Experience gifts are the modern answer to the age old question, “Who needs more stuff?” Many people are foregoing gifts that clutter the garage or basement in favor of making memories together. I can’t say I’m disappointed in this trend, as a parent with a toddler, experiences are something I cherish. Columbia and the surrounding areas have some great opportunities for experience gifting, whether for friends, family, or coworkers. These are just a few of my favorites.
Birth Chart Reading with Inner Spark Consulting
Even if you are not an astrology aficionado, a reading with Rachael Sparks is a lot of fun. It can really provide some fun insights to how you function, and even identify some areas that you can target for personal development. Rachael can show you literally where the stars aligned when you were born and help you understand the lore behind the meanings of their positions. Such a unique experience to give to a special someone, especially for a birthday gift!
Check it out: http://innersparkconsulting.com/astrological-birth-chart-readings/
Nothing Says Fun like Axes and Beer
A relatively new addition to the Columbia landscape, COMO Axe Attack is a great place to let off some steam and have a good time. With trained instructors standing by, you and your friends can hurl real axes at wooden targets in a safe environment. You can gift a single person’s entry or gift a private lane rental. You can even rent out the whole place for a work party, bachelor or bachelorette party, or just because!
Book Here: https://www.comoaxeattack.com/book-today/
Watching Paint Dry is Great When You do it Together
Have some artists in your life? Get them together at The Canvas on Broadway! Painting parties can be such a great experience for small groups of friends. Even if you don’t know which end of a brush is which, the instructors at Canvas on Broadway will have you looking like the next Picasso by the time you are finished. You will have a great time painting a simple, but fun scene with wine and beer available on site as well.
Pick your poison: https://www.thecanvasonbroadway.com/
Eat, Drink, and Listen
Is there any experience more “Columbia” that Roots N Blues N BBQ? This amazing annual celebration of music and food is probably one of the ultimate local experience gift. Enjoy some of the best musical acts from around the country in Stephens Lake Park while binging on some of the best BBQ either side of the Mississippi. This September standard is a huge deal in Columbia, so get tickets early!
Don’t wait too long: https://rootsnbluesnbbq.com/
Thespians That do it Outside
Summer nights in Columbia are synonymous with wonderful performances of classic and modern dramatic works at Maplewood Barn Theatre. Set in picturesque Nifong Park, Maplewood Barn has been a theatric staple in town since 1973. Running only during warm weather, they typically feature 4-5 shows each season, running several performances of each. The 2019 season is featuring some absolute dynamite performances, and is a must for any theater lover in your life.
The show goes on here: http://www.maplewoodbarn.com/
This Brewery is the Cat’s Meow
Among the several great breweries in town, Bur Oak Brewery is a great place to unwind and relax. With a great tasting room and large event space, Bur Oak is perfect for a Thursday afternoon draft or heading out to Brewery Night Live, a monthly music, beer, and food event that can’t be beat. If you come in during the week, you may even get to pet Clyde; the brewery’s feline in residence, who even has a glorious Cream Ale named after him.
Purr-fect beer starts here: www.buroakbeer.com
Get Locked Up, on Purpose
You and your friends have just been locked in a room by people you barely know, and have only one hour to free yourselves. Sound like a cheap horror flick? It’s actually one of the best places to team-build and have fun in Columbia, Breakout COMO. Escape rooms are a great way to test critical thinking, teamwork, and patience. With several rooms to choose from, Breakout COMO is a sure way to figure out which of your friends crumbles under pressure.
Get a clue: https://www.breakoutcomo.com/book/
There are so many amazing events and experiences to be had in and around Columbia. If you want to leave ton, we are an easy day trip away from Hermann, Jefferson City, Sedalia, and many other great locations, each with their own local experiences to be had. Experiential gifts are such a great way to have fun while giving your loved ones the greatest gift of all, your time. Spending time together is so important for happy and healthy relationships, and any of these are great options for a way to do that. I could not list all the amazing events and opportunities available in Columbia, but for even more ideas, check out http://www.visitcolumbiamo.com/section/what/ for even more fun for all ages and abilities!