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How to cope with Columbia’s summer blues

Use our summer to-do list to cure your seasonal boredom.

Published July 7, 2010

Summer is a six-letter word synonymous with lazy days, warm nights and, most importantly, fun. That is, unless you’re spending the season here in Columbia, where summer is often bound to be synonymous with another six-letter word: Boring. But never fear, we’ve searched high and low for things to do in Columbia this summer that don’t cost a ton of money. So here it is: our top five list of things to do this summer. Now get out there and explore Columbia. It’ll be worth it.

Take a (Fun) Class
Get crafty this summer at local ceramic studio The Mud Room. Located in The District, The Mud Room offers plenty of fun for cheap. Express your creative side by attending a walk-in workshop or registering for a Saturday class. There is also the Craft Studio in Memorial Union, which is offering pottery classes this summer. You can let your artistic side run wild by purchasing a membership to the studio, where you’ll have full access to a multitude of tools, including a darkroom, a woodshop and a screen printer.

Kayaking in Rocheport This isn’t technically in Columbia, but the 12-mile drive to Rocheport is surely worth considering to cure some of that summer angst. For $35, you’ll get a four-hour guided tour on the Missouri River from Rocheport to Huntsdale, told through the diaries of Lewis and Clark. Upon reaching Huntsdale, you have the option of taking a shuttle back to Rocheport or, for you more adventurous types, biking back. Trips depart at 1 p.m. every Saturday until the end of October, and paddlers of all experience levels are welcome. Go to mighty-mo.com for more info and to make reservations.

Check out local cuisine Whether it is a new establishment or just new to you, Columbia has some great restaurants. Immerse yourself in the various cultures that call Columbia home by rounding up some friends and trying new cuisine this summer. Try Mediterranean at Casablanca on the corner of 5th and Elm streets. Or travel to the Far East for Japanese food at Osaka, located off Nifong Blvd. and Peachtree Drive. We promise your old, trusty spots will still be there when the school year starts up again.

Listen to live music Another great thing about Columbia during the summer is the immense amount of live music. From family-friendly, free entertainment at 9th Street Summerfest to West Coast heavy-hitters Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube, there’s something for everyone. Looking for the local music scene? Hop on over to Mojo’s Blue Moon Concert Series on Thursdays. For the 21 and older crowd, many bars feature live music during the week. We suggest checking out The Forge and Vine and Tin Can Tavern and Grille.

Get in touch with nature Columbia is lucky to be surrounded by vast nature areas. Take advantage of it this summer by heading out to the area’s parks and conservation areas. Rock Bridge State Park and Devil’s Icebox offer trails and caves to explore just south of the city. Grab some friends, a flashlight and a pair of waterproof shoes, and check them out. For a day of swimming, off-roading and picnicking, take a trip to Finger Lakes State Park, located north of Columbia.