Whether you are back in Columbia for another year, have lived here all of your life or are just looking to explore places outside of the city, there are plenty of things to do in a weekend or even in an afternoon.

While day trips to St. Louis or Kansas City are obvious choices, these mid-Missouri towns have their own charm and culture to offer  when CoMo just isn’t where you want to be on a Saturday.

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  John Reid, Dan Murphy and Chris Flinchpaugh kayak on the Missouri River in Rocheport on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012. The warm weather gave the trio an opportunity to kayak before the first day of spring. Photography by Megan May.

  In Rocheport, you can take a tour of Les Bourgeois Vineyards and taste a variety of red and white wines. Although many people will be inclined to head back toward I-70 when finished there, don’t do that. Head on into downtown Rocheport to find a variety of restaurants such as the Rocheport General Store, bed and breakfasts and other locally owned businesses. If adventure is what you’re looking for, take a guided kayaking tour down the Missouri River.

• If festivals are your thing, take the short drive down Highway 63 for the Ashland Fall Festival on Saturday, September 8. Enter your dog into a beauty pageant, find your favorite meal at the Battle of the BBQ event or give the 5K walk/run through the small town a try.
• Some folks probably scratch their heads at the thought of a Winston Churchill museum being located in mid-Missouri.  In Fulton, you’ll find exhibits and memorabilia honoring the former British prime minister who was a major player during World War II. The museum was established by Congress and is considered America’s only official museum dedicated to Churchill.

Where are some places you like to go to get away from Columbia every now and again? Is there something you don’t like about the suggestions above? Let us know in the comments.