Plano, Texas, just 20 miles away from the hubbub of Dallas, offers a wide variety of dining options from upscale and elegant to cheap and cheerful. All of it is delicious. Whatever you have a taste for, we’ll show you great choices at the best restaurants in Plano, Texas.

Disclaimer: Visit Plano sponsored our trip and this article. The opinions expressed are strictly our own based on our personal experiences.

Lay of the Land

Plano, like just about everything in Texas, is big. Choosing parts to explore at one time will be easier. And there’s no better place to start than Legacy West for some of the best places to eat in Plano, Texas. Loaded with shops, hotels, and tons of great food. If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out our review of the gorgeous Renaissance Dallas – Plano at Legacy West Hotel.

Legacy Food Hall

One of the latest trends we see happening around the world is the adoption of food halls. Plano is right on trend with its Legacy Food Hall filled with lots of food, drink, and entertainment. There were so many choices we couldn’t try them all. But we did our best to give you an idea of the wide variety available. Here are a few of our very favorites.

Shawarma Bar

We crossed many culinary borders to try chef Yaser Khalaf’s enticing Mediterranean flavors at Shawarma Bar. The chicken shawarma was grilled to perfection and stuffed inside a tasty wrap along with veggies and garlic sauce. It was irresistibly crunchy, chewy, garlicky, and yummy.

Roots Chicken Shak

Top Chef competitor Tiffany Derry offers some of the tastiest fried chicken we’ve ever had (and we’ve had plenty!) at Roots Chicken Shak. Her Southern style infuses every bite. So does the duck fat she uses to fry everything. Yes, we said it. Duck-fat fried chicken. It’s so good maybe it should be in a new all-poultry category. We tried several of the sauces for dipping the wings to add that extra kick.

Son of a Butcher

We have to admit that we’re suckers for sliders. Especially when they’re served up with wagyu beef and Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls. When the folks at Son of a Butcher call this slider a classic, they’re not kidding. We gobbled our little bitesters down in nothing flat. You can make it a double, add various toppings, and have a load of waffle fries to round out your meal. This little taste of nostalgia was up to date delicious.

A Whole Lot of Options

As big as our appetites are they’re no match for the number of delicious options at the restaurants in Legacy Food Hall. If you want Chinese, Indian, Nuevo Latin, German, BBQ, Italian, and more, you’ll find it all at this massive complex of eateries. There are also plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth from Belgian waffles to fresh-baked cookies, cupcakes, French macarons, and fruity popsicles. You literally could spend all day working your way through the many food stalls there.

Unlawful Assembly Brewing Co.

We just couldn’t miss trying out some of the local drafts, so we helped ourselves to a flight inside the Unlawful Assembly Brewing Co. taproom upstairs. We can totally see just kicking back, sipping a few carefully crafted local brews, hanging out, and enjoying the tunes, games, or whatever might be going on in the Box Garden, the outdoor entertainment area of the Legacy Hall. It’s a great idea that makes Legacy Hall a fabulous one-stop shop for fun during your visit.

Breakfast On The Boardwalk

After a good night’s rest in our comfy, quiet room we were ready to get the morning started. We headed out to the Boardwalk at Granite Park, another area set up with hungry folks in mind. This lovely row of diverse food spots is perfect for strolling, munching, drinking, and having a great time morning, noon, or night.

The Biscuit Bar

Nothing says good morning like a big, buttery, flaky biscuit, right? Right! And the mother maker of all biscuit breakfasts in Plano is The Biscuit Bar on the Boardwalk at Granite Park. We hear from insiders that the line for the weekend brunch is really long (but moves fast) so we decided to check it out during the week.

We decided to go whole hog on our breakfast biscuit, ordering the “Rough Night,” which has basically everything you could think of piled on a biscuit. What, you may ask does that include? How about this: Southern fried chicken, burger patty, ham, turkey, pulled pork, bacon, tots, cheddar, and house-made sausage gravy. You thought we were exaggerating when we said “everything” didn’t you? Well, we weren’t. And it tasted even better than it sounds. The biscuit is out of this world delicious and all of the ingredients just do a happy dance in your mouth.

Of course, when you have such a major breakfast, you really need to have breakfast dessert. We opted for the Hot Chocolate Biscuit, including a flakey, buttery biscuit covered with chocolate gravy and topped with toasted marshmallow fluff. It was sweet and savory and incredibly delicious.

Union Bear Brewing Co.

If you’ve got fresh food and beer on your mind, you’ll love the large and lively Union Bear Brewery + Kitchen with its huge tap list and relaxing west coast vibe. This is a lively spot offering “no coast beer” and an approachable, fun environment. We think hanging around, quaffing a few, and making new friends here could easily become a habit. They must too because it stays open late most nights.

Other Dining Options

If you feel like bar and restaurant hopping, you can enjoy lots of different spots on the Boardwalk at Granite Park. Chip’s Old Fashion Hamburgers sure has burgers, but also Tex Mex, baked potatoes, and even seafood to satisfy all your cravings. Edith’s French Bistro provides a touch of elegance with its gorgeous decor, full bar, and irresistible dishes like champagne Mac & Cheese or Chateaubriand for Two. Edith’s offers a high tea service for a way to really refresh and enjoy some time to relax. Good Union Urban BBQ partners with local providers to give you the freshest bites and best craft beers. Try one or all of these tasty spots and linger a little longer at this lovely waterside spot.

Historic Downtown Plano Arts District

One of the best things about Plano is that whether you like shiny and new or vintage charm, you can have it all. The Historic Downtown Plano Arts District is loaded with plenty to eat and drink, including some wonderfully authentic ethnic bites.

Jörg’s Cafe Vienna

You may notice that we emphasize the diversity of Plano’s food scene. But we haven’t shown you nearly enough. In fact, even if you like Austrian food (and who doesn’t?), you can just come to Plano! Don’t believe us? Well, you’ll have to hit Jörg’s Cafe Vienna as we did. This small, lively, and authentic spot is just another fun place in Plano’s expansive list of tasty surprises. We had so much fun with the locals drinking Austrian and German beers, eating bratwurst and schnitzel, and looking at the colorful decor. Photos of the owner’s family, who supported him in getting the restaurant up and going, add to the sense that you are part of the fun.

Eaters Rejoice

There are even more unique places to eat in the Historic Downtown Plano Arts District. Old favorites are being joined by new spots all the time. For a classic pub, try The Fillmore Pub. You’ll feel like you’ve been going there to grab a pint and a bite with friends you’ve known for a lifetime. Another great spot, Vickery Park, offers a great tavern experience. And Ye Ole Butcher Shop, just a bit off the beaten path, has a name that pretty much says it all. Urban Rio and La Paloma Taqueria have authentic Mexican flavors that Texas is known for. And Lockhart Smokehouse offers an award-winning BBQ that you won’t soon forget.

More to Eat and Drink

Other downtown Plano restaurants can keep you happy as well. Urban Crust is known for its delicious pizza as well as the 32 Degrees Rooftop Bar. You can enjoy a happy hour there while looking out at the brick-lined streets, art galleries, boutiques and murals that make this such a special part of Plano. Ebusu Robata & Sushi offers a new tasty dinner option for fans of Asian cuisine, while Better Than Sex Desserts, well, the name probably tells you all you need to know. There are other delicious options from coffee to pizza and much more but we hope we’ve whet your appetite a little to explore this fun and Plano area.

