Columbia Hotels | Blog | Holiday Inn Executive Center

Experience Literary Genius

April 01, 2019

Novelist, essayist, and short story author George Saunders was the recipient of the 2006 MacArthur Foundation Fellowship Award, also known as the “Genius Award.” On April 19, The Unbound Book Festival is bringing Saunders to The Missouri Theatre for a literary discussion with novelist and poet Monica Ferrell. The Missouri Theatre is a beautiful venue for such a discussion, and it is located only 10 short minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. Saunders is probably best known for his best selling collection of short stories, Pastoralia, but he has also written the novel Lincoln in the Bardo, New York Times Notable Book Tenth of December, and even an award-winning children’s book. George Saunders is one of those literary geniuses that will amaze you with his storytelling ability as well as his approach to the writing process. This free event starts at 7:30 PM and concludes at 9:30 PM.

Et tu, Brute?

March 04, 2019

William Shakespeare, the Bard, is known as one of the greatest writers in the history of the English language because he could work in a variety of genres like Tragedy, History, Romance, and Comedy. In fact, he was so skilled that he often blended the genres seamlessly, creating works that have rarely been improved upon in the last 400 years. From March 14-16, Stephens College will be performing Shakespeare’s historical tragedy Julius Caesar. This performance of the classic tale will feature a few twists that will provide new insight into the story of political intrigue and betrayal. By the time Brutus and Cassius have successfully organized the assassination of the famous Caesar, you will be amazed at the Stephens College players’ ability to transport you back to Bard’s time. While the language of the play is Renaissance in style, the themes seem like they could have been ripped from today’s headlines.

A Perfect Pairing

February 04, 2019

On February 25, Angel’s Envy Whiskey will have an evening of delicious food and smooth whiskey. The Angel’s Envy Whiskey Pairing brings together food from visiting Chef Martin Casey with up to 4 different Angel’s Envy offerings. This incredible event takes place at Dive Bar which is less than 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. The thing that makes Angel’s Envy unique is that their bourbon is finished in port wine casks. Your 3 guaranteed samples include Angel’s Envy Port, Angel’s Envy Finished Rye, and the Angel’s Envy 2017 Cask Strength. After the meal has concluded, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a cigar and the Angel’s Envy 2018 Cask Strength if you upgrade your package. If you are looking for an intimate evening filled with good food, incredible drinks, and unbelievable ambiance, then the Angel’s Envy Whiskey Pairing at Dive Bar is the perfect event for you.

Off to Neverland

January 07, 2019

Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan and his lost boys. We have all grown up loving their adventures as they match wits with the villainous Captain Hook. But have you ever wondered how all of the heroes and villains ended up in Neverland in the first place? The stage play, Peter and the Starcatcher, tells just that story. Additionally, this incredible prequel is made with adults in mind. The Columbia Entertainment Company will be performing Peter and the Starcatcher on January 17-20, 24-27, 31, and February 1-3. The company’s theatre is only about 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia, so this is one show that you will not want to miss. The Columbia Entertainment Company’s performance will be directed by Kay Cook who also helmed last year’s popular performance of Bye Bye Birdie. Peter Pan may be the boy who never grows up, but this grown-up prequel to the classic tale will have you laughing and smiling all night long.

A Holiday Bike Ride

December 03, 2018

If you are looking for a unique holiday experience this Christmas season, then you should consider participating in the It’s a Wonderful Ride: Holiday Lights Bicycle Tour on December 18. The guided ride starts at Lucky’s Market at 111 S. Providence which is only about 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. This is the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit and maybe even burn some of those extra holiday calories. You will be guided through downtown Columbia, including residential neighborhoods and college campuses. All along the trip, you will be treated to some of the most beautiful Christmas light displays in the entire city. This is a family friendly event, so all riders all welcome. At the conclusion of the ride, enjoy some hot cocoa that is sure to help you warm up. After participating in the It’s a Wonderful Ride event this year, you are sure to want to make the bike ride a part of your annual holiday traditions.

