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Media KitColumbia SC
ColumbiaCVB.com
AndreA MensinkDirector of Communications
1101 Lincoln Street | Columbia, SC 29201Phone: (803) 545.0011Cell: (507) 993-7178 | Fax: (803) 545-0013
dAynA CAntelMiMarketing & Communications Associate
1101 Lincoln Street | Columbia, SC 29201Phone: (803) 545-0252Cell: (704) 421-5306 | Fax: (803) 545-0013
For More inForMAtion ContACt:
The heart of the Palmetto state is rooted in history with a forward-thinking, dynamic pulse. Classic Southern charm, grace and ease can be found in abundance among the antebellum mansions that nod to a bygone era. Head downtown to experience Columbia’s electric vibe, colorful art scene and indie spirit. Spark conversations with a glass of sweet tea and even sweeter people. You’ll see why this city is always famously hot and surprisingly cool.
Columbia metro areaPOPULATION: 784,745Six county-area located in central SC with award-winning hospital systems, thriving local businesses and charming neighborhoods.
City of ColumbiaPOPULATION: 133,358At the forefront of innovation, the city boasts three major universities, high-tech start-ups and art galleries. The combination of creative talent and a business friendly city paved the way for revitalization.
GeoGraPHy of Columbia metro area 30,109 sq. mi. including Congaree National Park, two state parks and Harbison State Forest.
Situated at the confluence of three main rivers: Saluda, Broad and Congaree, 1,896 sq. mi. is covered in water.
aVeraGe DayS of SuNSHiNe Bring your SPF! Columbia enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
Cool off with our notorious summer afternoon thunderstorms in the wettest month of July. Kick back in a rocking chair for a front row seat to watch the storms roll in.
aVeraGe temPeratureWe’re famously hot for a reason! With a record high of 113 degrees in 2012, our heat is no joke! But our hot summers lead to mild, enjoyable winters.
Summer: high [92 f, 33 c] low [ 70 f, 21 c] Winter: high [63 f, 17 c] low [ 41 f, 5 c] Spring: high [79 f, 26 c] low [ 56 f, 13 c]
larGeSt CommuNitieSCity of Columbia [pop. 133,358]The legislative hub of SC has a multitude of successful local businesses to visit as well as cultural attractions like the SC State Museum and Columbia Museum of Art.
Richland County [pop. 389,830]This “rich land” has a vibrant military community with Fort Jackson, training 50% of all soldiers entering the Army every year.
Lexington County [pop. 270,406]Sail, swim or boat in the home of the city’s playground, Lake Murray.
The new southern hoT SPoT
GettiNG Here: By air: Columbia Metropolitan Airport
By bus: Greyhound
By rail: Amtrak
By car: Three major interstate highways serve the Columbia metropolitan area: I-26, I-77 & I-20.
DiStaNCe from Columbia to:Charleston, SC 114 mi | 183km
Charlotte, NC 93 mi | 150km
Greenville, SC103 m | 167 km
Myrtle Beach, SC153 m | 246 km
Hilton Head, SC152 m | 245 km
aCComoDatioNS Allow our 11,317 hotel rooms to show you ample
southern hospitality where you’ll hear “sir”s and “ma’am”s left and right.
Over 450 restaurants with everything from shrimp and grits to our state’s renowned barbeque.
ViSitor StatS 4 million visitors annually, equaling $1 billion in
spending.
Visitors save every household in SC $700 every year.
Courtesy of Farm To Table Event Co.
An up-and-coming foodie town filled with locally owned restaurants that are always proud to showcase their yummy fare. Our famously hot climate allows for year-round farm-to-table eating. Slip into a food coma from delectable meals of finger-licking comfort food. With major festivals celebrating sweet potatoes, okra and tomatoes, you know we take food seriously. Grab a fork, a glass of sweet tea and dig in!
SoutHerN PriDeDefined by an abundance of fresh seafood and produce, Southern cuisine is soul-warming comfort food served with a side of fried hushpuppies or cheesy grits. Be sure to fill your plate and always ask for seconds- it’s only polite!
The signature tangy, but sweet, mustard-based sauce over smoky pulled pork sparks intense competition. Don’t forget all of the fixin’s like hash, collards and hush puppies. Choose which is your favorite BBQ spot: Maurice’s Piggie Park, Palmetto Pig, Hudson’s Smokehouse, The Southern Belly or Shealy’s BBQ.
Blue Marlin’s Adluh Flour Mill’s stone ground grits topped with creek shrimp, andouille sausage and tasso gravy is a legendary, South Carolina dish that tastes like hospitality.
Real southern cooking? Mr. Friendly’s Southern Café & Lizard’s Thicket served with fried green tomatoes.
Can’t miss Yesterday’s Restaurant & Tavern with its life size cowboy mannequin perched in a bathtub over the entrance.
Inspired by the bounty of the region’s farms, Midlands’ at Marriott has an all-natural menu that brings stylish twists to each of the season’s finest ingredients.
Grab signature collard, mustard and turnip greens from the Lexington Farm Shed, an old-fashioned produce market and restaurant opened by a family that has been in the farming business for over seventy years.
Solstice Kitchen boasts about its fine southern cuisine and appetizing seafood dishes.
SuNDay bruNCHBrunch is a classic Southern staple and there is no shortage of mimosas or eggs benedict at any of these quaint cafes.
Rough night? No worries, Café Strudel serves legendary Hangover Hash Browns and fresh orange juice all day.
DiPrato’s Delicatessen serves our personal favorite, Eggs Charleston, poached eggs atop a lump crab cake smothered in hollandaise with a side of Adluh grits. Don’t forget to grab a pint of their famous Pimento cheese for a delicious mid-week escape.
The new CulinAry hoT SPoT
Authentic French food with a perfect variety of savory and sweet crepes can be found at Crepes and Croissants.
M Grille has fresh seafood takes on your breakfast favorites. Plus, it’s never too early for a side of sushi.
Smiles and good food served daily at Eggs Up Grille.
Michael’s Café & Catering and Spotted Salamander Cafe & Catering will provide scrumptious, high quality fare for any occasion. Or, if you elect to dine out, try Salamander’s Sweet Tea Vodka BBQ Meatball Sub.
NiGHt out oN tHe towNMunch on Columbia’s mouth-watering pimento cheese burger with an ice-cold pint, kicking back at an outdoor bar.
Pawley’s Front Porch’s piled-high and juicy SC Island burgers were featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”
Meals with a ViewGulp down a side dish of delicious scenery at
these restaurants with delectable views. You can
gaze on Columbia’s cityscape at Terra and Al’s Upstairs. The stately South Carolina Statehouse
can be viewed from The Oak Table whether you
sit inside or out. See the waterfront from the Old Mill Brewpub and Liberty on the Lake.
Courtesy of The Oak Table
Burger 77 encourages you to build your own burger with their 100% fresh USDA prime meat.
Don’t let the name fool you, Rockaway’s Athletic Club is indeed a restaurant that serves renowned burgers.
These three breweries will appease even the pickiest craft beer snobs: Conquest, River Rat and Swamp Cabbage. Down their brews in several establishments around town or become a beer aficionado on a tour aboard the Columbia Brew Bus.
Devour traditional American cuisine with a twist while enjoying killer lakeside views at Liberty on the Lake.
Healthy gourmet food and low-cost artisan brews, Hunter Gatherer has a unique, laid-back atmosphere with exposed brick and string lighting filled with conversation.
Causing quite a buzz around town, Bourbon is a brand new whiskey bar and Cajun creole kitchen.