Brunch & Lunch

We love a hearty meal that can last a good part of the day. Two of the places we visited could easily provide you with enough tucker to keep you from tuckering out even during the most strenuous shop-hopping. (Did we mention Plano is also a shopper’s paradise? Stay tuned for that in another post!)

Whiskey Cake

The name Whiskey Cake combines two of our very favorite things – booze and sweets. So what could a place with this moniker offer in our quest for a tasty, filling, Texas-sized meal? As it turns out, just about everything we could hope for.

Make it Your Way

If there’s anything we love, it’s a boozy brunch. And there’s nothing more fun than a DIY Bloody Mary bar. Whiskey Cake’s ample bloody bar first caught our attention, then captured our hearts. Your server brings you a healthy serving of vodka (we split ours in two). Then you take it over to the fully-loaded bar station and make it any way you like. Add tomato juice mix and spice it with hot sauces and horseradish. Then choose your garnishes from among celery, tomatoes, carrots, olives, roasted garlic, cheese, pickles, lemons and limes, and even bacon! Finish your glass rim with regular or flavored salt.

Savory or Sweet

So many choices on the menu looked delicious, it was hard to choose. Sue went with the savory B.E.L.T (bacon, egg, lettuce, and fried green tomatoes) “from the hen.” Diana chose the amazing banana caramel pancakes. There’s heartier fare like whiskey braised short rib hash as well as salads, soups, and other snacks. It would be impossible to leave here hungry.

Bavarian Grill

We just can’t get enough of hoisting our stein in the air and singing Ein Prosit! Let’s face it, our home base is in Wisconsin now, so it’s always on our minds. Fortunately, the folks in Plano understand well the joys of German food and fun. When we went to a keg-tapping celebration at the unassuming Bavarian Grill, we were thrilled with what we found.

The restaurant has several rooms adorned to the hilt with tons of German photos, flags, steins, and memorabilia. The jovial sounds of people having fun are everywhere. The backroom is a “beer garden” with communal tables of revelers ready to have a good time.

Schnitzelfest and Beyond!

During our visit the Bavarian Grill was celebrating Oktoberfest and Schnitzelfest – two complementary occasions. With plenty of German beer to drink and over 30 types of Schnitzel to try, we were in heaven. The menu also had many traditional Bavarian specialties such as roast pork, sausages, dumplings, and more. Singing, drinking, and playing games were all part of the festivities. While in the middle of Texas, we felt like we were in the land of lederhosen and dirndls, at least for a little while.

Special Treats

One of the best things about traveling to a new place is the chance to taste the local flavors and check out their unique treats. Plano is no slouch when it comes to special bites, so we wanted to share just a few of them with you.

Donuts at WOW!

Wow! Donuts and Drips is a different sort of donut place. Instead of looking at the racks and picking out one of the many sweet rings available, you actually look through the several showcases they have. Each case has a representative of the ornate decorations that they put on each of their traditional yeast donuts. You place your order and they make it for you right then and there. We couldn’t resist a rainbow-adorned beauty and one with a delicious combination of chocolate and strawberries. They also use tea and coffee brewing systems designed to give you the perfect made-to-order cup.

Meccha Matcha, Kura Revolving Sushi, and Other Asian Treats

There are some great Asian-focused shopping centers that house a variety of fantastic options for your entertainment and eating pleasure. If you’re a fan of the bold, grassy, green tea product Matcha, then you’ll love Meccha Matcha. It specializes in Matcha products like beverages and ice cream that have various levels of Matcha ingredients. You can get something mild, bold, or somewhere in between. The level of Matcha is strictly up to you.

Sweet Hut Bakery and Cafe is a great Asian bakery with baked buns, cakes, and gorgeous pastries that you can pick out like at a cafeteria. You can eat in the cafe or get a box of goodies to take home. While everything looks delicious, some of the whimsical items look just too cute to eat.

Mitsuwa Marketplace is a large grocery store filled with all manner of  Asian ingredients, including some hard to find imported goods. There’s also a dine-in area with offerings like ramen, pork bowls, sushi, udon, soba, and tempura.

And, if you’ve never been to a revolving sushi bar, you owe to yourself to go. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar offers tons of fun with dishes whisking by diners ready for the taking. They also offer prizes for depositing enough plates to help their mascot on his digital adventure. It’s entertainment and food all in one place.

Milky Treats Ice Cream

What would a visit to anywhere be like without ice cream? We wouldn’t know because we went to the awesomely creative Milky Treats Ice Cream. Providing the warning that this is a “Diet Free Zone” lets you know what you’re in for – an unconventional, exuberant ice cream shop. The unique approach that Milky Treats offers begins with its handmade ice cream flavors. They use local ingredients and make it in small batches. Then they add your choice of cereal. Yes, that’s right. That tasty stuff you loved as a kid but for some reason feel guilty about eating as an adult.

Guilt be gone as we stocked up on an ice cream sandwich made with a donut and a cup filled with ice cream and Cap’n Crunch. How fun is that? Really, really fun. Co-founder Karmen Lau scooped, smiled, and made the environment fun for us and everyone else who stopped in for a sweet treat.

Beard Papa’s Cream Puffs

If you want to hear about what’s new and noteworthy in the sweet treats category, then listen up. Beard Papa’s cream puffs are tempting tastes of everything you love. Crispy dough puff on the outside, rich and gooey filling on the inside, covered with a tasty shell-like matcha tea, chocolate, or caramel topping makes a delicious combination. These are substantial sweeties, about the size of a big Italian meatball. You’ll only need one to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can choose the inside and outside flavors and they fill them right while you’re waiting and serve them ice cold. Even if the cream puff isn’t your thing, Beard Papa’s has other desserts like chocolate lava cake and cheesecake as well as custard cream drinks like a super thick shake.

Gelato Cone

Our stop in at the Gelato Cone surprised us because we just couldn’t get over the beautiful gelato selections and how many different types they had. Even more impressive were the “lighter” versions, perfect for after a meal or when you just don’t want that much ice cream. You get all the flavor with fewer calories and you’ll feel less full. We loved that. There are a few locations in Plano and throughout Texas.

Winner, Winner Pick A Dinner!

There are so many choices for a great dinner out we thought we’d highlight a few of our favorites. These are not the only choices – there are a ton of options. But we want to point these out to you because they were so good.

Mexican Sugar

It would just be all kinds of wrong not to have a meal highlighting the Latin flavors so loved in this neck of the woods. And we hit the jackpot with our tasty dinner at Mexican Sugar Cocina y Cantina near the Shops at Legacy.

Best Service Ever

The first thing we have to praise about this huge restaurant was the way we were pleasantly welcomed from the moment we arrived. We didn’t have reservations and the restaurant was obviously very busy. Even so, we were graciously offered a table where a smiling server walked us through all of our many questions.

Tequila Library

Whether or not you’re a tequila lover you’ll be impressed by Mexican Sugar’s extensive handcrafted tequila library. And you’ll find specially crafted cocktails and flights if you want to try a few different flavors. They even have “Mexican moonshine” varieties unlikely to be available elsewhere.

