2025 Columbia SC Insider's Guide

MAKING CULINARY

Columbia Wins First James Beard Award

FRESH AIR FUN

Experience Columbia’s Parks, Riverfront and Places to Play

AROUND TOWN with ALIYAH BOSTON

Bounce Through this Basketball Star’s Columbia Itinerary

2025 Columbia Insider’s Guide

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Plan your day, discover new tours, and grab a souvenir at the Columbia SC Visitors Center at 1120 Lincoln Street, Columbia SC 29201

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Welcome to Columbia

Get an insider’s look at the region through our ambassadors’ eyes

photography by Forrest Clonts

LOCALLY LOVED

Our ambassadors are a group of enthusiasts who offer a real perspective of life here Columbia SC. They represent makers, entrepreneurs, foodies, creatives, and so much more. Each year, we unveil a new class with different experiences, interests, and a shared love for the region. Let’s meet our 2025 Columbia SC Ambassadors and see what they love about the heart of SC.

Digital Journalist, Pilates Instructor and Curator of All is Well

Copywriter by trade, health and wellness enthusiast by passion

Columbia just feels like home. I love being in the capital city while still enjoying the small-town feel. When you’re out and about, you’re sure to see a familiar face which helps provide a sense of community. There is an amazing health and wellness culture here. From amazing chiropractors and health food stores to spas and fitness studios, there are so many ways to improve your health and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

ADITI BUSSELLS City of Columbia Councilwoman At-Large

Moved to Columbia for a PhD program, stayed for the people I refer to it as the “Columbia magic” — the electrifying feeling of pride that you feel for this city because you have ability to take an idea, a dream, a goal, and bring it to life. I love that Columbia is a diverse, vibrant, growing city with a great culinary scene, exciting festivals, and easy living.

TRAHERN COOK

Easel Cathedral Live Painter

Find him painting from a travel easel anywhere and everywhere that tells a good story

We’re a big enough city that we can pull off incredible music and arts festivals, bring in popular music acts and host large sporting events. We’re also small enough that you can easily connect with the doers and the makers that can assist in creating awesome neighborhood events throughout our community. Quite simply, we love our parties!

JAMES AGENS

Owner of Terracotta Nursery, SC Pride Vice President

Driven by the opportunity to dream big and break barriers

Columbia is a city where you feel like you belong. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or an urban dweller, a festivalgoer or a passionate foodie — there is always something fun and new to do. With a strong sense of community, Columbia is a city full of life and adventure.

MICHAELA LEUNG

A Fine Place to Drink Lula

Drake, the little wine bar that could, wins the coveted James Beard Award

written by Stephanie Burnette

“You’re not a nominee anymore when you update the door sticker,” says Lula Drake Wine Parlour’s proprietor, Tim Gardner.

For all the pomp and circumstance –the night onstage, the black—tie gala, the global media attention – Gardner says it’s the window decal that reads, “James Beard Award Winner,” that patrons get excited about. “People take photos with it. We see them post on social media,” he says.

Since winning the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Program, the wine bar that seats less than 50 now has a nightly wait. But don’t let that stop you from adding your name to the waitlist. You’ll receive a text when it’s time to return, so, as Gardner says, “Go out and enjoy Main Street.” And he has plenty of suggestions on where to go.

Anywhere else this might feel like a hindrance, but not at Lula Drake. Its premise is a fine place to drink. A warmth exudes from its handsome interiors and highly trained staff, but

don’t call it a restaurant. It’s an establishment built around tasting wine and other discerning beverages. And that was determined by Gardner before he ever opened its door.

FROM THE BEGINNING, IT FELT SPECIAL

A trunk discovered behind a trapdoor revealed one of the building’s early tenants — a milliner named Lula Drake. She ran a hat shop and was one of Columbia’s first female entrepreneurs.

The trunk included a photo of Lula, which now hangs above the bar in an antique frame. Gardner couldn’t shake the feeling that Lula would watch over them and buoy what some called a losing formula: a wine bar in Columbia pouring exclusively farmer—grown, biodynamic wines of varietals that most wouldn’t recognize.

The sentiment proved true, but within a year, Lula Drake had found its audience, a mix of locals, politicos, university staffers, and visiting parents. The vine heads discovered it, searching for a place to learn, prep for the sommelier exam, and connect with other wine lovers.

Word spread organically, without the support of a publicist or content manager. What could barely be called a kitchen pumped out noteworthy gnudi – regulars spread the news of its pillowy goodness paired with new wines they loved.

WHAT A NOMINATION MEANS FOR LULA DRAKE

In 2023, Lula Drake was nominated for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality and then advanced as a national finalist. Gardner took the entire staff to Chicago, believing it was a once—in—a—lifetime scenario. “That first nomination changed everything,” says Gardner. “From that moment on we were riding a wave we never expected.”

Many new faces showed up, especially from Charleston and Charlotte, and then from all over the Southeast.

For Lula Drake, the James Beard win can only be described as a monumental moment.

Gardner says it’s something no one can prepare for or know how it will

impact the business. They’ve had guests from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands walk in the door because of the media reach.

“

So

many people follow this award, and what’s exciting is how many of our guests travel to Columbia to visit us.

– TIM GARDNER

“So many people follow this award, and what’s exciting is how many of our guests travel to Columbia to visit us,” he says. “James Beard winners are a bucket list thing now, and traveling far to get to them is an all—consuming hobby.”

AN UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT

Gardner calls his staff of 11 “The Dream Team” and expresses how every employee contributes to the success of Lula Drake.

Drake took home the 2024

Beard for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Programs. Photo

ABOVE

Tim Gardner couldn’t imagine having Lula Drake anywhere but Columbia’s Main Street District. Photo by Stephen Massar with King & Columbus.

BELOW

Lula Drake’s distinct wine selection pairs perfectly with their food menu. Photo by Bee Turner.

FAR LEFT

Lula

James

by Bee Turner.

BELOW

At the awards ceremony at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House, he waved them all to join him, ushering in a new era at the Beards, where entire teams were onstage with their proprietors.

The story of the win sounds like a fever dream: Gardner refused to look at the printed program, so he couldn’t anticipate the category; he wanted to enjoy the ceremony and soak in every moment of the experience. But Lula Drake’s category, Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Programs, was slated for early in the evening. Gardner paled when Aldo Sohm walked on stage to present the award.

Simply put, Sohm is Gardner’s idol. The sommelier of Le Bernardin, owner of Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, and author of Wine Simple, the Austrian known for his incredible palate, has been named “World’s Best Sommelier” three times this century. In fact, Sohm was a surprise presenter and the audience of food and beverage professionals erupted when he walked on stage. In the wine world, he is Mick Jagger.

Gardner recalls saying to his wife, Lori, “That’s Aldo Sohm,” in disbelief. The nominees hailed from New York, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Columbia. The thought crossed

Gardner’s mind that he could lose and never meet the man who had influenced his career in wine so majestically.

But that wasn’t the case.

Sohm announced, “The Winner of the James Beard goes to Lula Drake,” and Gardner flew out of his seat.

Months later, he can’t picture walking down the aisle or onto the stage, but he will forever remember Sohm placing the medal around his neck. “The stakes are so high,” he says. “It is the Academy Awards; I’ve always thought of it that way. I know what it takes to get to The Beards.”

The nerves and the anticipation that maybe an odd little wine bar from Columbia could win were gone.

For Gardner, the moment was captured perfectly by the sight of his team up there with him.

“How do you measure how wonderful that is? To win for the wines you’re passionate about serving with the people that believe in your concept. It was just so rewarding. It’s nothing I ever thought could be possible, but, in that moment, I felt like we deserved to be there.”

ABOVE

Lula Drake, whose picture hangs over the bar, was one of Columbia’s first female entrepreneurs. Photo by Bee Turner.

Lula Drake’s wine selection has drawn patrons from around the worl. Photo by Bee Turner.

Misérables Photo: Matthew Murphy

TIM GARDNER’S MAIN STREET PAIRINGS

Lula Drake sits in the heart of The Main Street District, and Tim Gardner says he couldn’t imagine working anywhere else because many of his favorite establishments are a short walk down the street. While you’re here, visit some of Tim’s recommended spots and hear his take on what makes them special.

MOA

“I love traditional Korean BBQ and their in—house desserts are spot on. I feel at home sitting at the bar there talking with their bartender, Hunter Cone.”

One of Main Street’s newest additions, MOA invites diners to explore a variety of Korean dishes in an intimate setting.

BOURBON

“I love to sit at the bar at Bourbon. It’s my fun escape to tuck into. And the cocktail prowess that Kristian Niemi and Kat Hunter bring to our neighborhood is outrageous.”

Bourbon built its reputation on the drink it’s named for, but the Cajun—Creole menu will go nicely with anything you order behind the bar.

HENDRIX

“Chef Frank Bradley does a fantastic job with the menu, and I always sit on the roof to enjoy the vibe.”

Before you head to the rooftop, stop in Hendrix’s main dining room to enjoy a steak or something different like chicken—fried quail.

SMOKED

“Sara Middleton has changed the game with a very upscale clientele, and we send patrons down the street to each other. It’s a great complement.”

Oysters are Smoked’s forte, but there are plenty of great options to enjoy and you’ll likely get the treat of live music while you dine.

HAMPTON STREET VINEYARD

“I know Jonathan Lopez will beautifully pair classic cuisine with classic wine that he’s passionate about. It’s always a win.”

Hampton Street Vineyard’s relaxed setting and French— inspired menu make for an ideal evening (try the duck confit) or morning (you’ll never forget their French toast).

THE NICK

“Their patrons bring a different energy to Lula Drake before and after shows. The Nick is an institution.”

The Nick, as it’s known locally, feels like a step back in time in the best way. Grab your beverage and popcorn before you walk through the curtain to enjoy a blockbuster or indie film.

SWEET CREAM CO.

“My staff gets ice cream from Joe and Jessica Kastner every day, and we have conversations about their newest flavors. We’re inspired.”

We won’t deny it, Columbia can get hot during the summer. And there aren’t many better ways to cool off than with one of Sweet Cream Co.’s tasty scoops.

THE COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART

“They bring so many visitors to Main Street and their staff is so welcoming, and First Thursday is always a party. It’s an engaging place to spend some time.”

A staple of downtown, the Columbia Museum of Art is home to some of the art world’s most renowned works.

LEFT photo by Carl Heyward TOP photo by Forrest Clonts MIDDLE photo by Jessica Hunt BOTTOM photo by Forrest Clonts

A Stay Inspired By Local Spirit

At Graduate Columbia SC hotel, you’ll find campus spirit around every corner. Here’s a look at some of the stories that inspired our guest room designs.

About Graduate by Hilton

In case you missed the news, Graduate Hotels is now part of the Hilton family — and their awardwinning Hilton Honors loyalty program. That means the Graduate stay you know and love now comes with some added perks, including Points earned with every stay, free WiFi, access to exclusive Hilton Honors Experiences, and more. Visit hilton.com to learn more.

Campus Legends – Portraits of USC alum Darius Rucker of Hootie & The Blowfish and legendary USC baseball superfan Bill “Oot Oot” Golding decorate guest room walls.

Spurs Up – Custom headboards celebrate the school’s feisty mascot.

All Aboard – A caboose-shaped desk lamp nods to South Carolina’s iconic tailgating tradition, the Cockaboose Railroad.

South Carolina Storytelling

Columbia’s Museums Highlight History

written by Stephanie Allen photography provided by The Cayce Historical Museum and The Lexington County Museum

As South Carolina’s capital—and a growing city in the South—Columbia is teeming with history, art, and the stories that have shaped this place. Home to an array of museums that link contemporary life to these varied histories, the city’s cultural scene is ever-evolving.

Whether you’re searching for an afternoon activity or want to learn more about the stories that are part of the area’s collective memory, these museums will offer you a new perspective on how Southern culture is defined.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM

Jennifer Thrailkill has worked at the South Carolina State Museum for nearly 18 of the 35 years it’s been open. In that time, the museum has amassed a collection of over one million objects ranging from ancient fossils to contemporary artwork.

Housed in what Thrailkill, the Museum’s Director of Communications and Marketing, described as their “oldest artifact”—a former textile mill building that was the first in the world to be fully electric—the museum has

four floors of exhibition space, a state of the art observatory, a digital planetarium, and a 4D movie theater.

“We really have a lot of things here that you would not be able to see or experience anywhere else,” Thrailkill said.

Guided by its broad mission to educate, inspire, and engage guests on the history and culture of South Carolina, the museum’s programming connects this history to contemporary life. The rotating exhibitions often explore the state’s more modern history.

A recent World War II exhibition, for example, examines how South Carolinians participated in the war. It also highlighted the African American experience during World War II, connecting the relationship between their fight for democracy abroad and their struggle for equal representation within the United States.

HISTORIC COLUMBIA TOURS

“ We really have a lot of things here that you would not be able to see or experience anywhere else.

– JENNIFER THRAILKILL

Programming can range from conversations about Gullah foodways to a laser show set to Taylor Swift music. With daily 4D movie screenings and planetarium shows, the South Carolina State Museum is more than just a collection of artifacts.

“We’re really a one-stop-shop,” Thrailkill said.

301 Gervais Street Columbia, SC 29201

Hours: 10:00 am -5:00 pm

General Admission tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for senior citizens (ages 62+) and $10 for children (ages 3-12).

Homes can tell the story of a community. And through preservation and education, Historic Columbia is sharing the story of Columbia’s history and how that history still impacts us today. The organization is intentional and thoughtful to include the stories of all who lived and worked at these properties.

The Woodrow Wilson Family Home, which serves as the Museum of the Reconstruction Era, tells the story of Columbia and South Carolina in the years following the Civil War. This 1871 Italian villa-style residence was also the home of 14-year-old future president Woodrow Wilson.

Visitors can get a glimpse of early 19th-century life for the wealthy planter class at the Hampton-Preston Mansion. Built by an enslaved workforce, the storied home served as a residence, Union Army headquarters, a convent, and more. The property’s extensive gardens have been recreated to represent the pre-Civil War period.

The Mann-Simons Site and Modjeska Monteith Simkins House are both featured on Historic Columbia’s Journey to Freedom tour. The MannSimons Site tells the story of Celia Mann, who was born into slavery and,

according to family legend, walked from Charleston to Columbia and made a life for herself as a freed midwife. Modjeska Monteith Simkins is a renowned human rights activist and played a key role in the Civil Rights movement.

One of the few private residences designed by acclaimed architect Robert Mills, the Robert Mills House & Gardens was commissioned in 1823 by Columbia merchant Ainsley Hall, who passed away before the home was finished. The home was later sold and became a seminary.

1616 Blanding Street Columbia, SC 29201

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 6-12.

MCKISSICK MUSEUM

Located at the top of USC’s historic horseshoe, the McKissick Museum isn’t just a resource for college students.

With over 46,000 objects in its permanent collection, including works of fine art, material culture artifacts, and natural history specimens, the McKissick works to tell the story of

The Lexington County Museum features structures and artifacts telling the story of the area’s history.

Southern life.

Its Folklife Resource Center is a site of active exploration, home to field notes, images, and documentary materials that aid researchers and the general public alike.

The museum’s rotating exhibitions offer closer looks at particular aspects of Southern culture—and how farreaching the impact of that culture can be. Exhibitions in 2024 ranged from a show on the work of renowned artist and activist Shepard Fairey to an exploration of the legacy of alkaline-glazed pottery in the Southeast.

816 Bull Street Columbia, SC 29208

Free to the public, the McKissick Museum is open from 8:30 to 5:00 pm on weekdays and is open on Saturdays throughout the school year from 11:00 to 3:00pm.

LEXINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM

One of J.R. Fennell’s favorite objects in the Lexington County Museum’s collection is a love letter from 1824.

“It shows, I think, that technology changes, situations change, but human nature kind of doesn’t,” the museum director said.

This focus on everyday life in colonial and pre-Civil War Lexington is at the heart of what the museum does.

The museum grounds encompass 36 historic features, including a pigeon house, a blacksmith forge, and a school. Historic homes are furnished to reflect how they may have been lived in, and tours of the grounds tell the story of all who inhabited Lexington—not just the white landowners.

“A lot of enslaved people were skilled artisans,” Fennell explained. “They were not just working in the fields—they were brickmakers, they were blacksmiths, they were potters, they were woodworkers. [They were] very, very talented.”

The museum further engages with this history by offering cooking demonstrations, pewter castings, and woodworking demonstrations. Many of the activities for children are

hands-on, including a workshop highlighting the work of enslaved Edgefield potter David Drake.

“You need to know where you’ve been to know where you’re going,” Fennell said.

231 Fox St. Lexington, SC 29072

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday, 1:00-4:00 pm

Admission: $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children (cash or check only)

CAYCE HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The main building of the Cayce Historical Museum replicates a frontier trading post that was later home to the Cayce family, after whom the city was named. Inside, find artifacts that date back to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars in the United States.

Home to an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, the museum has nearly 8,000 objects used by Indigenous people from across the South and the Midwest. Programming such as “living history” reenactments, walking tours, and lectures further engage with the histories told by the museum’s collection. Regularly scheduled hands-on activities include candlemaking, pottery workshops, and quilting.

From prehistoric objects to exhibitions on twentieth-century life and culture, the Cayce Historical Museum articulates the distinct legacy of the city and how it relates to American history as a whole.

1800 12th Street Cayce, SC 29033

Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Admission: $3.00 for adults, seniors (62+) $2.00, children (3-12) $1.00

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES

All that learning can work up an appetite (and a thirst!). After your stop at

Midlands area museums, head to one of these local spots to grab a bite, a drink, and take a moment to relax.

If you’ve been to the South Carolina State Museum, Cayce Historical Museum, or Lexington County Museum, consider one of these local favorites after you’ve seen the exhibits:

Savage Craft Ale Works - This local brewery is just across the river from the South Carolina State Museum in West Columbia. You’ll find interesting brews and a full food menu, plus plenty of room for kids to play if they still have extra energy.

430 Center Street West Columbia, SC 29169

Steel Hands Brewing - Not far from downtown, Cayce’s Steel Hands Brewing has a wide variety of beers to choose from. The large space often hosts local musical talent.

2350 Foreman Street Cayce, SC 29033

O’Hara’s Public House - A popular place on Lexington’s Main Street, O’Hara’s has classic Irish fare (and the beer to go with it) and a robust menu that will satisfy just about everyone.

131 E Main Street Lexington, SC 29072

Spent the morning at the Mckissick Museum or the Historic Columbia house museums? Spotted Salamander is the move.

Spotted Salamander - Spotted Salamander’s rotating lunch specials make this one of the city’s go-to lunch spots. And yes, you should get the homemade oatmeal cream pie for lunch.

1531 Richland Street Columbia, SC 29201 and 1441 Main Street Columbia, SC 29201

Columbia Museum of Ar t A Rare Find in Its Own Right

written by Stephanie Allen | photography by Forrest Clonts

There’s only one place on the continent where you can view a fresco by Sandro Botticelli. It’s also the only public place in South Carolina to check out a Monet.

Featuring artwork that ranges from Ming Dynasty sculpture to local contemporary work, the Columbia Museum of Art, or the CMA, as it’s known locally, ensures that access to the international art scene doesn’t require a plane ticket.

With an ever-growing collection of 8,000 objects, Senior Curator Michael Neumeister described the work housed at the museum as “diverse and idiosyncratic.”

“We have this broad mission, which is to present art from around the corner and around the world in an environment that is welcoming to all,” Neumeister said.

This mission extends into the rotating exhibitions featured at the museum, some of which are exclusive to the CMA. Last year’s Sergio Hudson exhibition, for example, marked the first time the South Carolina-born designer’s work was shown in an art museum setting.

Other CMA-exclusive exhibitions serve as opportunities to acquire new work, Neumeister explained. “We think it’s important as stewards of art and as supporters of significant contemporary

artists to bring in those works for posterity, really to be enjoyed for future generations.”

Despite only opening in 1950, the museum’s collection parallels those of much larger (and much older) institutions. Baroque artist Guido Cagnacci’s David Holding Goliath’s Head, featured in the permanent collection, has striking compositional similarity to another Cagnacci painting housed at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

The CMA’s contemporary collection also features two large-scale paintings by Southern-born artist Sam Gilliam, the first African American artist to represent the United States at the Venice Biennale. The artist’s beveled-edge Slice painting juts out of the gallery wall—a massive abstract work Neu-

meister describes as a must-see.

Visitors don’t have to wait for a new exhibition to see changes at the museum. Artwork on the second floor is regularly rotated, and the museum is also planning a “refresh” of the permanent collection display.

While the museum has welcomed visitors from every state and countries across the world, Neumeister is aware that the CMA is the first art museum many locals ever experience.

“We view ourselves really as an important fixture in Columbia’s cultural center, and we know it’s important to present work and to present the galleries in a manner that is befitting of our city, as a capital city, and as an important city,” he said.

Stroll with the Current The Three Rivers Greenway Offers Waterside Recreation

written by Sarah Richmond

Winding along the Saluda, Broad, and Congaree rivers, the Three Rivers Greenway trail system features some of the best natural beauty the Columbia area offers. The trails are easy to access, and the region’s mild climate makes them an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

Each one has a trail difficulty rating of “Easy,” with completely paved walkways and boardwalks and only a few minor elevation gains, perfect for walking, running, and cycling. They’re all wheelchair, kid, and (leashed) dog-friendly.

Park rangers regularly monitor each location, and they all feature water fountains, bathrooms, and free parking.

From quick walks to further exploration, here are the ins and outs of Columbia’s riverfront.

RIVERFRONT PARK AND HISTORIC COLUMBIA CANAL

This trail follows the towpath of the historic Columbia Canal. While it’s no longer in use for transportation, it’s found new life as an outdoor attraction.

There are regular stopping points,

including benches, a small grassy area perfect for picnics and enjoying the sun, and lookouts with prime views of the river.

The picturesque Riverfront Park trailhead and the amphitheater offer a beautiful backdrop for a photoshoot. The trail ends (coming from the Laurel Street entrance) at the canal dam.

Visitors who venture from south Riverfront Park should keep an eye out for a glimpse of the elusive canal alligator. For north Riverfront Park visitors: a view of the Columbia Diversion Dam.

Regardless of where you start, a stop by Bierkeller Brewing Company, a short walk from the path, is a must.

Where to Go:

• South Riverfront Park: 312 Laurel Street Columbia, SC 29201

• North Riverfront Park: 4210 River Drive, Columbia, SC 29201

Distance: 4 miles

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Parking: The southern end features a large, paved parking lot. The northern end features an unpaved, unmarked parking lot.

CAYCE RIVERWALK & WEST COLUMBIA RIVERWALK PARK AND AMPHITHEATER

Crossing the Gervais Street bridge into Lexington County, you can access two connected riverwalks. The Cayce and West Columbia sections can easily be customized for an adventure of just about any length.

These sections along the river have plenty of stories to tell. Twelve thousand years’ worth, give or take.

Near I-77, the Cayce Riverwalk features the 12,000 Year History Park. In one square mile along the banks of Congaree Creek, archaeological evidence paints a colorful picture of what life has looked like here for centuries, from Indigenous tribes to American Civil War Battles. Free tours are available to give insight into this area’s rich history. To learn more about 12,000 Year History Park tours, visit cayce12000years.com.

In West Columbia, the amphitheater is a gathering place for musicians and artists. Works by local creators can be found throughout the area. Concerts are regularly held at the amphitheater, with events like the seasonally recurring Rhythm on the River concert series

and Meeting Street Music Fest bringing people together to enjoy music with the Congaree River as a backdrop.

Once you’ve had ample time outdoors and ended your trek on the West Columbia side, you’ll have a short walk to State Street restaurants, shops, and beverage destinations like Savage Craft Ale Works or The Hideout in WeCo.

If you’re a senior or a person with limited mobility, the City of Cayce offers golf cart tours of the Riverwalk. Call (803) 602-2571 for more information.

Where to Go:

• West Columbia: 109 Alexander Rd West Columbia, SC 29169

• Cayce main entrance: 201 Naples Ave Cayce, SC 29033

• Cayce secondary entrance: intersection of State Street and Lyle Street

• Timmerman Trail entrance: 12th Street Extension at SCANA Parkway or after the Cayce Tennis Center at the 12,000 Year History Trailhead

Distance: 12 miles

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Parking: On Riverside Drive at the Moffat Street entrance, at the Alexander Road entrance and across the street from it, at the intersection of State Street and Lyle Street, and at 201 Naples Avenue.