The Whig, an underground secret, hidden beneath Main Street and Thirsty Fellow are both hot spots to unwind.
Old Mill Brewpub located in Lexington’s historic mill.
The Kraken Gastropub is a local favorite that focuses on serving not only drinks, but also high quality food.
Jake’s has a scrumptious farm-to-table menu. Your pooch can even tag along to Yappy Hour twice a week.
Date NiGHtCraft cocktails and gourmet eats on an outdoor terrace is the perfect way to spend some time with your significant other. Try some of our favorites:
The Oak Table is an American bistro with both upscale indoor and casual outdoor patio seating.
Motor Supply Co. Bistro’s daily made-from-scratch
Motor Supply Co. Pecan Pie at Blue Marlin
Boiled Peanuts Our Official State Snack is savored year-round
from fair vendors, roadside stands and tailgate
carts or homemade with raw, unshelled green
peanuts boiled in salty water. The Dixie delicacy
is traditionally eaten outside so the wet shells
can be easily tossed or spit on the ground. You
can spice them up with hot sauce or Old Bay;
however, purists snack on the goobers in their
natural, delicious sogginess.
PiMento CheeseGrated cheddar cheese mixed with pimento
peppers and a smidge of mayonnaise, the
“Caviar of the South” is a staple at tailgates,
after-church potlucks or any social function.
Each region has its own unique twist to the
humble, Southern delicacy — jalapeño, Cajun
or baked. Whether it’s slathered on bread,
smothered on a hamburger or scooped onto
fresh-baked pita chips, y’all know we love our
‘Menta Cheese.
Boiled Peanuts
menu provides an eclectic style with a local kick, celebrating 25 years of farm-to-table food.
Terra’s fresh, high quality ingredients shine, living up to their slogan “simple food without pretention.”
A restored 1930 soda bottling plant, Cola’s has two garage doors open to views of the Statehouse and downtown.
Saluda’s serving elegant Southern cuisine with French and Italian influences in the heart of Five Points.
116 Expresso & Wine Bar has a unique blend of laid back coffee shop and wine bar atmosphere, displaying rotating artwork from local artists.
Cultural CraViNGSTaste buds will sizzle as they travel the world with these delicious ethnic choices.
Sushi everywhere! Tsunami and Inakaya serve up creative rolls from the Gamecock to the Sunset Blvd. Looking for a fun party trick? Saki Tumi invites patrons to get their roll on with Sushi 101 classes.
Can’t decide between Tacos or sushi? You’re in luck, Takosushi is the only place in Columbia that you can order a California roll with a side of Guacamole.
Miyo’s, Arirang, Miyabi Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse, Baan Sawan Thai Bistro and Menkoi Ramen House all provide authentic, fresh Asian cuisine.
Delaney’s, Cock N’ Bull, Publick House and The British Bull Dog are all authentic Irish and English pubs that know their fish and chips.
Real Mexico and Cantina 76 have guacamole galore and our personal favorite, Cantina’s Smoked Pork taco with mustard BBQ sauce and a Prickly Pear margarita.
Expand your palate with baba ghannouj and falafel at Al-Amir, Mediterranean Tea Room and Gervais & Vine.
Al’s Upstairs, Villa Tronco and Pasta Fresca allow you to sip a glass of wine and savor traditional Italian cuisine.
Picture clear blue waters of Santorini as you sample the fresh Greek fare at Zorba’s, Taziki’s and Devine Foods.
Aromatic spices are the essence of Indian cuisine, taste unique popular dishes at Spice Junction. Namaste.
Coffee & DeSSertPlenty of laid-back local favorites to get your caffeine fix and satisfy you sweet tooth with gourmet treats. Expert baristas and cozy atmospheres provide just the right setting for getting some work done or catching up with friends.
Drip’s French pressed coffee paired with an open-mic night while sipping your cup of Joe and nibbling on treats.
Cool Beans is a homey hang out with tongue-in-cheek coffee names that have you asking for “The Perfect Man.”
Immaculate Consumption has served hand-crafted, roasted in-house coffee drinks for nearly 20 years.
“Guaranteed worst in town,” Cromer’s is a community staple with fresh specialty coffee, creatively flavored popcorn and classic boiled peanuts.
Sweet Cream Co. has artisan sorbets and frozen custards to cool off any famously hot day.
Chapin’s Wired Goat is as unique as its name with its silly menu of goat-themed salads and Dreamsicle coffee.
Sugar high? Nonnah’s, Cupcake, Chocolate Nirvana, Blue Flour, My Dessert Bar or Silver Spoon Bake Shop
Courtesy of Farm To Table Event Co.
Food truCk Fad
The mobile meal trend is sweeping the nation.
Bone-In Artisan BBQ, Kiki’s Chicken & Waffles, San Jose Tacos, Wurst Wagon and
Pawley’s are just a few scrumptious vendors
spreading their snacks across the city. Heard of
2 Fat 2 Fly from the OWN network? Their wings
are succulent, deep-fried delights stuffed with
mac and cheese. Hungry yet?
slow Food ColuMBia
Good, Clean, Fair- three adjectives that should
always be attributed to the food we consume.
This movement emphasizes the importance of
knowing where your food comes from. Frequent
workshops, potlucks and events celebrate
seasonal flavors and showcase culinary talents.
Our passion for locally grown and sustainable
food is fueled by the Soda City Farmers Market
and City Roots Urban Farm.
Hunter Gatherer
all provide fresh-baked goodies to treat yourself. Go ahead, you deserve it.
Answer the age-old question, which has the best soft-serve ice cream: Zesto’s or Rosewood Dairy Bar?
fooD feStiValSCelebrating signature dishes, honoring state foods and experimenting with culinary classics are southern traditions. We use any chance we can get to dance, sing and party in the name of food.
Dance the horah, bite a knish and nom on some challah at The Big Nosh, a Jewish cultural festival.
Plenty of gnocchi and spanakopita to go around at the Greek and Italian Festival every fall.
Cool off from the famously hot July heat with a crisp, juicy tomato at the Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival.
Columbia International Festival showcases the culture and food of various groups represented in SC.
It’s shuckin’ time! BYOB (Bring your own bucket) to SC Oyster Festival and Lake Carolina Oyster Roast.
Okra Strut, the nation’s original celebration of okra.
SC celebrates its state fruit with sweet treats and friendly competition at the Lexington Peach Festival.
Come find out who has the best boiled peanuts in town at the Palmetto Peanut Boil.
Let the good times roll at Rosewood Crawfish Festival.
Embark on a culinary adventure with SC Restaurant Week, featuring hundreds of participating restaurants with special menu items and discounts every January.
New festivals like America Loves Bacon, Cream of the Crop Beer Festivals and MacMadness are added to the line-up every year; stay tuned for a delicious future.
Shrimp & Grits at Blue Marlin
Chicken & Waffle Sandwich at Food Truck Rodeo
Robert Mills Historic District
Southern roots run deep in Columbia, SC as we bridge the past and the future with a forward-thinking, dynamic pulse. Continually restoring and repurposing buildings for living, working and playing, the Palmetto State’s capital city has exemplified progress for more than 250 years. Wander back in time through tree-lined streets dotted with historical markers. Picture the battles, triumphs and hidden secrets that unfolded at these very spots. With a rich past of military, industrial and civil rights turning points, Columbia will quench the curiosity of any history buff.
DowNtowN Columbia Settled by Europeans in the early 1700s, Columbia was the first planned city in the U.S. The city flourished with the establishment of transportation routes and military installations as early citizens embraced new industry, principally textile manufacturing. It replaced Charleston as the new capital of SC in 1790, making it a force to be reckoned with in the Southeast.