Incredible Edibles

There’s a little bit of fusion going on here. We started with some incredible arepas, typically a Colombian or Venezuelan dish. Ours were griddled corn cakes filled with slow-roasted barbacoa, slaw and cilantro cream. Next we had the surf & turf fajitas with grilled lobster tail and slow-roasted beef tenderloin. Let us be clear, we shared this immense dish. With two split lobster tails and a generous amount of delicious beef, we could easily have shared this dish with two other people. Having said that, we did an admirable job of working our way through this “indulgent but so worth it” treat. There are many other options on the menu from tacos and enchiladas to full platter meals. Our best advice: go hungry!

Haywire

We love eating local and the restaurant that kept coming up as the perfect place to enjoy local fare was Haywire. Their multi-level experiential dining space offers a variety of ways to enjoy your time there – it’s really up to you and what you want.

If you’ve got the time to “saddle up & settle down,” Haymarket offers 3 full levels to explore. You can have cocktails on the lower level, enjoy local flavors from fresh-baked bread to locally raised beef on the second level, and then finish the evening with a nightcap on the rooftop patio. They are able to handle large parties and we’ve seen a special champagne dinner on their menu so you’ll want to check for any surprise happenings before you go.

The Taste of Local Restaurants in Plano, Texas

We couldn’t resist the Branding Iron Onion Rings to start our meal off right. Other starters that caught our eye were fried green tomatoes, mini elk tacos, and black-eyed pea hummus.

Welcome to Flavortown

We enjoyed a Cadillac Burger with double wagyu patties, cherrywood bacon, and all the other toppings we love nestled on top of a flavorful potato bun. We also chose the TX whiskey bbq baby back ribs, doused in TX whiskey bbq sauce, served with a side of creamy cadi-mac’n chi and buttered cornbread. Needless to say, we went to town on this meal – flavortown, that is! Everything was fresh and delicious. And our servers were attentive and cheerful, despite the fact that this place was absolutely hopping.

So Many Restaurants in Plano, Texas

As you can tell, we had a lot of great food experiences during our visit. We hope you’ve found a few ideas here on how to eat your way through the best places to eat in Plano, Texas. While you would expect to find great Latin flavors and BBQ, we hope we’ve expanded the possibilities for you. And while we’ve covered a few of the authentic cuisines available there, rest assured that there are even many more. Whether you want to dress up, dress down, or get something to take back with you, restaurants in Plano offer a huge variety of satisfying food choices that will fill you up and keep you smiling.

Pin To Your Food Travel Boards on Pinterest

Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel

Accommodations are an important part of any travel experience. We’ve had positive experiences staying at other Renaissance properties. That’s why we were excited to get a chance to stay at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel. For us, quiet rooms for a good night’s sleep, a convenient location, and a comfortable environment are the basic requirements. But, of course, we’re happy when we get more. And our recent stay at the Renaissance in Plano offered us a whole lot more. In fact, it was one of the favorite parts of our stay.

Disclaimer: Our trip to Plano and our stay at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel was sponsored by Visit Plano. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly our own based on our experience.

Sometimes we just use our hotel as a place to sleep, maybe as a launching off point for visiting more interesting parts of a destination. But while we enjoyed all of the fun we had exploring Plano, the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel was just as much a part of the fun as anywhere else we visited around the destination.

East Meets West

The first thing we noticed at the hotel was the blending of the western cowboy and Asian aesthetics. It’s fun exploring creatively used artifacts that highlight this “West of Zen” approach. We encountered branding irons hanging from the ceiling of the Whiskey Moon bar, which also holds a huge selection of both Texan and Asian whiskeys.

Birdcages hang from the ceiling of the signature restaurant OMA, which offers intriguing fusion dishes. Walls featuring origami Texas longhorns or blue and white china plates add to the ambiance.  The owners of the hotel blend their Asian heritage with the Renaissance approach of embracing local culture in a fun and interesting way. We continued discovering new features throughout our stay.

Punch Ceremony

The Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel is much more interactive than many hotels. The idea is for you not just to enjoy your stay at the hotel, but to get involved with it in a fun way. One unique way they help you do that is with a “Punch Ceremony” that happens at 6 pm sharp each weekday. This ritual begins with a guest banging a big gong to call the guests to attention. Then, one of the talented mixologists assembles a unique punch drink that the hotel guests can taste. It’s different every day. We tried two of them, one was a hearty coffee-infused tummy warmer, while the other was a fruity gin potion that felt like a cool sea breeze. It was a super fun way to usher in the evening. And, if truth be told, Sue loved banging the gong.

Amenities Aplenty

We spend a lot of time galavanting around during our travels. But we love to know that there are amenities waiting for us when we can take time to use them. The Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel really shines when it comes to all those “extras.” They help you relax and enjoy yourself.

One of the places we liked scoping out is the pool area. This one is huge. It has a great view of the city, tons of seating and tables, and even some of those loungers built into the pool where you can kind of hang out and cool yourself off in the water without getting up. We know, it’s kind of indulgent – but we love that! One evening we even saw a party going on in the pool area. We kind of crashed just to check it out, and the guests looked like they were having a ball. Why not, it’s a great space!

In addition to the Whiskey Moon bar and OMA restaurant, there is the Texas Teahouse & Market for your grab and go needs. Its fun decor includes teapot lighting fixtures and mugs dangling from the ceilings. The Legacy Salon also offers a stylish little nook to hang out or have a meeting. On a weekend evening, we also sat and listened to live music while a few local artisans displayed their products in the lobby. We love to support the locals and thought this added a lovely way to connect with them.

There’s also an ample gym loaded with lots of space and equipment for burning off those extra calories from the great food and punch ceremony you’ll want to experience at the hotel.

Club Level Luxury

Sometimes we love to be extra pampered when we’re traveling. A great way to splurge at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel is with a room that provides access to the club lounge. Here during weekdays, you’ll experience delicious breakfasts, afternoon treats and happy hour appetizers.

We were surprised to learn that much the food is actually made right there. The smoothies, jams and even the muffins were made fresh in-house, and we could taste the difference! We also used the refrigerated goodies, coffee and tea that are available all day to grab & go. Hours vary on the weekends but you can get breakfast any day.

Roomy Rooms

Of course, all of the amenities and common areas are important. But when it comes to the ultimate test, the rooms are where it counts most. The Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel offers a lot in this department too. Our room was comfortably large and, most important to us, very quiet. We used it as an oasis from time to time when we returned from visiting attractions around town. We also loved the ability to make the room as cool as we wanted. As women of a certain age, we tend to like things cooler, so we appreciate it when a hotel gives us the ability to chill out, literally.

Awesome Bathroom

Now, some people don’t care much about the bathroom in a hotel so long as it is clean. But we kind of get a kick out of other things that make a bathroom stand out. And we have to say that the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel hit this one out of the park. The bathroom was roomy, super clean, and loaded with towels. We are also fans of Aveda products.

But also…wait for it…the shower had controllable mood lighting! Yes, indeed. This is one of the most fun perks we have discovered. Instead of getting up at the crack of dawn to an interrogation-grade light in the shower, you can choose to light to help you relax, energize or otherwise suit your mood with different colors. It’s a fun treat you can adjust whenever you take a shower.  And it probably has more impact than we think. All we know is that we used it and loved it.

