Drive along Interstate 70 during football and basketball seasons and you’re bound to see a line of cars with tiger tails hanging out of the trunks heading for Columbia, Mo.

That’s because Columbia is home of the University of Missouri, where they are rightfully proud of their athletics. But the town has a lot more going on than just sports — enough for even a Jayhawk to enjoy. We’re talking about almost weekly festivals, an extensive park system all around the city linked to the Katy Trail and a huge support of the arts, culture, history and great restaurants.

That has a lot to do with the demographics. Columbia has a large percentage of professionals working in the health, insurance and education fields, making it rather cosmopolitan for a Midwest college town (population about 100,000), especially in the arts.

Sure, there are a few of the customary incense and poster shops, but you’ll find top-notch art, theater, music and one-of-a-kind shops in what they call “The District.” That’s the downtown area, which really has come alive in the past 10 years, now boasting 110 shops, 70 bars and restaurants, 45 live performances a week and 5,900 parking spots — all in 43 square blocks. It is bustling around the clock with people of all ages. Even a giant keyhole sculpture in front of City Hall glows at night.

“It can be 10 o’ clock at night and you feel safe, and it’s vibrant. That’s why I like living here,” says Amy Schneider, interim director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

They have a website, www.discoverthedistrict.com, that has a complete listing of shops, restaurants, events and parking information.

If you are looking to be inspired, one of the highlights here is Artlandish Gallery at 1019 E. Walnut. Inside are about 65 booths (with a long waiting list) featuring a variety of art, photography, jewelry and clothing — but not all are upstairs. You’ll find the majority downstairs in what they call the “catacombs,” a basement level area that winds around along the length of the shop through exposed brick and pipes, making the trek feel like a treasure hunt.

Another shop where you can find original, one-of-a-kind Missouri-crafted art is Bluestem Missouri Crafts at 13 S. Ninth St. Although the work is primarily from Missouri, they also accept art from neighboring states.

For a shop that’s part college town cool mixed with exotic treasures from the Orient, stop at Cool Stuff. It’s the perfect place for off-the-wall gifts. Where else can you find a 5-foot, $1,400 flying dragon or a pack of bacon mints?

If you love fashion or history, get off the beaten path at the Costume Museum and Research Library at Stephens College, 6 N. College Ave. Stephens is a small women’s college that specializes in fashion design. In their extensive basement storage system, they keep 13,000 items of clothing dating back to 1730.

“It’s unique to the entire Midwest,” says Monica McMurry, dean of the School of Design and Fashion and director of the museum and library. “It really put us on the map.”

Much of the collection one would only see in magazines, from top designers such as Chanel, Mary McFadden and Oleg Cassini, who donated a large number of garments to the school. Although the clothing is primarily for students to study, the costume gallery creates a display twice a year that’s open to the public. “The Greatest Show on Earth, Fashion Circus,” a 60-plus piece collection inspired by a donation from “Project Runway,” will be on display from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays until Dec. 15. Special tours for groups can be arranged. And it’s free. For more information call (573) 876-7220.

Then there’s Ragtag Cinema. They take movie-going to a unique level, showing socially significant movies in two theaters, each with comfy couches to sit on. Then instead of the typical overpriced popcorn and pop, you can bring in your favorite food and drink from the adjoining Uprise Bakery. They make their own artisan and whole-grain breads, soups and specialty sandwiches. They also have a full bar. One of the big events here is the True/False Film Fest in March, where they bring 75 new documentary films and film makers to Columbia for a four-day event. Visit www.ragtagfilm.com or www.truefalse.org for more information.

When it comes to live music, there are a number of venues, but The Blue Note has been the classic since 1980. Like many of the venues in The District, it attracts all ages, not just college students. You’ll find a variety of genres from jazz to blues, from reggae to rock. REM, Johnny Cash, Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews are just a few of the top acts to perform here. Check out www.bluenote.com.

Whether you are in town for a game or the arts, Columbia has plenty of great places to eat. Here are a few I recommend:

Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream, 21 S. Ninth St.

If you like ice cream at all, you must go to Sparky’s. The ice cream is simply incredible with more than 21 flavors, although they are nothing like you’ve ever had before. They change frequently, but a local favorite is lavender honey. They also offer a Red Bull float and shake. This summer they sold out of cicada ice cream in a few hours, causing international attention. The flavor was in honor of the 13-year cicadas in the city. Their liquor license allows them to serve “over 21” flavors, so you can order flavors such as Les Bourgeois and Ghirardelli, a combo of orange juice, vodka and Triple Sec, or Baileys and cream. For total indulgence, get a scoop of white Russian and a dark chocolate. Ice cream will never be the same.

Ernie’s Café and Steak House, 1005 Walnut St.

Chester Gould, the artist behind Dick Tracy, attended school at MU. That’s why Ernie’s has a distinct Dick Tracy theme on the walls. One reason it’s stayed in business since 1934 is the great food at low prices, especially breakfast. Where else can you get an omelet for $2.75? Vegetarians need to have a sense of humor, though. One of the popular hamburgers is called “Ernie’s Chopped Cow” for $1.96. Twin chopped cow is $4.50.

Flat Branch Pub & Brewing, 115 South Fifth St. This is a fun brewery that serves up delicious soups, sandwiches, salads and appetizers plus full entrees for dinner, much of it fresh and local. But if you like beer, you will be in heaven trying the specialty brews. There’s one for every taste, from Ed’s India Pale Ale, a light honey wheat beer, to Brown Ale, a chocolaty dark beer that reminds you of a Tootsie Roll. Get the six-pack sampler and try small samples of several. Or for something really different, try a Stout float (Oil Change beer topped with French vanilla ice cream). Toward the end of October, get the pumpkin beer before it sells out.

Addison’s An American Grill, 709 Cherry St.

This trendy restaurant downtown serves regular food with a twist — like fried peanut butter and jelly for dessert. Be brave, this is so much better than it sounds. With a golden, crispy crust and a warm creamy peanut butter on the inside, it’s more like a comfortingly familiar turnover topped with ice cream, drizzled with a berry sauce and served like a gourmet pastry. Make sure to check out the paintings of local artist David Spear on the walls. They have the impact and style of Thomas Hart Benton. See more of his work at his studio, Alleyway Arts at 1107 E. Broadway.

Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar, 29 S. Eighth St.

This is the place to go for the grand meal, where everything you order is fresh, original and delicious, with impeccable service. Although it makes a perfect place, too, for just appetizers and their signature cocktails before an event. It’s sophisticated, upscale, yet casual, offering contemporary American cuisine. You can see the menu and make reservations at www.bleucombia.com.

Sylvia Anderson can be reached at sylvia.anderson@newspressnow.com.