Picture the stately, Southern mansion of your dreams. The South Carolina Governor’s Mansion is all that and more, housing SC’s governors since 1868 and, before that, the Arsenal Military Academy officers.
Located in the first electric cotton mill in the nation, each floor of the South Carolina State Museum represents art, history, science and technology or cultural history. The recent $23 million “Windows to New Worlds” expansion includes a 55-foot digital planetarium dome and theater, an online observatory, a 4-D multisensory theatre and an outdoor telescope-viewing terrace, becoming the first facility in the country to have all of these features under one roof.
Let the gleaming copper dome of the region’s most iconic landmark lure you in for a free guided-tour of the South Carolina State House. The picturesque grounds have many fascinating memorials, including the African-American History Monument and an informative portrait gallery. Take a closer look at the base of the Calhoun statue to see a few bumps and bruises it sustained while taking a tumble down the steps during a past restoration. Finally, see if you can spot the bronze stars on the exterior of the building marking cannonball wounds from the Civil War.
Where did settlers go for those brand new petticoats and jackets? Columbia’s first indoor shopping center, the Equitable Arcade Building, of course! An example of Renaissance Revival style architecture, it is the only enclosed arcade building in the city.
Inspired by French architectural style in 1854, The Lace House was home to the daughter of John Caldwell, president of the SC Railroad. Boasting original intricate ironwork, it is often used for events and weddings that want a sophisticated, old-timey feel.
The Taylor House, Columbia’s only remaining turn-of-the-20th century mansion, was the original location of the Columbia Museum of Art.
One of the city’s finest examples of Greek revival architecture, the Caldwell-Hampton-Boylston House’s history is politically significant due to its proximity to the Governor’s Mansion.
Established in 1842, Arsenal Hill is the highest point within downtown. Impressive views of the
The new historiC hoT SPoT
Burning oF ColuMBiaOn January 30, 1865, Union Major General William
Tecumseh Sherman’s 65,000-man army invaded
the city, burning a path 60 miles wide. Looted and
destroyed, Columbia was left to rebuild physically,
socially and politically during the Reconstruction
era. The devastation was recently commemorated
by the 150th Anniversary of the Burning of Columbia with an extensive program of exhibits,
tributes and events. Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens
surrounding city made it a desirable residential area for white elites during the antebellum area and then for middle and working class African Americans during the 19th and 20th centuries.
A spark that contributed to the Civil War, the first Secession Convention in December 1860, took place in the First Baptist Church.
Right in the center of downtown, a replica of Yorkminister Cathedral in England sticks out like a (beautiful) sore thumb. Trinity Episcopal Cathedral has a rich Civil War history. It is the burial site of five SC governors, three Confederate generals and the unofficial “poet laureate of the Confederacy.” During the war, the iron spikes on the roof were even melted into cannonballs.
Originally Sidney Park, the 18-acre Finlay Park was reopened in the1990s to reenergize Main Street.
Constructed in the 1820s, the SC Lunatic Asylum is the
oldest building in the country to be used continuously as a mental health institution and one of the first built with public funds, although it has not had patients since 1937.
Step through the wrought iron archway into the tumultuous history of Elmwood Cemetery. Established in 1854 as an example of a “rural cemetery,” it quickly became the fashionable place for Columbians to be buried. As social and cultural opinions changed, new sections were opened to reflect the times, including an area devoted to Confederate soldiers.
HiStoriC Columbia ProPertieSRolling out the welcome wagon for the curious traveler, Historic Columbia is a non-profit dedicated to preserving the area’s heritage and providing low-cost tours of seven expertly preserved properties and impressive antique gardens.
Seibels House & GardenAdluh Milling Co.
SC’s only presidential claim to fame, the Woodrow Wilson Family Home and Garden has been restored to closely resemble the president’s childhood home. It’s a 19th century museum in a 20th century building.
Built in the 1890’s, the one-story Modjeska Monteith Simkins House was home to the matriarch of SC’s Civil Rights movement and was used by civil rights leaders and NAACP lawyers including Thurgood Marshall during a time when African Americans were excluded from city hotels.
Originally the House of Peace synagogue, the Big Apple Club relocated and became an African American dance hall where the national dance craze, the Big Apple, was shimmied into existence.
Generally considered the oldest structure in the city, the Seibels House was built in 1796 and remained in the Seibels family from 1860 to 1984.
ColuMBia sC 63Discover pivotal Civil Rights moments as
they happened here with a free walking
tour. Beginning with the first Columbia SC 63 wayside sign across from the SC State House, find the signs along Main Street that
commemorate the key moments and landmarks
when leaders, activists and students made their
mark on history.
Columbia 63 Wayside Sign
tHe CoNGaree ViStaHistorically an industrial, mercantile and transportation district, the Congaree Vista spans almost 800 acres bounded by the Congaree River and Assembly Street and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as an architectural conservation district.
Churning out the best darn grits in the Southeast since 1900, Adluh Flour Mill grinds SC-grown wheat and corn into flour, cornmeal and mixes.
The visually stunning focal point of Riverfront Park, the Columbia Canal was built by indentured Irishmen in 1824 to provide direct water routes between upstate settlements and towns on the fall line. Today, South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. uses it to generate hydroelectric power and it is appreciated by runners and dog-walkers as a scenic locale to get some fresh air.
Once widely recognized as “the largest cotton mill under one roof in the world,” Olympia Mill Village stands as an intact example of late 19th century textile mill architecture. Before the building housed college students, the mill’s innovations contributed to the rise of the textile industry in SC and helped to secure its position as one of the most important textile mills in the nation.
A cornerstone of the community, 701 Whaley was built in 1903 as the Granby and Pacific Mill village’s company store and quickly became a community center for the mill workers with a bowling alley, library, auditorium, gymnasium, pool and dance hall. Currently, it still serves the public as space for meetings and events.
Confederate Printing Plant was originally constructed to produce Confederate bonds. Burned by General W. T. Sherman’s army, it was repaired and repurposed as a liquor warehouse and then reimagined as a Publix grocery store.
uNiVerSity of SoutH CaroliNa Founded in 1801, South Carolina College flourished pre-Civil War and became the University of South Carolina in 1906.
The heart of the campus is the Horseshoe. Its first building, Rutledge Chapel, was completed in 1805. Throughout the next 38 years, the Horseshoe took shape with eight more buildings, many of which were designed by Robert Mills, the nation’s first federal architect and the designer of the Washington Monument. Cobblestone pathways guide wanderers through the tranquil greenway surrounding the Maxcy Monument, named for the first president of the college, Jonathan Maxcy.
Looking to see a performance on campus? Chances are you will experience it in the still-operational Longstreet
Columbia 63 Wayside Sign
Robert Mills House & Gardens
Wavering Place
Theatre. Originally intended to be a college hall in 1851, it served a variety of purposes, including an arsenal and military hospital for both Southern and Northern troops during the Civil War.
Once known as the home of the Southern Railway and Atlantic Coast line, Union Station is now known for its famously delicious salads as it is home to the popular restaurant, California Dreaming.
CayCeWith humble beginnings as a community of 27 families and a school with nine students in a half-mile-square area, Cayce adopted the nickname, “the cradle of the Midlands.”
Site of the first European settlement in the Midlands, Cayce Historical Museum continues to honor its influential past with a number of exhibits.
The Columbia Speedway served the community with
top-level NASCAR and other racing excitement from the 1940s through the 1970s.