Service With A Smile

Everybody we encountered in the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel staff was friendly, polite and efficient. We had fun chatting about the Punch Ceremony with our MC and the mixologists. The check-in process was easy and even though we were quite early, we didn’t have to wait for a room. The valets were always available to get our car no matter what time of day or night. And when we requested an extra robe and slippers, we received them within minutes. This impressed us, even more, when we discovered that there was at least one huge conference of people filling the hotel’s convention space.

Location, Location, Location

Of course one of the most important aspects of any stay is the location of your hotel. Plano, like everything in Texas, is big. So choosing where to stay depends a lot on what you plan to do, how you’ll get around and what kind of environment you like. For us, the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel turned out to be ideal. There are several areas in Plano filled with clusters of shopping and restaurants. We found ourselves coming back time and again for experiences located in the Legacy West and The Shops at Legacy areas. Being at the Renaissance meant that we could easily walk to several of the spots on our “must-do” list. The hotel is located right off the freeway so if you’re looking to explore Historic Downtown Plano Arts District it’s an easy 20-minute drive to get there. But we spent a day downtown and enjoyed great food, art, and attractions, be sure to check it out.  Overall, we were glad for our stay in the Legacy West area because it was very convenient for many of the restaurants and attractions we planned for our visit.

Great Place To Stay

We’ll just put it out there that we think the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel is a great place to stay. There were more amenities than we could even try. The menu at OMA looked amazing, but our food dance card was full. Just hanging out at Whiskey Moon for a while with the other guests would have been fun. And swimming in the pool, lazing in the hot tub or working out in the gym was just not in the cards this time. So, basically, it looks like we’ll have to come back for another visit to get the full experience. That’s not something you hear us say often about a hotel. And it’s why we can easily recommend the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel to you whenever you’re visiting Plano.

Pin to your Trip Planning Board on Pinterest

Hidden Gem Discovered

Boise, Idaho may have been under the radar as a great visitors destination, but the word seems to be out…and loud. There are so many things to do in Boise you’ll be busy from the moment you arrive. We recently had a chance to visit this bustling college town and found ways to experience its appeal first hand. We offer a taste of what we discovered here with you.

Comfy Hotel

Sometimes it’s challenging to find a quiet and comfy hotel that’s still close to the action. Luckily The Grove Hotel Boise has you covered. Our room was spacious, well-appointed and quiet. The bedding was quite comfortable and we slept well while we were there. We loved that they offered a free wine tasting of Idaho wines on Wednesdays and offered lovely cool citrus-infused water for you to fill your water bottles.

If you want to be even more green during your stay, they offer reward perks skipping the housekeeping services. A large fitness club with an indoor pool, hot tub, and dry sauna are yours to use as well. The Grove’s Trillium Restaurant gets good marks for New American cuisine and the bar offers a relaxing environment. Both have happy hours that encourage you to try Idaho beverages. And, it’s convenient location is close to many things to do in Boise, Idaho.

Start With Some Art

Boise is a town for art lovers. There are many galleries and collectives where you can see what’s going on. The Boise Art Museum (known as BAM – we love that!) has a permanent collection of some 4,000 works in all media and embodies BAM’s mission to create visual arts experiences that engage, educate and inspire.  Exhibition, classes, workshops, and tours augment the collection encourage interaction with the artistic sensibilities it shines in its spotlight.

Freak Alley

While much art can be found inside Boise, it’s outside where it really shines. Tons of public artwork, sculpture and street art pepper the city. Nowhere is this more vividly evident than at the outdoor mural, graffiti and street art collection known as Freak Alley in Boise’s North End neighborhood. This outdoor gallery is really a one-of-a-kind experience.

You’ll find yourself, as we did, going from one part to another, noticing something new and different every time you move. This living space of artistic expression renews and changes as some works are replaced by others so what you see now may be different the next time you go. It’s fun and crazy and raw and real. And one of the best things we’ve seen when it comes to modern art. Put it near the top of your list of things to do in Boise, Idaho.

A Capital Capitol

Coming from Madison, Wisconsin where we have a beautiful capitol building of our own, we enjoyed seeing the capital of Idaho exhibit similar prowess in its statehouse building, known as “A Capitol of Light.” Having undergone a great restoration and expansion, the building was rededicated and reopened in 2010 with a celebration enjoyed by thousands of proud citizens. We just love looking at the beautiful 208-foot tall dome and the locally quarried blocks of sandstone that add both majesty and dignity to this important stately site.

History Of Humanity

When deciding what things to do in Boise, Idaho, we encourage you to explore this highly walkable city on foot as much as you are able. One of the most rewarding walks you might take is to the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial. This park spans nearly an acre and contains so many different areas for contemplation, we spent quite a while here just sharing silence and exploring ourselves. There is a long wall with meaningful quotes by everyone from world leaders to slaves.

Several sculptures and sitting areas educate as well as inspire reflection. Take some time to sit by one of the small water features to listen to the sounds of the water mingling with the birds and allow Anne’s faith in humanity to wash over you as well. When you want to continue your journey, take a few steps further and find a bridge that goes over the Boise river where you might just see folks happily floating along on everything from kayaks to inner tubes.

Indulge Food Tour

Of course, we have to explore the food scene everywhere we go. After all, we’re Food Travelist, right? So we love it when there’s an opportunity to get a good dose of inside eater tips in a short time. If you are like us, one of the best things to do in Boise is to take an Indulge Boise food tour, which will introduce you to some of the best eateries in the city. Then you can decide what you love and go back for more later as you continue to explore.

Indulge offers a variety of food tours to meet your interests, but we took the Historic Downtown Boise Food & Cultural Tour, which took about 3 hours. We visited restaurant, bakery, chocolate shop, olive oil & vinegar taproom, ethnic and cultural spots, tasting goodies along the way. We’ll talk about more of those places as we delve into Boise’s hot, hot, hot food scene but for now, even if you’re short on time you don’t have to miss out on the tastes of Boise.

Basking In The Basque Block

Fun Fact: Boise has the largest Basque community in the United States. Yes, it’s true. Who knew? Well, you will if when you’re looking for things to do in Boise, Idaho you realize that the Basque Block, home of Boise’s Basque community and living ethnic history is well worth visiting. Just as a reminder, the Basque Country is an autonomous community of people that straddles the border of France and Spain. The Basques have a unique language, culture and, of course, cuisine.

The history of the Basques coming to Idaho dates back to the mining era in the 1800s when many who came to strike it rich ended up, with or without the gold, staying in this place they quite liked. Many became shepherds and encouraged family and friends to join them. The Basque Block holds many cultural treasures including an informative museum, cultural center and original boarding houses where Basque shepherds would room while between gigs.

You’ll recognize the neighborhood by the red, green and white flags displayed at the beginning of the block. Of course, no ethnic neighborhood would be complete without a place to get ethnic foods. The Basque Market carries unique imported Basque items, offers classes and events. We’d suggest having a glass of delicious Basque wine with a few pintxos to help you soak up the ambiance. If you’re lucky, you may discover a fest or celebration happening outside with music and dancing. What a treat!