Here Comes Santa Claus

November 05, 2018

It may seem crazy to already start thinking about Christmas, Thanksgiving has not even arrived yet, but it is never too early to get into that holiday spirit. One place where you can start the celebration is Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops. The Columbia Bass Pro is located less than 15 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. The festivities begin with the arrival of Santa Claus himself on Saturday, November 10. In addition to photos with Santa, there will also be stocking decorating, the lighting of the Christmas tree, and the unveiling of Santa’s Winter Wonderland. The fun continues all month long with activities and giveaways like Christmas drawstring bags, polar bear plush toys, letters to Santa, and other assorted craft stations that will change weekly. Additionally, Santa’s Wonderland is filled with a wide range of games so that there is fun available for the entire family.

Halloween Brew and View

October 01, 2018

Those who are too old for Trick or Treating, those too scared of Haunted Houses, and those who are looking for a more fun Halloween experience, should head to the Blue Note for the Brew and View event on Halloween night. You and your friends can grab your beverage of choice and enjoy a screening of the classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This popular event will be hosted by Mark “The Master” Chambers and only costs $10. The Blue Note is only about 10 minutes from Holiday Inn Columbia, and the trip is definitely worth the experience. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is notorious for encouraging audience participation, and this screening will be no different. You will not want to miss your chance to “Do the Time Warp Again” with Dr. Frank N. Furter, Rocky Horror, Janet Weiss, Dr. Everett V. Scott, and the rest of the memorable cast.

MIZ-ZOU

September 04, 2018

To many football fans, the atmosphere at a college game surpasses the intensity and excitement of an NFL game. After all, college students passionately root for their school’s team, as do the fans that grew up with the school as well as the alumni. The atmosphere at a Missouri football game rivals just about any atmosphere in the entire country. The exciting Tigers team is led by Coach Barry Odom, Quarterback Drew Lock, Running Back Damarea Crockett, Safety Cam Hilton, and Linebacker Cale Garrett, and they have high hopes for a Bowl Game victory to cap off a strong season. This season features home games against SEC rivals South Carolina, Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee as well as non-conference bouts with Purdue and Idaho. When you take your seat at Faurot Field, you will be amazed by the Gold and Black shirts throughout the stadium and the buzzing atmosphere of excited fans.

Fortune Favors the Bold

August 06, 2018

In 2017, Longboat Brewing and The Blue Note put on the first ever Fortune Fest. The concert was such a success that they are doing it again this year on August 18. To celebrate all of the great people who have helped Columbia grow in recent years, Fortune Fest 2018 will feature delicious food, cold drinks, and lots and lots of live music. Food trucks from vendors like Pepe’s of Columbia, Pizza Tree, Smokin’ Chicks, Ozark Mountain Biscuit Company, and Kona Ice. With Longboat Brewing as one of the sponsors, you know that the beer will be flowing all festival long. There will also be plenty of musical acts taking the stage in Rose Park like funk and soul band Black Joe Lewis, Punk group Radkey, Nashville Darlings Liz Cooper and The Stampede, Rockband Amasha Hines, local psychedelic dance rock stars The Royal Furs and the dynamic Rae Fitsgerald.

Cheers to You

July 03, 2018

It is no secret that there has been craft beer and microbrewery explosion in the United States in the last few years. Columbia has seen its fair share of new breweries and brewpubs, but the Broadway Brewery is one of the best in the area. Located about 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia, Broadway Brewery has been serving delicious house-brewed beer since 2009. Some of their most popular beer offerings include the APA, Black Honey Brown Ale, 11 Point IPA, Kolsch, Porter, and Blue Heron Organic Apple Cider. In addition to incredible beer, Broadway Brewery prides itself on serving locally sourced, not to mention amazing, food. Be sure to try the Trout Hushpuppies, Porter Dip, Lamb Burger, or one of their brilliantly crafted pizzas. Sometimes, the best part about visiting a new city is finding your new favorite restaurant. After one visit to Broad Brewery, you will have found your favorite in Columbia.