The Congaree Heritage Preserve has 12,000 years’ worth of history hidden under its 627-acres. Tools, pottery, arrowheads and other artifacts found in the area weave a fascinating tale of Native American settlements and Revolutionary and Civil War Battles. The 12,000 Year Park is scheduled to be an archaeological dig and historical site featuring a unique 3-mile self-guided loop trail leading past researchers.
lexiNGtoNThe Town of Lexington is the political center of Lexington County, one of the fastest growing areas in the nation. It was established in 1735 by the colonial government of King George II. Fifty years later, the name was changed to Lexington in honor of the Massachusetts Revolutionary War battle.
Woodrow Wilson Family Home & Garden
Step into the past and learn about everyday life for 18th-century Lexington County residents with a costumed guide at the Lexington County Museum.
One of the oldest structures in the town is the Lemuel Boozer House. Boozer was a lawyer who served as state representative, state senator, lieutenant governor and state circuit judge. A little piece of history: the house is the only 19th century raised cottage and is rumored to be where Sherman’s troops stayed on their trek from Augusta through Lexington.
Lexington’s Old Cotton Mill was built before the turn of the century to manufacture cotton for mattresses and red cotton cloth. A state-of-the-art facility in its day, it generated its own power from the mill pond. Currently, the site is a retail shopping center and popular brewpub.
lower riCHlaND CorriDorThe South East Rural Community Outreach (SERCO) offers school groups and organizations the opportunity to learn about history in their own backyard.
Goodwill Plantation dates back to 1753 with a diverse history of ownership, including Wateree Native Americans, British land grants, German settlers, the Huger family, the Heyward family, the McMaster family and P.T. Barnum of Barnum and Bailey Circus.
The Harriet Barber House is noted for its association with the South Carolina Land Commission, an organization that attempted to give freed African Americans the opportunity to own land following the Civil War.
Originally a cotton plantation, Wavering Place Plantation is a stunning, Greek revival home built in 1854. It is now available for weddings and events, as well as a bed and breakfast.
South Carolina State House
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
For all kids and the young-at-heart, Columbia is one big playground (if you know where to look). Pretend to be a swashbuckling pirate sailing Lake Murray, swing high above the treetops while zipping the zoo and give your dentist nightmares when you go dessert-hopping for sweet treats. Your family will never feel closer than when you’re navigating through the winding trails of our national park or discovering hidden secrets of the past together at one of our top-rated museums. Jump right into all the fun with our CoolPASS, one ticket for our top famously hot attractions that won’t break the bank. Put on your explorer hats because there’s so much to see and do in the New Kid-Friendly Hot Spot. Follow me!
fuN iN tHe SuN Row, row, row your rented kayak or canoe gently down the river at Saluda Shoals Park. Instill a love
of nature into your child’s life while biking through the scenic, paved trails in the 400-acres of Riverfront Park and splashing around at Saluda Shoals’ water playground.
Arr mateys, time for a treasure hunt on the brand-new Civil War Coin Trail! Journey back in time in this special series of geocaches through 24 historic locations significant to the Civil War.
Spread out a blanket and soak up the sun at Crooked Creek Park, Seven Oaks Park and Finlay Park. All offer trails, prime picnic locations and playgrounds.
Got a taste for something healthy but sweet? Gather a bushel of berries at Cottle Strawberry Farm, fresh and local since 1963, open to the public every spring.
Be a party animal with a menagerie of more than 2,000 crazy creatures at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Feed a giraffe, hop in the Kangaroo Walkabout and meander through one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the nation. Then, monkey around on the canopy tour-seven zip lines ranging in length from 200 to 1,000 feet, a rickety bridge and two cargo net climbs.
Explore the hidden wonders of Congaree National Park, SC’s only national park, by foot on the elevated boardwalk or by water with an educational kayak tour. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially the elusive one-eyed turtle. You’ll never know what you might see at Congaree!
Relax and play on the sandy beaches of Lake Murray. Then, munch on a picnic of pimento cheese sandwiches and take a quick dip in the refreshing waters. Have a little more time? Rent a sailboat to channel your inner Captain Jack Sparrow.
Looking for a place to cool off your complaining kids? Columbia has13 Splash Pads, all of them free (call the rec department to be sure they’re turned on). Hose them down at Heathwood Park’s Bare Bones, Drew Park or Lexington’s Corley Mill Park.
Throw a Frisbee around at Finlay Park, an 18-acre park with a Summer Concert Series and Kids Day.
Sesquicentennial State Park features 1,419 acres of family-oriented campgrounds, two playgrounds, scenic trails and a lake. Don’t forget a loaf of bread to get on the ducks good sides.
Hole in one! With mini golf, bumper boats, laser tag and more, the youngin’s will have plenty of
The new kid-Friendly hoT SPoT
chances for a little friendly competition. Laugh and play the whole day through at Frankie’s Fun Park.
uSe your NooDleS The largest children’s museum in the Southeast,
Edventure Children’s Museum boasts the World’s Largest Child, EDDIE©, weighing in at 35,000 pounds and sitting at 40-feet-tall. Delight your kids with the rotating exhibits, like “Blooming Butterflies.” Learn the inner workings of the human body, drive a real fire truck and play on oversized board games.
We’re going to need a bigger net! Experience the South Carolina State Museum’s seasonal exhibit “Bugs!,” a creepy, crawly animatronic extravaganza of massive proportions. Open their eyes to the past with historical exhibits and an educational movie in the brand-new 4-D theater. Then, say “hey” to Finn, a giant prehistoric shark hanging from the ceiling that represents the museum’s
four disciplines – art, science and technology, natural history and cultural history.
All aboard! The South Carolina Rail Road Museum offers visitors the chance to take an hour-long train ride and peruse the museum gallery. In the winter, drop gift hints to Santa as you ride with him to the North Pole on their version of the Polar Express.
Enlist in Gladys’ Gang at the Columbia Museum of Art with hands-on art activities for children. Art Explorer Backpacks offer all the supplies your youngsters need to become the next Picasso in the Interactive Education Gallery. Fostering the creation, appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of visual arts, the museum provides events for families including Passport to Art and Family Fun Days.
Encourage your child to follow those presidential dreams by showing them politics in their own backyard.
Columbia Marionette Theatre Plex Indoor Sports
The South Carolina State House allows parents to take their children on a scavenger hunt through the building and its grounds, as well as seek out the six bronze stars marking the damage caused by General Sherman during his infamous march through the South. We know Where the Wild Things Are! Richland Library features a children’s room with a mural of Maurice Sendak’s beloved creatures, making the library the first and only place where Sendak has allowed his work to be used as public art. Story times for younger children, like a “pajamarama” and family story time, will take your kids on a journey into their imaginations.
beat tHe raiNy Day blueS Can’t contain your kid’s energy? Columbia Children’s
Theatre and Columbia Marionette Theatre put on fun but calming performances. Both art houses offer shows year-round that delight kids and adults alike. All shows are created in-house from the script up, including puppets designed specifically for each show.
Bowl a turkey at one of several bowling alleys in the area that offer kids bowl free deals – Royal Z Lanes gives kids up to two free games a day, as does Anchor Lanes in Irmo.
Lions, Monster Trucks, Mickey Mouse, oh my! Colonial Life Arena, the largest arena in the state of South Carolina, is chock-full of family shows like Disney on Ice, Monster Jam and the classic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Be sure to be there the morning the circus rolls into town for the chance to see the elephants stop traffic as they walk from the train to the arena.
The kids can bounce off the walls at one of the largest jumping fields in America. HiWire Trampoline Park, located inside Plex Indoor Sports, has a sprawling 12,000 sq. ft. expanse of more than 60 different types of trampolines that parents and children of all ages can jump the day away on.