Begin With Breakfast

One of the best things to do in Boise, Idaho is the same as anywhere for us – breakfast! If you want a full plate in the morning, just about everyone, local and visitor, will point you in the direction of Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro. And for good reason. Voted one of America’s Top Ten  Breakfasts, Goldy’s has a menu makes it hard to choose. Literally, everything sounds like it would be delicious and based on our choices and the looks of those on the tables around us, it probably is.

Sue opted to try the Basque omelet loaded with Basque chorizo and cheese. I’m a sucker for sweet potato anything, so opted for eggs with sweet potato hash browns. We both left with smiling faces and happy tummies. The place is not big, but it has some tables downstairs and an upper level with more. We’d recommend getting there early, though as it fills up once the city’s awake. There’s also a Goldy’s grab and go bakery next door, if you want something to drink and a quick bite and be on your way.

Do Not Skip Donuts

You may know I’m a donut fiend, so we were thrilled to see that Boise has its share of purveyors. We tried Guru Donuts and enjoyed their sense of humor as well as their delicious scratch-made treats. Flavors change all the time, so we won’t lead you astray telling you all about the mouth-watering bites we had.

But you should know that they have raised and cake donuts as well as potato donuts. It’s Idaho, of course, they have potato donuts. They also have vegan donuts, limited editions, and many beverages, hot and cold. They even have a few other food items so if you need to finish your plate before you have a dessert, I pity you, but they might help you out.

Nature Abounds

If you know us, you know we love nature and animals. And, we’re geekishly proud to call ourselves birders. So it’s no surprise that we jumped at the chance to visit the World Center For Birds of Prey. Also home to the Peregrine Fund, this conservation, education and exhibition center is full of history and information as well as feathered friends. We viewed the huge California Condors, who are their focus of major conservation efforts and study. And we saw several raptors who had been rescued and are on their way to rehabilitation.

The Archives of Falconry are fascinating, with exhibits that explore the unique relationship between bird and man that this ancient form of partnership represents. We had to show our support with a few purchases of books and t-shirts about raptors and birds as well. It’s just about a 20-minute Uber ride from downtown and so worthwhile. We’d highly recommend you go visit for yourself.

If you feel like getting a bit more outside time, there are plenty of parks and natural areas for walking, hiking, and biking too. Camel’s Back Park and Table Rock Trail are just a couple of ideas of where to stretch your legs when you want outdoorsy things to do in Boise, Idaho.

Lunch Is Everywhere, Man

Put A Fork In Me

After taking in some of the fun things to do in Boise, Idaho you’ll probably work up an appetite. Luckily there are oodles of options for places to get your chomp on. We started at Fork restaurant, where Loyal to Local is more than just words. The menu oozes its personality, with categories like “share, sample, savor,” “from the garden,” and “burgers & sammys.” We shared a couple of items including a crispy chicken salad and rhubarb bbq pulled pork sandwich, both of which were fresh and delicious. Of course, don’t forget to sample some rosemary-parmesan Idaho French fries. This is, after all, the motherland of potatoes.

Fries With Burgers On The Side

Speaking of potatoes, we’d have to throw ourselves into a dungeon if we didn’t tell you to pay a visit to the Boise Fry Company. Yes, you can get an awesome burger here. They have turkey, bison, funguy (70% beef, 30% mushroom), vegan or original beef. But you gotta tell by the name that the fries are the star of the show. It’s a fry bonanza where you get to choose the type of potato, style of cut and then top it with the spices of your choosing.

We had so much fun deciding and ultimately went with local potato types and complementary cuts, as advised by our knowledgeable cashier. Then we took our booty over to the sauce and spice stand and chose from many different options. We tried the blueberry ketchup and garlic aioli sauces as well as the garlic-rosemary salt. They have an unusual sweet as well as savory selections like cinnamon-ginger or vanilla, too. You can really live it up and try them all!

But one of the things we loved most about this innovative joint is its devotion to sustainability. They produce little to no waste, use Energy Star lights and appliances, and recycle their sunflower oil in cars. They also strive to use natural, local, organic and sustainable food products. Not only is this a fun meal to eat, but it’s also a great mission to support.

Bacon? Bacon!

What a great name for a restaurant. Especially when that’s what it serves. Bacon everywhere. In everything. In every form you can imagine. And even some you can’t. Maybe that’s why they go through 8 tons of it a year! From the minute you see the bacon-y sign at the entrance, you know you’re in for a bacon-lover’s dream. Chef John Berryhill one of Boise’s favorite culinary figures, decided to focus his efforts on this porcine concept.

Bacon, all day, every day, features bacon dishes, bacon drinks, bacon beverages, and even bacon shots so you can try all 5 preparations they offer. We had the opportunity to try a bacon Bloody Mary, bacon lasagne and a sampling of the 5 different types, ranging from spicy hot to candy sweet.

Of course, there’s plenty of bacon SWAG and even packaged bacon and bacon coffee you can get to make at home. A family affair, these folks also give back to the community and get involved in helping to better the lives of young people. And, they’ve switched to paper and bamboo – chemical-free and 100% biodegradable straws and cocktail picks. We love that as much as we love bacon!

Elegant Ethnic

We love ethnic dining and so it’s no surprise that we loved the gorgeous and tasty Mai Thai restaurant. Serving modern Asian cuisine, this chic spot has been unsurprisingly voted Best of Boise in several categories for 12 years in a row. Colorful and creative dishes offer familiar pleasures like potstickers and fried rice as well as exciting offerings like Swimming Angel and Evil Jungle Prince.

Not only are the plates stunning, but the restaurant is as well. Many pieces by an apprentice to glass artist Chihuly adorn the restaurant as does a lovely water fountain. They have many gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, and use premium jasmine rice from Thailand.

It also makes us happy to know that they are focused on helping the local community through donations to local charities as well as KIVA, loaning money to individuals around the world.

Food Shop Till You Drop

Whenever we can, we try to visit local markets, especially open-air markets that feature local food and products. Boise’s Capital City Public Market should definitely be on your list of things to do in Boise, Idaho. You’ll find plenty of diverse offerings at this jam-packed intersection of prepared foods, crafty things, produce, handmade products and more.

We immediately saw people walking around with crepes so decided to give one a try. Sweet or savory, these are a tasty snack and local fave from the Creperie Mobile. We also enjoyed seeing the honey, soaps, baked goods, and fresh produce filling the stalls. As I can smell Greek food a mile away, it’s no surprise (or maybe it I!) I found a family that’s been serving hand-stacked gyros and family recipe tzatziki sauce for generations. Meraki offers authentic Greek street food, and it was mighty good.

And, the market was a great place to see innovation at work. We were happy to meet with the dynamic duo behind Earth Beverage Co., formulating specialized functional beverages that are tasty as well as good for you. We even bought some to take home with us. You never know what you’ll find at a market, so it’s also on our list of fun things to do in Boise, Idaho.

Mixing In Like Oil & Vinegar

Tasting fine olive oils and balsamic vinegars are like fine wines tasting wines. You may not know what you’re looking for, but you know it when you taste it. When we visited Olivin, a wine, and vinegar taproom, we weren’t sure we’d find anything new. But we sure did.

