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THE SIMPLE PLEASURES OF COLUMBIA
Photos by Charles Pannell
By Candy Harrington & Charles Pannell
Want to get away from it all? Then consider hopping off the fast track and enjoying the simple pleasures of life in Columbia, Missouri. What's so special about Columbia? In short, it's a quintessential small town with a unique and refreshing twist.
Located halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis, Columbia sports all the essential trappings of Main Street USA; however, as an added bonus, it also boasts a cultural and intellectual diversity typically only found in larger metropolitan areas. Perhaps it's because Columbia is home to three universities, or maybe it's just because the locals have a broader world view. Whatever the reason, Columbia offers visitors the best of both worlds; everything from small town festivals to upscale eateries. Additionally, thanks to local advocacy efforts, the access in Columbia is excellent.
I was originally attracted to Columbia because of its proximity to the Katy trail, the nation's longest developed rails-to-trails project. Although the Katy Trail doesn't pass directly through Columbia, it's connected to downtown by the nicely accessible MKT Trail. This 8.2 mile multi-use trail spur begins at 4th and Cherry Streets in downtown Columbia and connects to the Katy Trail near McBaine.
The MKT Trail is wide, flat and smooth, just perfect for wheelchairs and slow walkers. Once the trail moves out of the downtown area, it's sheltered by a dense canopy of trees as it winds towards the Katy Trail. Emergency telephones are located along the MKT Trail, and it's patrolled regularly by a volunteer safety patrol.
Another good place to enjoy Missouri's natural beauty is at Shelter Gardens. Located on the grounds of Columbia-based Shelter Insurance company, this five acre garden space features a wide selection of native and exotic plants including a shade garden, conifer garden, rock garden and sensory garden. Wide paths and level walkways make Shelter Gardens nicely accessible. Don't miss the free summer concerts on Sunday evenings in June and July.
The University of Missouri (MU to the locals) also offers a number of accessible diversions. Located in historic Pickard Hall, the MU Museum of Art and Archeology features over 14,000 artifacts; including a collection of Greek and Roman casts, several galleries of ancient Mediterranean and West Asian works, and the Samuel H. Kress Collection of 14 Old Master paintings. The accessible entrance is in the rear and there is elevator access to all floors.
Next door in Swallow Hall, you'll find the Museum of Anthropology, which features a permanent exhibition on Native American cultures. The front entry is ramped and there is barrier-free access to all parts of the museum.
Top off your MU visit with a stop at Bucks Ice Cream Parlor, located at the southeast corner of College Avenue and Rollins Street. Staffed by students from the MU Food Science Department, Bucks serves up some tasty treats including tiger stripe ice cream (a local favorite) and several yummy frozen yogurt selections.
In truth, the best way to enjoy the ambiance of Columbia is to stroll through the downtown area. Don't miss the Candy Factory at 7th and Cherry Streets. This Columbia mainstay is nicely accessible with a zero-step entry and lift access to the upstairs area. The Candy Factory is much more than just a chocolate-lovers' paradise, as the upstairs production area features a series of unique candy-themed murals. It's best described as a subtle blend of Candy Land meets Willy Wonka, and it's a definite must-see.
Finally, what's a small town without a few festivals? Although it's hard to pick just one, the local favorite seems to be the Downtown Twilight Festival. Held on Thursday evenings in June and September, this old fashioned street festival features musical performances, artistic demonstrations and fun for all ages. It's the perfect way to top off your visit, and to experience the simple pleasures of Columbia.
If You Go
MKT Trail
Columbia Parks and Recreation Department
(573)874-7460
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec/Parks/
MKT_Trail/index.html
Shelter Gardens
(573)445-8441
http://shelterins.com/shelterwebnew.nsf/0/3baddded51ed74ce
86256b98006763bf?OpenDocument
MU Museum of Art and Archaeology
(573)882-3591
musemu.research.missouri.edu
MU Museum of Anthropology
(573)882-3573
coas.missouri.edu/anthromuseum/default.htm
Columbia Visitors Bureau
(573)875-1231
visitcolumbiamo.com
Candy Harrington is the author of Barrier-Free Travel; A Nuts And Bolts Guide For Wheelers And Slow Walkers, and the editor of Emerging Horizons. She can be reached at horizons@EmergingHorizons.com
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