Cheer with your Gamecocks-in-training at a University of South Carolina baseball, basketball or football game.
Find sally & loganWalking tours are a perfect way to enjoy the
beautiful weather and work together as a family
to discover the capital city. Follow the official
state amphibian, Sally the Salamander,
through downtown to many of Columbia’s major
landmarks. Then, look for Logan the Leprechaun
hidden throughout the Five Points district. Both
charismatic characters are fun guides to the hidden
secrets of Soda City.
FaMily-Friendly diningLooking for places where you can be loud and
always have access to highchairs, coloring pages
and chicken fingers? Lizard’s Thicket, Original Pancake House, Little Pig’s BBQ, Mellow Mushroom, Liberty Tap Room, Flight Deck and
Yesterdays are all a perfect fit. Did your kids behave
themselves during dinner? Pick up a sweet treat from
Cupcake or Scoopy Doo Gelato.
toP 5 FaMily FestiValsFamilies can “find their happy” at the South Carolina State Fair as they ride the rides and win prizes at
the game booths. At St. Pat’s in Five Points’ Pot O’ Gold Playground, your little leprechauns have
a safe, fun-filled area with rides and kid-approved
entertainment. Kindie Grits lets kids cut, paint and
create animated adventures. Let the good times roll
with creole fun for all ages at Rosewood Crawfish Festival’s Li’l Crawdaddy Carnvial. Famously Hot New Year’s WOW Kids Carnival allows families to
celebrate an early New Year from the top of a Ferris
Wheel above Main Street.
Congaree River with Gervais Street Bridge
Fresh air and sunshine calling your name? Minutes from downtown Columbia, SC, you’ll find rippling rivers and breathtaking nature with two South Carolina State Parks, Congaree National Park and Harbison State Forest. Thrilling adventures and daredevil experiences await you in the New Adventure Hot Spot.
for tHe water aDVeNturer Go tubing or take a guided canoe or kayak trip down the Congaree, Saluda or Broad Rivers.
Melting under that famously hot Carolina sun? Sail, Jet Ski or rent a pontoon boat to cruise around Lake Murray in style.
Try something new, like stand-up paddle boarding among Spanish moss and blue herons.
Catch a free, guided canoe tour of the swampy Congaree, known for its 160-foot-tall loblolly pines and their aboveground roots or “knees.”
for tHe SoutHerN aDVeNturer Hunting your thing? Buck Ridge boasts more than 6,000 acres of carefully managed natural habitat.
Hone your shooting accuracy at Defender Shooting Sports, the largest indoor range in the Lexington area.
Columbia’s rivers are home to some of the best fly fishing in SC. Frank’s Fly Arts puts you right in the middle of the action and lets you catch your own dinner!
for tHe family-frieNDly aDVeNturer Shoot water cannons and fight dragons at Saluda Splash, a fun-packed water park near Lake Murray.
Carolina Children Garden boasts bird and butterfly gardens for investigation, experimentation and imaginative play.
A spray pool, gemstone dig area and outdoor basketball court provides hours of fun at the Edisto Discovery Park and Neighborhood Center.
Raining? No problem! Plex Indoor Sports offers a skate-boarding area, turf fields and a trampoline zone.
Picnic at Finlay Park, Memorial Park or any other numerous parks located in our city center (and next to restaurants with delicious southern cuisine to go).
for tHe SPorty aDVeNturer Schedule a tee time at one of several courses like Northwoods Golf Club with its challenging holes
among towering pines.
Try out Crooked Creek Disk 24-Hole Golf Course, recognized as one of the best in the southeast.
The new Adventure hoT SPoT
get your adVenture gearHalf Moon Outfitters, Mast General Store and
many more outdoor retailers offer everything
you’ll need for a daring journey. Adventure Carolina or Palmetto Outdoor can provide
kayak and tube rentals. Happy exploring! Congaree National Park
Train for that marathon along Dreher Shoals Dam Park with captivating views of Lake Murray.
for tHe eNViroNmeNtal aDVeNturer Hiking, camping and bird watching galore are available
at Congaree National Park, a broad bio-diverse and old-growth forest.
Explore Dreher Island State Recreation Area and its three islands, located on Lake Murray.
Investigate a geological wonder! Peachtree Rock Preserve has stood for millions of years and is a natural testament to ancient marine environment.
Stroll down the Congaree Riverwalk Park to admire the nature in the company of beautiful views of the Congaree River, West Columbia and Columbia.
for tHe aDreNaliNe JuNkie aDVeNturer Soar to new heights and experience Riverbanks Zoo’s
thrilling new zip line canopy tours above the zoo and across the Saluda River.
Conquer your worst fears! Jump out of a plane with Skydive Carolina and catch a view of Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC on your way down.
Mountain bike along the steep bluffs of Harbison Forest, one of the largest public green spaces inside the city limits of a U.S. metro area.
Speed on the custom designed trails of the Southeast’s largest ATV-UTV and dirt bike riding park, Carolina Adventure World.
Congaree National Park
Lake Murray Carolina Adventure World
Toro y Moi at Indie Grits Film Festival
On the streets, on the walls, in the galleries and in the air- art is everywhere in Columbia, SC. Echoing the sweeping beauty of our sunsets, the detailed craftsmanship of our palm trees and the warm feeling of our hospitality: art thrives in our famously hot city. In a place that attracted Jasper Johns to study and Georgia O’Keefe to teach, it’s easy to understand why plenty of our local artists are celebrated nationally and internationally. From arts organizations to theatre performances, this capital city is bursting with ways to get in touch with your artistic side.
aPPreCiate tHe artSDelve into formal displays of masterpieces by the greats and some friendly, neighborhood geniuses.
Feast on an arts smorgasbord at the Columbia Museum of Art, SC’s premier international art museum. Explore its changing renowned exhibitions and its world-class permanent collection boasting a Chihuly chandelier in a famously hot “Carolina Sunset” color scheme, a breathtaking Monet and the only Botticelli in the U.S. Admission is always free on Sundays so use your extra cash to pick up something extraordinary from the gift shop, because art is the gift that keeps on giving.
A gathering place for creative exploration, Tapp’s Art Center offers workshops, classes, affordable studio rentals, exhibition space and cultural events that encourage artists to learn and grow. Witness artists at work in their unique glass-enclosed studios that allow visitors a sneak peek into the creative process.
Revolutionizing the face of Columbia’s art scene, One Columbia for Arts & History advises, amplifies and advocates for the unified arts and history community.
With exposed brick walls and large windows that stream in soft lighting, 701 Center for Contemporary Art is an inspiration, as well as a destination for artists and art lovers alike.
For a perfect date or girls’ night out, strap on a smock at Studio Cellar, Grapes and Gallery or Palmeto Paint and Pour. Channel your inner Picasso as you sip wine and create your own masterpiece. A little tip: the more you drink: the better it looks.
ViSit tHe artSColumbia’s awe-inspiring displays ranging from modern to classic are just the ticket for the casual art aficionado.
Featuring work from local artists inspired by Columbia’s three rivers and brick masonry, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center isn’t just a meeting space; it’s an art gallery, as well! Take a self-guided tour of the art scattered throughout the building.
Feel a spark of inspiration? Pick up your pastels and canvases from City Art, a full-line professional artist supply store with its own original works of art.
Galleries in the historic Congaree Vista often open their doors for events like Third Thursdays and Vista Lights. Stop by and peruse the collections in Vista Studio/Gallery 80808, If ART Gallery, Lewis + Clark, Carol Saunders Gallery and The Gallery at DuPre.
