored event, get over to Carpe Diem on Tuesday for his Musical Persona lecture. Carpe Diem is Columbia's little living room, an art gallery and music studio with something for everyone. Whether you're into theater, film or Jewish customs, Carpe Diem provides a cultural enlightenment for anyone interested. Started by Columbians Innecco and Dianna Long in 2009, Carpe is still budding but already has a solid following. You won't find a place like it anywhere else. Located on Locust and Eighth streets, it's just a short walk from campus for a unique experience.
SING
Do karaoke at Eastside Tavern
Eastside Tavern at 1016 E. Broadway is a great place to hang with friends and belt out your favorite songs without getting booed off the stage. Who doesn't like good music and boozed-up amateur vocalists screeching cult classics? Eastside has it all, and it would be a shame not to get your 15 seconds of fame while intoxicated. If singing "Ballroom Blitz" in front of crowd seems a bit much, have your drunken friend take a shot at it. Then at least you can take a video of it and post it on Facebook.
CLIMB
Check out the trees at College and Rollins
These trees are more or less the epitome of "climbing shit," a great pastime to try around campus when it's a slow night. They're easy for beginners, tall enough for the more experienced and have enough branches to lean against while reading a book. They're also a great people-watching perch where you're impossible to spot, so creep away. Bonus: the chance to surprise people walking on College Avenue when you climb down and suddenly burst forth from the foliage.
DRINK
Trops on the Quad
The weather is nice again, and that means it's time to relax, but do it the right way — with some Trops. Tropical Liqueurs, at 515 E. Broadway and 3805 S. Providence Road, offers a great number of frozen, alcoholic beverages that hit the spot when you're lying in the sun. Look out, though, these tasty bebidas will sneak up on you if you're not careful.
SWIM
Get wet at the Rec
It's one of the first things the Tour Team shows you when you visit MU: the Student Recreation Complex. Yeah, it's just for show. But why not take advantage of it? We're not saying you need to pump iron or hit the treadmill, but come on, there's a hot tub and whirlpool in there! There's not much of a better way on campus to relieve the stress of school then to get a little intoxicated and relax in the hot tub. Sans booze also works.
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