Movie Music Comes Alive

June 04, 2018

Some of the most iconic films in movie history have equally iconic soundtracks, scores, and musical cues. From Jaws to Star Wars and Superman to Indiana Jones, the music in a film can be just as important and memorable as the story and stars. The Missouri Symphony Orchestra will celebrate over 60 years of Oscar-winning and nominated movie music in their event “A Night at the Oscars” on June 22. The show takes place at the Missouri Theatre which is only about 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. Some of the films featured in the program include Harry Potter, The Godfather, Psycho, and Exodus. Guest Zoe Melcher and David Nevergall will help bring the music of film composers like John Williams, Nino Rota, and Bernard Herman to life. Hearing the Missouri Symphony Orchestra perform the scores to your favorite films will transport you back to the first time you saw them in the theater.

Fly Like An Eagle

May 08, 2018

With the high paced nature of our modern lives, sometimes it is necessary and important to lose yourself in the serenity and beauty of nature. You can do just that at the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area which is located only about 25 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. During your visit, you may catch a glimpse of some incredible wildlife like eagles, seagulls, ducks, deer, and turkey vultures. The plant life is equally breathtaking with fields of sunflowers, wildflowers, and a variety of native trees. There are numerous trails for hiking, some of which are perfect for more experienced adventurers. Pack a lunch, bring a blanket, and enjoy a nice afternoon picnic away from the hustle of bustle of city life. After all, it is sometimes good for the soul when there’s not another soul in sight. In the summer, the trees are in full bloom, but you will want to be prepared for the bugs. They are the only thing that could possibly spoil the amazing scenery at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.

Root Root Root for the Tigers

April 02, 2018

Even though the Major League Baseball season just started, college baseball has been going strong for a couple of months now. The Missouri Tigers are hoping to have a strong season in the talented SEC that results in a College World Series bid. So far, the Tigers are 21-7 with plenty of time for improvement. The team’s home field, Taylor Stadium, is less than 15 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. As they prepare for the stretch run of the season, Mizzou has important home games against SIU-Edwardsville, Alabama, Chicago State, Vanderbilt, and Georgia all in the next month. Games at Taylor Stadium are family friendly events. Current National League Cy Young pitcher Max Scherzer is a proud Mizzou alum, so you know he will be watching the season with great interest. Who knows, maybe taking your family to a Missouri baseball game will inspire the next great Mizzou ballplayer.

Come as You Are

March 05, 2018

Even though it seems impossible, Nirvana’s smash album Nevermind will turn 30 in just a few years. That album brought grunge to the mainstream and changed the musical landscape of an entire decade. On Friday March 23 at the Blue Note, you will have the opportunity to relive the glory days of grunge at the Seattle Royale 2018 performance. The venue is only about 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia, so this is one concert that you will not want to miss. The Hipnecks will perform some of Alice in Chains’ biggest hits like “Rooster,” “Man in the Box,” and “Them Bones” to get things started. They will be followed by The Many Colored Death who specialize in Soundgarden classics. Decadent Nation will play Pearl Jam hits like “Jeremy,” “Daughter,” and “Even Flow” while Madora/Down Side Up will close the show with Nirvana favorites like “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “ Come As You Are,” and “Lithium.”

Escape, If You Can

February 05, 2018

Conari Escape Rooms is the most exciting new escape room adventure in the entire Columbia, Missouri area. You and up to 7 other people have to solve riddles, find clues, and unlock the mystery in time to escape the themed room that you choose. Located less than 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia, Conari Escape Rooms has 3 unique themed rooms. In the first, Scarlet’s House, you and your team have one hour to release the tortured soul of a witch named Scarlet after you are forced into her house by a vicious storm. The second room, Conari Lockup, gives players one hour to escape from their holding cell after being wrongfully imprisoned. In the third experience, VLAD, you have one hour to outwit the bloodthirsty Vlad and save your king before all hope is lost. No matter which room experience you choose, you and your group are sure to have an exciting and mentally stimulating adventure.