Who says art and politics don’t mix? The Gallery at City Hall is a venue for exhibitions seeking to
The new ArtistiC hoT SPoT
the ChiCken who?SC native folk artist and quasi-celebrity, Ernest Lee, is
best known as “The Chicken Man.” His unique brand of
art is a process that comes from the heart. Best known
for his dancing chicken paintings, he also paints dogs,
cats, flamingos and celebrities. Locals know him by the
many years he maintained an outdoor street corner
gallery out of his trailer. Looking for a one-of-a-kind
souvenir? The Chicken Man’s creations are certainly
unique and only made in Columbia so purchase one
(or two) at Soda City Market. Chihuly Chandelier at Columbia Museum of Art
highlight pieces with cultural and historical significance.
Savor a cup of Joe or a delectable dessert while surrounded by art at Cool Beans, Cafe Strudel and The Gallery at Nonnah’s.
Is your coffee table looking a little bare? One Eared Cow Glass, Inc. sells original and affordable hand-blown glass art to perfectly accent any room. Stop by to catch the glassblowers in action as they create masterpieces in their visitor-friendly studio.
fiND tHe artSSpilling out from the galleries, our local artists’ talent cannot be contained by mere walls. Strolling through the streets, you’ll find quirky displays in every nook and cranny.
The sky’s the limit for local painter and sculptor, Blue Sky. Responsible for the most iconic pieces seen around town, his optically tricky mural, Tunnelvision, deceives passersby that the side of a building leads to a
magical valley. Keep your dogs away from Busted Plug, the world’s largest fire hydrant, and check out the 25-foot Neverbust chain holding two historical downtown buildings together.
All aboard! Vista Station is a mural depicting the trains that rolled through the Vista in the 20th century.
Part of the revitalization of Main Street, interactive art like steel drums and yellow rocking chairs allow you to drum to your own beat or rock with the pace of the city.
Did you forget to put a nickel in your meter? Lovely Rita the Meter Maid, located outside of the city’s Parking Payment Center, towers as a reminder that meters don’t feed themselves.
The shimmering dome and dazzling architecture of the South Carolina State House is a work of art in its own right, while the building’s grounds are also home to 27 different historical statues and monuments.
Before they only wanted to be with you, a certain
Blue Sky’s Neverbust Henderson Bros. Burlesque at Trustus Theatre
successful band got their start at the University of South Carolina. Five Points blew a kiss to the rockers on their 25th anniversary by installing a Hootie & the Blowfish Monument.
It’s a crime for any Gamecock to visit the Vista and not snap a selfie with the giant garnet and black rooster outside Mellow Mushroom Pizza.
Bronze sculptures located within Maxcy Gregg Park are an ode to cancer survivors and their supporters in an aptly named creation, Cancer... there’s hope.
A brand-new initiative by the Indie Grits Film Festival, a mural on Main Street will be repainted every year in conjunction with the festival’s theme. The premiere artwork, Don’t Tread On Us, is a statement about ownership and empowerment.
Celebrate tHe artSStop, drop and party in the name of art! Celebrating techie accomplishments, selling quirky baubles and sampling craft beers, Columbia is surprisingly indie.
Art, drink and be happy at Arts & Draughts, the Columbia Museum of Art’s quarterly hip happening that entices partygoers to create their own artwork while sipping craft beer and swaying to a boundary-pushing band.
Chew on this: the Indie Grits Film Festival, hosted by the Nickelodeon Theatre, is the Southeast’s premier film and culture festival for DIY media-makers. Featuring five full days of the best short, experimental, animated and student films, live performances, trendy food and outside-the-box artistic performances, it was chosen twice for MovieMaker magazine’s Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the world.
Quirky letterpress stationery, lamps created from vintage gasoline cans and tiny succulents planted inside
Frankenstein at Workshop Theatre
wine corks, are just a few of the high-quality, innovative and unconventional creations for sale at Columbia’s largest juried craft fair, Crafty Feast.
Maps and guidebooks in hand, thousands of visitors hit the streets during Columbia Open Studio Tours for two free days of gallery hopping. You heard us right. It’s a free, weekend-long tour of private art studios. You’re welcome.
watCH tHe artSPick your poison: opera, ballet, theatre or jazz. Enlighten yourself with the best that Columbia has to offer.
Playing iconic throwbacks and progressive independent films, the Nickelodeon Theatre, affectionately known as “the Nick,” is SC’s only art house theatre.
Gobble up baskets of free popcorn, sip a glass of merlot and lean back in an unbelievably comfortable chair (with unheard of amounts of leg room) to lose yourself in the wacky world of Trustus Theatre, the Midlands only professional theatre. Trust us, there’s never a dull moment at Trustus.
A night at Columbia’s performing arts center, Koger Center for the Arts, never disappoints with its masterful performances by Broadway in Columbia, Columbia City Ballet, Columbia Classical Ballet, South Carolina Philharmonic and USC Symphony.
Calling all cool cats, take a trip to Paris at Le Café Jazz.
Whether you’re a seasoned opera buff, or a novice just dipping your toes in the water, Newberry Opera House and The Palmetto Opera feature stirring vocal performances.
Pull up a rockin’ chair at Bill’s Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor or Conundrum Music Hall for eclectic performances with incredible vocals and finger-style guitar riffs that will have you yellin’ “Yeehaw!”
To go or not to go is never the question when it comes to supporting the arts at the South Carolina Shakespeare Company, Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, Town Theatre, Village Square Theatre and Workshop Theatre.
if ART Gallery
Street performance
Main Street Columbia SCCourtesy of Famously Hot New Year
Celebrating Southern cuisine, showcasing cutting-edge styles and jamming out to big-name and local bands, Columbia, SC uses any chance we get to dance, sing and party. Our annual events are known to be a famously hot time and new celebrations are added to our roster every year. Food, music, culture: we have a festival for everything!
SPriNG Feelin’ lucky? Shake your shamrocks at St. Pat’s in Five Points, the Midlands’ biggest annual street
festival and one of the largest displays of leprechaun spirit in the Southeast.
Travel the world in one day at Columbia International Festival, showcasing nearly 75 diverse cultures.
Seeking to explore territories Southern media makers find intimidating, Indie Grits Film Festival highlights folksy singers, experimental films, cutting-edge tech and quirky art. Its host, the Nickelodeon Theatre, affectionately known as “The Nick,” is SC’s only non-profit, art house theatre.
More than music, crustaceans and infamous Creole cuisine, the Rosewood Crawfish Festival lets the good times roll for the whole family.
Strut your junk at Runaway Runway, a juried design competition of re-imagined post-consumer trash transformed into ultra-creative wearables.
Do you hear bagpipes? Tartan Day South is a one-of-a-kind, four-day celebration of Celtic heritage including sheep dog herding, birds of prey, a hurling tournament and ax tossing.
Combining independent music with an intimate setting on the banks of the Broad River, River Rocks Music Festival’s goal is to promote the protection and conservation of Columbia’s waterways.
Dance the horah, bite a knish and feast on some challah at The Big Nosh, a Jewish cultural festival.
Shuck fresh steamed oysters straight out of local waters at Lake Carolina Oyster Roast. Just remember to bring your lucky glove and shucking knife.
Breathe in the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked sweet potato pie while enjoying live music and family-friendly entertainment at the Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival.
Have a hankering for quirky knick-knacks and unique treasures? The 32nd Craftsmen’s Spring Classic Art & Craft Festival features original designs and work from hundreds of crafty masterminds.
There’s no whining when it’s time for wine! Sip some pinot and peruse the Main Street shops at the Lexington Wine Walk.
