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THE GUIDE

The Guide: Find a farmers market

There are plenty of stores in Columbia that sell natural or organic food, but why not go straight to the source? Farmers’ markets are a great way to get fresh produce, homemade baked goods, meat completely free of “pink slime,” plants, and craft items. Due to the early onset of spring, many of them are opening few weeks early this year, so plan on checking out some of our local markets soon.

THE GUIDE ARCHIVES

The Guide: Columbia restaurant patios

22 choices for outdoor dining

(Web Exclusive) It’s definitely getting warmer around Columbia. These Columbia restaurants offer room to eat and relax while basking in the sun or enjoying one anothers’ company in the moonlight.

The Guide: Find a farmers market

Produce doesn’t come much fresher than from the market

(Web Exclusive) There are plenty of stores in Columbia that sell natural or organic food, but why not go straight to the source? Farmers’ markets are a great way to get fresh produce, homemade baked goods, meat completely free of “pink slime,” plants, and craft items. Due to the early onset of spring, many of them are opening few weeks early this year, so plan on checking out some of our local markets soon.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: A guide to exercise DVDs

Vox reviews some of Columbia's most popular workout DVDs

Vox tried some of the most popular exercise DVDs, as ranked by the library, in stores and online. Before you run out and buy a DVD you’ve never tried before, check out our reviews and pick the one you think will work best for you.

Craft away your cabin fever

To prevent the classic case of cabin fever, choose from a medley of crafts — whether it’s knitting, quilting, painting, throwing ceramic pots or building beaded bracelets — from our winter craft class guide. Shut out the cold and channel an inner Martha Stewart.

The Guide: Mid-Missouri's a cappella groups

Read about some of mid-Missouri's committed a cappella groups

Columbia boasts award-winning a cappella groups of all ages. Members of these groups find time to rehearse every week, despite class or work commitments. In this guide, Vox features contemporary to classic a cappella groups in Columbia that have either been around for years or are just starting out.

The Guide: Pumpkin patches

Vox finds the perfect place to grab a pumpkin

(Web Exclusive) Every year, around this time, people across the country are faced with an important, seemingly insurmountable task: picking the perfect pumpkin. Whether you need one for baking a tasty pie or carving a jack-o'-lantern, the options abound. Vox presents a list of places to grab the greatest gourds.

The Guide: Horseback riding

Where to go to get back in the saddle

(Web Exclusive) Head away from the city and out to the countryside to experience the many horseback-riding options that mid-Missouri offers. With a little help from Vox, aspiring riders can find the perfect lesson.

The Guide: Fishing in Columbia

Learn where to catch fantastic fish

Columbia boasts eight public hot spots for fishing enthusiasts or line-casting novices. Pack a lunch, grab a tackle box, resuscitate that well-worn fishing hat and spend a day finding out which fish are eager for a bite of bait.

The Guide: Golf

Don't hit the links without consulting Vox's guide to golf

(Web Exclusive) Whether you’re a golfer who just hopes to finish a round without running out of golf balls or a player who thinks you’re the next Tiger Woods, Columbia’s courses have something in store for you. These courses are open year-round, and while golfing in the snow is improbable, people can still enjoy these courses as long as weather permits.

The Guide: Alterations

Where to go when last season's pants no longer fit

(Web Exclusive) For those not blessed with sewing skills, Vox is here with a guide to Columbia’s alteration shops.

The Guide: FM radio stations

Find the radio station that fits your music taste

(Web Exclusive) Nothing beats cruising in the car with the windows rolled down and the radio turned up while belting out a great song. But it’s frustrating when you can’t find something good to jam to. Stop hitting the seek button, and use this guide to help you find the perfect FM radio station, no matter what mood you’re in.

The Guide: Columbia art galleries

View artwork from around the world, and span centuries without leaving the city

(Web Exclusive) To an art lover, few things are as welcoming as the smooth, expansive floors and track lighting of an art gallery. Columbia’s galleries are filled with carefully curated items such as Native American kachina dolls, handcrafted jewelry and origami paper mobiles. They offer a glimpse of the work of tomorrow’s artists and a look at the utilitarian pieces fashioned by our ancestors. Admission to each is free.

The Guide: Restaurant patios

Where to go to nosh in the sun in Columbia

(Web Exclusive) Patio season is warming up as quickly as Missouri weather. Whether you’re kicking back with friends and family, on a date with a special someone or getting back in the swing of baseball, a good time and a great meal shouldn’t be confined within walls. For those unwilling to give up that elusive sunshine, Columbia offers an array of outdoor dining hotspots that will plant you in a spring state of mind.

The Guide: Pet groomers

Where to go in CoMo to get Fifi bathed, brushed and pedicured

(Web Exclusive) Pets and their owners are itching to play outside now that it’s getting warmer. Unfortunately, the nice weather also brings more opportunities for Spike and Sassy to roll in the mud, become covered with skunk stink and discover old roadkill. Vox offers a guide to getting your dog or cat clean and fresh-smelling this spring.

The Guide: Alternate routes for Columbia's flooded roads

Navigating local road closures during spring flooding

(Web Exclusive) This year’s flood forecast could be bad news for Columbia’s roads. The National Weather Service’s St. Louis office recently announced that moderate to major flooding is probable in the next three months.

The Guide: Karaoke

Where to go to hit the right notes ... or at least try to

(Web Exclusive) If day-to-day obligations are causing a case of the blues, why not sing away the sorrow — in front of a bunch of total strangers? There’s something strangely cathartic about putting it all on the line and belting out Elton John classics. Vox has the guide to bars and restaurants in Columbia so you can brave the stage and reach for the microphone.

The Guide: 2011 Calendars

Whether you're a cat fancier or a hormonal teen, there's a calendar that's just right for you.

(Web Exclusive) A calendar is like a wingman: It’s honest, loyal and it keeps you on track. It knows everything from when your next work meeting is, to when you’re going on a date with the cute girl from down the hall. It is by your side for 365 days. The good news is that you get to choose it, but make sure you choose wisely because it’s going to be by your side for the next 365 days.

The Guide: New Year's Eve 2010

(Web Exclusive) Don't be left at home on New Year's Eve watching Dick Clark -- or, worse yet, infomericals. There's plenty to do on the last night/first morning of the year.

The Guide: How to build an awesome snowman

Tips for creating a snowy masterpiece

(Web Exclusive) Grab a corncob pipe and a button nose. And a magic old silk hat if you can find one. It’s time to build a snowman. From the classic three-tier snowman to Smurf sculptures, here’s how to make your snowman the envy of your block.

How to cook a great winter meal and entertain right

Columbia’s culinary all-stars show you how to look capable this holiday season

(Web Exclusive) People need more substantive meals when the temps dip low. But along with the plummeting mercury, come a slew of holidays that leave many people needing to entertain and share a meal with family and friends. Luckily for you, some of Columbia’s best chefs and bartenders offer some tips to cook a great winter meal and how to entertain right.