Every region of Missouri offers great places to visit during the holiday season. Central Missouri offers great venues for shopping, dining and connecting with the outdoors.
Morning
A. Broadway Diner – Columbia
If you're fearful that holiday meals at Aunt Bunnie's are going to be, well, less than ideal, check out this popular Columbia eatery for a late-night, early-morning or midday meal. Locals order "The Stretch," a mound of hash browns smothered in chili, covered with eggs, topped with cheese, onions and green peppers.
B. The District in Columbia
Still need to get some gifts for that family exchange? No worries, The District has you covered. There are dozens of great shopping options in The District, including those featuring Missouri-made products.
Evening
A. Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Enjoy a peaceful winter's stroll through Ha Ha Tonka State Park, where features include natural bridges and springs. Atop a hill site the runs of an early 1900s castle, which is one of the park's most-visited sites.
B.
A great destination for holiday shopping (and shopping any other time of year) Osage Beach Premium Outlets offers more than 110 name-brand stores from which to choose. With the money you save shopping here, you might be able to get yourself a little something, too. Go ahead, it's okay!
C.
Leave the cooking to the staff at J. Bruner's, where steaks and seafood are prepared using exclusive recipes refined over the past 30 years. The Red Room Lounge serves cocktails and ice cream drinks.
Afternoon
A. Madison’s Cafe
One of Jefferson City's most-popular restaurants, Madison's features Italian and American cuisine, with an emphasis on salads, pasta, steaks, seafood and veal.
B. Missouri State Capitol
Inside or out, the Missouri State Capitol is a wonder to behold. Noted for its fabulous architecture and its collection of murals and artwork, the Capitol is a favorite stop for travelers in Jefferson City.