Celebrate a beloved, buttery Southern staple at the South Carolina Cornbread Festival.
The new FestivAl hoT SPoT
Appropriately conceptualized over a couple pints at a local bar, Soda City Suds Week was created to help celebrate Columbia’s burgeoning craft beer scene with the ultimate week-long beer festival.
Your green thumb is showing! Go ahead, pick the brains of master gardeners and purchase specialty garden supplies at Midland’s Spring Plant and Flower Festival.
Meander along 4.5 miles of peaceful walking trails with a spectacular view of downtown while humming to the tunes of Rhythm on the River.
Book worms unite! South Carolina Book Festival has more than 90 authors, poets and presenters over the course of this three-day event.
Summer Cool off from the famously hot July heat with a crisp, juicy
tomato at the Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival.
Tickle the ivories with piano talent from across the nation at Southeastern Piano Festival.
Did you know that SC is the largest producer of peaches in the country? Celebrate the state fruit with sweet treats and friendly competition at the Lexington Peach Festival.
Shimmy to the sounds of salsa and reggaeton at the red hot Main Street Latin Festival.
Snack on the salty, boiled goobers that are notoriously noted as SC’s state snack at the Palmetto Peanut Boil.
Celebrating the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of a local family, the Jubilee: Festival of Heritage is held on the grounds of the historic Mann-Simons Site.
Indie Grits Film Festival
fall Be a part of the cool crowd at Jam Room Music
Festival, the city’s signature music festival on Main Street.
Rainbows abound at the SC Pride Festival which supports the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community of SC.
Be Greek for a week at the Columbia Greek Festival while savoring authentic cuisine and learning traditional folk dances. Opa!
Feeling competitive? Grab a partner and enter the bocce tournament at the annual Italian Festival. Win or lose, you get to indulge on delicious, homemade gnocchi, so really, there are no losers.
“Find your happy” at the South Carolina State Fair, an annual 12-day fair with thrill rides, animal displays and fried everything- cookie dough, Oreos, Kool-Aid and even butter.
South Carolina State Fair
Courtesy of Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival
holiday FestiValsWhen flurries come to the capital city, shopping
districts host yuletide celebrations. A Starry Night in Five Points boasts horse drawn
carriage rides through twinkling streets. A Devine Night Out and Vista Lights allow you to
top off your holiday lists with piping cups of hot
cocoa in hand. Finally, end the year with a bang
at Famously Hot New Year, SC’s largest, free
NYE party with live performances and a colossal
midnight fireworks display over the State House.
SC’s fingerlickin’ mustard based pulled pork is the stuff of legends. Do your taste buds a favor; sample the best of the best at Gaston Collard & BBQ Festival.
Holy Schnitzel! Oktoberfest Columbia has bratwurst, lederhosen and all the beer you can drink.
Stomp on out to the Irmo Okra Strut, the nation’s original celebration of the signature, Southern vegetable.
Korean Festival is a family oriented event with musical acts ranging from traditional Korean dances to K-pop music.
As the weather gets chilly, warm up with a famously hot bowl of chili at the Chili Cook-Off in Five Points.
wiNter It’s shuckin’ time! BYOB (Bring your own bucket) to SC
Oyster Festival.
Vista Lights
Calling all hipsters and lovers of handmade treasures! Step into an Etsy-esque heaven with all of the fun and none of the shipping costs at Crafty Feast.
Hop, hop, IPA! Have a beer-tastic time at World Beer Festival and savor the flavors of the best that the Palmetto State’s breweries have to offer.
Flex your taste buds for a yummy, good cause: be a judge at the Palladium Society’s Annual Chili Cook-Off.
Columbia’s first Mardi Gras krewe hosts Columbia’s annual Mardi Gras Parade at City Roots Urban Farm.
New for 2015 Did you say bacon?! America Loves Bacon will head
to Columbia this spring with scrumptious, bacon-themed culinary creations.
Did you say more bacon?! For a more refined
experience of crunching on smoky strips of heaven, sip rare, oak-aged spirits at Bacon & Bourbon Festival.
Creamy, cheesy, warm, gooey perfection. Mac and cheese is everyone’s best friend, vote on your favorite delicious recipe at MacMaddness.
What’s on tap? You’ll barley believe the extensive selection of NC and SC brewed beers at the Cream of the Crop Beer Festival.
St. Pat’s in Five Points Courtesy of Runaway Runway
The Oak Table
This sizzling town is famously hot for a reason – it’s the perfect place to spark up a new flame or stoke the fire of an existing one! Watch our legendary sunsets from a canoe along one of our three rivers or from a rooftop overlooking the downtown skyline. Spread a blanket in a quiet spot to picnic on the historic University of South Carolina Horseshoe. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a romantic weekend escape or just any day of the week, it’s hard not to fall in love in The New Romantic Hot Spot!
Date NiGHt out A comfy booth or secluded nook can have the right ambiance to sip a craft cocktail, while an outdoor terrace is just the place to share some appetizers. Try some of our favorites:
The upbeat, cosmopolitan atmosphere of Motor Supply Co. Bistro, coupled with its daily made-from-scratch menu provides eclectic style with a local kick, celebrating 25 years of farm-to-table food. Grab a seat at the bar to get a famous, specialty cocktail from renowned bartender Josh Streetman.
The Oak Table is an American bistro with a fancy twist. Its upscale indoor seating and serene outdoor patio have the best views of the South Carolina State House.
Terra’s fresh, high-quality ingredients shine, living up to their slogan, “simple food without pretention.” The restaurant boasts sweeping views of Columbia’s skyline and the whimsical outdoor patio is an intimate wonderland of flowers and twinkling lights that makes it hard not to fall in love.
A restored 1930 RC Cola bottling plant, Cola’s Restaurant has two garage doors that open to panoramic views of the State House and the bustling Soda City. And if the views don’t leave you awestruck, then surely the fully-stocked wine library will!
Saluda’s serves elegant Southern cuisine with French and Italian influences in the heart of Five Points. Bon Appétit!
116 Espresso & Wine Bar is a cozy blend of a laid back coffee shop with a wine bar atmosphere, displaying rotating artwork from local artists. Order some mussels and sit close together at the bar or sit outside and dine under the night sky.
Tapas for two? Located in the beautiful Congaree Vista, Gervais & Vine is a Spanish-style tapas bar with culinary influences from all across the Mediterranean. Enjoy the vast wine selection as you share your dishes under soft lighting!
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amoré at Rosso Trattoria Italia! Cuddle up together in a booth and dine on a hearty Italian meal.
Can’t make up your mind? Join a tour to sample a little of every type of cuisine with Two Gals and a Fork and Columbia Food Tours.
The new roMAntiC hoT SPoT
bliND Date When meeting someone for the first time, it’s always a safe bet to do so over a cup of coffee or a quick dessert!
Sip a hot cup of Drip’s French pressed coffee during an open-mic night and see if the sparks fly!
Cool Beans is the perfect place to find a “Perfect Man,” (or at least order one!) at this homey hang out with tons of tongue-in-cheek coffee names.
Immaculate Consumption has served hand-crafted, roasted in-house coffee drinks for nearly 20 years.
Nonnah’s, Cupcake, Chocolate Nirvana, Blue Flour, My Dessert Bar and Silver Spoon Bake Shop all provide fresh-baked goodies. Even if the date doesn’t go well, at least you have something sweet to take home!
after-DiNNer DriNkS Date going well? Then keep the evening going with a night cap at one of these Columbia institutions:
The Vault mixes up signature martinis in an actual bank vault turned into a chic lounge. The bar is located in the Sheraton Hotel, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Rooftop Lounge looks over the entire city. Get there in time to watch the sunset and take it all in together.
