What to do

The District The university’s youthful energy feeds this area, known for more than 110 shops, restaurants and galleries—plus live music. discoverthedistrict.com [1]

University of Missouri Mizzou has a distinctly historical feel, with 18 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The grounds are a designated botanical garden. Free guided tours. (800) 856-2181; missouri.edu [2]

Where to eat

Lucy’s Corner Cafe For breakfast, try the pancakes that drape over the edge of your plate and biscuits with sausage gravy. See reviews and ratings. [3] (573) 875-1700

Shakespeare’s Pizza Close to the Mizzou campus, the original location is known to pile on the toppings. See reviews and ratings. [4] (573) 449-2454; shakespeares.com [5]

Where to stay

Yates House Bed and Breakfast A two-story, redbrick inn fits right in among the antebellum homes in Rocheport (12 miles west); you’d never know it was built in 1991. Breakfast includes crème brûlée French toast. From $189. See reviews and ratings. [6] (573) 698-2129; yateshouse.com [7]

For information: Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau (800) 652-0987; visitcolumbiamo.com [8]