Our final trip of 2023 was to Columbia, Missouri. Home of my alma mater (University of Missouri) and as of the night before, Cotton Bowl champions. The football team was far from being bowl champions when I started college. It’s been exciting to see them doing well.

Saturday: Shakespeare’s, MU, & Flat Branch

We started the trip at a dog park to let Benny get some energy out after sitting in the car for nearly three hours. You can read the full review of the dog park Benny’s blog.

After the dog park, we went to Shakespeare’s Pizza-South for lunch. It’s the second time we have been this year and it did not disappoint. We then dropped my dad off at Yellow Dog Bookshop. While dad looked for books there and at Adam’s Walls of Books, mom, Benny, and I walked and drove around campus. A lot has changed in the 23 years (!!!) since I started college. My first dorm, Hudson Hall, is still there, so I made sure to get pictures. The dorm I lived in my sophomore year, the student center, and more have all been replaced.

On Saturday afternoon we checked into our hotel. You can read a full review of the hotel on Benny‘s blog. My dad and Benny stayed at the hotel while mom and I went to Flat Branch Pub & Brewery for dinner. We shared the Hot Soft Pretzel Twists, mom had the Hungarian Mushroom and Beef soup, I had the Grilled Portobello Sandwich with fries and a Vienna Lager, and we took the Baked Oven Apple Crisp to dad. Everyone enjoyed the food.

Sunday: Hinkson Creek Trail

The next day we went to a dog park and on the Hinkson Creek Trail.

Review

We had a great time in Columbia. The hotel was ok, but nothing to brag about. The food and activities were great and we have other places nearby to check out, so we will be going back sometime soon.