Imagine: You wake up in Columbia, Missouri on a crisp fall day in October. It’s early on a Saturday morning and you have the whole day ahead of you – what should you do, especially with the countless options there are to choose from?
Here’s a carefully curated list of some of the hot-spot fall picks all across town, with all of the classic autumnal activities for your perfect fall fun day!
Hit up a cafe: Lakota Coffee Company downtown
If you wake up feeling like you could use a fun drink, Lakota Coffee Company downtown is a popular spot with a super cozy atmosphere.
Lakota offers various seasonal and fall-specific drinks this time of year, including the “Salty Pumpkin” – a salted caramel cold brew with pumpkin cold foam and nutmeg.
Shopping Local: Columbia Farmers Market
Open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, the Columbia Farmers Market at 1769 W. Ash St. has almost anything you could wish for if you’re trying to feel the fall spirit.
Aside from pumpkins and other produce, vendors bring a huge array of goods that you and your friends can wander around looking at, from cozy-scented candles and warm baked goods to assortments of seasonal flowers!
Pumpkin Patch: Shryock’s Callaway Farms
With a wide selection of pumpkins to choose from and a classic deep red barn for a backdrop, Shryock’s is a perfect place to go with your friends whether you’re pumpkin picking or looking for a fall photo-opportunity.
The farm is located at 2927 County Road 253 in Columbia and it is open Friday through Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. The farm also has a corn maze on site and campfires you can rent out for groups!
Movie night (or day): 31 Screams on Screen at Regal Columbia
There’s no bad time to visit the movie theater, but the month of October is definitely a good one! Regal Columbia, located at 2800 Goodwin Pointe Drive, is running a month-long promotion where they’re showing a different classic horror film each day!
Each movie is shown for one day only, and there are definitely levels to their scare factors. If you want a lighter watch, stop in for “The Addams Family.” If you take scary a little more seriously, book your visit for “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”
Go for a drive: The Big Tree
There’s almost nothing more fall than taking an evening drive to look at all the changing colors. If you have time to spare, take the scenic route and head to the McBaine Burr Oak, also know as the big tree, off of West Burr Oak Road near the Missouri River!
The tree itself is an almost 400-year-old Burr Oak and is recognized for being one of the largest of its species in the country. Aside from the cool history, it’s in a quieter spot where you can see the stars at night when you drive by!
The drive is about 25 minutes from Mizzou’s campus, and it’s totally worth it.
Cozy Night In: Crafts and Baking!
After a long day of traveling around Columbia, it’s time to cozy it up at home – but that doesn’t mean the fall fun has to end! There are so many fall recipes available online for you to try out, like these apple dumplings!
Pinterest also has endless at-home crafting inspiration for fall, including these super cute DIY tie-blankets.
Happy “Fall Fun Season” to all who celebrate!