All the oils and balsamic vinegars are on tap for you to taste. We were treated to a curated tasting so got to try a few of the local favorites as well as wander around the room and try a few that piqued our interest. And in the process, we tasted something glorious, that we haven’t tried before. Peach balsamic vinegar. Yes, we know it sounds strange, but trust us. It was absolutely delicious. Paired with an excellent Extra Virgin Olive Oil, this is a real winner.

Snack Attack

If you’re jonesing for a little something-something to keep you going during the day, there are more than a few great places to grab a treat.

Baking Beauty

Zeppole Baking Co. is ground zero for artisan baked goods, yummy pastries and cookies. Many of the restaurants around town use their bread as well. We tried one of their homemade chocolate chip cookies and had to go back the next day for another. Their cafe has sandwiches, soups, and salads as well if you feel like you really want to stop and enjoy.

Choc This One Up

Chocoholics love The Chocolat Bar and their handcrafted gourmet chocolates. When you open the door, you’ll get hit with the glorious scent of cocoa perfection. Peruse their display cases for irresistible treats like Fleur De Sel Sea Salt Caramels, Extra Dark Peanut Butter Patties, Chocolate Dipped Apricots and more.

Cold, Sweet, Creamy…Yes!

And, if like us, you enjoy ice cream no matter the weather, you’ll be happy to discover among things to do in Boise, Idaho that ice cream eating is a thing. The STIL (Sweetest Things In Life) is a local phenomenon. They make their ice cream in-house daily using Idaho dairy and offer adult indulgences like booze-infused flavors, beer & wine floats and flight trays that combine 4 beers or wines with 4 scoops of ice cream.

There’s also a new kid in ice cream town and we had to give them a try. Kiwi Shake & Bake brings the flavors of New Zealand to Boise with authentic Kiwi cuisine using local Idaho ingredients. They offer tons of freshly baked meat pies, cakes, soups, and desserts. But we were drawn to the ice cream, which comes in an array of tasty options. While we enjoyed our cones, you can opt for any one of their monster shakes, escalating from thick shakes to deluxe shakes to KIWIFREAKSHAKES!!! They’re so much fun, but unless you’re going to eat it as a meal, bring someone with you to attack this massive delight.

Tea For Two Or Coffee For Me

Like most college towns, things to do in Boise, Idaho include plenty of places to get your caffeine fix.

Tea Time

If you’re a tea lover, you’ll want to visit Snake River Tea. This well-stocked store with a little relaxing seating area will have what you want or help you discover something new. We explored a variety of green teas, herbal infusions and ultimately got nitro matcha to enjoy along our sunny walk.

Cuppa Joe

If you’re a coffee-lover, then you will want to check out Java Coffee and Cafe. Their unique coffee offerings invite guests to “wake up and live.” Some options include their special mocha Bowl of Soul, Keith Richards Mexican coffee with 4 shots of espresso, Cup of Joe organic, and fair trade. It’s all in good fun and if you want a bite you can continue the laughs with a Dirty Hippie Burrito, Todd’s Competitive Edge granola or any number of delicious baked goods like the raspberry chocolate chip sour cream muffin we had. Great way to let the sunshine in!

Stuff We Loved

Though we’re often focused on filling our bellies when we travel, there are plenty of other things to do in Boise, Idaho and a laid back vibe that make it a fun city to visit. One thing you’ll notice is that Boise works hard to be an eco-conscious city. You’ll find paper or reusable straws at many establishments. There are rental bikes and scooters all over the place, many that come with a free trial hour. Boise has also enacted a “Green Building Code” as they work toward 100% clean energy to provide a roadmap for developers to use energy-efficient construction practices.

JUMP

They’re also looking to create innovative community spaces JUMP (Jack’s Urban Meeting Place). This $70 million project is a not-for-profit interactive creative center and gathering place that offers interactive learning studios, meeting and event spaces, an outdoor amphitheater and more. The idea is to encourage adults to play and get inspired and we love that idea.

Dog City

As with any place, the greatest impression it has on its visitor is the people in the destination. You’ll find Boise full of laid back people who are just enjoying life. It’s busy enough to have energy, but not too much so. It’s laid back enough to kick up your heels and relax without being boring. And, one of the things we like best about Boise is its friendly nature, that includes a ton of dogs. Yes, we said it. Dogs. Everywhere we went, there were plenty of pooches.

Now, this may not mean much to everyone, but to us, any town that is dog-friendly is also likely to be visitor friendly. Boise is definitely both. This is also good news if you’re someone who wants to travel with Fido. Although we’re not likely to bring our cats along on a trip, if we had dogs, we’d definitely think of Boise as a great destination to explore.

Dinner As You Like It

One of the fun things about dining in Boise is that there are options for just about everyone. From five-star to dive, you’ll be able to satisfy your hunger anywhere in town.

Taco Town

We started out with some modern Mexican at a place with a fabulous name, The Funky Taco. If the name doesn’t get you, the delicious tacos will. We tried the Piggy Stardust, Korean Pastor, and Macho brisket tacos. They were all delicious. They have some killer appetizers, larger plates and plenty of vegan options as well.

Mama Mia!

When you get the taste for Italian, as we do, always, you’ll be in good hands at Alavita. This chic spot is focused on local ingredients and fresh pasta in an unfussy presentation that includes everything you want and nothing you don’t. Burrata starts you off in the best possible way.

Grilled artichoke hearts with Parmesan will warm your heart. Take your pick of any of their handmade pasta and you will fall into a reverie and start singing Volare (quietly) with joy. Their cocktail program is inventive and fun as well.

So Many Choices

If you didn’t get Pintxos and wine at the Basque Market, you might be able to squeeze in there for dinner as well. Other Boise favorites are Juniper On 8th, focused on locally sourced ingredients including lots of local wines and beers. If you’ve got a group that’s up for it, they also offer a very reasonably priced chef’s table that includes a 5-course meal with optional wine pairings. The Wylder is a pizza spot known for its handcrafted, slow batch “pizza with soul.” And Smoke & Thyme is a mobile kitchen that offers up innovative local fare featuring barbecue that gets universal raves.

Brews and Wines Too

Not surprisingly among the best things to do in Boise, Idaho sampling the local libations is a frontrunner. Fortunately, there’s something for everyone.

Be True To Your Brew

If you’re a beer lover, you’ll want to visit Payette Brewing Company where they treat beer like an adventure. We love their esprit de corps as well as their might tasty craft brew. And we were tickled to death when we got a chance to meet Nina Schools, Brewer extraordinaire. We learned a lot about the process and how much hard work goes into each and every product they make. Of course, we showed our appreciation by sampling a great number of them. Well, we didn’t want to be rude, you know.

Wine Not?

If you’re a wine lover, you might be surprised to know that there’s a large winery region just outside of town. The Snake River Valley is Idaho’s first grape-growing appellation, and Coiled wine slyly pays homage to it all along the way. Wines with names like Black Mamba and Sidewinder tell part of the story. But the other part of the story is that Coiled’s founder and winemaker is Leslie Preston, a woman who’s grown the brand from 380 cases to over 2,000 cases per year using Idaho grapes.

Coiled has a production and tasting room in nearby Garden City as well as the super chill wine bar we hung out at downtown. Many people just pop in for a glass or two and they have a healthy wine club offering as well. Oh, and you’ll see what we mean about Boise’s friendly folks when you check out their Dogs of Coiled page.