Columbia Art League

January 07, 2018

From January 16 through March 9, you have the extraordinary opportunity to indulge your artistic side with a special exhibit from the Columbia Art League. The exhibition, titled Indulge, takes place at the art league home base, which is only about 10 minutes away from the Holiday Inn Columbia. This unique exhibition is all about food, specifically the foods that inspire the submitting artists. After all, we have all been inspired by delicious food in our lives. Submissions include paintings, photography, sketches, and many other mediums which are put through a vigorous judging process before they are approved for the exhibition. Additionally, all of the displayed works will be available for purchase. The Columbia Art League dedicates themselves to providing visitors with exciting and one of a kind art displays. The volunteers who staff the special exhibits are all knowledgeable, friendly, and informative. After just one afternoon exploring the galleries, you will start planning your next trip to the Columbia Art League.

Elf Jr. The Musical

December 04, 2017

Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color? Buddy’s catchphrase is repeated more and more as we get closer to the holiday season. From December 14-17, you have the opportunity see the Broadway adaptation of the popular film, Elf Jr., as performed by the Pace Youth Theatre Company. All performances will take place at C.E.C. theatre which is only about 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. The Elf in the title is of course Buddy, who is actually a human who was raised by elves after accidentally climbing into Santa’s bag of presents. When he grows up, much larger than his elf peers, he journeys to New York City in search of his long lost father. Along the way, he makes new friends, falls in love, and even helps the world rediscover its Christmas spirit. This exciting production is the perfect way for you and your family to start celebrating the holidays.

Mizzou Basketball

November 07, 2017

The entire city of Columbia is buzzing about the potential of this year’s Men’s Basketball team. Led by Coach Cuonzo Martin, the team is hoping for a deep post season run with freshmen stars like preseason All-American Michael Porter Jr., his brother Jontay Porter, and Jeremiah Tilmon. They join upper classmen like Kevin Puryear and Terrence Smith in their pursuit of Missouri history. Their beautiful home court, Mizzou Arena, is only about 10 minutes from the Holiday Inn Columbia. In the next 2 months, the local Tigers have exciting home games against, Iowa State, Wagner, Emporia State, Long Beach State, Miami of Ohio, Green Bay, North Florida, SFA, and the yearly bragging rights game against rival Illinois. There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of a college basketball game, and Mizzou promises to be one of the best venues in all of college basketball this year. You do not want to miss your chance to witness history in the making.

The 12th Annual Central Missouri Renaissance Festival

October 07, 2017

Who among us hasn’t imagined what it would have been like to live in that great intellectual, artistic, and civic blossoming that defined the Renaissance Europe? Now’s your chance to live that fantasy firsthand at the 12^th annual Central Missouri Renaissance Festival. Located at the Boster Castle Fairgrounds, just a short 25-minute drive from our hotel, this exuberant festival brings together live musical entertainment, period appropriate games, and a vibrant collection of artisans ready to impress you with their handcrafted wares. Marvel at expert archers as they deftly strike bulls-eye after bulls-eye, enjoy demonstrations of playful steel and blunted weapon combat, and chow down on the hardy helpings and libations that keep the party going strong. Festivities run from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. on October 21 and 22, and while period costume is encouraged, all that’s required for entry is a good attitude and a zest for a most chivalrous era.