SALUDA RIVERWALK

The newest addition to the Three Rivers Greenway is the Saluda Riverwalk, which showcases the confluence of the Broad and Saluda Rivers into the Congaree River.

Visitors are immediately greeted by the Mill Race rapids, a rush of whitewater popular with kayakers.

Recent improvements have made it easier for anyone who wants to enjoy

the cool waters of the Saluda River, whether in a kayak or a tube. A new walking path provides access to an easy river entry point and stairs now connect this path to the boardwalk.

If you take a left on the trail, you’ll likely encounter plenty of wildlife, from deer to otter sightings. Many bird species call the tree canopy that covers the trail home.

History buffs will enjoy sites along the way, including historical remnants of bridges and signs telling the story of the river’s importance to Indigenous tribes and early settlers. And don’t be alarmed if you hear sounds of wildlife you weren’t expecting. It’s just Riverbanks Zoo, the back of which sits along the riverwalk.

The Saluda Riverwalk loops around the Sanctuary at Boyd Island. It’s a place teeming with wildlife and a view of where the Broad and Saluda Rivers come together. You’ll have the opportunity to check out the animals that call the river and its banks home. Artwork, an ornate gazebo, and a viewing pier make this a place you’ll want to stay for a while.

Taking the path to the right will lead

The area’s riverwalk systems allow you to explore the outdoors and enjoy one of Midland’s most important resources.

The Saluda River is a popular fishing spot, with anglers catching striped bass, smallmouth bass, and trout..

by Forest Clonts

you up along the banks of the Saluda River, where you’ll likely see kayakers preparing for their trip to the rapids. There are plenty of large rocks you can relax on (so be sure to bring a book or lunch). And like the entire riverwalk, expect to see plenty of wildlife.

Plans are being made to expand on this resource by connecting the riverwalk system. A pedestrian bridge and riverwalk access near the Riverbanks Zoo Botanical Gardens entrance will soon be built.

Where to Go:

650 Candi Lane Columbia, SC 29203

Distance: 7.3 miles

Hours: Daily, 6 am to 9 pm

Parking: The primary parking lot at 650 Candi Lane with a secondary overflow lot available

Want more info for places to check out? Head to: www.experiencecolumbiasc.com/things-to-do/parks-and-gardens three-rivers-greenway/

FAR LEFT

Photo by Sean Rayford ABOVE

Photo

Spotlight on Sesqui

Inside a Columbia State Park Institution

written by Marc Rapport | photography provided by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

If you start asking around about what to do outdoors in Columbia, you’re likely to hear locals mention “Sesqui.” That bit of inside lingo refers to Sesquicentennial State Park, a beloved green oasis for both locals and visitors nestled in fast-growing northeast Columbia.

Bounded by Interstate 20 and U.S. 1 (Two Notch Road) and suburban neighborhoods, the park remains a tranquil escape, preserving 1,419 acres of diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities to explore and enjoy.

Lots of folks do just that. Sesqui is the most-visited inland state park in South Carolina, attracting over 800,000 visitors annually, making it a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in the Midlands.

“ Sesqui is a treasure for the community, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life ... It’s a place where you can truly connect with the outdoors and find peace

– JOHN WELLS

Sesqui was established during the Great Depression. It’s one of the original 16 state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) across South Carolina and named for the 150th anniversary of Columbia’s founding in 1786. Many of the original structures remain, including picnic shelters, the old boathouse, and the spillway.

John Wells, a 22-year veteran of the S.C. State Park Service, has been the manager at Sesqui for the past eight years. He emphasizes its continuing importance as a “green island in a sea of concrete, an oasis out here in what’s become a very bustling, built-up area. It’s a wonderful place to get out, escape, reconnect, and unplug.”

Sesqui offers a wide range of activities and amenities that everyone can enjoy. Highlights include:

• Lace up your hiking boots - Over 12 miles of trails, including the Loop Trail, Sandhills Trail, Bike Trail, and Jackson Creek Nature Trail.

• Pack the tent (or bring the RV)Seventy nine standard campsites for RV or tent camping and five group primitive sites, each accommodating up to 35 people.

• Get on the water - A 30-acre lake for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and pedal boating. Rentals are available year-round. Wells says bass weighing several pounds or more are regularly caught in the lake despite the fishing pressure. “This is a very healthy lake, so the fish aren’t necessarily that hungry. You have to fish, not just catch.”

• Fun for the kids - Sesqui’s splash pad is a great way for kids to cool off and have fun on a hot day.

• Pack your lunch -Three picnic shelters and four rental pads are available, ideal for family gatherings and events.

• Bring your pup - Sesqui is dogfriendly. They’ll need to be leashed in most areas of the park, but can explore without a leash in the 2-acre dog park. Daily permits are available for $4 and can be purchased at the park office. An annual dog park permit can be purchased for $25.

• Learn something new - Discover Carolina programs for school children and guided nature hikes like the Owl Prowl and Full-Moon Hike are featured on the park’s event calendar.

The park’s educational initiatives are particularly noteworthy. Park Interpreter Stacey Jensen has been on site for 20 years, leading the Discover Carolina programs that align with school curriculums.

These initiatives provide hands-on learning experiences about local flora and fauna. The park also offers unique events such as night hikes – highlighted by the popular “Owl Prowls” – and

twilight hikes that provide a unique perspective on the park after dark.

Sesqui’s interpretive signage educates visitors about the various ecosystems within the park. The park’s diverse wildlife includes deer, raccoons, red foxes, great blue herons, and even occasional sightings of bald eagles and osprey, indicating a healthy fish population in the lake.

“We also have some of the healthiest squirrels you’ve ever seen,” Wells said with a laugh.

Sesqui hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including concerts, a military expo, and the popular Sesqui Artisans Market. The market, held on the first Sunday in November, is a juried art and craft show that attracts thousands of visitors.

The park has also seen significant improvements recently. Upgrades include a $200,000 electrical enhancement for the RV campground, new park benches, swings along trails, picnic tables, and car chargers, including a supercharger.

Sesqui is continually evolving to meet the needs of its visitors and boasts longtime support from local groups, including the Friends of Sesqui volunteer organization, Girl and Boy Scouts, and gardening clubs.

Sesquicentennial State Park offers a unique blend of historical significance,

Sesqui has plenty of trails (including a 6.1mile mountain biking trail) for walking, running, and enjoying the outdoors.

ABOVE

Animal sightings are a regular occurrence across Sesqui’s 1,419 acres.

BELOW

Kayaks, canoe, and fishing boat rentals are available to enjoy the park’s 30-acre lake, where you can take in the scenery or cast a line.

FAR LEFT

natural beauty, and modern amenities. While Columbia grows, these two square miles of piney woodlands stand as a testament to the value of preserving green spaces within urban settings, providing countless opportunities for recreation, education, and relaxation.

In the words of park manager Wells, “Sesqui is a treasure for the community, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re here to hike, fish, camp, or simply enjoy a walk with nature, there’s something for everyone. It’s a place where you can truly connect with the outdoors and find peace.”

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIP:

• Head out on a weekday to experience the park with fewer people

• The Loop Trail, a 2.2-mile walk around the lake, is a great way to familiarize yourself with

the park and to meet a lot of friendly, leashed dogs

• There’s a stand of live oaks on the spillway just below the dam. They’re photogenic and provide a lot of shade, plus close-up access to the splashing falls of the spillway itself

• Stop by the park store to pick up your Sesqui swag and grab camping basics if you need them

POST-SESQUI ITINERARY

Once you’re finished exploring the outdoors, check out these local spots to grab a bite and relax after your adventure:

Luca’s Wood Fire Pizza & Restaurant

- Nothing quite hits the spot after a hike like pizza. And if a pie isn’t what you have in mind, Luca’s features plenty of other Italian dishes as well. And it’s just down the road from Sesqui.

843-4 Polo Road Columbia, SC 29223

(803) 888-6282

Julia’s German Stammisch - Julia’s serves up hearty, authentic German food like schnitzel. It’s a great stop in Columbia’s Northeast to have a warm meal and cold drink after a long day on the trails.

120 Sparkleberry Crossing Rd Columbia, SC 29229

(803) 738-0630

Maybe camping isn’t your thing. Head to page 84 and look for hotels in “Richland NE & Fort Jackson” for accommodations near Sesquicentennial State Park.

Columbia Wins Game Day

Here’s How You Can, Too

written

A roaring crowd of fans can energize players on the field and turn the tide of a game, but what helps fuel the fans?

The pre-game chow down, of course.

A meal and festivities centered around sporting events are time-honored traditions here in Columbia. Whether it’s Homecoming Weekend at Benedict or a playoff clincher for the USC women’s basketball team, making the most of a gameday in Columbia is about more than the final score — it’s a way to explore the city in all its forms.

You could meet like-minded fans sitting at the bar, sample the area’s diverse restaurant scene, or discover a place that satisfies the clock-watchers and those just there for some school spirit.

Gameday is a full-court welcome into our spirited community.

KICK THE DAY OFF LIKE A CHAMP

To start strong, you must begin with the spots closest to the home of the most recent women’s basketball national champions.

Lucky for fans, or FAMs as Head Coach Dawn Staley would call them, there are lots of great places for food and drink surrounding Colonial Life

Arena, where the USC women’s and men’s basketball teams play.

Thirsty Fellow sits just a stone’s throw from Colonial Life Arena and specializes in quick service and stone-fired pizza.

In the mood for something a little different? Coa Agaveria Y Cocina serves up margaritas and Mexican fare in an elegant yet relaxed setting, perfect for big groups.

Hungry after the clock ticks zero? Head to The Dragon Room’s late-night bar for fun takes on pan-Asian cuisine and some seriously inventive cocktails.

Those looking to stop before parking at the arena should check out D’s Wings in West Columbia, just over the river from the Gamecocks’ core campus. The dollar-bill wallpapered wing lover’s paradise is famous for its sauces. D’s Dry Rub is a housemade classic, blending 16 spices. And the Gamecock, a horseradish cajun remoulade, is a local favorite wet sauce. But don’t forget dessert. D’s has seasonal cheesecakes, which are a must. All these options pair nicely with their rotating draft list, featuring many local brews.

And it wouldn’t be gameday without a cold drink. Columbia Craft Brewing Company is a short walk from Colonial

Life Arena and is also central to Founders Park, home of USC’s baseball team. The bar is locally owned and operated and has an extensive collection of authentic ales, lagers, IPAs, and sours. Enjoy any of those options, many of which are national award winners, on the brewery’s rooftop.

If you’re looking for spiritless beverages, Main Street’s Kao Thai Cuisine serves up three zero-proof cocktails alongside a full bar and spicy, comforting menu.

And for some, we know it’s not about the game; it’s the camaraderie. Restaurants like Market on Main in downtown Columbia provide an opportunity to enjoy the game on a massive screen with other fans on their sprawling outdoor patio.

Meanwhile, for football games at Williams-Brice Stadium, popular tailgating locations include the South Carolina State Fairgrounds or Gamecock Park, but there are also plenty of restaurant options to help you score more points with your pre-game festivities.

J’s Corner Restaurant and Bar offers comfort food with a view of the stadium in the background. And you have to try the “broasted” chicken at Bernie’s Chicken, just down the street from Williams-Brice.

by Sydney Dunlap | photography by Forrest Clonts

A bit further away, in the cozy and historic Rosewood neighborhood, Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at The Hangar has beers and pizza in a converted airplane hangar. Plus, there’s plenty of outdoor space for a game of cornhole or to let the kids play their own game.

THERE’S A BIG GAME WHEREVER YOU GO

When we say Columbia is a sports town, we mean it.

The USC Gamecocks, Benedict Tigers, Allen Yellow Jackets, and Columbia Koalas all pour their blood, sweat, and tears into their sports, from track and field to diving to soccer. And that’s just the college teams.

The Tigers of Benedict College, one of Columbia’s two Historically Black Colleges and Universities, are back-to-back football conference champions, but the athletes aren’t the only sight to see at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.

The marching band is renowned for its musicality and choreography, making Benedict’s homecoming one of the biggest Saturdays in Soda City.

Before you watch the Tigers play, a stop at Railroad BBQ is a must. The restaurant is full of sports memorabilia and is known to serve delicious food in a welcoming environment. The menu features items like “the Locomotive,” a grilled beef hot dog topped with chopped brisket, slaw and Carolina Gold BBQ sauce that will prepare any fan to cheer on their team.

Columbia College, tucked off North Main Street, has added new sports teams recently, including cheerleading and men’s basketball.

On your way to watch the Koalas, Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits is the play, where you can get everything from a classic bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit to a fried chicken biscuit smothered with scallion aioli and pickles. And of course, you can’t forget the coffee.

WIN THE TAILGATE

Gameday can be an all-day affair for fans of Columbia’s sports teams (and the visitors, too). Before you head to your spot, stop by one of these local shops to get flavors to fuel your tailgate:

THE GOURMET SHOP

The Five Points favorite has plenty of options to make your tailgate one to remember with meats, cheeses, and several catered options (don’t miss out on the chicken salad).

724 Saluda Ave, Columbia, SC 29205

CRAFT & DRAFT

A go-to place to grab a variety of craft beers (with lots of local selections), Craft & Draft is one of the best places in town to fill up your cooler before the game.

2706 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205

7583 St. Andrews Rd, Irmo, SC 29063

ZESTO

Burgers, chicken, and fries are Zesto’s specialty and are perfect for a tailgate. And don’t forget to grab your chocolate-dipped ice cream cone.

504 12th St, West Columbia, SC 29169

With so many ways to enjoy sport beyond the event itself, it is no surprise that gameday is Columbia’s social event of every season. Y OUR Y E A R-ROUND B A SEB A L L A ND EN T ER TA INMEN T V ENUE

Bounce Around Town with Aliyah Boston

written by Ben Culbreth photography by Forrest Clonts

The most decorated player in South Carolina women’s basketball history. First overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year. Now in her third professional season, the accolades keep adding up for Aliyah Boston.

But before her professional career, Boston made her home right here in Columbia, where she won a national championship with the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team and was the two-time National Player of the Year, SEC Player of the Year and SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

Oh, and she made an All-American list for all four years of her college career, including three first-team selections.

Even though she’s moved to a new city to pursue a WNBA title with the Indiana Fever, Boston still loves returning to Columbia. For her, it’s always felt like home. When she returns to the Midlands, there are a few places she always makes sure to visit.

GETTING TO KNOW COLUMBIA

Boston was a highly coveted prospect coming out of high school, with offers from the best teams in the country. But once she came to Columbia, something felt different here.

“I just remember it felt like home, like Virgin Islands home,” Boston said.

The weather, the trees, and the ample greenery reminded her of where she grew up, on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Boston’s first impression of Columbia was, “Oh, I love this”

“And then when I came here, that never changed,” she said. “I fell in love with Columbia the moment I stepped in the state of South Carolina, when I stepped on campus.”

“ The people of Columbia [are] very welcoming. It makes you feel like you’ve been here for forever.

– ALIYAH BOSTON

Even though she has a busy travel schedule, Boston said Columbia and USC still hold a special place for her and she loves returning when she can.

“Every time I come back here, I think, ‘Wow, I really went to school here. How lucky am I that I got to do that?’”

Boston stayed all four years at one school and in one city, which has become rare in college sports, where it’s common and frictionless to leave for a different program, a different place. But that was never in the cards for her.

“I never wanted to leave Columbia,” she said.

WHERE ALIYAH LOVES TO GO

Boston said when she first visited USC and Columbia, she noted the close proximity of a Krispy Kreme to campus. But as she further familiarized herself with the city, other local places became regular go-tos. And she still loves to visit them when she returns.

She’s a big fan of wings, so D’s Wings in West Columbia was one of her favorite places to enjoy a meal.

“I love D’s Wings,” she said. “Their wings were amazing.”

When she craved a taste of the foods she grew up loving, Boston said Island Grille was her go-to.

“To be able to find a spot like that that literally tastes like home. There’s no better feeling for me.”

Boston said she’s never grown tired of Columbia’s food scene. “Even being in the city of Columbia, you never feel like you’re running out of places to find food.”

When she has time, she enjoys getting over to Main Street, where her top spots are Halls Chophouse if she’s craving steak or Cantina 76 if it’s a queso and chips kind of night.

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE GAMEDAY IN COLUMBIA

Boston is well acquainted with the sports culture in Columbia. For four years, she played in front of some of the largest women’s basketball crowds in the country. Boston said that love for the game extends beyond Colonial Life Arena.

“[If] you don’t know the sports culture

ABOVE

Visiting local spots, like this mural in West Columbia, is one of Boston’s favorite things to do when she’s in town.

BELOW

D’s Wings is one of Boston’s go-to spots for great food

FAR LEFT

Boston enjoys returning to Colonial Life Arena, where she had many of her highlight games in college.

in Columbia, South Carolina, you are missing out,” she said.

She thinks there’s something different about the support here and it’s worth seeing even if you’re not a fan of the team in garnet and black. Boston said Columbia stands out to her as someone who’s traveled the world playing basketball in iconic locations.

“When you look at some other places, maybe one night if they have a big team coming in, you might have a sell-out crowd. But that is not what happens in Columbia. It is a sellout crowd every single night.”

YOU’RE WELCOME HERE

As someone who moved to Columbia, Boston said it’s a place that embraced her.

“The people of Columbia [are] very welcoming. It makes you feel like you’ve been here for forever.”

She said that even being in a position as a well-known athlete at one of the best programs in the country, people in the community have always been respectful and friendly to her when she’s out and about.

Since leaving, Boston said returning to Columbia has become even more special.

“Going down memory lane is honestly one of my favorite things to do because, in the moment, you never realize how fast time is passing by, and then you come back and it’s, ‘Wow, two years ago, I was playing in this gym. One year ago, I was practicing in this facility.’”

Boston loves having a place like Columbia to continue calling home, even when she’s moved on to a new place and a new phase of her career.

“Being able to have a consistent place like Columbia, where you always feel like this is where I was meant to be, is the best feeling,” she said.

“ ...you might have a sell-out crowd. But that is not what happens in Columbia. It is a sellout crowd every single night.

– ALIYAH BOSTON

During a visit to town last summer, Boston made sure to stop in at her favorite spots, but there was one more thing she wanted to check off the Columbia to-do list: a float trip down the Congaree River.

Palmetto Outdoor provided all the equipment she needed, and floated with her by a few iconic locations along the river, like the amphitheater along the West Columbia Riverwalk and the Gervais Street Bridge.

For someone who accomplished so much during her time in Columbia, a trip down the river was a first. And, like her time on the court, Boston was a champ at floating the Congaree.

Boston said Columbia embraced her and she has left her mark on this place, too, with the help

ABOVE

Scratch it off the bucket list. Boston ventured down the Congaree River during a visit last summer. BELOW

of muralist Ija Charles.

803-545-3950

obo@columbiasc.gov

obo.columbiasc.gov

City of Columbia @cityofcolumbiascgov @cityofcolumbia

Hit the Courts, Not the Net

Serving Up Plenty of Places to Play

written by Marc Rapport

photography by Perry McLeod

Whether you prefer a paddle or a racquet, the Columbia area has all you need to get out there to dink, volley, and serve anywhere around town.

While tennis has been a mainstay in the community, a drive by any local courts will showcase how the Midlands is embracing the rise of pickleball.

Locally, pickleball courts are popping up to accommodate that irresistible mix of ping pong, tennis, and badminton –and tennis itself also continues its longstanding popularity in the Midlands as a sport that can be played year-round in our mild climate.

Supply is growing to meet that demand, especially for pickleball. Many local recreation centers have pickleball courts that can be set up inside their gyms, and some have built new outdoor courts. Private investors are also jumping in, exemplifying enterprising operations catering to the combined social and fitness appeal of the new sport.

Not to be outdone, tennis is still a dominant sport in the Midlands. Columbia’s rich tennis tradition is evident in the University of South Carolina (USC) tennis program. The Gamecocks regularly contend for national titles and produce players who compete on the global stage, including prestigious tournaments like Wimbledon.

But it’s not just the elite athletes who benefit from Columbia’s tennis traditions and growing pickleball presence.

SERVING UP PLENTY OF PLACES TO PLAY

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just picking up a racquet for the first time, Columbia offers a variety of excellent venues for both pickleball and tennis. Top spots include:

ABOVE Greenview Park Tennis Courts

RIGHT

Friends play pickleball at Cayce Tennis Center

ABOVE

Tennis is one of many popular sports in local Special Olympics events

LEFT BELOW

Columbia Tennis Center offers a chance to play in the heart of downtown.

COLUMBIA TENNIS CENTER

1635 Whaley Street Columbia, SC 29205 (803) 733-8440

Located in the heart of USC’s campus and near downtown, this city-owned center offers a mix of clay and hard courts, making it a convenient spot for students and residents.

RICHLAND COUNTY TENNIS CENTER

750 Parklane Road

Columbia, SC 29223

(803) 788-300

A new main building, 12 lighted courts, concession and lounge area, picnic facilities with shelter, and friendly, professional staff. It’s one of a dozen centers owned and operated by the Richland County Recreation Commission.

CAYCE TENNIS AND FITNESS CENTER

1120 Fort Congaree Trail Cayce, SC 29033 (803) 227-3030

Operated by Lexington County Recreation, this site regularly hosts college-level tournaments. It features more than 20 tennis courts, a clubhouse, and several pickleball courts. The center is a prime destination for competitive play and casual matches alike.

LEXINGTON COUNTY TENNIS COMPLEX

425 Oak Drive

Lexington, SC 29073

(803) 957-7676

Another county-owned complex catering to both tennis and pickleball enthusiasts, this facility regularly hosts tournaments and casual play.

Gear Up: LOCAL SHOPS FOR RACQUET SPORTS EQUIPMENT

As pickleball picks up popularity and tennis remains a staple, local retailers stand ready with everything you need to serve on and off the court.:

BREAK POINT COLA

2010 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205

Situated in the Five Points neighborhood, Break Point offers a wide selection of tennis and pickleball gear and the styles you need to look great on or off the court.

TODD & MOORE

620 Huger St, Columbia, SC 29201

Todd & Moore has been serving the community since 1944. The store carries a range of racquets, balls, and other essentials.

The powerful exhibit, “A War With No Front Lines: South Carolina and the Vietnam War, 1965-1973” is open at the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum. Experience the stories of our veterans like never before. See their uniforms and the things they carried. Hear their voices tell the tale of fighting in the jungle, in the Mekong Delta, and in the cities of Vietnam.

Everyone Can Experience Columbia

written by David Laird & Able SC

As Columbia embraces its role as the “Heart of South Car olina,” the opportunity is available for our capital city to be known as the premier accessible city in the state.

With one in every three individuals in South Carolina living with a hidden or visible disability, accessibility interests are ever-present and are integrated throughout our town.

COLUMBIA’S DOWNTOWN IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL

Dori Tempio, a power wheelchair user navigating Columbia with her sidekick, Hera, a dark yellow Labrador Retriever mo bility service dog, is frequently found around many hot spots across town.

She loves to start her Saturday morning with an iced mocha from Drip in Five Points. The seasonal menu provides a quick, locally sourced bite – the Nutella French toast is always the right choice. Dori and Hera may savor the tomato stuffed with chicken salad at The Gourmet Shop.

“

which also provides open captions on Tuesday evenings (last screenings) and Saturday early matinees (first screenings) and frequently offers audio (visual) descriptions of some films.

With one in every three individuals in South Carolina living with a hidden or visible disability, accessibility interests are everpresent and are integrated throughout our town.

Venturing over to Main Street, Dori and Hera head down the accessible paved streets and crosswalks to discover the latest world-class exhibit at the Columbia Museum of Art (The CMA).

The CMA’s focus on accessibility begins with barrier-free entrances that are wheelchair accessible. The museum also offers multimedia tours free of charge and has wheelchairs and portable stools available for use during a visit.

Following the museum tour, venturing outside to Soda City Market on Saturdays is a welcome option, thanks to their accessible booths and the variety of vendors selling homemade crafts. The staff always provides support or modifications that

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS

For others, a favorite spot downtown is the Saluda Riverwalk. Having an 8-mile accessible path while embracing our region’s nearly never-ending spring helps us relax and remove other stresses.

The Riverwalk is also a favorite for Mark Riffle, a 30-year Columbia resident and a wheelchair user. The wide concrete pathway is a popular area for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. With many shaded areas and a nearly level ground scope, this is an ideal place for viewing wildlife and getting a little exercise along the way.

By the eastern end, visit Boyd Island, where the Congaree River begins. However, be careful following heavy rainfall, as part of the trail can flood, impacting accessibility.

