Spring Break: Destination Columbia
Mariah Yates, posted March 22, 2007
If you are like me, then you have not made any plans for spring break 2007. The extent of my plans is to work and catch up on sleep. So, for those of us who will be staying in Columbia for spring break, I have compiled some activities that will invite relaxation without pinching the wallet.
Culture
You have probably made several trips to the library for quiet studying before your midterms. I would bet that there was nothing leisurely about those adventures. Over spring break, take some time to enjoy what the library has to offer. In Ellis Library's colonnade area two special exhibits are free for viewing.
The Miniature Book Exhibit is a traveling collection presented by the Miniature Book Society. According to the library Web site, "It features books entered into last season's Annual MBS Competition, 'Distinguished Books' from previous competitions and other outstanding examples of contemporary miniature book publishing." Miniature books from Ellis special collections also accompany the traveling selections. Go to the libary's Special Collections Web site for more information on the exhibit.
Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln's Journey to Emancipation is also on display on the first floor of the library. This exhibit features reproductions of rare historical documents that aid in the examination of Lincoln's efforts to abolish slavery during the civil war. While you are in the library, feel free to check out the book that you intended to read all year.
The State Historical Society of Missouri is also hosting two free exhibits. The Stories They Tell: Understanding Missouri History through Maps and Light & Life in Missouri: Photos by Notley Hawkins are located in the main gallery of the Historical Society, which is located on the ground floor, east side of Ellis Library. (Read more about the Hawkins exhibit in Sean Comstock's story on Corner Post.) The gallery is open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Dining and Entertainment
Mid-Missouri is fortunate to have a variety of excellent restaurants and wineries. Spring break is a great time to visit those places that you cannot seem to get to during school.
If you are willing to take a short drive, Les Bourgeois and Summit Lake Winery offer amazing scenery on a bright spring day. Pack a lunch and head to Les Bourgeois for some of their wine, snack foods and a river view at the A-frame. The A-frame is open daily from noon to sunset. For more information, visit the Les Bourgeois Web site or call the A-frame at 573-698-3401.
Enjoy the fruits of Summit Lake Winery in Holts Summit or Hartsburg. Both locations are a short drive from Columbia and each offer live, local entertainment. The wineries have a small menu and lots of Missouri wine, complemented by a patio dining area.
The Holts Summit location is open 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The Hartsburg location is open until 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sundays. For menu specials and directions visit the Summit Lake Web site.
Athletics
If you have yet to see Mizzou's athletic teams in competition this spring, March 30 through 31 is certainly the weekend for sports enthusiasts. The Missouri Relays at Walton Stadium will begin at 2 p.m. on March 30 and begin again at 9:30 p.m. on March 31. Mizzou's baseball team will play against Kansas 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 30 and 2 p.m. on Saturday at Taylor Stadium.
If this isn't enough, go see the softball team play against Texas at 2 p.m. or Women's Gymnastics compete in the Big 12 Championships at 7 p.m. on March 31.
At $5 or less per ticket, each event keeps money in your pockets.
If one of these local events doesn't spark your interest during spring break in Columbia, consider taking some time to explore the trails and state parks that you haven't been able to get to yet this spring. Rock Bridge State Park, the Pinnacles and the Katy Trail are just a few places to investigate.
If being outdoors doesn't inspire relaxation, call local spas to get prices and specials on pedicures and massages. You can't go wrong with some special treatment. Or, rent several movies and fix your favorite foods over the break.
Viva Columbia!