Address: I-70 - 144/Hatton Exit, 4274 County Rd 220, Kingdom City, MO 65262

Step Back into the Past at the Heritage Festival and Craft Show

September 04, 2017

From Saturday, September 15, through Sunday, September 16, the 40^th Annual Heritage Festival and Craft Show will offer locals and visitors alike the opportunity to travel back in time to witness the ways of a bygone era firsthand. Chat with tradesmen and artisans outfitted in 19^th-century attire appropriate to their stations as they present their wares and demonstrate their crafts to curious onlookers. Dancers and musicians from various traditions—from folk to bluegrass, from Irish to Native American, from country and western to Cajun—will perform on three separate stages in front of enthusiastic crowds. Children will love the cowboys with their horses and the many hands-on activities in the “Young’uns Area,” including candle dipping, rope making, paper pumpkins, stilt games, hayrides, and more. There will also be a variety of delicious foods for sale throughout the festival, as well as a separate area for contemporary, handmade arts and crafts.

Address: Historic Nifong Park, 3700 Ponderosa St., Columbia, MO

Making Summer Last

August 07, 2017

Now that summer is winding down, you’ll want to get out and enjoy the warm weather while you still can. To that end, here are some free outdoor activities this month that are great for the whole family:

Family Fun Fest: Mad About Science | Wednesday, Aug 16, 6-8 P.M. | Cosmo Park

Family Fun Fest includes music, live entertainment, interactive learning, face painting, food trucks, and more. This month’s FFF is science-themed, in honor of the upcoming solar eclipse.

Kaleidospoke | Saturday, August 19, 7:30-10:30 P.M. | Start at Flat Branch Park, bike to Twin Lakes

In this family-friendly nighttime bike ride (not a race—we keep it relaxed here), you’ll cycle along an illuminated trail from Flat Branch Park up to Twin Lakes and back. Decide when to start and what pace you’re comfortable with. S'mores await you at Twin Lakes.

Movies in the Park | Saturday, August 19, 8:30 P.M. | Cosmo Park

Stretch out on your most comfy blanket and enjoy Guardians of the Galaxy under the starry dome of the great outdoors. Food trucks will be on hand.

Join the Missouri Symphony Orchestra for Hot Summer Nights

July 02, 2017

One of the most venerable symphony orchestras in the heartland, the Missouri Symphony Orchestra emerged in 2005 under the direction of Kirk Trevor. As an internationally acclaimed conductor who has worked tirelessly to make classical music relevant and exciting for today’s audiences, Maestro Trevor has spearheaded many initiatives, including the founding of the Hot Summer Nights Festival, which has become the Midwest’s biggest classical and pops summertime extravaganza. Among the upcoming HSNF concerts are Chamber Recital #3, which will feature small ensembles performing works from the 17^th century to the 21^st, on July 10; Let’s Build an Orchestra, a performance for kids and adults who want to see how an orchestra is put together from the ground up, on July 12; and Rock On!, which will showcase full orchestral versions of rock classics made famous by such luminaries as The Eagles, Aretha Franklin, and Queen, on July 14. And that’s just a small taste of what's ahead. For the full Hot Summer Nights Festival line-up with complete time and location information, check out their website.

Down at the District

June 03, 2017

Take a stroll down Columbia’s 9^th Street, known to locals as “The District,” for a fun summer outing that exudes college town charm. In 2004 the District was officially recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, and with iconic establishments like Shakespeare’s Pizza, Pete’s BBQ Shack, and Main Squeeze, we can certainly see why. As fans of live music, we’re especially fond of the Blue Note, a historic Vaudeville theater located in the District at 17 N. 9^th St. The vintage marquee outside the club has featured some big names over the years, including The Pixies, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Arcade Fire. This summer the Blue Note will welcome up-and-coming artists as well as crowd favorites like Jonny Lang, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, A Thousand Horses, Hellyeah, and more. So grab a bite on 9^th, see a live show, then enjoy a drink or two as you wind down the warm summer night.

Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream

May 01, 2017

Now that spring is here and the weather is finally starting to warm up, we recommend you take a trip down to Columbia’s most famous dessert joint, Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream, just a short drive from our Holiday Inn hotel. Sparky’s features a quirky list of flavors, including mandarin orange dark chocolate, pancakes, and lavender honey, many of which are made with fresh, local ingredients (we are big fans of Uprise Candied Bacon and Les Bourgeois White Russian). While you’re enjoying Sparky’s sweet, frozen treats, you’ll also be able to treat yourself to the mini-museum of deliciously bad paintings the shop has acquired over the years. On your way out, you might even feel inclined to pay your respects to the original Sparky, the dopey and lovable bulldog immortalized by one local artist’s surprisingly lifelike ceramic statue.

Address: 21 South 9th Street, Columbia

Chasing the Sun

April 01, 2017

We Missourians take a lot of pride in our beautiful countryside, which is why the Holiday Inn Executive Center of Columbia is inviting all our guests who enjoy running to participate in the 5^th annual Chasing the Sun 5k walk-or-run the morning of Saturday, May 6. All proceeds from Chasing the Sun will go to Renew Missouri, a non-profit organization working hard to elevate our great state into the top 20 in terms of renewables and energy efficiency by 2020. The starting line is at the entrance to Stephen’s Lake Park, located about 10 minutes from our hotel. Both seasoned marathoners and folks new to running are welcome to join. Every participant will leave with a special t-shirt to commemorate the event, and all will be entered into a contest for dozens of special prizes as well.

Located at 2001 E Broadway, Columbia, MO

A Train Ride Through the Expo Circuit

March 04, 2017

Open wide for these tributes to slaking thirst and bounding from place to place.

March 18th @ 10:00 am

All board, y’all. Heed the conductor’s call when the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts its Annual Train Show, where you’ll find a great variety of models on display from the early days of rail transportation right into the present.

March 18th @ 1:00 pm

In case locomotion isn’t your cup of tea, the Holiday Inn Expo Center has reserved plenty of room for the 7th Annual Missouri Beer Festival. Attendees receive a keepsake glass for sampling more than fifty booths, including delicious snacks.

March 25th @ 8:30 pm

North 9th Street

Funk is Missouri’s fastest growing music scene! Squeeze into a pair of pleather pants and "get on up" for a fresh time. Columbia’s rich music venue, The Blue Note, is your gracious host for this evening of loud mouths and blazing horns.

Dip Your Valentine in a Lovely Afternoon

February 03, 2017

It’s a year-round love affair for those who live in Columbia, but the passion really picks up in February, when love birds flock to the city for Valentine’s Day.

Nearly all of the city’s most popular restaurants and bars will offer specially designed menus for the occasion. If you’re in love with food then you’re already in the right place! Columbia’s chefs whip sourced ingredients into everything from tempting pizzas and juicy steaks, to satisfying smoothies and salads with a real crunch. Visit Main Squeeze for a tofu taco or freshly squeezed juice, made to go.

Sycamore is an excellent choice for hungry locavores, while the Wine Cellar and Bistro has plenty of pink Prosecco and a larder full of sharp and gooey cheeses. Make your valentine’s day whole with a final trip to The Candy Factory for their famous chocolate-covered strawberries or Patric Chocolate, where they’re busy handcrafting American-style cacao. Is there anything not to love?

Artful Beginnings to the Next Year

January 08, 2017

Putting a little art in your step can be a beautiful solution to lingering last-year funk.

January 30th through February 3rd

Keep your eye out for the next Picasso during the University of Missouri’s Visual Art & Design Showcase, a remarkable opportunity for the university’s undergraduate artists-in-training to spread their colorful wings in a real exhibition space. It’s free and open to the public!

February 3rd @ 7:00 pm

The university’s own Missouri Theatre is proud to stage Raisin’ Cane: A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey, a remarkable melting pot of early 20th-century words and music coming to life before your very eyes, including Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and many others.

February 3rd through 5th

Based on the beloved Jane Austen novel of 1815, the Macklanburg Playhouse’s production of Emma is a fresh imagining of a classic story. Filled with high hopes Emma Woodhouse’s matchmaking art finds her tangled in a web of marriage and gossip.

Staff Picks

Get the Insider Scoop to All the Best Events