Though he’s made it several times for the Owl Prowls at the easily wheelchair-accessible boardwalk at Congaree National Park (South Carolina’s only national park), Mark is still waiting to be one of the lucky few to gain a coveted lottery space for the synchronous fireflies every spring.

When not on the riverfront, you might find Mark enjoying

a freshly poured, straight-from-the-keg, authentic Germanstyle ale from Bierkeller. As Columbia’s original riverside brewery, restaurant, and biergarten, it’s a highly accessible location and boasts some of the best views in town. You will want to be sure to save room for the schnitzel, too.

ACCESSING COLUMBIA’S ICONIC PLACES

A favorite place for Angel Haven Lee, a motorized wheelchair user, is Sesquicentennial State Park. It’s a great place for exploring, having a picnic, fishing, paddle boating, and camping. Their campgrounds have plenty of flat spots for tent or RV

Columbia. The grounds were part of Col. A. A. Taylor’s original tract of land overlooking the Broad River. With miles of newly paved roadways there are also two veterans’ gardens, two additional bronze marker sections, and numerous family monument sections.

Another place of note is the South Carolina State Museum, which hosts Accessibility Mornings each month with ASL Interpreters and free admission, as well as Disability Celebration Day each March.

The museum is currently the only Aira access point in Columbia, providing another way for individuals who are blind

Welcome home

Able-SC is a Columbia, SC-based premier disability-led center for independent living and advancing disability inclusion for 30 years. For resources and questions, visit able-sc.org or call 803-779-5121.

Explore Columbia's Historic House & Garden District and take a journey through the dynamic history of South Carolina's capital city by touring the properties of Historic Columbia. Our 14-acres of gardens are free and open to the public 7 days a week!

Robert Mills Robert Mills House & Gardens House & Gardens

Museum of the The Museum of the

Take a Bite Out of the Best Unwrapping Columbia’s Food Festivals

written by Ashley Elsey

Columbia’s food scene is making waves nationally, recently earning a coveted James Beard Award. To truly taste what Soda City has to offer, consider timing your visit to coincide with one of the area’s signature food festivals. With so many on the calendar, it won’t be difficult to find one you’ll enjoy.

From Southern classics to stunning settings, Columbia’s festivals serve up unforgettable experiences. Here’s a roundup of events that promise a foodfilled trip that is equal parts memorable and satisfying.

DINING ON THE DAM

April 6, 2025

For one night a year, the Lexington Chamber transforms the Dreher Shoals Dam into the area’s most spectacular dinner party. As the sun sets on beautiful Lake Murray, join over 1,000 guests to savor food stations, live entertainment, and spirited drinks — all with an unbeatable view.

COLUMBIA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

April 23-27, 2025

Nearly everything Columbia offers for food and beverage comes together during this five-day feast of a festival that features more than ten events at various venues across the region. With around 100 culinary partners, you’ll taste international treats, farm-to-shaker sips, and unexpected flavor combinations.

Save room for the Grand Tasting, the festival’s grand finale on Sunday, where thousands of food lovers gather for samples of our finest plates and pours.

ROSEWOOD CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

May 3, 2025

For nearly two decades, in-the-know locals and savvy travelers alike have flocked to the iconic Rosewood District for the annual Rosewood Crawfish Festival.

Fill up at Columbia’s largest crawfish boil — with 10,000 pounds of craw fish fresh from Louisiana — alongside Southern and Cajun favorites. Throw in a dash of nostalgia and live music, and you’ve got a proper good time without any of the fuss.

a collision of summer flavors, high spirits, and impeccable vibes.

“Columbia’s food festivals are a true celebration of our community’s spirit and flavor. Each event is a chance to experience local creativity, indulge in incredible dishes, and connect with fellow food lovers,” says Vanessa Bialobreski, founder and partner of Barrel and Vine Productions and food festival organizer. “From Drink Pink to the Columbia Food & Wine Festival and beyond, these specialized gatherings make our city’s culinary scene truly special.”

IRMO OKRA STRUT

September

Over the past 50 years, the Irmo Okra Strut has grown into a beloved two-day festival that draws thousands of visitors. This small-town celebration has a big heart and is all about family fun, featuring a parade, rides, music, and okra every way you can get it. Whether you like them fried, dried, pickled, or in pilau — don’t miss this buzz-worthy okra occasion (or the legendary Okra Man greeting guests at the entrance!).

PALMETTO PEANUT BOIL

September

DRINK PINK ROSÉ FESTIVAL

May 18, 2025

Raise a glass to the Drink Pink Rosé Festival. 2025 marks the 10th year of this local favorite, which is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens. You’ll experience hundreds of expertly crafted rosés to sip and savor, all to the smooth sounds of Columbia’s worldclass musicians.

Pair your vino with cheese tastings from regional and local creameries; it's

Savor South Carolina’s official state snack at the Palmetto Peanut Boil, nestled in the Devine Street District. For more than 15 years, this festival has hosted a showdown of the best boiled peanuts — from cherished family recipes to creations by local and regional chefs. The food is as good as the company, and with proceeds benefiting the Animal Mission, this event is as friendly as it is flavorful — family and dogfriendly, that is!

COLUMBIA

WHERE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY COMES

Comfort and Hospitality Await in Cola City

Branded Content

Imagine. You’ve spent your day shopping and dining in downtown Columbia. Or perhaps you’ve just returned from a day at The Riverbanks Zoo or paddling on Lake Murray. You’re exhausted and ready to unwind but don’t want to go far for lodging. Where do you hang your hat for the night?

Consider the Columbia Marriott Hotel, located in the heart of Downtown Columbia.

While the Columbia Marriot offers an array of accommodations and amenities to fit your needs, the location is what really makes this hotel a perfect place to stay.

Right outside the hotel door is the bustling energy of The Vista neighborhood, filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. Down the road is the popular Five Points district, which offers eclectic daytime shopping and a vibrant nightlife.

Walking distance, or a short car ride away, are entertainment venues such as Williams Brice Stadium, Segra Park for Fireflies Games, the Colonial Life Arena, The Township Auditorium, and the Koger Center.

The Riverbanks Zoo, Riverfront Park, South Carolina State Museum, EdVenture, Columbia Museum of Art, and the state capitol are also nearby and perfect family-friendly attractions that will fill the day with fun, education, and memories.

Choose from their multiple room offerings, including King, Double, and Suites. Each room has a coffee and tea maker, refrigerator, ADA doors, accessible bathroom features, hearing-accessible rooms and or kits, and TTY/TTD available. Wifi is included in each room and different areas of the hotel, so obtaining internet access won’t be a hustle. Another perk of staying at the Columbia Marriott is the indoor heated pool, which allows guests to swim in any weather. On-site, the Marriott has a business center, club level, concierge desk, fitness facilities, full bar and lounge, laundry services and dry cleaning, restaurant, and valet parking. Each is handicap accessible, so anyone and everyone can enjoy all the bonuses. Enjoy relaxing in the spacious guest rooms with comfortable bedding, Netflix, a plug-in panel for streaming media,

and workstations. Stop by their Midlands’ restaurant to taste the excellent Southern American cuisine, such as barbecue, soul food, chicken and waffles, and their award-winning shrimp and grits. Afterward, head to the Midlands’ Lounge to unwind with a craft beer or cocktail and try their small plates or appetizers. Take a dip in the indoor heated pool or work out in their fitness center, which has everything from cardio machines to free weights.

Whether it’s weddings, meetings, or events, no matter the trip you’re taking, Marriott is prepared to ensure your comfort and needs come first.

Book your next stay today and enjoy the finest comforts Cola City has to offer.

Columbia through a Photographer’s Lens

Experience Columbia Through the Eyes of Ambassadors Crush Rush and Lynn Luc

written by Crush Rush

Columbia and its surrounding cities offers something special for photographers.

From rivers to rooftops, every location in the area provides endless opportunities to capture that perfect photo (and Instagram post).

Before I head out with my camera, I set the mood by listening to a playlist with my favorite songs on shuffle.

If the first song has lyrics, I head towards Columbia’s Main Street. Living minutes from downtown Columbia, I can easily capture those rare, once-in-a-lifetime moments that unfold right in front of me on the streets I love.

When looking for a fresh perspective, I change my viewpoint by going to higher elevations. You don’t need a drone to get a breathtaking shot of Columbia’s skyline. Plenty of spots, including parking garages, offer incredible views of the city.

Speaking of skylines, Columbia is home to a unique feature that only a few cities in the US can claim. We boast a fully rotating restaurant, Top of Carolina, in one of our city’s largest skyscrapers, the Capstone House on the University of South Carolina campus. You can enjoy a 360-degree view of

Columbia from here, creating stunning photo opportunities.

For a more peaceful escape, I switch to instrumental music and head to the West Columbia Riverwalk & Amphitheater.

The Congaree River is a soothing place where you can unwind and find solace. It’s also a fantastic spot for photography, offering everything from wildlife shots to candid moments of people and pets interacting with nature. I always leave the Riverwalk with dynamic shots.

When I need a more profound sense of disconnection, I venture further into Lexington to visit Gibson Pond or Virginia Hylton Park.

These places are special to me because each one played a role as I worked to master my skills as a young photographer. If you love macro photography, these are the perfect places for detailed photos of flowers and insects.

Finally, I would be doing a grave injustice by not talking about beautiful Lake Murray. If you’re looking for your next viral sunset photo, visit the lake after a thunderstorm. You’ll thank me later.

If you’re looking to capture cityscapes, people in motion, wildlife, or seeking tranquility by the water, Columbia and her surrounding cities are a photographer’s heaven.

There’s nothing quite like a Lake Murray sunset. photo by Crush Rush

The State House is one of Columbia’s iconic photography locations. photo by Lynn Luc

ABOVE LEFT

Historic Columbia houses offer iconic views and perfect photo backdrops. photo by Lynn Luc

ABOVE

USC’s Horseshoe captures the essence of the university’s historic presence. photo by Lynn Luc

LEFT

Crush Rush always has a camera ready to capture Columbia’s best moments. photo by Forrest Clonts

BELOW

Two hallmarks, the Gervais Street Bridge and the Congaree River, are ideal photography spots. photo by Crush Rush

ABOVE

TOP Special moments are waiting to be captured at Congaree National Park. photo by Lynn Luc

The riverwalk system offers great opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography. photo by Crush Rush

Neighborhoods

Find Southern hospitality at every turn—from bustling entertainment districts to mellow enclaves surrounded by nature.

Blythewood

Blythewood is deeply rooted in Southern tradition and celebrates the spirit of family. There you will find 50 stables and equestrian facilities, including USC’s Athletic Equestrian Center at One Wood Farm, plus parks, golf and a variety of festivals and events like the annual Doko Ribfest and seasonal rodeos.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Doko Meadows Park serves as the social center for recreation, music, and arts. It features an open-air market, walking trails, a 2,500-seat amphitheater, playground and recreation facilities. Enjoy the Doko Ribfest in March and the Rockin’ Red, White & Blue Celebration in July. Grab a coffee at Bloomin’ Bean Coffee Bar or for a bite to eat, Doko Smoke BBQ, Scott Benny’s, Chubby’s Burgers & Brewhouse, Blythewood Wings & Pub and Doko Station Pub & Eatery are among the many options. Golfers can tee off at top-ranked Cobblestone

Park Golf Club and pop into Alexander’s at Cobblestone Park for lunch, dinner or a post-round beverage.

BullStreet District

This district blends life, work, leisure and community with a historic Columbia landscape. Find fun for the whole family with a ballgame at Segra Park, where you can cheer on the Columbia Fireflies. Stroll through Page Ellington Park, named after a selftaught African American architect and builder, which features a two-acre pond, Smith Branch Creek and a fenced dog park. Or take in the tech-forward vibe at a coffee shop or restaurant.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Publico, a Latin-Asian fusion restaurant, opened its second location in the historic Ensor Building and features a large patio with outdoor seating, storefront garage doors and a large built-in bar. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant offers craft beers, great food, an on-site brewing facility, bar

area, dining room and outdoor seating, or pop into Starbucks and enjoy a specialty coffee on their patio. Coming this year is renowned Southern-inspired restaurant Tupelo Honey Café and Greenville-based Methodical Coffee. Outdoorsy visitors can find all the gear they need for adventure at REI

Cayce

In this city five minutes southwest of downtown Columbia, stroll miles of paved walkways along the Cayce Riverwalk and nature paths on the Timmerman Trail. Outfitters are standing by to get you geared up and on the water. The Cayce Historical Museum looks back at the first European settlement in the region alongside extensive collections of Native American artifacts, colonial and American Revolutionary War objects, Civil War items and more. After an action-packed day, come as you are to casual eateries and watering holes.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Work up an appetite hitting the tennis and pickleball courts at Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center at Otarre Point Then, generous portions of burgers, steaks and home-style cooking draw a loyal following to The Kingsman Restaurant and Vella’s Restaurant & Tavern. If you like it hot, dig into authentic Mexican cuisine at La Estrella or Tacos Nayarit, which is coming soon, or island-inspired eats from The Reggae Grill and Trini Lime Caribbean Café. For lighter fare, Duke’s Pad Thai Street Food & Noodle Bar serves up Thai tacos, dumplings and noodle dishes and their

neighboring sister concept, Little Bee Bun Mee, brings the Southeast Asian sandwiches, salads and fruit fusion refreshments. For creative drinks, sip gourmet coffee at Piecewise Coffee Co. or craft beer at Steel Hands Brewing. Chapin

Small-town charm and wooded green spaces surrounding Lake Murray offer a change of pace. Mixed in with all the natural beauty, find cultural diversions, such as Chapin Theatre Company, and hunt for treasures at area antique shops.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Fresh seafood is a hit at Catch 22, which takes fish and chips to the next level. Dig into a burger loaded with toppings at Higher Ground Char House, fill up on slow-cooked meats and flavorful sides at Farm Boys BBQ or 518 Smokehouse or treat yourself to an aged steak and delicious desserts at Chophouse of Chapin. Stay up late with live music at The Tipsy Toad Tavern on the weekends, or toast over a glass of craft beer at Lazy Creek Taphouse after a day on the water. Find one-of-a-kind items at The Nifty Gifty and Rustik Livin Antiques.

Devine Street

In one of the city’s oldest residential neighborhoods, upscale boutiques and on-trend eateries draw lively crowds to this urban hotspot. For those who like to keep it local, Devine Street is a must.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Find a tranquil start to the day with coffee sitting in a cute café at Azalea Coffee Bar or sipping a seasonal creation at Piecewise Coffee Co.’s second location. Cinnamon rolls garner a cult following at The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli, while artisan sweets are the draw at Ally & Eloise Bakeshop. Other favorites include Italian classics at Il Giorgione, tacos at Cantina 76, burgers at Burger Tavern 77, wings at Publick House and cold beer at Craft and Draft. Gift shops are a big deal here, too. Go fashionforward at LaRoque, Brittons, Slate and Pink Sorbet, a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store. Also find fine jewelry at Unforgettable, specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars at The Crescent Olive, tech-savvy finds at Gadgetboy, curated luxury collections at non(e) such, gorgeous bouquets at Fern and children’s clothing at Duck Duck Goose.

Upscale accommodations, glowing service, & unexpected amenities designed to bring out the best in you.

At the heart of every great stay is a good night’s rest, which is why our spacious rooms offer cozy beds and thoughtful touches to enhance your comfort. Enjoy elevated extras to help you stay productive - from generous workspaces with plenty of charging outlets to single-serve pod coffee machines and in-room refrigerators.

@HGIColumbiaSC

434 Columbiana Drive, Columbia, SC 29212 + 1-803-407-6640 • ColumbiaHarbison.hgi.com

▪ Convenient to vibrant Downtown Columbia & easy access to beautiful Lake Murray

▪ Spacious guest rooms with complimentary wireless internet, microwave, refrigerator, & coffeemaker

▪ Up to 4,000 square feet of flexible space for your business or social events

▪ Featuring social spaces like our on-site restaurant & bar

Friends gather at Steel Hands Brewery.

Five Points

Boutique-lined streets make this hub around the iconic Five Points Fountain a walker’s paradise. By day, discover all things indie, vintage and hip. After dark, join revelers for creative cocktails and live music.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Coffee at Drip, brunch at The Gourmet Shop or flavorful all-day breakfast dishes at The Toasty Hot Spot ’s new home in the district guarantees a great start to the day. For lunch, enjoy signature sandwiches at local chain Groucho’s Deli, and fall-off-the-bone BBQ at Home Team. Southern specialties at Saluda’s Restaurant or Mr. Friendly’s and bistro fare — paired with wine and craft cocktails at Goat’s — make for an excellent dinner. Worldly cuisine by way of Falafel King, Aroma of India, FuruSato Bento, Pho Viet and Baan Sawan Thai Bistro expand the palate. In between meals, shop for consignment scores at Revente, Gentleman’s Closet and Sid & Nancy, fun accessories at A Little Happy, handcrafted soaps at Sunrise Artisan Bath and Body, everything you need to hit the courts at Break Point Cola, a new read at All Good Books, curated vintage décor at Turner & Moss and rare vinyl at Papa Jazz Record Shoppe Have a nightcap at Bang Back Pinball Lounge, where vintage games and cocktails go hand in hand, or catch live music at New Brookland Tavern

Forest Acres

Bustling retail corridors welcome visitors to this area 15 minutes east of downtown Columbia. Wednesday afternoons (April-October), stroll the Forest Acres Farmers Market at the new Gills Creek Memorial Park.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Shop national brands, such as Anthropologie, Sephora, lululemon and HomeGoods at Trenholm Plaza, where you’ll also find unique fashions at Granger Owings and Scout & Molly’s Boutique. A local cup of joe from the brand-new Lazy Daisy Coffee Co. or a hearty plate piled high from Vicious Biscuit will start your day on the right foot. Stop for a bite to eat at Boca Grande, which serves up specialty burritos, or grab a signature sandwich stuffed with various meats at No Name Deli’s newly opened second location. And speaking of newly opened second locations, burger buffs will be happy to know that getting your Chubby’s Burgers and Brewhouse fix no longer requires a drive to

Blythewood, with a spot now open right here in the neighborhood. At Tombo Grille, locally grown ingredients are transformed into gourmet comfort food. Load up on Italian classics at Pasta Fresca or wood-fired pizza at Tazza Kitchen. Before you leave, stop by Kudzu Bakery for a few treats to take home.

Harbison/Irmo

Just 10 minutes from downtown Columbia, natural beauty awaits in the ’burbs. Spend the day outdoors at nearby Harbison State Forest, which stretches along the Broad River. At Saluda Shoals Park, rent a kayak for a paddle down the river or let the kids loose in the splash park.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Shop for brand names at retail developments, such as Columbiana Centre Mall and Harbison Court. Get ready to greet the day with a freshbrewed cup of coffee at Loveland Coffee Café & Roastery. Refuel with Southern-inspired dishes at Bistro on the Boulevard, creative burgers piled high at Lucky’s Burger Shack, imaginative seafood and burger specials at Tavern on 6 or a sandwich and sweet tea at Mathias Sandwich Shop. Sushi and noodle dishes are the draw at Inakaya Watanabe and Red Sake Japanese Restaurant, while traditional Chinese specialties fill the menu at Sun Ming Chinese Restaurant Tie one on and nosh on pub fare at The British Bulldog Pub and Craft and Draft Irmo.

Lake Murray

Embark on outdoor adventures year-round at this watery playground northwest of town. Bring your RV or pitch a tent at one of the many waterfront campsites at Dreher Island State Park. Anglers come here to check striped and large-mouth bass off their bucket lists. AquaFun Boat Rentals at Shealy’s Landing offers visitors pontoon boats to cruise around the lake all day.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

After a day on the lake, head to marinas and sailing clubs for waterfront entertainment. At super casual Catfish Johnny’s, fish is paired with cold beer and amazing views. Liberty on the Lake is a two-story restaurant and bar perched over a marina — the perfect place to catch the sunset.

Lexington

Just 20 minutes west of downtown Columbia, this thriving area has

entertainment for the whole family. Have play time at Virginia Hylton Park, enjoy seasonal fun amidst the crops at Clinton Sease Farm, root for the Blowfish at Lexington County Baseball Stadium, watch a live show at Icehouse Amphitheater or hit some balls down the driving range at LJ’s Par and Grill.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Get your cup of joe with some sugar and hope at Second Wave Coffee and More, a non-profit that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Take your pick from upscale Cajun cuisine at Private Property, American dishes with a Southern twist at Libby’s of Lexington, gourmet flatbreads and pastas at Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, steaks and hearty sides at Bone-Appetite and artfully prepared dishes at Bodhi Thai Dining. For a cold pint of craft beer, pop into Angry Fish Brewing Co., Hazelwood Brewing Company, Keg Cowboy, O’Hara’s Public House or Old Mill Brewpub.

Lower Richland

The Congaree River winds its way through this rural area southeast of Columbia, where outdoor activities beckon. Explore the vast wilderness of Congaree National Park, paddle along Cedar Creek or bike The Palmetto Trail. Mark your calendar for the Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival at Hopkins Park and Congaree SwampFest at the historic Harriet Barber House. Enjoy a stay in the bed & breakfast at Wavering Place Plantation, which dates back to 1768.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Pit-cooked pulled pork slathered in a slightly sweet mustard-based sauce is the main draw at Big-T’s Bar-B-Que, as well as classic Southern sides, such as collard greens, macaroni and cheese and hash and rice. At Mr. Bunky’s Market, enjoy down-home cooking cafeteria-style, where all meals end with banana pudding. In the spring, don’t miss the opportunity to pick strawberries at family-owned Cottle Strawberry Farm.

Main Street District

Just steps from the South Carolina State House in the heart of downtown, explore the Columbia Museum of Art and catch a flick at The Nick. Pair seasonal tapas dishes and craft cocktails with live jazz and blues at The Joint, a classic jazz hall in the historic Walker Building. At The Grand, play a game of cornhole with a craft beer in

hand in the outdoor courtyard. Inside, add bowling and shuffleboard to a fun night out. Dance like nobody’s watching at the laid-back nightclub, The Woody on Main

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Grab a seat on the rooftop of Hendrix for locally sourced dishes and Instagram-worthy views. Satisfy your sweet tooth with sophisticated frozen treats at Sweet Cream Company or with Asian-inspired confections and specialty coffee at Nibl Dessert & Café Make a toast with friends and savor small plates at the James Beard Award-winning Lula Drake Wine Parlour. Pick up a signature creation for breakfast or lunch from The Sandwich Depot, Spotted Salamander Main Street and the newly reinvented Drake’s Duck-In. Explore various Asian fare at Kao Thai Cuisine, MOA Korean BBQ & Bar and Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi. Shop for gameday outfits and outdoor gear at Miss Cocky and Mast General Store, respectively, plus fashionable apparel and home items at Icon on Taylor and handmade soaps, candles and more at Copper Canyon Soap Company. Kick back and enjoy some elevated casual eats and live music amid the sizable outdoor space at Market on Main. For a fancy night out, the prime steaks and fresh seafood at Halls Chophouse, the Cajun-Creole dishes and creative cocktails at Bourbon, the oysters and atmosphere at Smoked, the upscale Mediterranean cuisine at Ambrosia Taverna or the menu full of French flair at Hampton Street Vineyard are sure to impress. Feeling retro? Go for the high score on classic games and pinball machines at Transmission Arcade Mill District

This former industrial area just south of downtown is now home to parks and stadiums. Cheer on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks during a baseball game at Founders Park or take in riverfront views from Granby Park.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Dig into creative pizzas at Village Idiot Pizza and authentic Italian-American grocery items and ready-made foods can be found at Alimentari Don Luigi. Or, up the spice factor with a sandwich that doesn’t skimp on toppings from Banh Mi Boys. Located in the heart of Olympia Mill Village, 701 Whaley is a popular space for weddings, catered dinners, meetings, arts and music events, and it houses the 701 Center

for Contemporary Art and The Beautique Skin Co.

North Main (NOMA)

Historic neighborhoods, local parks and restaurants line the streets of NoMa District. Let kids run free at Earlewood Park while you take in the grassy areas, baseball diamonds and picnic area at Hyatt Park or take a swim at the outdoor pool at Greenview Park and Aquatic Center

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Beverages are plentiful here, with specialty coffee at Indah Coffee and Curiosity Coffee Bar and curated wine and beer offerings at The Vino Garage. A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen and More Vegan Café are cleverly reinventing plant-based cuisine, while while The War Mouth churns out beautifully presented farm-to-table dishes. Casual eateries include Il Focolare Pizzeria and Noma Bistro by Al Amir, which serves up Mediterranean favorites. For a quick snack, a sweet treat from Main Street Bakery, popcorn and peanuts from Cromer’s P-Nuts or Carolina Kernels and cereals galore at Got Milk Cereal Bar are sure to please. Every day is begun the right way with a towering breakfast biscuit from Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits. Tend to your green thumb with a visit to Gardener’s Outpost or take home antique, vintage, upcycled or handcrafted pieces that are sure to be conversation starters from Peddler & Makers Market.

