Things to do: Polk walking tour, 'Sound of Music,' kayaking season starts and classic cars

Jay Powell, Columbia Daily Herald
·3 min read
An image of the fountain located at the James K. Polk Home's scenic gardens.
An image of the fountain located at the James K. Polk Home's scenic gardens.

This weekend take a step back into local history with the Polk Home, paddle down the Duck River, catch a Broadway classic or cruise with some cool cars.

1. Polk Home 'Family of Influence' walking tour

Learn about the history of Columbia this weekend through the eyes of arguably its most famous former residents, the Polks.

The James K. Polk Home & Museum will kick off a new walking tour Saturday, which will run every other weekend through May 25.

Reenactors dressed as James K. Polk and his wife Sarah Polk stand with life-size statues of the former President and First Lady at the new Polks at Preservation Park off West. 7th Street across from the James K. Polk Home & Museum.
Reenactors dressed as James K. Polk and his wife Sarah Polk stand with life-size statues of the former President and First Lady at the new Polks at Preservation Park off West. 7th Street across from the James K. Polk Home & Museum.

The Family of Influence Walking Tour will take guests through downtown Columbia, taking you back to the days before "Mule Town" was a thing. This includes Samuel Polk's infamous fight on the city's downtown square.

The tour will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Polk Home, 301 W. 7th St., and will last approximately an hour-and-a-half. Tickets are $20 and for more information, contact the Polk Home at (931) 388-2354 or visit www.JamesKPolk.com.

2. Higher Pursuits opening day at the Duck River

Higher Pursuits will have its grand opening for kayak season this weekend, inviting guests to drift down the scenic Duck River.
Higher Pursuits will have its grand opening for kayak season this weekend, inviting guests to drift down the scenic Duck River.

Now that the weather is warming up and the sun is shining, it's about time for this year's kayaking season.

Higher Pursuits, 3114 Cheeks Bend Road, will host its grand opening day of the season starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, pending this weekend's weather forecast.

Spend a relaxing day traveling down the Duck River, away from the bustle of cars, work and regular life while paddling down one of Columbia's most valued and celebrated resources.

Reserve your spot by calling (931) 840-8575. For more information on Higher Pursuits, rentals and classes, visit www.HigherPursuits.com.

3. 'The Sound of Music' at Packard Playhouse

Packard Playhouse will host its production of "The Sound of Music" with multiple performances this weekend and next weekend.
Packard Playhouse will host its production of "The Sound of Music" with multiple performances this weekend and next weekend.

Packard Playhouse, 614 N. Main St., will present its latest production of "The Sound of Music" this weekend, and it's bound to be a classy affair.

Starring Packard Playhouse founder Annie Dupre of the Annie Moses Band, the inspiring true story follows Maria, a widower, Captain Von Trapp and his seven children, each banding together to escape the Nazi regime in Austria during World War II.

The show is set to take the stage starting at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with additional performances at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Most of the shows have sold out, but there are still tickets available for the 7 p.m. Sunday, April 21 encore performance.

Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Packard Playhouse's theatrical program.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling the box office at (800) 918-5270 or by visiting Packard Playhouse's website at www.PackardPlayhouse.com.

4. Cruisin' the Co-op revs up for 2024

The Columbia United Farm & Home Co-op will host its first Cruisin' The Co-op starting at 5 p.m. Friday.
The Columbia United Farm & Home Co-op will host its first Cruisin' The Co-op starting at 5 p.m. Friday.

The United Farm & Home Co-op, 957 Riverview Lane, is prepping for another fun weekend for car enthusiasts, kicking off this year's Cruisin' the Co-op season.

The Co-op invites classic car enthusiasts, families and others looking to get out this weekend for its monthly car show, which will include food trucks, live entertainment and more.

The fun starts at 5 p.m. Friday and will run until about 8 p.m.

For more information, call (931) 388-0714.

5. Live entertainment

Golden Soul Revue will perform at Grinder's Switch Winery, 510 N. Garden St., starting at 7 p.m. Friday.

November Blue will perform at McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 814 S. Main St., starting at 7 p.m. Friday.

The World Turning Band, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac, will perform at The Mulehouse, 812 S. High St., starting at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets range from $22-$27 and are available at www.TheMulehouse.com

Trujillo will perform at The Tilted Mule, 102 Depot St., starting at 7 p.m. Saturday.

New Binge will perform at Ember's Tavern & Grille, 2513 Hospitality Drive, starting at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Knight Moves will perform at The Boondox, 3543 Highway 431, starting at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Kayleigh Mathews will perform at Puckett's in downtown Columbia starting at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Jay Powell
Jay Powell

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Things to do: Walking tour, 'Sound of Music,' kayaking and classic cars