With a selection of more than 100 types of bourbon and plans to top out at 250 different kinds, Bourbon has all you need to end the evening right!
firSt DateFirst dates can be a little nerve-wracking, so find a fun activity to distract you from the butterflies and get to know
Courtesy of Farm House Bed & Breakfast at Wavering Place
each other better over one of the following:
Channel your inner child playing laser tag and mini golf or winning a giant bear for an old-school fair-type date at Frankie’s Fun Park.
Hearts beat to the beat of the music at a rowdy rock or country concert at Music Farm or Tin Roof in the heart of the hip Vista district.
Experience the magic of watching movies under the stars on a warm summer night, sharing a bag of popcorn at the Big Mo Drive-In.
Go blueberry and strawberry pickin’ at Berry Hill Farm or Cottle Strawberry Farm. Take your haul home and make some warm cobbler together.
Shag Night, Jillian’s ode to SC’s bouncy state dance every Thursday night is the perfect place to see if you two are in perfect time!
Take a romantic stroll hand-in-hand along the Three Rivers Greenway.
Walk down the light strewn streets of Main Street to catch an indie flick at the only independent theater in the state, Nickelodeon Theatre. Afterward, pop over to Sweet Cream Co. to share your thoughts on the film over a gourmet ice cream for two.
Bond over the permanent collection at Columbia Museum of Art, with work from Botticelli and Monet, as well as a stunning Chihuly chandelier. Plan ahead and attend a CMA After Dark special like a symphony concert or Arts and Draughts, a quarterly event featuring beer tasting, live music and art projects you can work on and take home!
Want to take a walk on the wild side? The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a fun twist to a classic day date. Come together over feeding giraffes or impress each other by ziplining 1,000 ft. across the Saluda River.
Several riverside parks throughout the city provide subdued spots for a picnic and paddling adventure, so pack a bottle of wine, cheese, crackers and fruit for a romantic meal surrounded by scenic river views. Rent a canoe or two-person kayak at Saluda Shoals Park or Congaree State Park for your own private trip or opt for a three-hour guided tour. Once at the park, make the most of your date by explore hiking trails and boardwalks, birdwatching and going fishing!
aNNiVerSaryWhether you’ve been together for one, five, ten or more years, celebrate your continued love for each other with a night out on the town!
Rediscover the fun of making dinner and learn a new skill at Make-Your-Own sushi at Saki Tumi!
Dress to the nines for an elegant night at the S.C. Philharmonic Orchestra, Palmetto Opera or a beautiful, world-class performance by the Columbia Classical Ballet.
Lake Murray is a hop, skip and a jump away from downtown! Rent a boat for the evening to spend a romantic night just floating on the water.
Act like you’re kids again and visit Guignard Park in Cayce to immortalize your everlasting love by carving your initials into the “Love Tree.”
GetawaySometimes a weekend away from your day-to-day lives is just what the doctor ordered. Plan a little staycation and rekindle the romance!
Indulge in champagne and chocolate covered strawberries as part of the romantic retreat special at the historic Inn at Claussens.
For utter isolation and privacy, the Farm House Bed and Breakfast at Wavering Place Plantation offers a remote location where you and your beau can connect with nature and each other.
The five rooms at Chestnut Cottage, each with different characteristics and style, feature artifacts from the Civil War. Enjoy breakfast in bed with a hearty Southern meal or opt to eat in the inn’s dining room.
don’t Forget the Flowers!In the South, we never show up anywhere
empty-handed. Local flower shops Something Special, Blossom Shop, Inc. and Rosewood Florist are just a few of many in the area
equipped with stunning selections that will wow
your loved one and start your date off on the
right foot!
Williams Brice Stadium
“If it ain’t swayin’, we ain’t playin’,” Joe Morrison said of Williams Brice Stadium on game day in Gamecock country. The atmosphere has been voted “the best” by SECsports for a reason. When schools and businesses close early for week-day games, you know we take our gamecock pride seriously.
williamS-briCe StaDiumAffectionately known as “The Cock Pit” or “Willy B”, Williams-Brice Stadium holds over 80,000 guests, making it the 20th largest college football stadium in the NCAA.
Get an aerial view in “The Zone,” an 11,000 sq. ft. banquet facility in the upper deck of the south end zone.
Gamecocks always show their pride, named top 20 in average attendance and top 15 in total attendance.
ESPN announcers remarked at a 2001 game that it was one of the loudest venues in the country. They had to shout to hear one another inside the press box.
Attendees are inside of the action with a brand new, larger-than-life Daktronics 36 by 124 ft. HD video board, the 3rd largest in the SEC. Fireworks also fly up after each touchdown.
uNique tailGatiNG exPerieNCe Tailgating is the social event of the season. Fans dress their best in garnet and black duds and whip up dishes like barbecue, fried chicken, homemade biscuits and pimento cheese. Flat screen TV’s and satellite dishes are set up in the beds of trucks. Tailgaters improve their cornhole skills as tournaments help wile away the hours before game time. Fans bounce to from tailgate to tailgate, receiving a warm welcome whether or not they know the hosts, as long as you’re not a Clemson fan.
beSt tailGatiNG loCatioNS Carolina Fair Park, Seawell’s and River Rat Brewery are all swarming with a sea of garnet and black
tailgaters starting five hours before kickoff.
Cheer on the team, band and cheerleaders as they enter the stadium on “Garnet Way” in Gamecock Park.
Want a classy experience away from the rowdy crowds? Rent a luxurious train car on the Cockaboose Railroad. With brass chandeliers and flat-screen TVs, watch the game in style (and air conditioning).
Game Day traDitioNS 2001: A Space Odyssey blares as the Gamecocks run onto the field, which is “the most exciting
pregame entry in college football” according to Sporting News.
Sandstorm plays before the opening kickoff and after Gamecock touchdowns, leading the crowd into a frenzy waving their white rally towels in unison.
Nationally-recognized mascot, Cocky, riles up the crowd around the stadium with his trademark spirit and attitude.
The new GAMe dAy hoT SPoT
esPn gaMe day“If SC isn’t the essence of Southern hospitality,
I don’t know what is. Those women sure know
how to dress. Of course, in the South, a college
football game is practically a formal event.
Everyone, especially the ladies, gets all dolled
up. But USC takes it to a whole new level. That
football crowd is like something you would see
in Vogue magazine.”
Fans join in on many cheers and chants, including the popular “GAME” (shouted by the west side of the stadium) and then “COCKS” (shouted by the east).
The “Mighty Sound of the South East,” University of South Carolina’s Marching Band, leads cheers and chants along with the Mic Man.
beSt SHoPS to Get your GarNet aND blaCkDon’t forget your bow ties and cowboy boots! Addam’s Bookstore, Garnet and Black Traditions and LaRoque are all shops with the latest garnet and black garb.
loCal barS to watCH tHe GameWant the excitement of the game but couldn’t get a ticket? The whole city is buzzing with gamecock spirit;
cheer along at any local bar including Thirsty Fellow, The British Bulldog Pub, Pawley’s Front Porch and The Southern Belly BBQ.
CommuNity effortS 14 points= 14% discount? Yes, please! The USC Book
Store offers a special the Monday after a winning home game to match the difference in the final score.
Sample Garnet Velvet, a red velvet flavored frozen yogurt offered by local sweet-shop, Yoghut.
Conquest Brewing Co. launched a new Garnet Ale in time for the 2014 football season.
Cockaboose Railroad Williams Brice Stadium
