If Your Family Is Unfamiliar With Columbia, MO, We Have All the Recommendations You Need Right Here! Explore Options for Dining, Entertainment & More With The Lofts of Columbia

Every year, more than 30,000 college students attend school in Columbia, MO from all 50 states and around the world. With thousands of family members visiting the area to support their child, Columbia emphasizes community and has much to offer in terms of weekend activities. If your parents, siblings, and any other close relatives are planning a trip to your apartment, you might be wondering where to take them for shopping, food, or entertainment. To give them the best experience and show them the full scope of where you’re earning a degree or starting your career, follow along with our perfect guide!

Start bright & early with Columbia, MO’s best breakfast, coffee & brunch

Does your family love waking up with an energizing coffee and a satisfying breakfast? Many local coffee shops are located in or near the downtown region, including Acola Coffee Company, Fretboard Coffee, Lakota Coffee Company, Sage, Shortwave Coffee, and more. If you are in search of the heartiest breakfast and brunch dishes in Columbia, MO, try finding a table at Cafe Berlin, Eleven Eleven, Glenn’s Cafe, Ozark Mountain Biscuit & Bar, and Uprise Bakery. Several local restaurants also provide amazing specials for Sunday brunch, perfect for rounding out a weekend with family and friends. 

Take the family to your favorite lunch spot in Columbia

Whether you stay south near Cherry Hill or live in the heart of downtown, the lunch options never end for families in Columbia, MO. It all depends on what you’re in the mood for! If everyone is craving classic American cuisine, you should visit Billiards on Broadway, Booches, Stadium Grill, and The Old Neighborhood Cafe. Leaning towards Mexican food? Las Margaritas has multiple restaurant locations, but other popular favorites are Delia’s Mexican Grill, El Oso, Irene’s, and so much more. For a lunch made with the freshest ingredients, take your parents to local places like Beet Box, Belly Market & Rotisserie, Broadway Brewery, Nourish Café & Market, or Pasta La Fata. 

Can’t decide on dinner in Columbia, MO? Find a long-standing local restaurant your parents will love

From new openings to generational restaurants, there are tons of dining options once 5 pm hits in Columbia. Some of the most iconic dining spots include Barred Owl Butcher & Table, CC’s City Broiler, Cherry Street Cellar, Flyover, Murry’s, and Sophia’s. Ready for a sushi night with the family? Visit incredible restaurants like Geisha Sushi Bar, Hokkaido Ramen & Sushi Bar, Kampai, and Osaka Japanese Restaurant to get your fix in Columbia, MO. Many establishments can get busy on the weekends, especially on a Family Weekend, so be sure to check if a reservation is necessary or would make your dinner plans easier.

Enjoy the nature close to your apartment & discover the best hiking trails

If your parents or other family members love spending time outside while the weather is nice, Columbia is full of parks and walking trails to check out. The MKT Trail stretches for 8.9 miles into the Katy Trail and is one of the best areas for walking, hiking, or bicycle riding. You’ll also find gorgeous views at parks such as Bonnie View Nature Sanctuary, Grindstone Nature Area, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, and so much more. While staying at apartments like The Lofts on Cherry Hill - East & West Village, there will also be a walkable plaza that is perfect if your family has pets to walk while they catch some fresh air. 

Stay on the lookout for Columbia, MO’s art & entertainment venues 

You and your family deserve to have a fun outing that everyone can enjoy. For parents who are movie buffs, purchase a ticket for a film showing at Ragtag Cinema, presenting indies and blockbusters alike since 2000. If your family loves live music, there is always something happening at The Blue Note or Rose Music Hall, as well as local pop-up events and festivals. Art appreciators can also look forward to the Columbia Art League and their yearly Art in the Park showcase, in which visitors can admire and even purchase from the best artists in Columbia, MO! There’s also The Mud Room, Orr Street Studios, and Artlandish Gallery. If you’re a family that loves a round of competitive games, look no further than The Arcade District, Hexagon Alley, and Level Up Entertainment.

Find the best stores near your Columbia apartment & go on a shopping trip with the family 

Plenty of boutiques can be found across Columbia, MO, selling clothes, handmade crafts, souvenirs for decoration, and more. As always, the downtown area introduces new shops consistently–a huge perk for students or young professionals staying at The Lofts at 308 Ninth and The Lofts on Broadway! The Columbia Mall on Bernadette Drive has possibly the largest collection of shops for you and your parents to browse. With easy parking solutions from our apartment complex, there is less pressure as you search for different places to shop. 

Columbia, MO is a college town with plenty of sporting events. Next time, plan an outing with the parents!

College sports have a large following in the city of Columbia, meaning there’s never a shortage of stadium games. From the football season with Homecoming traditions to the fierce rivalry of the college basketball season, your family can join in on the excitement any time! Going to tailgates, cheering in the crowd, and wearing your school colors with pride is an incredible experience to share with the people who supported you all the way. 

Your Family Can Feel Confident Knowing You’ve Chosen The Lofts of Columbia to Welcome You Into Adulthood. Learn More About Our Units & Amenities Today!

The Lofts of Columbia wants to ensure you and your family grow accustomed to the community and its many different faces. It’s not just about picking a place to eat or catching the next live music event; it’s about creating memories with loved ones and sharing a piece of your new lifestyle with them. When you apply to one of our apartment complexes, you’ll have efficient appliances, clean and modern finishes, ample space, and proximity to the best that Columbia, MO has to offer. Tour a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom apartment with us to find your ideal living situation for the next leasing year!