Northeast

Outdoor excursions and small-town charm meet modern amenities in this dynamic community. Enjoy a round of golf on the P.B. Dye-designed The Spur at Northwoods, or take in the natural beauty of the area with an easy hike along the trails at Sesquicentennial State Park

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Local dining favorites include Kiki’s Chicken & Waffles (the name says it all), the iconic barbecue joint Little Pigs that serves it up buffet-style and Ratio with its Peruvian twists on classic cuisine. Along Decker Boulevard, take your pick of international cuisines— from Korean fare at Arirang to Middle Eastern plates at Boeshreen. Stroll the tree-lined sidewalks at the Village at Sandhill as you shop and dine in the outdoor retail district.

Rosewood

Hip and eclectic, this southside neighborhood is where you’ll find Harvest Dinners put on by Barrel and Vine Productions across the street from Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at The Hangar (located in a historic Curtiss–Wright hangar).

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Take your pick of pubs: The Cock N’ Bull Pub, where you can order bangers and mash with your pint in true British fashion, or The Hoot, offering a plant-based menu and bar in a cozy atmosphere fit for everyone. Sour and Salt Bakery is an authentic sourdough bakery with breads, pastries, soups and salads, specialty desserts and more. Other popular bites include New York-style slices at Dano’s Pizza or bagels at Q’s Corner Café, tasty tacos, burritos and more from Masa Mexican Street Food, Chinese dishes from Main Moon and healthy grab-and-go at Rosewood Market & Deli. After any meal, locals flock to old-school Rosewood Dairy Bar for soft-serve dipped cones. Crafty folks enjoy browsing the specialty gemstones and beads at Swift Water Gemstones, Jewelry, Gifts & Beads. Relax and recharge during a yoga class at Studio Fire, then refuel with a health-focused coffee or smoothie from As Well As.

The

Vista

Experience the local creative spirit as you visit the art galleries and nightlife in this vibrant area clustered around Gervais Street. Catch a concert at Colonial Life Arena and The Senate or a live production at Trustus Theatre, explore local history at the South Carolina State Museum and take the kids to EdVenture.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Kick off your morning with pastries at smallSUGAR and a pick-me-up at district newcomer Bitty & Beau’s Coffee. For global flavors, partake in the tradition of Japanese izakaya at The Dragon Room, modern Korean dishes at 929 Kitchen & Bar, Pan-Asian meals made from scratch at Boku Kitchen and Saloon, upscale Mexican fare at Coa Agaveria y Cocina and classic Italian dishes at Di Vino Rosso At Motor Supply Co. Bistro, locally sourced ingredients comprise the artful cuisine, while wild game and forest vegetables are the stars of the show at The Hollow. For comfort food favorites, try Fellow Pizzeria & Pub or Rebel Dogs. Taste signature seafood

specials made with Lowcountry flavors at the contemporary Blue Marlin. Stop for a nightcap and live music at Art Bar, The Aristocrat or Tin Roof. Need a snack? Ponder over the artisan goods, house-made treats, grab-and-go items and small plates paired with wine selections at the collection of concepts nestled within CITY GRIT Market or opt for something sweet from Dulce Bakery and Café. Pick up beautiful blown glass pieces from One Eared Cow Glass, gourmet grocery selections from Farmers Market Xchange and stock up on local goods and swag from the Columbia SC Visitors Center

West Columbia

Cross the Gervais Street Bridge to get to this thriving community on the other side of the Congaree River. Stretch your legs on the Three Rivers Greenway, then get to work hunting antiques.

SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

Linger over all-day brunch at Café Strudel or Breakfast at Ruiz. Savor the Southern cuisine crafted from locally

Rooster, then adjourn to its rooftop bar for cocktails with sunset views. The Original D’s Restaurant serves wings, wraps, spuds and more. Be sure to sample the Pretty Lady sauce with your dinner at True BBQ and dig into traditional Thai curries and noodle dishes at Mai Thai. Fuel up at The Hideout before treasure hunting at vintage shops such as The Warehouse, 763 Antique Mall, Old Mill Antique Mall and State Street Trading Co., or finding fresh produce at the South Carolina State Farmers Market. Stop to smell the flowers at Jarrett’s Jungle as you peruse the garden decor and floral displays. After dark, put a song on the jukebox and play a game of pool at the laid-back State Street Pub or Calloway’s Sports Bar & Grill. Fill your cup with craft beer under the pergola at WECO Bottle and Biergarten or atop the sleek rooftop at Savage Craft Ale Works, or enjoy a cocktail alongside some live jazz at Chayz Lounge

Williams-Brice District

Stadium and the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, the hub for events throughout the year. Going to the South Carolina State Fair is a must for the entire family and don’t forget to take a pregame Gamecock Walk at Gamecock Park. SIP, SAVOR, SHOP

J’s Corner Restaurant and Bar — a gas station-turned-neighborhood bar — features gameday favorites just steps away from Williams-Brice Stadium and the fairgrounds. The Loose Cockaboose (TLC) Sports Bar & Grill is walking distance from the stadium and has indoor and outdoor seating and outdoor games. Bring your pup along — they are dogfriendly. In the mood for authentic barbecue? Head over to Doc’s Barbeque and plate up at the buffet or order a specialty sandwich. Bernie’s Chicken is the perfect spot for tailgaters. Serving their signature crispy “broasted” chicken, burgers, hotdogs and fries, Bernie’s has been serving locals and fans for more than three decades.

City Social’s Guide to Columbia, SC’s Dining Scene: The Best Spots to Eat, Drink, and Explore

City Social’s Guide to Columbia, SC’s Dining Scene: The Best Spots to Eat, Drink, and Explore

City Social’s Guide to Columbia, SC’s Dining Scene: The Best Spots to Eat, Drink, and Explore

At City Social , we believe the best way to understand a city’s character is through its culinary scene—afte r all, we’re all foodies at heart! Our passion for food an d drink, paired with a deep commitment to supporting local businesses, makes Columbia a city to truly savor.

At City Social , we believe the best way to understand a city’s character is through its culinary scene—afte r all, we’re all foodies at heart! Our passion for food an d drink, paired with a deep commitment to supporting local businesses, makes Columbia a city to truly savor.

At City Social , we believe the best way to understand a city’s character is through its culinary scene—afte r all, we’re all foodies at heart! Our passion for food an d drink, paired with a deep commitment to supporting local businesses, makes Columbia a city to truly savor.

Kick off your day with a strong start at Lazy Daisy Coffee Co in Forest Acres before heading into town for some international cuisine. Pitas serves up classic Mediterranean gyros, platters, and weekly specials, all with fres h, housemade pita. Duke’s Pad Thai is a casual eatery offering authentic Thai street food, specializing in flavorf ul pad Thai and a variety of stir-fry and noodle dishes. Little Bee Bun Mee serves fresh, Vietnamese-style bánh mì sandwiches, featuring crisp baguettes stuffed with savory meats, pickled vegetables, and tangy sauces—all gre at for a quick and casual bite.

Kick off your day with a strong start at Lazy Daisy Coffee Co in Forest Acres before heading into town for some international cuisine. Pitas serves up classic Mediterranean gyros, platters, and weekly specials, all with fres h, housemade pita. Duke’s Pad Thai is a casual eatery offering authentic Thai street food, specializing in flavorf ul pad Thai and a variety of stir-fry and noodle dishes. Little Bee Bun Mee serves fresh, Vietnamese-style bánh mì sandwiches, featuring crisp baguettes stuffed with savory meats, pickled vegetables, and tangy sauces—all gre at for a quick and casual bite.

Kick off your day with a strong start at Lazy Daisy Coffee Co in Forest Acres before heading into town for some international cuisine. Pitas serves up classic Mediterranean gyros, platters, and weekly specials, all with fres h, housemade pita. Duke’s Pad Thai is a casual eatery offering authentic Thai street food, specializing in flavorf ul pad Thai and a variety of stir-fry and noodle dishes. Little Bee Bun Mee serves fresh, Vietnamese-style bánh mì sandwiches, featuring crisp baguettes stuffed with savory meats, pickled vegetables, and tangy sauces—all gre at for a quick and casual bite.

Then spend the day in the Main Street District, whe re you’ll find fantastic locally-owned spots to eat, s ip, and celebrate on every corner. Stop by Hampton Street Vineyard , Columbia’s only upscale French restaurant, for a chic take on L’Apéro , where you can enjoy a weekday happy hour or an incredible weekend brunch. Just a short stroll away is Smoked , a one-of-a-kind concept that combines a microbrewery, farm-to-table restaurant, raw bar, an d underground speakeasy, all housed in a historic set ting. Smoked pairs award-winning cocktails with smoked me ats, fresh seafood, and a taproom in collaboration with Peak Drift Brewing , offering a range of experiences from casual nights out to luxurious celebrations.

Peak Drift Brewing is locally crafted in Columbia, SC, and specializes in sustainable brews made with local ingredients. The taproom menu features 16 beverages on tap, including hard seltzers and Delta-9 THC seltze rs, along with fun bites available at the bar and a bea utiful back patio. Cap off your evening at Robinson Room , a swanky spot known for its tapas, decadent desserts, and innovative cocktails. With its chic and romantic ambiance, it’s the perfect place to end your night in style before or after catching a show at the historic Nickelodeon Theatre.

Peak Drift Brewing is locally crafted in Columbia, SC, and specializes in sustainable brews made with local ingredients. The taproom menu features 16 beverages on tap, including hard seltzers and Delta-9 THC seltze rs, along with fun bites available at the bar and a bea utiful back patio. Cap off your evening at Robinson Room , a swanky spot known for its tapas, decadent desserts, and innovative cocktails. With its chic and romantic ambiance, it’s the perfect place to end your night in style before or after catching a show at the historic Nickelodeon Theatre.

Peak Drift Brewing is locally crafted in Columbia, SC, and specializes in sustainable brews made with local ingredients. The taproom menu features 16 beverages on tap, including hard seltzers and Delta-9 THC seltze rs, along with fun bites available at the bar and a bea utiful back patio. Cap off your evening at Robinson Room , a swanky spot known for its tapas, decadent desserts, and innovative cocktails. With its chic and romantic ambiance, it’s the perfect place to end your night in style before or after catching a show at the historic Nickelodeon Theatre.

Toast to the evening by sipping cocktails at Coa Agaveria Y Cocina in The Vista or Masa in Rosewood. These sister restaurants are known for their extensive tequila a nd mezcal collections, modern Mexican cuisine, and the best margaritas in town. Across the river in West Columb ia is Terra , a chef-driven neighborhood bistro celebrated for its daily menu made with locally-sourced ingredients.

Then spend the day in the Main Street District, whe re you’ll find fantastic locally-owned spots to eat, s ip, and celebrate on every corner. Stop by Hampton Street Vineyard , Columbia’s only upscale French restaurant, for a chic take on L’Apéro , where you can enjoy a weekday happy hour or an incredible weekend brunch. Just a short stroll away is Smoked , a one-of-a-kind concept that combines a microbrewery, farm-to-table restaurant, raw bar, an d underground speakeasy, all housed in a historic set ting. Smoked pairs award-winning cocktails with smoked me ats, fresh seafood, and a taproom in collaboration with Peak Drift Brewing , offering a range of experiences from casual nights out to luxurious celebrations.

Then spend the day in the Main Street District, whe re you’ll find fantastic locally-owned spots to eat, s ip, and celebrate on every corner. Stop by Hampton Street Vineyard , Columbia’s only upscale French restaurant, for a chic take on L’Apéro , where you can enjoy a weekday happy hour or an incredible weekend brunch. Just a short stroll away is Smoked , a one-of-a-kind concept that combines a microbrewery, farm-to-table restaurant, raw bar, an d underground speakeasy, all housed in a historic set ting. Smoked pairs award-winning cocktails with smoked me ats, fresh seafood, and a taproom in collaboration with Peak Drift Brewing , offering a range of experiences from casual nights out to luxurious celebrations.

Toast to the evening by sipping cocktails at Coa Agaveria Y Cocina in The Vista or Masa in Rosewood. These sister restaurants are known for their extensive tequila a nd mezcal collections, modern Mexican cuisine, and the best margaritas in town. Across the river in West Columb ia is Terra , a chef-driven neighborhood bistro celebrated for its daily menu made with locally-sourced ingredients.

Toast to the evening by sipping cocktails at Coa Agaveria Y Cocina in The Vista or Masa in Rosewood. These sister restaurants are known for their extensive tequila a nd mezcal collections, modern Mexican cuisine, and the best margaritas in town. Across the river in West Columb ia is Terra , a chef-driven neighborhood bistro celebrated for its daily menu made with locally-sourced ingredients.

No trip to Columbia is complete without a slice fro m the iconic Village Idiot Pizza . Grab a seat at either location to cheer on your favorite sports team, participate in music bingo or trivia, or try their latest pizza of the m onth. For more of Columbia’s hospitality hot spots, follow us @citysocialco on all social platforms.

No trip to Columbia is complete without a slice fro m the iconic Village Idiot Pizza . Grab a seat at either location to cheer on your favorite sports team, participate in music bingo or trivia, or try their latest pizza of the m onth. For more of Columbia’s hospitality hot spots, follow us @citysocialco on all social platforms.

No trip to Columbia is complete without a slice fro m the iconic Village Idiot Pizza . Grab a seat at either location to cheer on your favorite sports team, participate in music bingo or trivia, or try their latest pizza of the m onth. For more of Columbia’s hospitality hot spots, follow us @citysocialco on all social platforms.

City Social is a leading hospitality marketing and public relations company based in Columbia, SC.

City Social is a leading hospitality marketing and public relations company based in Columbia, SC.

CITYSOCIALCO.COM

CITYSOCIALCO.COM

City Social is a leading hospitality marketing and public relations company based in Columbia, SC. CITYSOCIALCO.COM

DUKE’S PAD THAI

SMOKED

VILLAGE IDIOT PIZZA

DUKE’S PAD THAI SMOKED

VILLAGE IDIOT PIZZA

DUKE’S PAD THAI

SMOKED

VILLAGE IDIOT PIZZA

Five Can’t-Miss Five Points Fixtures

written by Amy Beth Franks photography by Lynn Luc

As Columbia’s original village neighborhood, Five Points is more than just a destination — it’s an experience that perfectly blends history, culture, and community.

Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, Five Points’ eclectic mix of businesses reflects the area’s incomparable charm.

Over the years, I’ve come to know Five Points and the people and places that make it special. Here are some of my favorite spots that you shouldn’t skip.

THE GOURMET SHOP: A FOOD LOVER’S PARADISE

Since 1979, The Gourmet Shop has been the local purveyor of fine cheese, wine, cookware, glassware, cutlery, kitchen supplies, coffee, chocolates, caviar, and much more. Equal parts upscale market (including a walk-in humidor and a wine section you could get lost in) and European-inspired café serving brunch and lunch daily with al fresco dining and indoor seating, this beloved long-standing establishment is more than just a shop; it’s an experience.

Whether you’re craving a delicious bacon and brie croissant, curating the perfect picnic, or planning a party spread, The Gourmet Shop is sure to please even the pickiest of gourmands.

REVENTE: A FASHIONISTA’S DREAM

Want to shop smart and chic? Look no further than Revente, a woman-owned resale shop specializing in high-end designer clothing, shoes, and accessories.

A Five Points staple since 1992, Revente is where style meets sustainability. This elevated consignment shop offers a curated selection of designer pieces that scream style, but at a fraction of their original cost.

For timeless classics or trendy statement pieces, Revente is your ticket to luxury for less, and its ever-changing inventory guarantees you’ll find something special every time.

TURNER & MOSS: A HAVEN FOR HOMEMAKERS & ENTERTAINERS

Turner & Moss brings the perfect touch of whimsical charm to Five Points. Full of unique and thoughtfully chosen antique wares, home goods, and gifts, Turner & Moss is truly a treasure trove. A go-to destination for those who like to entertain, you’re guaranteed to find everything from the ordinary to the opulent.

ALL GOOD BOOKS: A COZY LITERARY HAVEN

Book lovers, rejoice! All Good Books is your cozy nook in the heart of Five Points. This independent bookstore is more than just a place to buy stories—it’s a sanctuary for readers. With shelves stocked with everything from the latest

bestsellers to literary greats, there’s something for every kind of bookworm here.

The welcoming atmosphere invites you to linger, whether you’re browsing for your next engrossing read or attending one of their frequent author events, book signings, or Saturday morning Story Time. All Good Books is the kind of place where you can lose track of time, surrounded by the comforting scent of paper and the quiet thrill of discovery.

JAKE’S: THE ULTIMATE NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

No visit to Five Points would be complete without a stop at Jake’s.

A Five Points institution, this lively bar has cemented its place as the village neighborhood’s go-to spot for drinks, live music, and a lot of fun. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a cold

beer outside or a game of shuffleboard with your friends indoors.

With its welcoming vibe, frequent live music, and spacious back deck and green space that’s one of the most dog-friendly environments in town, Jake’s is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Five Points.

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF FIVE POINTS

“

Whether you’re a local or a firsttime visitor, Five Points’ eclectic mix of businesses reflects the area’s incomparable charm.

The collection of distinct, mostly locally owned small businesses is the heart and soul of Five Points. You won’t find anything else like it, and I promise you’ll find something for everyone.

So, what are you waiting for? Come experience for yourself the essence of what makes Five Points so special, and find your own favorites to frequent!

seek the in every

magic moment

What’s Going on at BullStreet?

Storied Columbia District Finds New Life

By: Ben Culbreth | photography by Crush Rush

Baseball has been played at Bull Street for a long time. Photos from the early 20th century show a baseball field on what was then the South Carolina State Hospital campus.

So, it was fitting, in the following century, that amidst a revival of the BullStreet District, a baseball field is what sparked the beginning of change.

“ It [the Bull Street District] had energy and history and grit.

– GREG HILTON

One of the first projects to kick off the revitalization was Segra Park, home of the Columbia Fireflies, a Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The stadium was a hit, locally and nationally, being named the 2016 Ballpark of the Year in its inaugural season. It became the catalyst for what you can experience today in one of Columbia’s emerging places. New residents and businesses are calling the district

ABOVE BullStreet’s revitalization is led by local businesses and residents.

RIGHT

Paige Ellington Park offers a chance to explore BullStreet with your pup.

home. A brewery has opened. And a well-known outdoor retail store was one of the first additions. And there continues to be lots of construction as BullStreet finds new life.

EVERYTHING HAPPENING AT BULLSTREET

Along with exploring the historical sites and spaces, BullStreet is also seeing a surge of new retail spots and restaurants.

Segra Park continues to be an anchor of the district. It’s a great place to catch a game with your family and enjoy lowcost admission and classic ballpark fare. And there’s plenty of space for kids to play, including an inflatable playground. The outfield berm is an ideal place to snag a homerun ball, so bring your glove.

Along with minor league baseball, Segra Park is often the host of other events, including concerts.

Just beyond left field, Page Ellington Park, named for a prominent Reconstruction-era African American architect and builder, is a shining example of BullStreet’s renovation. The 20-acre green space features walking paths, a dog park, and a pond that’s part of the restored Smith Branch Creek.

Publico, a local Latin-Asian restaurant, made a home for its second location in one of the historic buildings fat BullStreet, serving up tacos, local beers, and cocktails right by Segra Park.

Outdoor retailer REI Co-Op has become a go-to destination for gearing up. Along with equipment, they have knowledgeable staff who can share insights on local hikes and outdoor adventures (like Sesqui State Park or Congaree National Park).

Iron Hill Brewery opened a location in the district in 2023 and it has become a popular place to enjoy awardwinning beers and bar bites (don’t

miss their happy hour before you head to a game!).

And there are even more projects and places to go planned for the near future. Restaurant Tupelo Honey, Greenvillebased coffee shop Methodical Coffee, and The Laundry, a new event venue, all plan to open their doors at BullStreet.

WORK AND PLAY

For those planning a workcation or just needing a place to catch up on emails, SOCO, a local co-working space, was one of the first spaces to open at BullStreet.

“It [the Bull Street District] had energy and history and grit,” said Greg Hilton, co-founder of SOCO. “We have this model where we want to put workspaces where people live and work and play. We want to be that third space for them.”

Hilton said opening a workspace at BullStreet was a nobrainer after seeing the future plans that are now coming to life around SOCO.

Hilton is also a resident of the Earlewood neighborhood, which is less than a mile from BullStreet. He said the district’s footprint in the downtown area will have a substantial impact on Columbia as revitalization continues.

Discover what Columbia has in store for you

“What makes Columbia interesting is that it’s a collection of neighborhoods and districts,” Hilton said. “We have all these interesting places that have their own fabric and culture. When you come here, you should experience as many of those as possible.”

BullStreet looks very different from five years ago. And looking back a decade, it’s nearly unrecognizable. And odds are, when you come back to Columbia, this iconic part of the city will have undergone even more transformations that make it a destination for residents and visitors alike.

THE BACKSTORY ON BULLSTREET with JOHN SHERRER

Locally, Bull Street has been synonymous with the former South Carolina State Hospital. The buildings that dot this district were once home to a campus where patients and workers lived. While the structures visitors see in this area date back to 1857, care for the mentally ill began as far back as 1828.

“You’re intentionally situating the state hospital on the periphery,” said John Sherrer, Director of Preservation for Historic Columbia. “But today, you have the BullStreet District, really, in the heart of what is downtown Columbia. It is, I think, a microcosm of this wonderful fusion of preserving historic buildings through adaptive use.

During its long history, the South Carolina Mental Hospital, one of many names it operated under, has been a Civil War prisoner camp and a treatment facility for people suffering from ailments that arose through the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

By the 1960s, mental health treatment and the stigmas around it were changing. Fewer people were going to Bull Street. In the 1990s, the iconic Babcock Building was abandoned.

Surviving fires, neglect, and a host of other threats, the campus began to see revival in 2015 when the first revitalization projects started taking place. Now, nearly ten years later, those who visit BullStreet will see a place that’s finding a new purpose.

While not all the original buildings have been saved, efforts are in place to preserve the structures that tell the story of the area. That work is paying off and seeing recognition from organizations like Historic Columbia.

“The Babcock Building received a 2024 Historic Preservation Award from Historic Columbia,” Sherrer said.

Take Columbia Home

Columbia’s creators and shop owners have goods that will always remind you of your time here

written by Haley Kellner | photography by Crush Rush

Truly experiencing Columbia means perusing the city’s small businesses and artisans while you’re in town.

Use this list to help guide your journey to check out Columbia’s retailers and creators, but don’t be afraid to shop off the beaten path because you never know what you’ll discover here.

GLASS-BLOWN BOWL (AND A SHOW!)

Leaving Columbia with a One Eared Cow bowl means you’ve snagged a functional art piece, a labor of skill and love. With each bowl, vase, or decoration, the artists work to provide an original, affordable, and high-quality product.

HOMEGROWN HERBS

When it comes to eating in Columbia, delicious options are endless. If you plan to cook during your stay, you’ll find a variety of local and organic foods at Rosewood Market Natural Foods & Deli.

A gem of Rosewood Market is its herb selection, from cardamom seeds to chamomile. The 135 varieties on their shelves serve culinary and holistic purposes. For those not sure where to start, the market’s friendly and knowledgeable staff is happy to help.

HISTORIC GRITS

You can’t stop in the heart of South Carolina without sampling a Southern staple, grits. Columbia’s Adluh Flour was founded in 1914 in the heart of downtown. Today, it’s the state’s only operational flour mill.

ONE OF A KIND FINDS

Partager Gallery and Gifts have goods and unique finds (like Swoon Worthy rugs) all in one place. You’ll find an eclectic mix of items from artisans and distinct retailers.

These hand-selected Turkish rugs add a memorable touch to any home and are available from Columbia-based Swoon Worthy Looms.

SODA CITY SWAG

If you’re in town on a weekend, you’d be shortchanging your stay if you didn’t go to Soda City Market. Pop-up vendors and pedestrians take over Main Street every Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. (rain or shine), selling individually made or produced wares, locally crafted goods, and tasty bites.

This market has more than one opportunity to purchase a locally-made, Columbia-themed tote bag, sticker, or t-shirt, amongst other items. While you explore, sample a variety of hot and fresh food options that span from local flavors to multicultural cuisine.