Tiki Forever

We can’t finish up this exploration of things to do in Boise, Idaho without letting you know that yes, there is a Tiki Bar in Boise. There may be more than one, but for us, the kitch and cool of Reef Tiki Lounge was everything we wanted. With an outside patio as well as a fully-decked out inside, Reef offers dining and cocktails that make you feel as though the beach is steps away – quite an accomplishment when you think about it.

While you’re sipping on your Mai Tai, you might want to nosh on some lobster tater tots, Kobe beef sliders or go all the way and try the firecracker salmon or ninja noodles. The eclectic menu matches the decor and you can enjoy your umbrella cocktail with pupus and live music if you time it just right. As the Reef says it best themselves, Long Live Tiki!

Boise Bound

We hope we’ve been able to give you insight into the wonderful things to do in Boise, Idaho. It’s easy to see why people find this fun and city a place to spend their time. We enjoyed everything from food and drink, art and culture, to unwinding in nature. Next time you’re looking for somewhere with a whole lot to offer, Boise will surely come to mind.

Pin for your Food Travel to Boise, Idaho

Our trip was hosted by the Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau, as always all opinions we share are our own and reflect our personal experience in the destination. 

Central Missouri may fly under the radar, but once you get a taste of the fun that awaits, you’ll just want to experience more and more. We visited three diverse towns and found that each one has its own special appeal. Come along with us to experience Lake of the Ozarks, Fulton and Columbia in Central Missouri

Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks may bring up images of money laundering and getaways from Chicago because of the incredibly popular Netflix series Ozark. There is certainly treasure there. And, it makes a good visit from Chicago or elsewhere in the Midwest. But you won’t find the dark and foreboding mystery that tv has made up. Instead, you’ll experience a fun, family-friendly resort area with tons of water and outdoor activities, great food and friendly people.

Margaritaville Ozark Style

If you’ve got a hankering for the beach, Lake of the Ozarks is a Central Missouri destination that will feed your need. There are beaches, water parks and plenty of natural areas just waiting to be enjoyed and explored. To get into a laid back mood, try staying at the newly minted Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach. You’ll find the whole resort caters to the cool and playful attitude of Jimmy Buffet’s music. There are two championship golf courses, many water sports, a great indoor arcade and bowling alley. Take a lake cruise or chill out at one or all of the several property restaurants and bars (some poolside, of course) and feel your stress melt away.

Big Tasty Eats in Central Missouri

You may be tempted to plant your feet at the resort and stay put. But don’t miss out on some pretty fine tastes of the Ozarks. Start your day with a cinnamon roll as big as your head at Stewart’s Restaurant. Be sure to bring a friend or make some there because this thing is truly huge.

Try Wobbly Boots Roadhouse for legitimate barbecue ribs or burnt ends and all the fixins. You’ll find some great local brew on tap, too. Grab a delicious Ozark Turtle Sundae at Randy’s Frozen Custard to cool off any time.

You know that we can’t pass up a great pizza. When we heard that Pappo’s Pizza was making a terrific thin crust we had to try it. They knocked it out of the park. The crispy thin crust, homemade red sauce and spicy Italian sausage will make just about any pizza lover happy. They have many specialty pizzas like “Steakhouse,” “Mamma Mia Meatball,” and many others. Wish we had the time and the stomachs to try them all. They make some great fresh salads too.

If you’re looking for more action seems like Dog Days Bar & Grill is always up for a party. For a more mellow, relaxed atmosphere try the steaks and seafood and a lovely water view at J.B. Hook’s Restaurant.

Time For Wine

For a real treat head off the beaten path and enjoy lunch and some wine in a vineyard setting at Seven Springs Winery or check out one of their special events for live music, tastings, and more.

Say Cheese!

When we see a billboard telling us that there is a place with hundreds of Wisconsin cheeses you know we’re gonna stop. Leave it to Wisconsin girls to find Harmy’s Cheese Store & More. Not only do they carry lots of cheeses, they have Pine River cheese from Newton, Wisconsin, one of our favorites! We spent some time talking to Sharon, one of the owners, shared our love of Wisconsin cheese and even learned a thing or two more about the Lake of the Ozarks. Definitely a fun spot!

 Play All Day

There are so many ways to enjoy your time at Lake of the Ozarks. It doesn’t hurt to plan some in advance. For nature lovers, there’s the beautiful Ha Ha Tonka State Park with a dozen different trails to walk, from easy to challenging. There are great scenic features like a natural rock bridge just waiting for you. You’ll see the ruins of a dream castle built by a wealthy businessman on the peaceful bluff.

There’s also the Lake of the Ozarks State Park Rocky Top Trail in Missouri’s largest and most visited state park. You’ll see wildflowers, scenic lake views, and maybe even some wildlife. If you’re a birder, this is your spot! For something less rustic, visit the famous Bagnell Dam Strip filled with shops, restaurants, game arcades, bars and other attractions. This is the downtown hub of the action, so be sure you’re ready for traffic and lots of fellow visitors.

Different Points of View

If you want to try something unique and exciting that will give you a fabulous perspective, take a helicopter tour with Lake Ozark Helicopters. There are plenty of tour options, including a 20-minute ride over the Lake of the Ozarks. See Bagnell Dam, Million Dollar Row, the Grand Glaize Bridge and other highlights of the area from a bird’s-eye view.

For more history of the area and the story of the dam go to the historic log Willmore Lodge. There you’ll find the Bagnell Dam Museum and some pretty fantastic lakeside views.

If you’re a fan of the Netflix series Ozark make sure to stop at Alhonna Resort, the small rustic lodge that inspired the Blue Cat Lodge. Turns out the series creator had worked there and let his imagination fly using Alhonna as his muse. Have a drink at Bobber’s and enjoy the environment – a real hidden treasure. There are plenty of nearby golf courses like the Arnold Palmer-designed holes at Osage National Golf Resort if you want to tee up.

Fulton

The small but charming town of Fulton is definitely worth a stop during your visit to Central Missouri. History buffs may already be familiar with the importance of this town as the unlikely place that boasts a deep connection to Winston Churchill. You’ll also discover an 800-year-old church and a noteworthy piece of modern German history as well as great chefs, classic cars and unique artisans.

History Come To Life

Various personal connections led to Sir Winston Churchill speaking at Westminster College in Fulton. That speech in 1946 warning of looming perils is now famously known as the “Iron Curtain” speech. The National Churchill Museum provides artifacts and insights to this important event as well as other significant information about Churchill’s leadership and policies.

Another interesting bit of history is that the St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury church, a 17th-century parish church that was damaged during the 1940 bombing of London, houses the museum. Architect Christopher Wren re-imagined the structure in 1670 and Fulton reconstructed it brick by brick. While you’re admiring the imposing presence of history in this compact area, take a few more steps on the campus and see the largest section of the Berlin Wall outside of Germany.

Relax and Enjoy

There are plenty of other pleasures in Fulton. For a relaxing stay, try the delightful and award-winning Loganberry Inn. This gorgeous 1899 Victorian home offers comfortable accommodations within 1/2 block of the National Churchill Museum. The welcoming innkeeper will make you a delicious full breakfast. You can enjoy it in the enchanting dining room or have it served in bed. Each of the five guest rooms has a private bath and fireplace. Famous guests have even enjoyed its Central Missouri charms, including Margaret Thatcher and Lech Walsea.

