Beauty

Luxury Listing of the Month

Stunning 5-Bed, 3-Bath Walkout Home – Yours for $699K Article and Photography by Iron Gate Real Estate Come find your piece of paradise at 700 Brockton Dr. in this stunning walkout home by Putnam Construction, tucked at the end of a cul-de-sac with wooded views from every window. Enjoy ultimate privacy and a grand back deck offering glimpses of the community lake. Inside, top-notch finishes include a gorgeous custom kitchen with black stainless appliances, gas range, farmhouse sink, and a...

Food + Beverage

Little Foodies of COMO

Where Columbia’s Cutest Critics Share Favorite Eats, Sweet Treats, and Their Ultimate Restaurant Ideas Article by Shea Sullivan | Photography by Sarah Jane Photography What do Columbia’s littlest foodies love most about our local dining scene? We asked four kids their favorite place to eat in Columbia, what they always order, who serves the best pizza (and how they like it), plus their top spot for ice cream or sweet treats. We also invited them to dream big: if they could open their own...

Education

Transforming Teens into Confident Drivers

How Coach Matthews Inspires Skill, Independence, and Courage Behind the Wheel Article and Photography by Shea Sullivan For Coach Matthews, teaching driver’s education isn’t just about the rules of the road — it’s about changing lives and giving students the tools they need to navigate the world with confidence. What started as a quiet dream during her years as a teacher became reality when an opportunity arose for her to become certified in driver’s education. After earning her credentials...

Life + Culture

Paws and Progress

Central Missouri Humane Society plans for the future with classroom outreach and new facility expansion Article by Jordan Durham | Photography by Central Missouri Humane Society Precious was one year old when she was abandoned in a Moser Foods parking lot on June 30, 2020. It was one of the worst neglect cases the Central Missouri Humane Society had seen. Her fur was dirty and matted, her front legs were paralyzed, and she had a broken tail and back leg. Looking at the photos, it’s hard to...

Travel

Hidden Gems

Spend Time Exploring Columbia's Lesser-Known Parks and Trails This Summer Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Sarah Jane Shorthose Cosmo Park Yes, Cosmo is the largest municipal park in the city. However, did you know that just behind the t-ball fields, you will find the Bear Creek Trailhead? This 4.8-mile hike links to the Albert-Oakland Park to the east. This expansive limestone trail traces Bear Creek's natural drainage system and features a 450-foot boardwalk constructed along a...

Real Estate

Luxury Listing of the Month

Presented by Iron Gate Real Estate: A $1,495,000 wooded retreat on 1.5 acres of elegance Article by Shea Sullivan | Photography by Iron Gate Real Estate Tucked within Columbia’s prestigious Woodrail neighborhood, this stunning six-bedroom, five-bath estate offers nearly 4,700 square feet of refined living on 1.5 private, wooded acres. Designed for both comfort and entertaining, the home features an open-concept layout, dual living areas, formal dining, and a walkout basement with a wet bar and...

Event Planning + Services

Where Vintage Charm Meets Cocktails

Turning events into unforgettable experiences with The Tipsy Mule Mobile Bar. Article by Shea Sullivan | Photography by Wilder Rays Photography When it comes to curating the perfect party, The Tipsy Mule delivers every time. With a strong foundation in branding, storytelling, and hospitality, founder Kendell Palmquist has turned a vintage horse trailer into mid-Missouri's go-to event showstopper. From weddings and corporate gatherings to pop-ups and parties, The Tipsy Mule offers a...

Auto + Marine

Adventure On The Road

The Newest in BMW and Mercedes Automobiles are Ideal for Summer Travel and Beyond Article by Linda Ditch If the open highway or a mountain backroad are on your travel agenda this summer, here are two vehicles that allow you to do so in luxury. The BMW X5 Silver Anniversary Edition and the Mercedes-Benz G580e have everything necessary to get you from here to there and back again in comfort and style. Columbia City Lifestyle asked BMW of Columbia general manager Scott Calhoun and Mercedes-Benz...

Style + Beauty

Clean Fit with Power Moves

Article by Jennifer Horton | Photography by Sarah Jane Photography Describe your personal style? I’d say I’m extremely label-centric and fashion-forward. While I’m in tune with what’s current, I don’t follow trends unless they work for me. (For example, I’m not wearing skinny jeans and a silver-buttoned leather moto jacket just because it looked good on 140-pound Adam Levine!) How did you develop your fashion sense and style? My general fashion awareness came from my mom. When I was young...

Home + Design

Introducing Lombardo Homes

Photography by Lombardo Homes Michigan-based Lombardo Homes is one of the newer builders to hit the mid-Missouri real estate scene.  We got a chance to talk to Melissa Cervin, the VP of Marketing, and Chris Matteo, the Division President, who recently relocated to Columbia. “What makes us unique is that we have an in-house team of home designers and stylist who will help you bring your dream to life," Cervin said. “Our design studio gives home buyers access to a broad range of design options...