HAND-CRAFTED GOODS DOING GOOD

Whenever you buy from a small business, you’re supporting the community. At Tenfold Collective, you’re supporting the business and a cause. The shop aims to connect consumers with artisans and socially conscious companies, empowering women through a fair, livable wage.

Stop by the Tenfold Collective storefront in downtown Lexington to browse carefully curated accessories and decor. Bring home trendy earrings, a simple necklace, or a handwoven basket.

A portion of profits go to local and national efforts against human trafficking.

FORT JACKSON

Great training. Great community. American soldiers.

We are excited to welcome visitors to what we proudly call our “Great American Defense Community.” Surrounded by supportive business partners, community members, veterans and activeduty military, Columbia is considered one of the most military friendly communities in America.

Columbia has the second largest military presence in South Carolina, which includes Fort Jackson, the South Carolina

Military Museums

SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY MUSEUM (803) 299-4440 scmilitarymuseum.com/

SOUTH CAROLINA CONFEDERATE RELIC ROOM & MUSEUM (803) 737-8095, crr.sc.gov/

ADJUTANT GENERAL’S CORPS MUSEUM (803) 751-1747

US ARMY BASIC COMBAT TRAINING MUSEUM, FORT JACKSON (803) 751-7419

THE FORT JACKSON MUSEUM COMMUNITY armyhistory.org/ the-fort-jackson-museum-community/

National Guard, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, the 81st Readiness Division, the US Army Reserves, and Camp McCrady.

Fort Jackson is the US Army’s largest training base and proudly transforms over 56,000 basic trainees into American soldiers annually. Family Day and Graduations are held weekly on Wednesday and Thursday as family members and friends come from across the globe to see their loved one graduate. Over 250,000 visitors enjoy the attractions, restaurants, hotels and amenities offered throughout the Greater Midlands. New soldiers and their families visit local attractions including Riverbanks Zoo, the Columbia Museum of Art, the SC State House, Edventure and the State Museum, to name a few.

The hope is that visitors to Columbia will enjoy the welcoming environment and the many family attractions the community offers and will want to return often.

Midlands Military

Fast Facts

Overall economic impact

$6.6 BILLION

Statewide

$34.3 BILLION

Fort Jackson

$4.7 BILLION

Jobs statewide

254,095

Fort Jackson trains

56% OF ALL FEMALE SOLDIERS; 60% OF ALL ARMY BASIC COMBAT TRAINEES

“THE MOST MILITARY-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY IN AMERICA”

Thank you for visiting our city and community, which is known as the most military friendly community in America. If you are attending the Fort Jackson graduation, congratulations and thank you for your support of our great military. We hope you enjoy your visit as you experience a warm welcome and feel the respect we share for our military community. Enjoy your visit and come again soon.

Carl Blackstone, President & CEO, Columbia Chamber ColumbiaChamber.com

THE FORCE BEHIND THE FORCE

From the time recruits arrive in Columbia until they depart, and throughout their military career, the USO of South Carolina connects service members to family, home and country. Providing programs and services throughout the state, USO South Carolina assists more than 150 soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast goard and marines. The USO Center at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport welcomes new recruits and sends trainees off to their next duty station with a smile and sweet treat! southcarolina.uso.org.

®

JANUARY

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events at USC sc.edu

Restaurant Week Columbia restaurantweekcolumbia.com

FEBRUARY

Black History Parade & Festival fundsinc1.org

Annual Pig and Oyster Roast barrelandvineproductions.com/events-1

Columbia Jewish Film Festival kahnjcc.org/jewish-film-festival

MARCH

Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic dnr.sc.gov/psc

Doko Ribfest

blythewoodchamber.com/events/ribfest Cottontown Art Crawl cottontown.us/artcrawl

Mardi Gras Columbia facebook.com/KrewedeColumbiYaYa

St. Pat’s in Five Points stpatscolumbia.com

APRIL

Artista Vista vistacolumbia.com/special-events/ artista-vista

Bark to the Park barktothepark.com

Benedict College Harambee Festival benedict.edu/harambee-festival

Columbia Food & Wine Festival columbiafoodandwinefestival.com

Columbia International Festival cifonline.org

Dining on the Dam lexingtonsc.org/chamber-event/ dining-on-the-dam

Kid’s Day of Lexington lexingtonkidsday.com

LMC Governor’s Cup Road Race governorscupsc.org

West Columbia Kinetic Derby Day kineticderbyday.com

Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival lowerrichlandsweetpotatofest.com

Tartan Day South tartandaysouth.com

Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden riverbanks.org/events/wine-tasting

MAY

The Big Nosh bignosh.org

Black Expo blackexposouth.com CanalFest bierkellercolumbia.com/events

ColaJazz Fest colajazzfest.com

Congaree Fireflies Festival nps.gov/cong/fireflies.htm

Drink Pink Rosé Festival drinkpinkfestival.com

Lexington Wine Walk lexingtonwinewalk.com

Rosewood Crawfish Festival rosewoodcrawfishfest.com

YEAR-ROUND

Arts and Draughts columbiamuseum.org/events/ arts-draughts

CMC Rhythm on the River cwcchamber.com/ rhythm-on-the-river

Harvest Dinner Series barrelandvineproductions.com/ events-1

First Thursday on Main firstthursdayonmain.com

Meeting Street Artisan Market westcolumbiasc.gov/ meeting-street-artisan-market

Soda City Market sodacitysc.com

JUNE

Columbia Fashion Week columbiafashionweek.com

Columbia Shrimp & Grits Festival columbiashrimpandgrits.com

South Carolina Caribbean Festival linktr.ee/southcarolinacarnival

Juneteenth Freedom Festival juneteenthfreedomfest.com Outfest scpride.org

Reggaetronic Lake Murray Music Festival reggaetronicsc.com

Southeastern Piano Festival sepf.music.sc.edu

Southern Guitar Festival southernguitarfest.com

JULY

Fort Jackson Independence Day Celebration jackson.armymwr.com

Lake Murray Fireworks Celebration lakemurraycountry.com

Lexington County Peach Festival lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com

AUGUST

Brew at the Zoo riverbanks.org/events/brew-at-the-zoo 803 Day 803day.org

Main Street Latin Festival mainstreetlatinfestival.com

Soda City Comic Con sodacitycomiccon.com

South Carolina Black Pride southcarolinablackpride.com

SEPTEMBER

Columbia Greek Festival columbiasgreekfestival.com

The Irmo Okra Strut okrastrut.com

Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture historiccolumbia.org/jubilee Palmetto Peanut Boil palmettopeanutboil.com

Meeting Street Music Fest meetingstreetmusicfest.com/

OCTOBER

Boo at the Zoo riverbanks.org/events/boo-at-the-zoo

Deceased Farm deceasedfarm.com

SERCO Congaree SwampFest congareeswampfest.com

Famously Hot SC Pride Festival scpride.org

Great American Whiskey Fair greatamericanwhiskeyfair.com

Jam Room Music Festival jamroommusicfestival.com

EarleJam earlewood.org/events/earlejam

Jerryfest fivepointscolumbia.com/events/Jerryfest

Restaurant Week Columbia restaurantweekcolumbia.com

Oktoberfest Columbia oktoberfestcolumbia.com

South Carolina State Fair scstatefair.org

Walk for Life and Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon, 5K + 10K give.phmf.org

SC Korean Festival facebook.com/SCKoreanFestival/events

NOVEMBER

Devine Night Out devinestreetcolumbiasc.com

Fireflies Holiday Lights firefliesholidaylights.com

Governor’s Carolighting

Holiday Lights on the River icrc.net/park/saluda-shoals-park

Wild Lights

riverbanks.org/events/wild-lights

South Carolina Oyster Festival scoysterfest.com

Vista Lights

vistacolumbia.com/special-events/ vista-lights

South Carolina Pelion Peanut Party facebook.com/pelionpeanutparty

DECEMBER

Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade carolinacarillon.com

Carolina Lights at the Fairgrounds scstatefair.org/carolina-lights

Weihnachtsmarkt bierkellercolumbia.com/events

Snowball Festival icehouseamphitheater.com/events

Holiday Parade of Lights cwcchamber.com/cwcparadeday

Junior League of Columbia Holiday Market jlcolumbia.org

That Festival Feeling:

Columbia’s Arts and Culture Celebrations

written by Zoe Nicholson

Most weekends, it seems like all one has to do is step outside and walk a few blocks to find something exciting going on in the Columbia area. An arts town as much as a sports town, Soda City prides itself on offering a vast array of cultural festivals throughout the year and throughout the region. Here are a few we recommend, but in case you missed it, we have a full round-up of annual events and festivals on page 62.

COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

April

It might be easy to categorize Columbia as a purely Southern city — but we have a diverse tapestry of cultures and nationalities who call this place home. The Columbia International Festival is how we celebrate that. The weekend-long event showcases global cultures represented within our communities, from Indigenous tribes to firstgeneration immigrants.

with dancing, music, food, historical interpretation, and more. And, because it’s a community-minded event, services like free health screenings are also offered.

MAIN STREET LATIN FESTIVAL

August

Did you know the Midlands is one of the fastest-growing regions in South Carolina for Hispanic peoples? To cel ebrate our rich and growing community, the cityand county-backed festival puts on a day-long event that shuts down Main Street at the end of each summer. Music like salsa and reggaeton fill the air right along with food vendors’ delicious fare.

HARAMBEE FESTIVAL

April

For more than three decades, Benedict College has hosted an end-of-semester celebration in honor of the rich African heritage that Columbia is steeped in. The HBCU’s football stadium hosts an extravagant festival, which is complete

JUBILEE: FESTIVAL OF BLACK HISTORY AND CULTURE

September

Every fall, Historic Columbia utilizes one of its most storied sites to uplift Black culture and history. A main stage features more than seven hours of music from genre-spanning acts and a Kids Zone offers family-friendly fun, including shows and hands-on activities. Food, history, culture and community round out a day of, well, jubilance.

KOREAN FESTIVAL

October

How many festivals have you attended that feature taekwondo demonstrations and K-Pop dance-offs? The Korean Festival highlights centuries of history through food and activities for everyone.

Many Korean favorites like kimchi, kimbap, Korean corndogs, bulgogi, and Korean desserts are included on the menu each year. Food and activity ticket purchases all support local charities.

FAMOUSLY HOT SOUTH CAROLINA PRIDE

October

And the best part? It’s free.

GREEK FESTIVAL

September

Many cities have a Greek Festival, but Columbia’s Greek Orthodox community takes the celebration of the Mediterranean country’s culture to a whole new level.

Every September, over four days, the gold-domed church on Main Street is home to a crafts, food and music fair that features favorites like gyros and tzatziki sauce, dance performances and Grecian arts and crafts. As one of the city’s most well-loved (and attended) events, it’s a can’t-miss festival.

The state’s firstever Pride Festival was held in Columbia in 1990. Organized by a titan of LGBTQ+ activism, Harriet Hancock, the march was aimed at making the queer community in Columbia feel seen and heard.

Now, nearly four decades later, Famously Hot SC Pride isn’t just a time to fight to be acknowledged — it’s an all-out celebration spanning several days. With parties, a parade, performances, and an all-day festival along Main Street, Famously Hot SC Pride is the social event every October.

New Beers, Fresh Food: Columbia Craft Brewing Kicks Off 2025 with Big Plans

Columbia Craft Brewing Company is gearing up for an exciting new year in 2025, with a variety of fresh releases and collaborations that are set to delight beer lovers and casual drinkers alike. Known for their innovative approach to craft brewing, the company has some highly anticipated brews and changes on the horizon.

One of the highlights of this season is the return of Vom Fass, a fan-favorite Munich Helles Lager. This crisp and smooth lager emphasizes balance, with low bitterness and subtle floral and herbal hop notes. It’s a modern take on a traditional German lager, making it versatile and enjoyable for a wide range of palates. Shaun Piggott, Columbia Craft’s Director of New Product Development, has named it as one of his

personal favorites, further adding to the excitement around its return.

Columbia Craft is also enhancing its taproom experience by partnering with Parabellum Mobile, a popular local food truck. Parabellum will soon establish a permanent kitchen at the brewery’s taproom, offering a variety of comfort foods such as burgers, tacos, and nachos to pair with the brewery’s diverse beer selection.

Looking further ahead, the brewery is preparing to launch a refreshed version of their award-winning Macro

(formerly known as Macroeconomics). This golden beer will soon be available in 12-ounce 12-packs, though it is currently offered on draft at various locations around town and at the brewery itself.

In 2025, Columbia Craft Brewing looks forward to expanding their lineup of beers

and culinary options, promising an even more enriching experience for visitors. Make sure to stop by the taproom and take part in Columbia’s growing craft beer scene!

Catch The COMET in Columbia

written by Jane Godiner | photography by Jessica Hunt

As a New York City native, I’ll admit the idea of deciphering a network of public transportation in a new place was intimidating to me. But within a week, I was already acclimated to the system of crosstown buses that is the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority — better known as The COMET.

A city like Columbia, with a walkable downtown and countless vibrant communities, has a lot to benefit from The COMET. It has a network of far-reaching routes, reliable service and affordable fares. Better yet, it’s a low-hassle way to explore all Columbia has to offer.

With over 45 fixed routes across Columbia, The COMET’s fleet of 90 buses can take you anywhere from the State House in the heart of downtown to the rural outskirts of our region. It even has specific stops for the University of South Carolina.

For visitors or locals wanting to get to know the city better, we recommend the Soda Cap Connectors, a network of

buses that can transport you across the entire city and many locations throughout Richland and Lexington counties.

Route 1 journeys across the river to West Columbia. Before you cross the Congaree River, make a stop at EdVenture. Home to the 40-foot “Eddie,” EdVenture lets kids explore interactive exhibits, from science to the world of work. Right across the parking lot from EdVenture is the South Carolina State Museum. Located in a historic mill, the museum tells the story of South Carolina with special rotating exhibits.

Once over the Gervais Street bridge, take in the sights of the Congaree — or even book a tubing adventure to experience the convergence of three rivers for yourself — or head up to State Street, where local businesses like Savage Craft Ale Works, Breakfast at Ruiz and Terra await diners.

On your way back from West Columbia, stop along the route’s path in The Vista, where art galleries CityArt, SoulHaus and Mike Brown Contemporary offer all styles of fine, contemporary, and pop art from local artists. While at CityArt, step next door to the Farmer’s Market XChange, where local produce and artisanal goods are for sale, along with a daily hot bar and coffee shop.

Wanting to see where Columbia’s young professionals and college crowds hang out? Hop on the Soda Cap Connector’s Route 2 along Main Street and head east to Five Points, a historic neighborhood that serves as a hub for daytime shopping and nightlife in the city. Grab brunch at The Gourmet Shop, find a gift for friends back home at Turner & Moss, or peruse the shelves at All Good Books. This route will take you through Benedict College and Allen University, too, where you can check out the campuses of Columbia’s two HBCUs.

Route 3 will take you northeast of Main Street, where you can hop off on Laurel Street to check out the Robert Mills Historic District or head to the BullStreet District, where new restaurants, housing, shopping and a dog park are anchored by Segra Park, which hosts our minor league baseball team, the Columbia Fireflies.

And that’s just the Soda Cap Connector.

The COMET’s list of SuperStops can also spark some inspiration.

These are points that indicate a common stop for multiple COMET buses — so if you’re ready to hop aboard another route, you can plan your trip around these landmarks.

There’s no bigger SuperStop than COMET Central, located downtown on Sumter Street. It’s home to the most COMET routes of any SuperStop, including the Soda Cap Connectors. From this transportation hub, you can embark on foot to the Columbia Museum of Art, play some vintage games at Transmission Arcade, or stroll towards Gervais Street, where the South Carolina State House presides over the downtown districts.

And on Tuesdays, a mobile farmers market from Toms Creek pulls into COMET Central with for-sale organic produce to freshen any traveler’s day.

The COMET also takes travelers to some of Columbia’s iconic attractions, like Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, which is accessible on Route 84. In past years, the COMET has also ventured to Congaree National Park for the annual synchronous fireflies (but you’ll need to secure park entry tickets from the National Parks Service).

With an information desk, ticket-purchasing machine and plenty of sitting room, COMET Central is the perfect checkpoint — whether you’re figuring out a route or taking a pit stop in between trips.

For as little as $1, The COMET can help you get acquainted with Columbia in a way that solo car travel can’t.

PAM BYNOE-REED’S PLACES TO BE

As a Columbia Ambassador, Pam Bynoe-Reed knows the best places to explore our city. She is the Director of Marketing and Community Affairs for The COMET, and knows all the stops visitors should check out when using Columbia public transportation. Don’t be surprised if you see Pam and her pup Ming-Ming when you head to one of her recommended Soda Cap Connector stops.

THE BULLSTREET DISTRICT

Pam says Route 3 is one of her favorites. It takes you to the revitalized BullStreet District, home of Segra Park and the Columbia Fireflies. Pam says Publico Kitchen and Tap is a must-stop, and they even have a dog menu that Ming-Ming loves.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM

Another of Pam’s top spots, the South Carolina State Museum, is along the Soda Cap Connector’s Route 1. It has four floors filled with the art, history, science, and technology of South Carolina. The planetarium is a can’t miss, loved by everyone, including Ming-Ming.

RIVERFRONT PARK

Along the Columbia Canal, Riverfront Park is one of Pam’s go-to places to enjoy time outside with Ming Ming and other dog lovers. It’s a perfect place to enjoy time outside on an ADAaccessible path.

TRANSPORTATION Columbia is easy to find and even easier to navigate once you’ve arrived

GETTING HERE

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is full of friendly faces and located just 15 minutes from downtown. Our airline partners offer more than 25 non-stop flights to 10 major airports in nine cities and can get you almost anywhere in the world in one stop. The airport is also a GBAC STAR-accredited facility, meaning the staff is committed to keeping you healthy while you travel. Megabus, with popular mega-low fares, stops just a few minutes from downtown. Columbia is also serviced by Greyhound

If you prefer traveling by train, Columbia is on Amtrak’s Silver Service/ Palmetto line, which includes dozens of East Coast cities. The station is located in The Vista, minutes away from hotels, dining and fun.

The capital city is easy to reach by car, accessible via three interstates: I-20, I-26 and I-77. Interstate 95 connects to both I-20 and I-26.

GETTING AROUND

Lyft, Uber and taxi services are available in Columbia for those who prefer a quick ride. And if you’re driving or renting your own car, parking is a breeze. While Columbia meters do take change, you can also pay to park with a credit or debit card using the Passport Parking App. There are numerous parking garages in our busiest districts. Find all the details at ExperienceColumbiaSC.com/ Parking.

The COMET, our public transit system, reaches a wide area, including Columbia, Cayce, West Columbia,

Forest Acres, Arcadia Lakes, Springdale and St. Andrews. You can also give Jaunt a try! This free ride-share service in downtown Columbia has quickly become a favorite way to get around The COMET also operates the Soda Cap Connector, a $1 bus connecting major downtown destinations like the South Carolina State Museum, Benedict College, Five Points and Segra Park, home to the Columbia Fireflies baseball team.

LEFT

Columbia’s intimate airport, CAE, is a short drive from the city center and offers easy flying to ten major U.S. cities.

ABOVE

There are plenty of affordable transportation options for exploring downtown Columbia, including the COMET and Soda Cap Connector.

THINGS TO DO

THINGS TO DO

AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONUMENT

(803) 734-2430

1100 Gervais St., Columbia

Solemnly and boldly, this monument on the State House grounds depicts the struggles and fight for freedom of African Americans, beginning with the Middle passage.

BIG APPLE

bigappledance.com (803) 445-9400

1000 Hampton St., Columbia

During the 1930s, the Big Apple was the hot dance craze around town created by Black youth in the synonymously named club that now serves as a beautiful event venue on Hampton Street.

COLUMBIA SC 63 WALKING TOUR columbiasc63.com

1601 Richland St., Columbia Columbia’s rich Civil Rights history is more visible now, thanks to a walking tour with historical markers that centers on Main Street, the stage for many defining moments.

HARRIET BARBER HOUSE harrietbarberhouse.org (803) 695-7669

116 Barberville Loop, Hopkins

This home in Hopkins has been held by the same family since 1872, when it was sold to a freed slave family who found prosperity farming the land.

HISTORIC BETHEL AME bethelcolumbia.org (803) 733-5634

819 Woodrow St., Columbia

One of the first African-American congregations in the city worshipped at the Romanesque Revival building that is now slated to become an arts center.

LADSON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ladsonpres.org (803) 765-9192

1720 Sumter St., Columbia Ladson began as a Sabbath School for the religious training of African Americans in 1828. Today, it remains the oldest African-American congregation in Columbia.

MANN-SIMONS SITE historiccolumbia.org (803) 252-7742

1403 Richland St., Columbia

Home to the same entrepreneurial African-American family for nearly 130 years, this house museum traces the journey of Columbia’s African-American community from enslavement through urban renewal.

MODJESKA MONTEITH SIMKINS HOUSE historiccolumbia.org (803) 252-7742

2025 Marion St., Columbia

Built between 1890 and 1895, this one-story cottage was home to Modjeska Monteith Simkins, considered “the Matriarch of Civil Rights activists” in South Carolina. It served as lodging and meeting space for many Civil Rights leaders.

OUR STORY MATTERS GALLERY (803) 799-2810

1515 Main St., Columbia

This partnership between Columbia SC 63, the USC Center for Civil Rights History and Research and the Columbia Museum of Art provides an opportunity to learn about the city’s extensive civil rights history through the Intersections on Main Street: African American Life in Columbia exhibition and additional interactive experiences inside the museum’s former gift shop space.

RANDOLPH CEMETERY

historicrandolphcemetery.org

Adjacent to Elmwood Cemetery

Columbia

The first formal cemetery for the African-American community in Columbia was established in 1871. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, its preservation and upkeep is ongoing.

SERCO sercosc.org (803) 261-5596

P.O. Box 332, Hopkins SERCO preserves the Lower Richland Heritage Corridor in the southeastern portion of the county, which covers Congaree National Park and other historically significant sites nearby.

WAVERLY HISTORIC DISTRICT

2222 Washington St., Columbia

Established shortly after the Civil War, Waverly is listed as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. By the early 20th century, this neighborhood became known as a self-sustaining black community featuring many middle- and upper-class African-American residents, among whom were leaders within spiritual, business, academic and professional circles.

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

zion-baptist-church.com (803) 779-2809

801 Washington St., Columbia

Zion Baptist Church was one of two congregations that grew out of the enslaved membership of Columbia’s white Baptist Church. Formed in 1865, the church was a central location for meetings, conferences and fundraisers during the Civil Rights era.

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

ALLEN UNIVERSITY allenuniversity.edu (803) 376-5700

1530 Harden St., Columbia Founded in 1870 to educate freed slaves, Allen University is an historically Black university that serves more than 800 students in the heart of downtown Columbia.

BENEDICT COLLEGE benedict.edu (803) 253-5000

1600 Harden St., Columbia Founded in 1870 by a woman, Bathsheba A. Benedict, the college focuses on liberal arts and is a private, historically Black college in downtown Columbia. It is ranked one of the top HBCUs in the Southeast.

COLUMBIA COLLEGE columbiasc.edu (800) 277-1301

1301 Columbia College Dr., Columbia

This private liberal arts college was established for women in 1854 and has been recognized as a best value institution. It now offers a liberal arts eduation for both men and women.

COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY ciu.edu (803) 754-4100

7435 Monticello Rd., Columbia CIU is a Christian Bible-based school that focuses on developing leaders while affirming the Bible as the foundation for all learning.

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE midlandstech.edu (803) 738-8324

PO Box 2408, Columbia Spanning seven campuses in the Midlands, MTC offers two-year Associate degrees and certificate programs. It features a strong college transfer program and career skills programs.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA sc.edu (803) 777-0169

911 Sumter St., Columbia Founded in 1801, the university in Columbia is the flagship institution for a statewide system of campuses. Nearly 50k students matriculate through all campuses at this Carnegie-ranked college.

ENTERTAINMENT VENUES

BANG BACK PINBALL LOUNGE bangbackpinball.com (803) 834-4462

741 Saluda Ave., Columbia Bang Back Pinball Lounge in Five Points celebrates the art and entertainment of pinball, guarantees working machines 100% of the time and offers multicultural menu items like bao buns, gyoza and Lowcountry egg rolls.

BILL’S MUSIC SHOP & PICKIN’ PARLOR billsmusicshop.com (803) 796-6477

710 Meeting St., West Columbia Get down the fiddle and get down the bow for Friday night bluegrass pickin’ sessions, or purchase instruments from a storied family business on Meeting Street.