There’s the Brick District Playhouse, a 1920s theater re-imagined as an arts and events venue. Car lovers will enjoy a visit to the Auto World Museum, which features over 18,000 square feet of antique and unique vehicles. If you’re up for a little drive yourself, be sure to visit Green Meadow Barn Company where artist Carolyn Linton crafts reclaimed barn wood into gorgeous one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. If you’re an antique lover don’t miss Rock Garden Antique Barn. Even if you’re not in the market for anything you will find something that piques your interest. They have antique store cabinets, fixtures, lighting and so much more. It’s a great place to while away a couple of hours.

Snack Time

After all this wandering around and discovery is going to make you a bit peckish, right? The perfect oasis in the area is the Barnyard Smokehouse featuring Central Missouri Meat and Sausage Shop products. They butcher everything right next store so you know it’s carefully curated and fresh. Frankly, we’ve never seen this many flavors of bratwursts outside of Wisconsin. They have a retail store and a spot to dine in too. Feel free to sit, rest and grab a snack or two to enjoy.

Delicious Dining

Fulton has some delicious dining options too. Be sure to plan a meal at Beks in the heart of the historic Brick District. This American gastropub and steakhouse serves fresh food with a casual and fun ambiance. They focus on care and handcrafting dishes that please the palate. The owner takes quality seriously and you can taste it in every bite. There are plenty of other choices for satisfying ethnic fare from Cajun at Fontenot’s Po’Boys to authentic Brooklyn Pizza and even genuine Cuban dishes (made from the proprietor’s family recipes!) at Fulton Cafe.

If you want to taste some more local wines and just kick back to relax, visit Serenity Valley Winery. The name says it all! You can enjoy a few sips among the ducks and geese that wander the premises. Have a tasting or purchase a bottle to go with your own picnic basket. They have cheese, sausage and other snacks available for purchase too. A popular venue for private events, they also host events including live music.

Columbia

Columbia has all the fun and action of a college town while maintaining its Central Missouri charm. Home to the University of Missouri, Columbia lacks for nothing when it comes to amenities, places to eat and things to do. Whether you’re looking for an early morning jolt of java or a late-night joint that’s jumping, you’ll find it in Columbia. You’ll also discover nearby outdoor attractions worth visiting too.

The District

The District, Columbia’s historic downtown, is the heart of the action. There are plenty of boutiques, galleries, music venues, vintage stores and, of course, plenty of places to eat and drink. If you want a cool and comfortable place to stay, check out The Broadway, part of the Doubletree by Hilton group. Conveniently located, it also just so happens to have a great view of downtown from The Roof.

Bodacious Breakfast

Columbia shines when it comes to dining. Start your day off right by hanging with the locals and enjoying scratch-made artisan pastries and a coffee or tea at Uprise Bakery. For something more substantial, check out Cafe Berlin. Serving breakfast favorites featuring local produce they also serve popular weekend brunch. And, if you hang around long enough, it turns into a music venue in the evenings. For a bit of nostalgia, grab breakfast or a burger at Columbia’s oldest full-service restaurant, Ernie’s Cafe & Steakhouse. It has a great diner ambiance with the highlight of an original Dick Tracy comic on the wall drawn by its creator Chestier Gould who ate here often when his daughter attended school in Columbia.

Luscious Lunch

For a real treat, go have lunch at Flat Branch Pub & Brewing. Not only will you get a tasty meal from the huge and diverse menu at Columbia’s oldest microbrewery, but you’ll also find something we absolutely love – house-brewed root beer! Smitty’s Draft Root Beer is brewed right there and served on draft. We loved it.

If you’re looking for a place to really mingle with the locals try Booches. You’ll find that hand-made patties served on a piece of waxed paper and a great selection of local brews. Booches was just ranked #1 in Sports Illustrated Greatest College Town Eats beating out our own Dotty’s Dumpling’s Dowry burgers in Madison, WI by two spots!

Happy Hour And Dinner

If you’re looking for something meaty, you will want to check out the Barred Owl Butcher & Table. Featuring an on-site butcher shop, the menu highlights their whole-animal philosophy. Dishes feature creative cuisine that can include yummy snacks, sandwiches, soups, salads, boards and charcuterie as well as whole plate dishes. The menu changes frequently and they have a kick-ass cocktail program to boot. Be aware that they get very crowded and run out of items so plan ahead to avoid disappointment. Enjoy a quiet dinner and large wine selection at The Wine Cellar and Bistro. A cozy little spot, their menu emphasizes local organic ingredients with a French-ish spin.

Sweet Endings

If you feel like something sweet, go for handmade ice cream and look at the crazy artwork on the walls of Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream. Or pop into The Candy Factory and check out the tons of chocolates and candies in this delightful store.

Sycamore Restaurant offers swanky fine dining but you may just want to cap your evening off there with a delicious dessert and cocktail combination. Flourless chocolate cake, vanilla creme brûlée, warm apple crisp…do we have your attention? Thought so.

Mizzou And Fun Stuff To Do

What’s a college town in Central Missouri without a college? We wouldn’t know, so while you’re in Columbia, take a visit to Mizzou, the University of Missouri campus. Beautiful botanic gardens and the symbolic Columns of Academic Hall highlight the gorgeous campus. History buffs will want to see President Thomas Jefferson’s original grave marker too.

The North Village Arts District offers a fun place to see local artists, shops, galleries, and studios. On First Fridays, you can enjoy the city’s “bohemian paradise” along with live music and maybe even watch artists in the act. It’s an eclectic mix of fun and creativity that’s free and open to everyone.

The Great Outdoors

Central Missouri offers some wonderful opportunities to enjoy nature as well. Take a walk through the Rock Bridge Memorial Park and see all kinds of interesting natural features, including the chill cave system known as the Devil’s Icebox. Or visit the tiny picturesque town of Rocheport along the Missouri River. There are darling bed and breakfasts, cute shops and delightful restaurants there. It’s the original Katy Trail town and home to the majestic Les Bourgeois Vineyards where you can wine, dine or just enjoy the view.

Visit the Katy Trail State Park and walk some of 240 miles of scenic Central Missouri landscaped in this “rails-to-trails” conversion alongside the Missouri River. Get a home-cooked meal from a friendly cafe along the way. If you want to bike, hike, walk or just hang out and have a glass of wine in beautiful Central Missouri, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy the outdoors in this scenic part of the country.

Much To See Taste And Do

Central Missouri offers many different ways to enjoy a visit. Whether you’re interested in food and wine, outdoor activities, historical places or just having yourself a good bit of fun, you’ll find a spot to suit you. We’ve only scratched the surface to show you some of the highlights we saw on our visit to this part of the country. We know that when you visit there yourself you’ll certainly uncover some memory-making experiences of your own.

Pin It to your Food Travel Planning Board on Pinterest

Our trip was hosted by Lake of the Ozarks, Columbia, Missouri, and Fulton, Missouri, as always all opinions we share are our own and reflect our personal experience in the destination.