As a life-long Missourian, I can confirm that this is true:

We may be enduring the Spring of Deception and anticipating snow over spring break. Only time will tell! Even though Missouri weather is unpredictable, mentally, it's time to leave winter behind and get ready for spring. As you get ready for Actual Spring-- sunshine, warmer weather, and green grass-- let these activities in Columbia put a “spring” in your step!

1. Hike on one of Columbia's many trails

WHAT: Get outside and enjoy the warmer weather! Grab your family and friends and head to one of Columbia’s many trails.

WHEN: Open daily sunrise to sunset

WHERE: Some of our favorites are…

Rock Bridge State Park (5901 South Highway 163)

Capen Park (1600 Capen Park Drive)

Pinnacles Youth Park in Sturgeon, MO (850 E Pinnacles Road)

MKT Nature and Fitness Trail (See the trailheads here)

Download the COMO Trails app and explore some new places!

2. Host a Block Party

WHAT: Invite your neighbors to bring a lawn chair out to a driveway or court to enjoy the spring weather and to catch up after a long winter inside. Encourage kids to bring bikes and scooters and fill your coolers with popsicles and fun drinks. Download our Block Party Checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

WHEN: The first warm weekend of the year!

WHERE: Your street!

For more resources on how to get to know your neighbors, check out Placed for a Purpose by Chris and Elizabeth McKinney or tune into their weekly podcast.

3. Spruce up your home and yard with a visit to a local nursery

WHAT: There's nothing better than seeing green grass and fresh blooms in the spring. Spend a leisurely Saturday morning wandering through one of Columbia’s local nurseries to pick out fresh flowers and herbs. And don’t forget to freshen up your indoor space with a new houseplant or succulent!

WHEN: Visit a nursery during normal and seasonal business hours. For more tips on gardening in Mid-MO, check out this free calendar of what to plant when!

WHERE: Some of our favorites are…

Helmi’s Gardens (7201 S R A Nursery Rd)

Strawberry Hill Farms (3770 E. Hwy 163)

Superior Garden Center (2450 Trails W Ave lot A)

Giving Gardens (4040 S. Bearfield Rd)

4. Hit the (Pickleball) courts!

WHAT: Pickleball is a sport for all ages and all seasons, but it sure is better when the sun is shining. Pick your favorite local court, grab a few friends, and head out to explore Columbia's best Pickleball locations!

WHEN: Visit each location's website for court availability. City park hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

WHERE: The ARC, Albert-Oakland Park, Columbia Sports Fieldhouse, The MAC

5. Take a tour of Warm Springs Ranch

WHAT: Did you know that Mid-Missouri is home to the official breeding facility of the famous Budweiser Clydesdales? Schedule a tour this spring to meet the horses, learn about their lifestyle, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

WHEN: Tours begin March 23, 2024

WHERE: Warm Springs Ranch, 25270 Highway 98, Boonville, MO 65233

6. Shop farm-fresh products at the Columbia Farmers Market

WHAT: Shop local and head to the Columbia Farmers Market to pick up fresh produce, meat, eggs, plants, and artisan items.

WHEN: Open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (8 a.m. starting in April)

WHERE: Como’s Ag Park (1769 West Ash Street)

Find more information here.

7. Head to Meriwether Café & Bike Shop in Rocheport

WHAT: Jump on the Katy Trail in Columbia and enjoy biking to Rocheport for locally sourced, made-from-scratch food at Meriwether Café. (We recommend their delicious buttermilk pancakes.) Or, drive to Meriwether and rent a bike there!

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Wednesday

WHERE: 700 First Street (Rocheport, Missouri)

Find more information here.

8. Visit The Crossing for Good Friday and Easter Sunday Services

WHAT: Join us at The Crossing for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Choose from multiple service times on both Friday and Sunday, and celebrate Easter with your family and friends!

WHEN: Good Friday, March 29 at 4:00 & 5:30 p.m. | Easter Sunday, March 31 at 7, 8:15, 9:45 & 11:15 a.m.

WHERE: The Crossing in Columbia (3615 Southland Drive)

For more information, visit ColumbiaEaster.com.

9. Check out the First Fridays Art Walk

WHAT: On the first Friday of each month, the North Village Arts District downtown hosts a free art crawl!

WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month

WHERE: North Village Arts District, 1019 East Walnut St, 65201

10. Enjoy warmer weather on one of Columbia's finest patios

WHAT: As the weather gets warmer, enjoy a nice evening with friends on the patio of one of Columbia’s best restaurants and bars.

WHEN: Anytime these businesses are open!

WHERE: Some of our favorites are…

Las Margaritas (10 Southampton Drive)

Uprise Bakery (10 Hitt Street)

Günter Hans: European Pub and Café (7 Hitt Street)

Shakespeare’s Pizza (3911 Peachtree Drive)

Flat Branch Pub & Brewing (115 S 5th Street)

and more!