BOWLERO CAYCE bowlero.com (803) 796-6300

900 Axtell Dr., Cayce

These lanes are some of the coolest and most stunning in the game, with black lights, soft lounge seats and huge HD video walls that play everything from live sports and music videos to classic family films.

CHAYZ LOUNGE chayzlounge.com (803) 563-8375

607 Meeting St., West Columbia Dress your best and cross the river into West Columbia. The intimate setting of Chayz Lounge allows you to get up close and personal with the finest jazz and rhythm and blues musicians.

It’s easy to enjoy Fireflies games at Segra Field.

COLONIAL LIFE ARENA coloniallifearena.com

(803) 576-9200

801 Lincoln St., Columbia

Big musical acts, monster trucks and the USC basketball teams call the Colonial Life Arena home when they’re in Columbia for up to 18,000 spectators.

THE COMEDY HOUSE comedyhouse.us (803) 798-9898

2768 Decker Blvd., Columbia

It’s 18 and up only at the city’s premier comedy club that hosts standup acts and other performances of amusement from around the country.

CRAFT AXE THROWING craftaxethrowing.com (803) 834-5020

700 Gervais St. Ste. B2, Columbia Enjoy a friendly game of axe throwing at a giant dartboard-like target. Stop by for casual and competitive throwing events for social, corporate and league groups.

COLONIAL LIFE ARENA

coloniallifearena.com

KOGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS kogercenterforthearts.com (803) 777-5112

1051 Greene St., Columbia

The Koger Center is home to the Philharmonic, ballet performances, Broadway plays, concerts and other mid-sized acts in Columbia.

LET’S COOK CULINARY STUDIO letscookculinary.com (803) 348-5874

1305 Assembly St., Columbia

Demonstration classes include 3-4 items prepared by chefs with an interactive discussion of products and techniques. Hands-on cooking classes allow you to prepare items under the guidance of a professional chef.

LJ’S PAR AND GRILL ljsparandgrill.com (803) 356-4653

381 Pilgrim Church Rd., Lexington Enjoy drinks, appetizers or a meal and hit some golf balls on this professionally maintained driving range.

TOWNSHIP AUDITORIUM thetownship.org

(803) 576-2350

1703 Taylor St., Columbia

The Township offers a mid-size venue for concerts, plays and shows to be enjoyed in an intimate space with great views from every seat.

TRANSMISSION ARCADE transmissionarcade.com (803) 667-9140

crafts, food, produce and food trucks.

SANDHILL FARMERS MARKET

clemson.edu/sandhill (803) 788-5700

900 Clemson Rd., Columbia

Fresh produce and locally made products are available Tuesday afternoons in the northeast Columbia community at the Sandhill Farmers Market, located at the Clemson Research Center.

(803) 576-9200

FRANKIE’S FUN PARK frankies.com/columbia (803) 781-2342

801 Lincoln St., Columbia

140 Parkridge Dr., Columbia

A 14-acre entertainment center with attractions including go-cart tracks, mini-golf courses, batting cage, bumper boats, arcade, laser tag arena and a restaurant and snack bar.

Big musical acts, monster trucks and the USC basketball teams call the Colonial Life Arena home when they’re in Columbia for up to 18,000 spectators.

THE COMEDY HOUSE comedyhouse.us

(803) 798-9898

2768 Decker Blvd., Columbia

THE GRAND thegrandonmain.com (803) 726-2323

1621 Main St., Columbia

It’s 18 and up only at the city’s premier comedy club that hosts standup acts and other performances of amusement from around the country.

This boutique bowling alley, restaurant and bar is your Columbia destination for fun, food and activities with drinks and games indoors or out on the plaza.

CRAFT AXE THROWING craftaxethrowing.com (803) 834-5020

700 Gervais St. Ste. B2, Columbia

ICEHOUSE AMPHITHEATER icehouseamphitheater.com (803) 358-7275

Enjoy a friendly game of axe throwing at a giant dartboard-like target. Stop by for casual and competitive throwing events for social, corporate and league groups.

107 W. Main St., Lexington Lexington’s outdoor event venue hosts numerous concerts, festivals and a farmers market. It is located along the Main Street corridor.

FRANKIE’S FUN PARK frankies.com/columbia (803) 781-2342

140 Parkridge Dr., Columbia

A 14-acre entertainment center with attractions including go-cart tracks, mini-golf courses, batting cage, bumper boats, arcade, laser tag arena and a restaurant and snack bar.

THE GRAND thegrandonmain.com (803) 726-2323

1621 Main St., Columbia

This boutique bowling alley, restaurant and bar is your Columbia destination for fun, food and activities with drinks and games indoors or out on the plaza.

ICEHOUSE AMPHITHEATER icehouseamphitheater.com (803) 358-7275

107 W. Main St., Lexington

Lexington’s outdoor event venue hosts numerous concerts, festivals and a farmers market. It is located along the Main Street corridor.

THE SENATE thesenatecolumbia.com (803) 252-9392

1712 Main St., Columbia

1022 Senate St., Columbia Rock out with local and national touring acts at this mid-sized venue in The Vista.

THE MARKET AT ICEHOUSE lexsc.com (803) 358-7275

Transmisison Arcade brings a traditional arcade into the modern era with an innovative food menu from Smokey Loggins, craft beer, wine, cocktails, new and nostalgic pinball machines, skee-ball and other classic arcade games.

STARS AND STRIKES starsandstrikes.com (678) 965-5707

700 Columbiana Dr., Irmo

FARMS & FARMERS MARKETS

CAYCE FARMER’S MARKET (803) 791-1009

2329 Charleston Hwy., Cayce

From bowling to laser tag, arcade games and bumper cars, this entertainment venue has everything a gamer’s heart desires. With a mini theme park vibe, there is also a full-service restaurant.

TOWNSHIP AUDITORIUM thetownship.org (803) 576-2350

1703 Taylor St., Columbia

In the warmer months, the Cayce Farmer’s Market is a roadside produce and plant stand that sells everything from squash to ferns to jellies, most are Certified SC grown.

CLINTON SEASE FARM clintonseasefarm.com (803) 730-2863

The Township offers a mid-size venue for concerts, plays and shows to be enjoyed in an intimate space with great views from every seat.

SODA CITY MARKET sodacitysc.com

107 W. Main St., Lexington

Meet local farmers and artisans and buy their produce and wares at this suburban open-air market at Icehouse Amphitheater May–September.

MEETING STREET

1300 & 1600 blocks of Main St., Columbia Founded as a simple all-local market, Soda City Market has grown quickly to become a Saturday morning staple on Main Street for hundreds of vendors to sell produce, art, food and more.

ARTISIAN MARKET

(803) 622-8598

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FARMERS MARKET scstatefarmersmarket.com (803) 737-4664

3483 Charleston Hwy., West Columbia

425 Meeting St., West Columbia Open Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m., this market is located in the pavillion of the Interactive Art Park behind Terra and focuses on original arts and crafts, food, produce and food trucks.

SANDHILL FARMERS MARKET clemson.edu/sandhill (803) 788-5700

This farmers market is open yearround, featuring seasonal fruits and veggies from statewide farms. The market also offers an array of specialty products and artisan items.

HISTORIC SITES

NEW BROOKLAND TAVERN newbrooklandtavern.com (803) 791-4413

KOGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS kogercenterforthearts.com (803) 777-5112

1051 Greene St., Columbia

122 State St., West Columbia

TRANSMISSION ARCADE transmissionarcade.com (803) 667-9140

1712 Main St., Columbia

Home to the edgier musical roots of hundreds of local bands, NBT hosts shows for hometown musicians, plus regional and national touring acts.

The Koger Center is home to the Philharmonic, ballet performances, Broadway plays, concerts and other mid-sized acts in Columbia.

THE NICK THEATRE nickelodeon.org (803) 254-8234

LET’S COOK CULINARY STUDIO letscookculinary.com (803) 348-5874

1305 Assembly St., Columbia

1607 Main St., Columbia

382 Olde Farm Rd., Lexington Seasonal fun abounds at this long- standing family-owned farm in Lexington. Fall means corn mazes, wagon rides, a pumpkin patch, playground and the Deceased Farm nighttime haunted attraction, while spring brings strawberries and sunshine. New attractions are added each year to keep the experience as fresh as the crop rotation.

Transmisison Arcade brings a traditional arcade into the modern era with an innovative food menu from Smokey Loggins, craft beer, wine, cocktails, new and nostalgic pinball machines, skee-ball and other classic arcade games.

COTTLE STRAWBERRY FARM cottlestrawberryfarm.com (803) 695-1714

CHESNUT COTTAGE BED & BREAKFAST chesnutcottage.com (803) 256-1718

900 Clemson Rd., Columbia Fresh produce and locally made products are available Tuesday afternoons in the northeast Columbia community at the Sandhill Farmers Market, located at the Clemson Research Center.

1718 Hampton St., Columbia

SODA CITY MARKET sodacitysc.com

One of the city’s best-kept secrets is this charming B&B located in the heart of downtown. Five rooms offer historic setting to guests seeking hotel alternatives.

EAU CLAIRE BAPTIST CHURCH eauclairebaptist.org (803) 786-7769

1300 & 1600 blocks of Main St., Columbia Founded as a simple all-local market, Soda City Market has grown quickly to become a Saturday morning staple on Main Street for hundreds of vendors to sell produce, art, food and more.

4427 N. Main St., Columbia

The state’s only arthouse theater shows independent and foreign films on two screens in the historically renovated Fox Theater.

Demonstration classes include 3-4 items prepared by chefs with an interactive discussion of products and techniques. Hands-on cooking classes allow you to prepare items under the guidance of a professional chef.

PAR TEE GOLF CENTER parteegolfsc.com (803) 796-5900

3209 Charleston Hwy., West

Columbia

LJ’S PAR AND GRILL ljsparandgrill.com (803) 356-4653

381 Pilgrim Church Rd., Lexington Enjoy drinks, appetizers or a meal and hit some golf balls on this professionally maintained driving range.

NEW BROOKLAND TAVERN

newbrooklandtavern.com (803) 791-4413

122 State St., West Columbia

The Par Tee Golf Center is a great place to work on your golf game whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned veteran of the game. The spacious facility offers a 250-yard Bermuda grass tee box, several artificial hitting mats and targets located throughout the range to sharpen your skills.

Home to the edgier musical roots of hundreds of local bands, NBT hosts shows for hometown musicians, plus regional and national touring acts.

THE NICK THEATRE

nickelodeon.org (803) 254-8234

1607 Main St., Columbia

The state’s only arthouse theater shows independent and foreign films on two screens in the historically renovated Fox Theater.

PAR TEE GOLF CENTER parteegolfsc.com (803) 796-5900

3209 Charleston Hwy., West

Columbia

The Par Tee Golf Center is a great place to work on your golf game whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned veteran of the game. The spacious facility offers a 250-yard Bermuda grass tee box, several artificial hitting mats and targets located throughout the range to sharpen your skills.

FARMS & FARMERS MARKETS

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FARMERS MARKET

2533 Trotter Rd., Columbia

CAYCE FARMER’S MARKET (803) 791-1009

2329 Charleston Hwy., Cayce

Each spring, Columbia gets a little redder as Cottle Farms pops up their roadside stands and invites people to pick their own strawberries at their farm southeast of the city.

JAMES R. SEASE FARMS INC. (803) 359-3276

scstatefarmersmarket.com (803) 737-4664

3483 Charleston Hwy., West Columbia

Built in 1923, this church in northern Columbia features dramatic stained glass windows and a storied congregational history that’s been a cornerstone in the community since its inception.

EAU CLAIRE PRINT BUILDING (803) 401-8876

3907 Ensor Ave., Columbia

This farmers market is open yearround, featuring seasonal fruits and veggies from statewide farms. The market also offers an array of specialty products and artisan items.

861 Hwy. 378, Lexington

In the warmer months, the Cayce Farmer’s Market is a roadside produce and plant stand that sells everything from squash to ferns to jellies, most are Certified SC grown.

CLINTON SEASE FARM clintonseasefarm.com (803) 730-2863

Enjoy a spring day in the field with u-pick strawberries April-May, or pick up fresh peaches and mixed vegetables during the summer months.

382 Olde Farm Rd., Lexington Seasonal fun abounds at this long- standing family-owned farm in Lexington. Fall means corn mazes, wagon rides, a pumpkin patch, playground and the Deceased Farm nighttime haunted attraction, while spring brings strawberries and sunshine. New attractions are added each year to keep the experience as fresh as the crop rotation.

COTTLE STRAWBERRY FARM cottlestrawberryfarm.com (803) 695-1714

2533 Trotter Rd., Columbia

Each spring, Columbia gets a little redder as Cottle Farms pops up their roadside stands and invites people to pick their own strawberries at their farm southeast of the city.

JAMES R. SEASE FARMS INC. (803) 359-3276

861 Hwy. 378, Lexington

Enjoy a spring day in the field with u-pick strawberries April-May, or pick up fresh peaches and mixed vegetables during the summer months.

HISTORIC SITES

With its tall clock tower and distinctive brickwork features, the former publishing company and town hall is now a popular event space in the Eau Claire neighborhood.

CHESNUT COTTAGE BED & BREAKFAST chesnutcottage.com (803) 256-1718

1718 Hampton St., Columbia

EBENEZER LUTHERAN CHURCH ebenezerlutheran.org (803) 765-9430

1301 Richland St., Columbia

The congregation of Ebenezer was formed in 1830 and was the first for

One of the city’s best-kept secrets is this charming B&B located in the heart of downtown. Five rooms offer historic setting to guests seeking hotel alternatives.

EAU CLAIRE BAPTIST CHURCH eauclairebaptist.org (803) 786-7769

4427 N. Main St., Columbia

Built in 1923, this church in northern Columbia features dramatic stained glass windows and a storied congregational history that’s been a cornerstone in the community since its inception.

EAU CLAIRE PRINT BUILDING (803) 401-8876

3907 Ensor Ave., Columbia

With its tall clock tower and distinctive brickwork features, the former publishing company and town hall is now a popular event space in the Eau Claire neighborhood.

EBENEZER LUTHERAN CHURCH ebenezerlutheran.org (803) 765-9430

1301 Richland St., Columbia

The congregation of Ebenezer was formed in 1830 and was the first for

Soda City Market brings people (and cats) together.

Lutherans in the city. Their growth has sustained through several building additions and renovations.

ELMWOOD CEMETERY & GARDENS

(803) 252-2133

501 Elmwood Ave., Columbia

This prestigious cemetery bears the remains of some of the city’s most prominent citizens on rolling hills overlooking the Broad River. Historical tours are available.

ENSOR KEENAN HOUSE

nationalregister.sc.gov (803) 733-8510

801 Wildwood Ave., Columbia

Now an adult recreation center, this historical home built in 1868 was once owned by a Union soldier and later renovated by the Keenan Oil Company.

EQUITABLE ARCADE BUILDING

1332 Main St.

1216 Washington St., Columbia

The detailed Renaissance Revival architecture of the Arcade building is stunning for the city’s first indoor shopping mall. A subterranean level once served a flourishing bar scene in the ’70s.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

firstbaptistcolumbia.com (803) 256-4251

1306 Hampton St., Columbia

The soaring facade of the Greek Revival building that houses the First Baptist Church congregation also held the convention that met in 1860 to secede South Carolina from the Union.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH firstprescolumbia.org (803) 799-9062

1324 Marion St., Columbia

The striking pink-hued English Gothic-style church in the midst of downtown has an adjacent cemetery with several notable historical figures interred within.

FIRST RESPONDERS

REMEMBRANCE MEMORIAL

1101 Lincoln St., Columbia

Two crossed steel beams from the World Trade Center are the centerpiece of a memorial to the victims of 911 and SC first responders who died in the line of duty.

FORT JACKSON

home.army.mil/jackson (803) 751-5166 Gate 4, Columbia

Half of the nation’s army recruits are trained right here in Columbia. The base also services the needs of active-duty soldiers, their families and retirees.

FORT JACKSON NATIONAL CEMETERY

cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftjackson.asp (803) 699-2246

4170 Percival Rd., Columbia

Established in 2009, the national cemetery is adjacent to Fort Jackson. Eligible military members and their families are interred on these peaceful grounds.

HAMPTON-PRESTON

MANSION & GARDENS

historiccolumbia.org (803) 252-7742

1615 Blanding St., Columbia

Built in 1818, this is one of Columbia’s oldest homes and now features exhibits of life from the 1800s through

early 1900s, plus three acres of beautiful gardens filled with native and exotic plantings.

THE MUSEUM OF THE RECONSTRUCTION ERA AT THE WOODROW WILSON FAMILY HOME historiccolumbia.org (803) 252-1770

1705 Hampton St., Columbia

The nation’s first museum dedicated to interpreting the post-Civil War Reconstruction period housed in South Carolina’s only presidential site. The house was home to Wilson’s family in the 1870s.

ROBERT MILLS HOUSE & GARDENS historiccolumbia.org (803) 252-1770

1616 Blanding St., Columbia

The prominent architect Robert Mills designed this grand home that now showcases a museum featuring decorative arts of the early 19th century. It is available for tours through Historic Columbia.

SEIBELS HOUSE AND GARDEN historiccolumbia.org (803) 252-7742

1601 Richland St., Columbia

For more than 200 years, the city’s oldest home and its gardens have been a popular visitor attraction. It is now operated by Historic Columbia.

SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR’S MANSION scgovernorsmansion.org (803) 737-3000

800 Richland St., Columbia

Formerly a military academy, the imposing governor’s mansion has housed more than 30 governors since the late 1800s. It also houses historical treasures and art special to the state.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE southcarolinastatehouse.com (803) 734-2430

1100 Gervais St., Columbia

The copper-domed State House is home to the General Assembly and the governor’s office. Built in 1855, it survived General Sherman’s march. Artillery hits are indicated on the exterior with bronze stars.

SOUTH CAROLINIANA LIBRARY sc.edulibrarysocar (803) 777-3131

USC Horseshoe, Columbia

It now houses special collections only, but the South Caroliniana Library building on USC’s campus was the first free-standing academic library in the country upon completion in 1840.

ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH visitstpeters.org (803) 779-0036

1529 Assembly St., Columbia

St. Peter’s became known as the Mother Church of the Midlands as the Irish population grew in the 1800s. Tours of the Gothic Revival-style building are available.

ST. TIMOTHY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

sainttimothyscolumbia.com (803) 765-1519

900 Calhoun St., Columbia

Situated across the street from the Governor’s Mansion, St. Timothy’s is often where governors go to worship. The Gothic-style sanctuary was completed at the turn of the century.

SUPREME COURT OF SOUTH CAROLINA judicial.state.sc.us/supreme (803) 734-1080

1231 Gervais St., Columbia

The highest court in the state is located in a former post office on Gervais Street, across from the State House. Daily use limits tours, but they are available by request.

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL trinitysc.org (803) 771-7300

1100 Sumter St., Columbia

The expansive Gothic-style cathedral sitting right in the middle of downtown is the oldest surviving sanctuary in the city and still offers daily services for worshippers.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA HORSESHOE sc.edu (803) 777-0169

Sumter St., Columbia

The first 12 buildings on the university’s campus led the way for the Horseshoe, the tree-lined, picturesque gathering spot for students and area residents alike.

WASHINGTON ST. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

(803) 256-2417

1401 Washington St., Columbia

Not only a church, this building also houses a museum with archives dating back to the early 1800s. The church itself was built in 1872.

WAVERING PLACE PLANTATION waveringplaceplantation.com (803) 432-0311

427 Adams Hayne Rd., Eastover

The picturesque plantation in Lower Richland is a popular venue for weddings with its historical charm and lush surroundings. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

MUSEUMS

& LEARNING CENTERS

701 CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART 701cca.org (803) 319-9949

701 Whaley St., Columbia

This gallery features a constant rotation of exhibits from the unusual to the provocative, and also features an artist-in-residence program for up-and-coming artists.

ANNE FRANK CENTER AT USC sc.edu/annefrankcenter

Barringer House, USC

The Anne Frank Center, only the fourth center in the world, is now located at the Barringer House on the campus of the University of South Carolina. The permanent exhibition tells the story of the young Jewish girl who documented her family’s two years of hiding in Nazi German-occupied Amsterdam during World War II. The exhibit uses quotes, photos, videos and original artifacts to represent the experience of Anne’s

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family as they hid behind her father’s business.

CAYCE HISTORICAL MUSEUM

cityofcayce-sc.govmuseum.asp

(803) 739-5385

1800 12th St., Cayce

Nestled along the Congaree River, the area now home to the City of Cayce is historically significant. The museum located behind city hall focuses on the 18th century through the modern era.

COLUMBIA ARTS CENTER

columbiasc.net/parks-recreation/ art-center

1227 Taylor St., Ste. C, Columbia

The Art Center is Parks and Recreation’s home for cultural arts. It is the center of multiple opportunities for adults and children alike as it houses classes, workshops and open studio for participants to explore and learn about the visual arts.

COLUMBIA FIRE DEPARTMENT MUSEUM

columbiasc.netfire

(803) 545-3700

1800 Laurel St., Columbia

Fan the flames of your interest in fire history at the city’s Fire Department Museum, and see firefighter artifacts from the 1800s to modern day.

COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART columbiamuseum.org

(803) 799-2810

1515 Main St., Columbia

Through its permanent collections and internationally recognized traveling exhibits, CMA lends a lot of culture to the city via its Main Street location and beyond.

EDVENTURE edventure.org

(803) 779-3100

211 Gervais St., Columbia

The largest children’s museum in the Southeast is also home to EDDIE, the world’s largest child, plus 92,00 square feet of interactive exhibits.

LEXINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM

lexingtoncountymuseum.org (803) 359-8369

231 Fox St., Lexington

The Colonial and pre-Civil War periods are the focus of the Lexington County Museum, which consists of 36 historic buildings important to the county’s cultural evolvement.

MCKISSICK MUSEUM sc.edu (803) 777-7251

USC Horseshoe, Columbia

Collections that date to the 1800s detail the culture and geography of the South, with both permanent and rotating exhibits. Located at USC, it is open to the public.

RICHLAND LIBRARY

richlandlibrary.com (803) 799-9084

1431 Assembly St., Columbia

The award-winning library system spans 11 branches throughout the county and serves 364,000 constituents with a circulation of 3 million and community programming.

RIVERBANKS ZOO & GARDEN riverbanks.org (803) 779-8717

500 Wildlife Pkwy., Columbia

A premier zoo, Riverbanks is home to more than 350 species of animals from around the world on 170 acres

and includes an aquarium, birdhouse and farm.

SC LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HALL OF FAME

scdps.sc.govhof (803) 896-8199

5400 Broad River Rd., Columbia

This museum honors law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty and honors all officers in their day-to-day tasks of protecting and serving South Carolina.

SOUTH CAROLINA ARCHIVES AND HISTORY CENTER scdah.sc.gov (803) 896-6196

8301 Parklane Rd., Columbia

Over 325 years of South Carolina state history are preserved by this state agency. Exhibits and a gift shop provide learning opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

SOUTH CAROLINA CONFEDERATE RELIC ROOM AND MILITARY MUSEUM crr.sc.gov (803) 737-8095

301 Gervais St., Columbia

The third-oldest museum in the state houses military artifacts and materials from the Revolutionary War through the present. It is located within the South Carolina State Museum.

SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY MUSEUM scmilitarymuseum.com (803) 299-4440

1 National Guard Rd., Columbia

The museum spans the entire military history of South Carolina, pre-dating the Revolutionary War through the modern era.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM scmuseum.org (803) 898-4921

301 Gervais St., Columbia

The former textile mill turned museum showcases the cultural, biological, scientific and historical contributions of South Carolina, plus traveling exhibits, a planetarium, a 4D theatre and an observatory.

STORMWATER STUDIOS stormwaterstudios.org (803) 661-9357

413 Pendleton St., Columbia Stormwater Studios provides studio space to 10 artists and gallery space to community artists. An arts destination in The Vista, Stormwater hosts events, classes and shows and serves as an event rental space.

TAPP’S OUTPOST (803) 988-0013

713–15 Saluda Ave., Columbia

This Five Points art space provides experience and practice for emerging artists and offers programming and events.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA MELTON MEMORIAL OBSERVATORY physics.sc.edu (803) 777-8105

1429 Greene St., Columbia Stargazers in Columbia can gather at the observatory on campus on Mondays at 8 p.m. to see the heavens through a variety of telescopes.

PARKS & GARDENS

BOTANICAL GARDEN AT RIVERBANKS ZOO riverbanks.org (803) 779-8717

1300 Botanical Pkwy., West Columbia

Within 70 acres in the Botanical Garden, there are gardens that showcase terrains from xeriscaped to downright marshy. Also see the largest public collection of Noisettes in the Old Rose Garden.

CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK nps.gov/cong (803) 776-4396

100 National Park Rd., Hopkins

The only National Park in the state features the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the U.S., plus lush greenery and native species of plants and animals.

CROOKED CREEK PARK icrc.net (803) 345-6181

1098 Old Lexington Hwy., Chapin

Disc golf, racquetball, tennis, walking trails and playgrounds… there’s no shortage of ways to have fun at Chapin’s state-of-the-art recreation complex that also includes programming for children and adults.

DREHER ISLAND STATE PARK southcarolinaparks.com (803) 364-4152

3677 State Park Rd., Prosperity

The largest island on Lake Murray is home to the perfect spot for camping, picnicking and every way imaginable to enjoy the lakefront while communing with nature.

EARLEWOOD PARK earlewood.org/parks-and-greenspaces (803) 545-3100

1113 Recreation Dr., Columbia Just outside of downtown, this outdoor haven boasts a disc golf course, tennis and basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields, an amphitheater and an off-leash dog park.

FINLAY PARK columbiasc.net/parks-recreation (803) 733-8691

930 Laurel St., Columbia Compact yet sprawling at 14 acres, Finlay is known for its swirling fountain and impressive views.

Playgrounds, concerts and festivals bring visitors to this oasis amidst the concrete.

GUIGNARD PARK sctrails.net 803-796-9020

964 Axtell Dr., Cayce Playgrounds, picnic shelters and a quaint creek that are guarded by a grove of trees make this little park a hidden paradise in the City of Cayce.

HARBISON STATE FOREST scfc.gov/state-forests/harbison-state-forest (803) 896-8890

5600 Broad River Rd., Columbia 22,000 acres of woodlands and over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails sit alongside the Broad River, making for an unexpected natural retreat in the growing urban area.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARK columbiasc.net/parks-recreation (803) 733-8452

2300 Greene St., Columbia A community center featuring basketball courts, meeting rooms and a baseball diamond anchor this park honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. near the Five Points and Waverly neighborhoods.

MAXCY GREGG PARK columbiasc.net/parks-recreation (803) 545-3100

1806 Blossom St., Columbia Walking paths and outdoor pools draw people from nearby neighborhoods to Maxcy Gregg Park. It is maintained by the City and offers green space near the Five Points area.

MEMORIAL PARK

columbiasc.net/parks-recreation (803) 545-3100

700 Hampton St., Columbia Memorial Park showcases monuments honoring victims of the Vietnam War, the Holocaust and the Korean War, plus a timeline of World War II, in a quiet, reflective setting.

OWENS FIELD SKATE PARK columbiasc.net/parks-recreation (803) 545-3100

1351 Jim Hamilton Blvd., Columbia Athletic endeavors enjoyed at Owens Field include skateboarding, inline hockey, disc golf, Little League

Families love to stroll together in the Botanical Garden at Riverbanks Zoo.

baseball and walking trails, adjacent to the public-use airport.

PAGE ELLINGTON PARK AT BULL STREET

bullstreetsc.com

(844) 285-5787

1640 Freed Dr., Columbia

Named after a pioneering African-American man who helped develop and worked on the Bull Street facilities in the 19th century, this park includes running and walking paths, a dog park, shelters and a natural water habitat featuring a two-acre pond.

SALUDA SHOALS PARK icrc.net (803) 772-1228

5605 Old Bush River Rd., Columbia

Four hundred acres of riverfront property just below the Lake Murray dam offers educational opportunities, kayaking, fishing, nature trails, soccer fields, tennis courts and a low ropes course.

SESQUICENTENNIAL STATE PARK

southcarolinaparks.com/sesqui (803) 788-2706

9564 Two Notch Rd., Columbia Right next to suburbs and shopping malls, 1,400 acres of lush green forest take visitors away from it all with hiking trails, camping and a large lake.

SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR’S MANSION GARDENS

scgovernorsmansion.org (803) 737-3000

800 Richland St., Columbia

The gardens surrounding the Governor’s Mansion in the Arsenal Hill neighborhood are available for weekday tours and feature large trees, lush greenery and spectacular fountains.

VIRGINIA HYLTON PARK lexsc.com (803) 359-1027

111 Maiden Ln., Lexington

This small oasis of nature is tucked away behind Lexington Town Hall. The park is home to an ADA-compliant playground, paths, streams and a fish pond.

PERFORMING ARTS

ANN BRODIE’S CAROLINA BALLET carolinaballet.net (803) 771-6303

914 Pulaski St., Columbia

The prestigious ballet company is a pre-professional company for serious dancers and performs several productions per year, including The Nutcracker.

BENEDICT COLLEGE

GOSPEL CHOIR

benedict.edu (803) 253-5000

1600 Harden St., Columbia Award-winning and energetic describe Benedict College’s gospel choir, which has performed worldwide, spreading the good word through song.

BROADWAY IN COLUMBIA broadwayincolumbia.com (803) 251-2222

1051 Greene St., Columbia

No need to hit up New York City when Broadway comes to Columbia with six hit shows per season, all housed in the Koger Center for the Arts.

CHAPIN THEATRE COMPANY chapintheatre.org (803) 240-8544

721 Chapin Rd., Chapin

The stages light up with four shows per season in the suburb of Chapin as this community theater presents new works and classics.

COLAJAZZ FOUNDATION colajazz.com contact@colajazz.com

914 Pulaski St., Columbia

ColaJazz provides access to world class musicians, supports local artists and works to ensure jazz has a home here in Columbia. The ColaJazz Fest is held each spring.

COLUMBIA CHILDREN’S THEATRE columbiachildrenstheatre.com (803) 691-4548

3400 Forest Dr. Columbia

Children of all ages and adults alike will be captivated with musicals, live plays and drama classes at this professional children’s theater that’s fun for the whole family.

SOUTH CAROLINA BALLET columbiacityballet.com (803) 799-7605

1545 Main St., Columbia

Dance is alive in Columbia thanks to this professional company that mixes the traditional with exciting new choreography that captures the imagination.

COLUMBIA CITY JAZZ CONSERVATORY columbiacityjazz.com (803) 252-0252

100 Park Place Ct., Lexington

This conservatory offers lyrical and modern jazz, ballet, pointe and tap classes for dancers of all ages from professional dancers from varied backgrounds.

COLUMBIA CLASSICAL BALLET columbiaclassicalballet.org (803) 252-9112

Columbia

Bringing ballet to the community is at the forefront of Columbia Classical Ballet, including a yearly rendition of The Nutcracker, a family tradition for many.

COLUMBIA MARIONETTE THEATRE cmtpuppet.org (803) 252-7366

401 Laurel St., Columbia

There are a lot of strings attached at the Midlands’ premier puppet theater, much to the delight of the children and adults who enjoy the whimsical, affordable shows.

COLUMBIA MUSIC FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION cmfaonline.com (803) 771-6303

914 Pulaski St., Columbia

Founded in 1897 to serve as a fine art council for the Columbia community, the Columbia Music Festival Association hosts plays, musicals and other events, and houses The ArtSpace for use by nonprofit groups.

DRAYTON HALL THEATRE sc.edu (803) 777-1111

1214 College St., Columbia

Primarily boasting performances by USC’s theater, dance and opera students, Drayton Hall Theatre is a cultural hub on the university’s campus.

HARBISON THEATRE AT MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE harbisontheatre.org (803) 407-5011

7300 College St., Irmo

The theater offerings at Harbison have become an increasingly attractive way to spend an evening, with national acts performing in the intimate setting in an unexpected location.

OPERA AT USC sc.edu (803) 777-7000

The soaring opera program at USC is a great benefit to the local community, with two fully-staged opera performances open to the public each year.

PALMETTO MASTERSINGERS palmettomastersingers.org (803) 765-0777

1205 Pembrook Dr., West Columbia Men’s choir doesn’t have to end after college. The Mastersingers perform locally and worldwide, sharing their love of choral music as “South Carolina’s Musical Ambassadors.”

THE PALMETTO OPERA palmettooperasc.org (803) 590-8228

P.O. Box 50462, Columbia

For the love of opera, this nonprofit organization seeks to bring opera to enthusiasts and novices alike through casual Opera Thursdays at Villa Tronco.

THE POWER COMPANY COLLABORATIVE thepowercompanycollaborative.org (803) 786-3590

1301 Columbia College Dr., Columbia Housed in residence at Columbia College, the Power Company dancers are supported by the South Carolina Arts Commission. Community classes are available on campus.

SANDLAPPER SINGERS (803) 220-1952

Columbia

The state’s premier choral ensemble has been celebrating and preserving the art of American choral music since 1996 with several concerts throughout the year.

SOUTH CAROLINA PHILHARMONIC scphilharmonic.com (803) 771-7937

500 Taylor St. Suite 300, Columbia

The Philharmonic brings symphonic music to the Midlands both for loyal supporters and the more casual listener through a variety of programs for over 50 seasons.

SOUTH CAROLINA SHAKESPEARE COMPANY shakespearesc.org (803) 787-2273

Columbia

One of the highest regarded Shakespearean companies is located right here in Columbia. They produce two free public plays per year with an emphasis on fresh new twists to old classics.

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE NEW MUSIC SERIES sc.edu

Columbia

This nationally recognized music series celebrates contemporary classical and world music written in the past 30 years in four standing-room-only concerts a year.

TOWN THEATRE towntheatre.com (803) 799-2510

1012 Sumter St., Columbia Tradition is tops at Town, which is the oldest continuously running theater in the country. A full season of shows are presented for the community, by the community.

TRUSTUS THEATRE trustus.org (803) 254-9732

520 Lady St., Columbia Irreverent, artsy and energetically envelope-pushing are all ways to describe Trustus. The professional company’s mission is to bring the newest and most original plays to the region.

USC DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE artsandsciences.sc.edu (803) 777-4288

Longstreet Theatre, Columbia

The theater department at the University of South Carolina teaches future theater performers up to the MFA level, as well as entertains students and the community with live performances.

USC DANCE COMPANY sc.edu (803) 777-7251

911 Sumter St., Columbia

From classical ballet to modern jazz, the university’s dance company presents shows while bringing in professional guest performers and training future dancers.

USC SCHOOL OF MUSIC music.sc.edu (803) 777-4280

813 Assembly St. Columbia

Serving as a cultural and educational center of excellence, the School of Music enriches the musical life of the university and the city as a whole by offering more than 300 concerts and recitals a year.

VILLAGE SQUARE THEATRE villagesquaretheatre.com (803) 359-1436

105 Caughman Rd., Lexington Lexington’s intimate community theater has set the stage for hundreds of plays for over 50 years, in addition to offering classes and workshops for aspiring actors.

WORKSHOP THEATRE workshoptheatre.com (803) 799-4876

635 Elmwood Ave., Columbia

This artistic collective puts on four shows a year in addition to leading many workshops and classes for aspiring actors and performers. Performances are held at 711 Whaley Street.

PUBLIC GOLF

COURSES

CHARWOOD COUNTRY CLUB charwood.com (803) 755-2000

222 Clubhouse Dr., West Columbia

A relaxing game of golf is what’s on the agenda at Charwood, away from the bustle of downtown. They also host tournaments and other special events.

COBBLESTONE PARK

cobblestoneparkgolfclub.com (803) 714-2620

1298 University Pkwy., Blythewood

Tucked amid towering oaks and green pines, 27 holes of the best golf in the area are waiting in Blythewood, just a short drive from the city.

GOLDEN HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

goldenhillsgolf.com (803) 957-3355

100 Scotland Dr., Lexington

Long ago, Golden Hills was a dairy farm, but today an 18-hole golf course community calls this area of Lexington home. Amenities include pools, tennis and a clubhouse.

HIDDEN VALLEY GOLF CLUB

hvgolf.com (803) 794-8087

147 Excaliber Ct., Gaston In West Columbia, Hidden Valley offers innovative golf experiences like using golf boards instead of carts for a fun, new way to hit the links.

LINRICK GOLF COURSE

facebook.comlinrickgolfcourse (803) 754-6331

356 Camp Ground Rd., Columbia

This public golf course in upper Richland County sits on 257 acres and features eight ponds set among rolling green hills for players of all abilities.

OAK HILLS GOLF CLUB

oakhillsgolf.com (803) 735-9830

7629 Fairfield Rd., Columbia

One of the closest to downtown Columbia, Oak Hills offers members the chance to spend leisure time on the green or at tournaments hosted by the club.

RIVERSIDE GOLF CENTER

riversidegolfandreccenter.com (803) 750-1015

1600 Garner Lane, Columbia

Take in nine holes on the links next to the river, just hit a few at the driving range or get in the Broad River for kayaking, fishing and stand-up paddleboarding.

SOLINA GOLF CLUB

solinagolf.com

200 Indian River Dr., West Columbia Formerly Indian River, Solina is in the midst of completing their redevelopment to feature 18 brand new greens for all skill levels. The new facility also includes a renovated clubhouse and restaurant and, when complete, a new pro shop, a locker building and a multi-bay learning center.

THE SPUR AT NORTHWOODS GOLF CLUB

northwoodsgolfsc.com (803) 786-9242

201 Powell Rd., Columbia

The Spur at Northwoods is a public golf course designed by the famed designer P.B. Dye. Eighteen holes encircle a quaint pond, with large pines in the background.

TIMBERLAKE GOLF COURSE

timberlakecountryclub.com (803) 345-9909

222 Timberlake Dr., Chapin

There’s nothing better than hitting the links, unless those links have a breathtaking view of Lake Murray. The club also includes tennis, swimming, dining and a fitness center.

THE WINDERMERE CLUB

windermereclubsc.com (803) 786-7888

1101 Longtown Rd., Blythewood

The most unique aspect of this course, and most others designed by Pete Dye, is Pete’s design philosophy, which dictates designing, in each 18, as many unique or “memorable” holes as possible.

WILDWOOD GOLD COURSE thewildewoodclub.com (803) 788-8000

90 Mallet Hill Rd, Columbia

Built on over 160 acres, this course unfolds through the rolling terrain of the Sandhills. Each hole is framed by great oak and pine trees making it one of the most playable golf courses in the area.

TOURS

AQUAFUN BOAT RENTALS AND TOURS

aquafunboatrentalsandtours lakemurraysc.com (803) 413-1693

220 Jakes Landing Rd., Lexington Rent kayaks, paddleboards, pontoon boats and jet skis at Jake’s Landing in Lexington, located at the water’s edge.

CAROLINA OUTDOOR ADVENTURES carolinaoutdooradventures.com (803) 381-2293

Want to have an adventure? Carolina Outdoor Adventures has water equipment rentals for kayaking and paddleboarding, and even for land adventures like BubbleBall soccer.

COLUMBIA FOOD TOURS columbiafoodtours.com (803) 760-2618

Columbia

Spend a few hours getting to know the food scene in town by taking a bite and sip from several restaurants on these guided tours.

COLUMBIA SC 63 WALKING TOUR columbiasc63.com

2025 Marion St., Columbia

Columbia’s rich Civil Rights history is more visible now, thanks to a walking tour with historical markers that centers on Main Street, the stage for many defining moments.

HISTORIC COLUMBIA historiccolumbia.org (803) 252-7742

1601 Richland St., Columbia

Historic Columbia manages the area’s historic homes and works to preserve and restore artifacts and places of cultural and historic significance, in addition to educational outreach.

PALMETTO OUTDOORS

palmettooutdoor.com (803) 404-8254

131 Alexander Rd., West Columbia

The three rivers in Columbia offer tons of outdoor opportunities like kayaking and tubing. Take a guided tour with the experts at Palmetto Outdoors for maximum enjoyment.

RECONSTRUCTED: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE RECONSTRUCTION ERA IN COLUMBIA SC reconstructedcolumbiasc.com

Columbia

This self-guided tour tells the story of the post-Civil War Reconstruction Era in Columbia. Each site offers con-

nections to understand the important events that shaped the period.

SALLY SALAMANDER WALKING TOUR

ColumbiaSalamander.com

1120 Lincoln St., Columbia

Featuring South Carolina’s amphibian ambassador, this walking tour of downtown Columbia is marked with numbered, bronze statues of the spotted salamander.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE GROUNDS: SELFGUIDED WALKING TOUR

southcarolinaparks.com (803) 734-2430

1100 Gervais St., Columbia

The immaculately groomed State House grounds feature statues that pay homage to integral citizens and state history. The grounds have been the site of great historical significance, from the 1800s to present.

TWO GALS AND A FORK twogalsfoodtours.com (803) 360-0578

Columbia With a bustling food scene, these food tours take participants for an insider’s look at some of the best food and cocktail experiences the city has to offer.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA VISITORS CENTER sc.edu (803) 922-9755

945 Bull St., Columbia

Prospective students and their parents can learn the ins and outs of life on campus as a Gamecock by starting at the visitors center or scheduling a tour.

TRAILS

CONGAREE CREEK

HERITAGE PRESERVE sctrails.net

634 Old State Rd., Cayce History is just below the surface within the 627 acres where ancient people once lived and Sherman’s troops marched in 1865. It now features a hiking trail and historic descriptions.

DREHER SHOALS DAM WALK lakemurraycountry.com

1836 N. Lake Dr., Lexington Spanning the 1.7 miles of the Lake Murray Dam, the walking and jogging lane shows off the region’s most gorgeous natural water views, especially at sunset.

PEACHTREE ROCK

HERITAGE PRESERVE sctrails.net (803) 254-9049

883 Peachtree Rock Rd., Lexington Named after a large upside-down triangular rock formation, this nature preserve also features sandstone formations and the state’s only natural waterfall in western Lexington County.

WATEREE RIVER

HERITAGE PRESERVE dnr.sc.gov (803) 734-3833

15001 Goodwill Rd., Richland County

This 3,674-acre Wildlife Management Area provides hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreational access to the public.

THREE RIVERS GREENWAY

The Three Rivers Greenway winds along the Broad, Saluda and Congaree Rivers in the Capital Region. With more than 15 miles of accessible trail, the Greenway provides the wonders of nature, history and sparkling water to all. The Greenway runs through Cayce, Columbia and West Columbia, and each section has unique characteristics. See how it can fit into your life as it does for us. Here are some highlights:

CAYCE RIVERWALK

Close to the Congaree River, the path lets you wind through the trees as you enjoy the active feel of Cayce hospitality. Check out the trail connection to the Cayce Arts District or continue down river, if you would like a longer stroll.

12,000 YEAR HISTORY TRAIL

A very special three-mile section of Greenway along the winding Congaree Creek. Walk back through time and ponder the past as you study the wayside exhibits from native Americans, colonial settlers, and the Revolution and Civil War conflicts.

GRANBY PARK/MILL

VILLAGE RIVERLINK

On the Columbia side of the Congaree River, this section of the Three Rivers Greenway has 1.5-miles of trail that connects the USC Greek Village, Olympia, Granby and Whaley Mills neighborhoods to Granby Park and the Congaree River.

RIVERFRONT PARK

Learn and exercise simultaneously by seeing the historic Columbia Canal and Water Works on a 3-mile stretch between the rivers and the Canal with entrances off Laurel Street and River Drive. A very easy bike ride along the Canal. At the northern end, the lower trail on the riverbank is perfect for dog exploration.

SALUDA RIVERWALK

Winner of the Waterfront Center’s International Excellence on the Waterfront Award, the Saluda Riverwalk winds along the Saluda River and behind the Riverbanks Zoo where you can hear wild animal sounds! It’s the coolest walk on the river and you can step off the trail to fish for trout. It’s a little bit of wilderness in the city!

THE SANCTUARY AT BOYD ISLAND

Cross the bridge from the Saluda Riverwalk to The Sanctuary at Boyd Island. Walk the easy loop around the island where you’ll see lots of nature, birds and sculptures. It’s one of the most beautiful and peaceful areas to visit and a great place to stop and stay awhile.

WEST COLUMBIA RIVERWALK AND AMPHITHEATER

Centering around the spectacular Gervais Street Bridge, the West Columbia Riverwalk stretches in two directions along the Congaree River and offers picturesque skyline views of the capital. This section is adjacent to the emerging hospitality scene just up from the river. See what is happening at the amphitheater.

“Meet me at Eddie!”

Discovery and Curiosity Await at EdVenture

At the intersection of curiosity and discovery, you’ll find EdVenture. Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, this immersive children’s museum awaits you and your family for a fun-filled day! Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Our sample exploration guide checks all the “must-see, must-do” activities for the perfect day inside EdVenture. Now, let’s get curious!

A Sample Day of Play at EdVenture

Explore the galleries

Get your wiggles out by exploring our immersive galleries. Climb inside our iconic 40-foot-tall “Eddie” and learn about how the human body works. Then, let your imagination take over while heading to the farm, taking an X-ray, or picking up a few items at our pint-sized grocery store.

PRO TIP: Our Dalmatian Station Fire Safety gallery brings the firefighter imagination to life with a life-sized fire truck! As a family, use the kiosk to make your Safe Meeting Place plan for your home and check out the 4-D fire safety theater.

WANT MORE?

Based on age, your children may be ready to spend more time at EdVenture. With gem mining in the Great Outdoors, toddler exploration in My Backyard, or story time in our library, we’ve only scratched the surface on all there is to get curious about inside EdVenture. We can’t wait to see you soon! Visit EdVenture.org

Get curious with hands-on labs

EdVenture has several daily lab programs that are perfect for curious kids. Explore food inside the Cooking Lab or test an experiment in the Bio Lab.

PRO TIP: Ask about the Musical Tesla Coil program to watch manufactured lightning dance to musical frequency sounds! We promise, it is as cool as it sounds!

Creativity awaits in the A-ha! Maker Space

Head upstairs to create a collage with recycled materials or make a parachute out of coffee filters in the EdVenture Maker Space area.

PRO TIP: Become the illustrator in Draw Alive and color your masterpiece. Then, watch it come to life on the big screen as it animates your artwork!

Let your curiosity fly in the Flight gallery

Clear for takeoff! In EdVenture’s Flight gallery, visitors can sit in the pilot’s seat of a real cockpit. Imagine flying into the air in this larger-than-life experience!

PRO TIP: Have a paper airplane contest and see whose goes the furthest!

ACCOMMODATIONS

COLUMBIA CITY CENTER

ALOFT COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN aloftcolumbiadowntown.com (803) 445-1900

823 Lady St., Columbia

The funky-cool vibes of Aloft are featured in the heart of the Vista, offering all of the amenities and pet-friendliness of all Alofts.

CAMBRIA HOTEL COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN - THE VISTA www.cambriahotelcolumbia.com (803) 728-3355

1000 Lady St., Columbia

This modern hotel is close to the city’s most popular attractions and is designed to capture the region’s charm while featuring upscale amenities that let guests make the most of their stay.

CHESNUT COTTAGE

BED & BREAKFAST

chesnutcottage.com (803) 256-1718

1718 Hampton St., Columbia

 coffee

COLUMBIA MARRIOTT HOTEL marriott.com/caemh (803) 771-7000

1200 Hampton St., Columbia Right in the pulsing heart of downtown, the Marriott is where celebrity sightings are most likely to happen. Accommodations are an elevator ride away from the excitement of Main Street.

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN AT USC marriott.com/caecd (803) 799-7800

630 Assembly St., Columbia Rising tall on Assembly Street, the Courtyard by Marriott is steps away from the Coliseum, Koger Center, Colonial Life Arena and USC’s Darla Moore School of Business.

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES

MARRIOTT – COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN (803) 744-4000

501 Taylor St., Columbia

coffee

GALLUS STADIUM PARK INN gallusstadiumparkinn.com (803) 708-3311

621 South Assembly St., Columbia

GRADUATE COLUMBIA

graduatehotels.com/columbia

(803) 779-7779

1619 Pendleton St., Columbia

The newly renovated boutique property is the closest hotel to the University of South Carolina and features décor inspired by Columbia’s history and culture — from a rooster motif to Darius Rucker.

HAMPTON INN DOWNTOWN

HISTORIC DISTRICT

hamptoninn3.hilton.com (803) 231-2000

822 Gervais St., Columbia In the middle of the hot Vista district, the Hampton Inn is an easy walking distance to the downtown business district, with plenty of nearby entertainment for the evening.  coffee 

HILTON COLUMBIA CENTER hiltoncolumbia.com (803) 744-7800

924 Senate St., Columbia Conveniently located near many entertainment and dining options, including the in-house Ruth’s Chris steakhouse. An attached garage provides ample covered parking.

HILTON GARDEN INN

COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN hilton.com/en/hotels/caecdgi (803) 227-3400

1200 Pickens St., Columbia

Enjoy a modern dual brand hotel under one roof, The Hilton Garden Inn and Home2 Suites by Hilton, located in the heart of the City and within easy walking distance of the University of South Carolina, SC State House, attractions, entertainment venues and local restaurants. 

HOLIDAY INN COLUMBIA

– DOWNTOWN ihg.com/holidayinn (803) 205-4950

1233 Washington St., Columbia Holiday Inn Downtown is the latest edition to the Historic Main Street District. Major businesses, shopping, fine dining and unique Columbia sites are just around every corner of this upscale boutique hotel.

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES COLUMBIA

DOWNTOWN – THE VISTA ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/ us/en/columbia/caedt/hoteldetail (803) 663-7500

901 Washington St., Columbia

The latest addition to the newly revived Main Street district in downtown Columbia. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbia Downtown – The Vista is centrally located and within walking distance to all downtown Columbia has to offer.

 coffee

HOME2 SUITES BY HILTON COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN hilton.com/en/hotels/caehtht (803) 227-3410

1210 Pickens St., Columbia

Enjoy a modern dual brand hotel under one roof, Home2 Suites by Hilton and The Hilton Garden Inn®. Extended stay guests enjoy the added comfort of a spacious contemporary studio suite, in-suite kitchen, Home2 Breakfast, outdoor patios and grilling areas, all in the heart of Downtown. Your pets are welcome, too.

coffee 

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON columbiasc.homewoodsuites.com (803) 239-4663

230 Greystone Blvd., Columbia Suitable for extended stays, Homewood Suites by Hilton is situated within miles of downtown Columbia, major interstates, and with quick airport access.

 coffee 

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN hilton.com/en/hotels/ caecahw-homewood-suitescolumbia-downtown/ (803) 813-8000

400 Gervais St., Columbia

Find us in downtown Columbia in the Vista entertainment district near museums, Colonial Life Arena and the University of South Carolina. Suites include full kitchens.  coffee 

HOTEL TRUNDLE hoteltrundle.com (803) 722-5000

1224 Taylor St., Columbia Dubbed Columbia’s handcrafted hotel, Hotel Trundle resides in a historic setting where you’ll find all manner of surprises including art-deco inspired décor and beer on tap at the front desk.

RED = PREFERRED

PARTNER HOTELS

 FREE WI-FI

 AIRPORT SHUTTLE

 RESTAURANT

coffee FULL BREAKFAST

 SMOKE FREE

 PETS ALLOWED

 INDOOR POOL

 OUTDOOR POOL

HYATT PLACE COLUMBIA/ DOWNTOWN/VISTA hyattplacecolumbiadowntown.com (803) 978-2013

819 Gervais St., Columbia

Located downtown in the heart of Columbia’s premier arts and entertainment district. Just a short walk from Colonial Life Arena, USC and the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. shuttle-van

SHERATON COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN HOTEL marriott.com/caesi (803) 988-1400

1400 Main St., Columbia

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT – COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN/THE VISTA marriott.com/caesh (803) 978-2333

511 Lady St., Columbia

Be near everything in the Vista District, but not in the middle of it. Springhill Suites offers spacious rooms with amenities such as mini refrigerator, microwave, free Wi-Fi and iHome in every room.

 coffee  

STAYBRIDGE SUITES

COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN staycolumbiasc.com (803) 451-5900

1913 Huger St., Columbia  coffee   

TRU BY HILTON COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN hilton.com/en/hotels/ caeruru-tru-columbia-downtown/ 400 Gervais St., Columbiac (803) 862-0500

In downtown Columbia, find us surrounded by restaurants and museums, Colonial Life Arena, the South Carolina State House, and the University of South Carolina, all within one mile. Enjoy our complimentary breakfast, pool table, and fitness center.

 coffee 

TRU BY HILTON COLUMBIA GREYSTONE tru3.hilton.com (803) 756-4140

185 Stoneridge Dr., Columbia

One of the newer hotels, Tru by Hilton includes all of your favorite features: free WiFi, a large HDTV and the Top It breakfast bar. Plus, it’s only three minutes from Rivebanks Zoo and Gardens.

 coffee 

COLUMBIA SOUTHEAST & FORT JACKSON

BAYMONT BY WYNDHAM COLUMBIA FORT JACKSON wyndhamhotels.com (803) 567-5863

240 East Exchange Blvd., Columbia

 

CANDLEWOOD SUITESCOLUMBIA/FT. JACKSON ihg.com (803) 727-1299

921 Atlas Rd., Columbia

 

COMFORT INN & SUITES FORT JACKSON MAINGATE choicehotels.com/comfort-inn (803) 695-5555

7337 Garners Ferry Rd., Columbia  coffee

COUNTRY INN & SUITES BY RADISSON, COLUMBIA, SC countryinns.com/columbiasc (803) 776-6660

220 East Exchange Blvd., Columbia

 coffee 

HAMPTON INN & SUITES

COLUMBIA/SOUTHEAST, FORT JACKSON

columbiasoutheastfortjackson suites.hamptoninn.com (803) 217-3999

201 East Exchange Blvd., Columbia Downtown Columbia, the University of South Carolina, Fort Jackson, and Williams-Brice Stadium are all within six miles and Congaree National Park is 20 minutes away. Enjoy daily free hot breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor area with fire pit and grill.

 coffee 

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES - FORT JACKSON hiexpress.com/fortjackson (803) 695-1111

7329 Garners Ferry Rd., Columbia  coffee 

HOME2 SUITES BY HILTON COLUMBIA SOUTHEAST FORT JACKSON home2suites3.hilton.com (803) 881-9700

7340 Garners Ferry Rd., Columbia LA QUINTA INN COLUMBIA SE - FORT JACKSON wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta (803) 783-5410

7333 Garners Ferry Rd., Columbia

 coffee  

MICROTEL INN & SUITES BY WYNDHAM COLUMBIA/ AT FORT JACKSON wyndhamhotels.com/microtel (803) 217-1000

7504 Garners Ferry Rd., Columbia 

SLEEP INN - FT. JACKSON choicehotels.com/sleep-inn (803) 776-6263

200 East Exchange Blvd., Columbia

 coffee 

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT COLUMBIA/ FORT JACKSON marriott.com/en-us/hotels/caecsspringhill-suitescolumbia-near-fort-jackson/ overview/ (803) 704-1600

170 East Exchange Blvd., Columbia Located near Fort Jackson and just minutes from downtown, this all suites hotel has the functionality and modern amenities you need at an affordable price.  coffee  

TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT COLUMBIA SE/FORT JACKSON marriott.com/caese (803) 695-0062

250 East Exchange Blvd., Columbia One and two-bedroom suites feature a full kitchen and custom closets at this Towneplace Suites — convenient to Fort Jackson and downtown.

coffee 

IRMO — ST. ANDREWS/ HARBISON

ALOFT COLUMBIA HARBISON marriott.com/caeah (803) 407-6166

217 Lanneau Ct., Columbia 

BAYMONT BY WYNDHAM COLUMBIA NORTHWEST wyndhamhotels.com/baymont (803) 731-2300

347 Zimalcrest Dr., Columbia shuttle-van  

BEST WESTERN EXECUTIVE INN & SUITES bestwestern.com (803) 561-9027

1720 Bush River Rd., Columbia  

COMFORT INN HOTEL COLUMBIA comfortinncolumbiasc.com (803) 798-5101

911 Bush River Rd., Columbia Affordable accommodations and a staff who understand Southern hospitality come together at the Comfort Inn, within easy driving distance of downtown Columbia, Irmo and Fort Jackson. shuttle-van  coffee   

COMFORT SUITES HARBISON choicehotels.com/comfort-suites (803) 407-4444

750 Saturn Pkwy., Columbia  coffee  

COUNTRY INN & SUITES BY RADISSON, COLUMBIA AT HARBISON, SC countryinns.com/ columbiasc_harbison (803) 391-4100

414 Piney Grove Rd., Columbia  coffee 

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON AND CONFERENCE CENTER columbiasouthcarolina. doubletree.com (803) 731-0300

2100 Bush River Rd., Columbia

Housed near the junction of two major interstates, the DoubleTree offers large conference spaces and meeting rooms for the business traveler, without the distraction of being downtown. shuttle-van 

DREHER ISLAND STATE PARK southcarolinaparks. com/dreherisland (803) 364-4152

3677 State Park Rd., Prosperity EXTENDED STAY AMERICA - COLUMBIA - NORTHWEST/HARBISON extendedstayamerica.com (803) 781-8590

1170 Kinley Rd., Irmo 

FAIRFIELD INN BY MARRIOTT - COLUMBIA NORTHWEST/HARBISON marriott.com/caefn (803) 732-4436

320 Columbiana Dr., Columbia  coffee

HAMPTON INN ON THE LAKE AT HARBISON columbiaharbison.hamptoninn.com (803) 749-6999

101 Woodcross Dr., Columbia  coffee

HILTON GARDEN INN COLUMBIA/HARBISON columbiaharbison.stayhgi.com (803) 407-6640

434 Columbiana Dr., Columbia

The bustling Harbison area Hilton is a comfortable walking distance to several restaurants, the Columbiana Center Mall, and many other major and local retailers.

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES COLUMBIA I-26 @ HARBISON BLVD columbiahie.com (803) 732-2229

211 Lanneau Ct., Columbia  coffee

HOME2SUITES BY HILTON COLUMBIA HARBISON hilton.com (803) 766-0600

550 Columbiana Dr., Columbia 

MAINSTAY SUITES COLUMBIA HARBISON choicehotels.com/south-carolina/ columbia/mainstay-hotels/ (803) 881-3665

350 Columbiana Dr., Columbia 

HYATT PLACE COLUMBIA/ HARBISON columbiaharbison.place.hyatt.com (803) 407-1560

1130 Kinley Rd., Irmo

QUALITY INN & SUITES choicehotels.com (803) 798-9665

2210 Bush River Rd., Columbia

RAMADA LIMITED COLUMBIA wyndhamhotels.com/ramada (803) 731-9997

1315 Garner Lane, Columbia

RESIDENCE INN COLUMBIA NORTHWEST/HARBISON marriott.com/caehb (803) 749-7575

944 Lake Murray Blvd., Irmo

Whether you’re with us for a few days, a few weeks, or a few months, you’ll thrive at Residence Inn with the space and conveniences you need.  coffee 

SLEEP INN AT BUSH RIVER ROAD choicehotels.com/sleep-inn (803) 731-9999 1901 Rockland Rd., Columbia  coffee

SUPER 8 BY WYNDHAM HARBISON/PARKRIDGE HOSPITAL wyndhamhotels.com/super-8 (803) 772-1914

411 Piney Grove Rd., Columbia shuttle-van  

TOWNEPLACE SUITES COLUMBIA NORTHWEST/ HARBISON columbiatowneplace.com (803) 749-7552

438 Columbiana Dr., Columbia You’ll love the neighborhood-style living and great value in this allsuite, extended stay Columbia hotel just minutes from downtown and the University of South Carolina. 

TRU BY HILTON HARBISON COLUMBIA tru3.hilton.com (803) 732-7299

271 Columbiana Dr., Columbia  coffee 

WOOD SMOKE FAMILY CAMPGROUND woodsmoke.webs.com (803) 781-3451

11302 Broad River Rd., Irmo

LEXINGTON COUNTY

ACAPULCO USA CAMPGROUND acapulco-usa.com (803) 798-8559

960 Rock N Creek Rd., Leesville BUFFALO CREEK MARINA BuffaloCreekMarina.com (803) 364-9353

849 Marina Way, Prosperity

CEDAR POND CAMPGROUND (803) 657-5993 4721 Fairview Rd., Batesburg-Leesville

COMFORT SUITES LEXINGTON choicehotels.com/comfortsuites (803) 996-2000

325 West Main St., Lexington  coffee  

DAYS INN BY WYNDHAM LEXINGTON wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn (803) 356-6533

1015 South Lake Dr., Lexington

EDMUND RV PARK edmundrvpark.com (803) 955-4010

5910 Edmund Hwy., Lexington

HAMPTON INN & SUITES

LEXINGTON hilton.com/en/hotels/caelehx (803) 722-5800

4751 Sunset Blvd., Lexington

 coffee 

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES

(803) 996-2000

325 West Main St. Lexington, SC 29072

Located in the heart of Lexington near corporate job sites and local attractions, this hotel is the perfect choice for business and leisure travelers.

 coffee 

LEXINGTON INN AND SUITES (803) 808-0800

131 Innkeeper Dr., Lexington

 coffee 

LAKE MURRAY RESORT & MARINA

lakemurrayresort.com (803) 532-5300

101 Sandalwood Rd., Leesville

LAKE MURRAY

VACATION RENTALS

lakemurrayvacation.com (803) 798-8559

2727 Hwy 378, Gilbert

LEESVILLE LODGE leesvillelodge.com (803) 532-1082

605 East Columbia Ave., Leesville 

MR. Z’S RV PARK AND CAMPGROUND mrzsrv.com

(803) 206-8928

3343 Augusta Hwy., Gilbert

QUALITY INN & SUITES

LEXINGTON choicehotels.com/quality-inn (803) 359-3099

328 West Main St., Lexington

 coffee 

SIESTA COVE MARINA AND CAMPGROUND siestacovemarina.com (803) 892-2978

256 John Long Rd.. Gilbert

SURESTAY PLUS BY BEST WESTERN bestwestern.com (803) 356-8300

601 Columbia Ave., Lexington

 coffee 

WINGATE BY WYNDHAM - LEXINGTON/COLUMBIA lexingtonwingate.com (803) 957-5000

108 Saluda Point Ct., Lexington Wingate makes business and leisure travel easy. This convenient location is just off I-20, within minutes of downtown, shopping, restaurants and major attractions.  coffee

YOGI BEAR’S JELLYSTONE PARK CAMP RESORT AT RIVER BOTTOM FARMS riverbottomfarms.com (803) 568-4182

357 Cedar Creek Rd., Swansea

RICHLAND NORTHEAST & FORT JACKSON

HOLIDAY INN & SUITES

ihg.com/holidayinn (803) 736-6666

7525 Two Notch Rd., Columbia  coffee 

COMFORT INN BLYTHEWOOD choicehotels.com/comfort-inn (803) 754-1441

436 McNulty Rd., Blythewood  coffee 

COMFORT SUITES NORTHEAST choicehotels.com/comfort-suites (803) 678-4266

1540 Daulton Dr., Columbia  coffee 

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT COLUMBIA NORTHEAST marriott.com/caene (803) 736-3600

111 Gateway Corporate Blvd., Columbia  coffee 

DAYS INN BY WYNDHAM NORTH COLUMBIA FT. JACKSON wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn (803) 999-5369

114 Blythewood Rd., Blythewood

DELTA MARRIOTT NORTHEAST marriott.com/caede (803) 736-5600

8105 Two Notch Rd., Columbia

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES

MARRIOTT COLUMBIA NORTHEAST fairfieldinn.com/caefs (803) 760-1700

120 Blarney Dr., Columbia Travelers to Fort Jackson will appreciate this nearby Marriott that’s at the junction of two major interstates, making for easy access to the base and beyond.

 coffee  

HAMPTON INN & SUITES

COLUMBIA KILLIAN ROAD hamptoninn3.hilton.com (803) 999-1800 1310 Robert’s Branch Pkwy., Columbia Nearby Sesquicentennial State Park and a short drive from downtown Columbia, this Hampton Inn is a draw for nature lovers and urban dwellers alike.

 coffee  

HAMPTON INN COLUMBIA

I-20/CLEMSON ROAD columbiai20clemsonroad. hamptoninn.com (803) 788-4901 1021 Clemson Frontage Rd., Columbia

coffee

HAMPTON INN COLUMBIA NORTHEAST FORT JACKSON AREA columbianortheast.hamptoninn.com (803) 865-8000

1551 Barbara Dr., Columbia  coffee 

HILTON GARDEN INN COLUMBIA/NORTHEAST columbianortheast.hgi.com (803) 807-9000

8910 Farrow Rd., Columbia

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES BLYTHEWOOD hiexpress.com/blythewoodsc (803) 333-0315

120 Creech Rd., Blythewood  coffee 

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS COLUMBIA - TWO NOTCH hiexpress.com (803) 699-9333

8300 Two Notch Rd., Columbia  coffee 

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES COLUMBIA - I-20 @ CLEMSON RD hiexpress.com/clmbia@clemson (803) 419-3558

1011 Clemson Frontage Rd., Columbia  coffee 

HOME2 SUITES BY HILTON BLYTHEWOOD (800) 445-8667

93 Creech Rd., Blythewood

coffee

LAQUINTA INN & SUITES COLUMBIA NE FORT JACKSON wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta (803) 736-6400

1538 Horseshoe Dr., Columbia  coffee

MICROTEL INN & SUITES BY WYNDHAM COLUMBIA TWO NOTCH RD AREA wyndhamhotels.com/microtel (803) 736-3237

1520 Barbara Dr., Columbia

MOTEL 6 COLUMBIA EAST SC motel6.com (803) 736-3900

7541 Nates Rd., Columbia

QUALITY INN FORT JACKSON choicehotels.com/quality-inn (803) 736-0822

8104 Two Notch Rd., Columbia  coffee 

RESIDENCE INN MARRIOTT COLUMBIA NORTHEAST/ FORT JACKSON AREA residenceinn.com/caeri (803) 788-8850

2320 LeGrand Rd., Columbia mug-hot

SESQUICENTENNIAL STATE PARK southcarolinaparks.com/sesqui (803) 788-2706

9564 Two Notch Rd., Columbia SUPER 8 BY WYNDHAM COLUMBIA/FT. JACKSON SC wyndhamhotels.com/super-8 (803) 790-1133

5321 Forest Dr., Columbia

WOODSPRING SUITES COLUMBIA FORT JACKSON woodspring.com (803) 699-1413

931 Spears Creek Ct., Elgin

WYNDAM GARDEN COLUMBIA wyndhamhotels.com/ wyndham-garden/columbiasouth-carolina/wyndhamgarden-columbia-ft-jackson/ overview (803) 736-0809

1539 Horseshoe Dr., Columbia

WEST COLUMBIA/ CAYCE/AIRPORT

BARNYARD RV PARK barnyardrvpark.com (803) 957-1238

201 Oak Dr., Lexington

CLARION INN AIRPORT choicehotels.com/clarion (803) 794-9440

500 Chris Dr., West Columbia shuttle-van

COUNTRY INN & SUITES BY RADISSON, COLUMBIA AIRPORT, SC countryinns.com/ columbiasc_airport (803) 794-6200

2245 Airport Blvd., Cayce shuttle-van  coffee  

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT CAYCE marriott.com/caecy (803) 794-7033

1125 Fort Congaree Trail, Cayce

ECONO LODGE INN & SUITES choicehotels.com/econo-lodge (803) 936-0015

1935 Airport Blvd., Cayce 

HILTON GARDEN INN COLUMBIA AIRPORT ihg.com/holidayinn (803) 391-4000

110 McSwain Dr., West Columbia shuttle-van  coffee  

HAMPTON INN COLUMBIA I-26 AIRPORT hamptoninn3.hilton.com (803) 791-8940

1094 Chris Dr., West Columbia Located just across the interstate from Lexington Medical Center, this hotel also provides easy access to historic downtown Columbia and area attractions. shuttle-van  mug-hot  

MAGNOLIA CAMPGROUND magnoliacampground.com (803) 926-2272

4031 Charleston Hwy., West Columbia

QUALITY INN WEST COLUMBIA choicehotels.com/quality-inn (803) 791-5160

2516 Augusta Rd., West Columbia  coffee  

RESIDENCE INN COLUMBIA WEST/LEXINGTON marriott.com/caewe (803) 661-6910

122 Mathias Rd., West Columbia Settle in and unwind with the conveniences you need like spacious studio suites, a fully equipped kitchen and complimentary grocery delivery.  coffee   

TOWNEPLACE SUITES COLUMBIA WEST LEXINGTON marriott.com/caetw/ (803) 935-9050

2915 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia

Balance work and life as you like in this extended-stay hotel with the comfort, flexibility and affordability you require. Relax and feel at home with a fully equipped kitchen and high-speed internet access.  coffee  

Featuring the world-class services & amenities you have come to expect from Hilton CONFERENCE CENTER

Featuring the world-class services & amenities you have come to expect from Hilton CONFERENCE CENTER

Featuring the world-class services & amenities you have come to expect from Hilton CONFERENCE CENTER

Featuring the world-class services & amenities you have come to expect from Hilton CONFERENCE CENTER

Featuring the world-class services & amenities you have come to expect from Hilton CONFERENCE CENTER

Featuring the world-class services & amenities you have come to expect from Hilton CONFERENCE CENTER

• Over 22,000 sq ft. of flexible meeting & event space

• Over 22,000 sq ft. of flexible meeting & event space

• Over 22,000 sq ft. of flexible meeting & event space

• Over 22,000 sq ft. of flexible meeting & event space

• Over 22,000 sq ft. of flexible meeting & event space

• Over 22,000 sq ft. of flexible meeting & event space

• Largest hotel ballroom in Columbia with 10,400 sq ft. 800 sit down dinner capability

• Largest hotel ballroom in Columbia with 10,400 sq ft. 800 sit down dinner capability

• Largest hotel ballroom in Columbia with 10,400 sq ft. 800 sit down dinner capability

• Largest hotel ballroom in Columbia with 10,400 sq ft. 800 sit down dinner capability

• Largest hotel ballroom in Columbia with 10,400 sq ft. 800 sit down dinner capability

• 237 well appointed guest rooms

• Largest hotel ballroom in Columbia with 10,400 sq ft. 800 sit down dinner capability

• 237 well appointed guest rooms

• 237 well appointed guest rooms

• 237 well appointed guest rooms

• 237 well appointed guest rooms

• Complimentary parking

• Complimentary parking

• Complimentary parking

• 237 well appointed guest rooms

• Complimentary parking

• Complimentary parking

• Complimentary parking

• Complimentary WiFi in guest rooms and public space

• Complimentary WiFi in guest rooms and public space

• Complimentary WiFi in guest rooms and public space

• Complimentary WiFi in guest rooms and public space

• Complimentary WiFi in guest rooms and public space

• Complimentary WiFi in guest rooms and public space

• Columbo’s Restaurant - open breakfast, lunch & dinner

• Columbo’s Restaurant - open breakfast, lunch & dinner

• Columbo’s Restaurant - open breakfast, lunch & dinner

• Columbo’s Restaurant - open breakfast, lunch & dinner

• Columbo’s Restaurant - open breakfast, lunch & dinner Happy hour M-F 4pm - 7pm

Happy hour M-F 4pm - 7pm

• Columbo’s Restaurant - open breakfast, lunch & dinner

Happy hour M-F 4pm - 7pm

Happy hour M-F 4pm - 7pm

Happy hour M-F 4pm - 7pm

• Complimentary airport shuttle

• Complimentary airport shuttle

• Complimentary airport shuttle

Happy hour M-F 4pm - 7pm

• Complimentary airport shuttle

• Complimentary airport shuttle

• Complimentary airport shuttle

• Fitness center & outdoor pool

• Fitness center & outdoor pool

• Fitness center & outdoor pool

• Fitness center & outdoor pool

• Fitness center & outdoor pool

• Fitness center & outdoor pool

2100 Bush River Road Columbia, SC 29210

2100 Bush River Road Columbia, SC 29210

2100 Bush River Road Columbia, SC 29210

2100 Bush River Road Columbia, SC 29210

803-731-0300

2100 Bush River Road Columbia, SC 29210 803-731-0300

803-731-0300

803-731-0300

columbiasouthcarolina.doubletree.com

columbiasouthcarolina.doubletree.com

2100 Bush River Road Columbia, SC 29210

803-731-0300

columbiasouthcarolina.doubletree.com

columbiasouthcarolina.doubletree.com

803-731-0300

columbiasouthcarolina.doubletree.com

columbiasouthcarolina.doubletree.com

THE COLUMBIA REGION

DISTRICTS AROUND COLUMBIA

Take time to explore all the great districts of Columbia, SC. HARBISON/IRMO

MAP

COLUMBIA CITY CENTER

DISTRICTS AROUND COLUMBIA

Take time to explore all the great districts of Columbia, SC.

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