2024 Columbia SC Insider's Guide by Free Times

2024

I N S I D E R'S

GUIDE

The Food Issue GOOEY GOODNESS!

Pimento Cheese for the Win

T H E JA M E S BEARD EFFECT

PLUS: Behind the Scenes at Riverbanks Zoo

Powerhouse Chefs Put Columbia, SC on the Map

Live Jazz Tonight! Follow us for Smooth Sounds

ZERO-PROOF FUN Cocktails Without the Headache

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Experience Life-Saving Care at MUSC Health in the Midlands When a medical emergency strikes, look to the experts at MUSC Health.

n MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown 2435 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29204

Our compassionate staff stands ready 24 hours a day to care for heart attack, stroke, accidents, and other trauma. For complex problems, we may coordinate with MUSC Health specialists for testing and treatments. These specialists can provide follow-up care to help you feel like yourself again.

n MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast 120 Gateway Corporate Blvd., Columbia, SC 29203

Scan for more information.

n MUSC Health Fairfield Emergency & Imaging 1810 US Hwy 321 Bypass South, Winnsboro, SC 29180 n MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center 1315 Roberts Street, Camden, SC 29020

Two Hilton Brands, One Unforgettable Stay! Experience downtown Columbia’s first modern dual–branded hotel designed for comfort and functionality just steps from the University of SC, the SC State House, museums, historic homes, and Columbia’s most vibrant nightlife.

At Hilton Garden Inn / Home 2 Suites, you’ll enjoy: • Connecting Rooms • Free Wi-Fi • Non-smoking rooms • Digital key access

• On-site restaurant • Indoor pool • Fitness Center

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• Business Center • Meeting rooms • Pet-friendly rooms

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1210 Pickens Street, Columbia, SC 29201

WELCOME • TABLE OF CONTENTS

2024 Columbia Insider’s Guide

The James Beard Effect

10 Welcome to Columbia

50 Years of Riverbanks

South’s Best 13 The Kept Secret

20 Pour Me a Pint

Get in on all the new spots early before everyone else catches on to the buzz

Everyone else is finding out why Columbia has serious bragging rights

26 Pimento Perfection

A guide to the Midlands’ favorite dip

Business or Leisure?

Inside Columbia’s co-working spaces

43 Sally Salamander

Why Columbia is South Carolina’s undiscovered foodie town

Columbia’s zoo and garden are still growing

48 Neighborhoods

Local breweries offer diverse experiences and well-crafted beers

Smooth Sounds

The cool cats and sounds of Columbia’s jazz scene

46 Farm-to-Table

Farmers and chefs on tending the land

60 Fort Jackson

Cocktail offerings without the headache

How to get around

70 Things to Do

O N T H E C O V E R : Fried Green Tomato and Chipotle Pimento Cheese Biscuit

Zero Proof

See what fun there is to be had

68 Transportation

58 64 Barbeque Facts

Have you spotted this amphibian downtown?

The strong tie between the military and the Midlands

62 Events

The villages and districts we call home

Take Columbia Home

Artisan products made locally How to build the best barbeque plate

from Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits in front of Milagros mural in the Main Street District PHOTOGRAPHY BY FORREST CLONTS

4 EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC INSIDER’S GUIDE 2024

Events, eateries, museums, and more

82 Accommodations

Rest easy with our comprehensive guide

86 Columbia Maps

How to navigate our towns and counties

WELCOME • CONNECT WITH US

Connect with Us CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL

EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia, SC 29201 info@experiencecolumbiasc.com 803-545-0002

Thanks for showing us your favorite places of Columbia! #RealColumbiaSC | @columbiasc

President & CEO BILL ELLEN

facebook.com/columbiasc twitter.com/columbiasc tiktok.com/@columbia.sc instagram.com/columbiasc youtube.com/user/colacvb

VP of Marketing & Communications KELLY BARBREY Director of Communications CHARLENE SLAUGHTER Director of Marketing HELEN HARRISON Communications Manager DAYNA CANTELMI VP of CVB & Visitor Services DANNA LILLY Partnership Services Manager JUDIE VANPATTEN

PH OTO BY @

SA ILI NG FU LL

M OO N

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

Visitor Services Manager LARKIN NEWBERRY B U I LT W I T H T H E P O ST A N D C O U R I E R / FREE TIMES Chief Revenue Officer CHASE HEATHERLY Publisher & Advertising Director BERNIE HELLER Managing Editor ZOE NICHOLSON

PHOTO BY @DE IDRA CONN OR

Graphic Design & Illustrator CARYN BRILLIANDT Creative Services Manager LISA WILLIS P H OTO

PH OTO BY

@ D O _YAL

L_ HAVE _G

RI TS

BY @ C

A S E YO

R S O 68

Find all the information you need to plan your perfect getaway, from seasonal trip ideas and exciting events to practical planning details such as lodging and transportation.

ExperienceColumbiaSC.com

6 EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC INSIDER’S GUIDE 2024

ISSUE 1, 2024

The COLUMBIA INSIDER’S GUIDE is provided as a service by Experience Columbia SC. Every effort has been made to make this guide as accurate as possible. Experience Columbia SC assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. ©2023 All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Spark a joy of learning when you visit EdVenture’s fully immersive experience of hands-on programming, problem-solving interactives, and imaginative discoveries!

Visit EdVenture.org to purchase tickets and learn more!

EdVenture.org 211 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201 803.779.3100

8 EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC INSIDER’S GUIDE 2024

E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

WELCOME • MEET OUR AMBASSADOR’S

Welcome to

Columbia

Get an insider’s look at the region through our ambassadors’ eyes photography by Forrest Clonts

THE HEART OF COLUMBIA

AMY BETH FRANKS Owner of The Gourmet Shop

Our Columbia SC Ambassadors continue to champion the region and all the things that make it special. This group of local enthusiasts offer an authentic point of view and represent makers, entrepreneurs, foodies, creatives, and so much more. Each year, we unveil a new class of ambassadors with different experiences, interests, and a shared love for the region. Let’s meet our 2024 Columbia SC Ambassadors and see what they love about the heart of SC.

“Columbia is where small-town charm meets the perks of big city living. The best of both worlds, there isn’t a weekend that goes by without tons of itinerary worthy things to do like music festivals, sporting events and art exhibitions, to name a few.”

DAVID LAIRD Director of Strategic Initiatives for Able SC “There is an underlying spirit in the town that isn’t trying to be someone else. The beauty of Columbia is that our passions drive our identity. We aren’t guided by mores of someone else’s expectations. We are ambitious in our pursuits, and we envision a place where all are welcome, communities are accessible, and our celebrations, though with a Southern twang, will have a big tent where all are invited.”

CRUSH RUSH Photographer “I love Columbia because of its diverse population and its progressive view on the power of art and celebrating individuality/culture. There’s something here for everyone and plenty of free public opportunities to learn while having a blast.”

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PAMELA BYNOE-REED Director of Marketing and Community Affairs for The COMET “I love hanging out at the many festivals and special events! Outings in Columbia are like a BIG family and friends reunion. You can always see a familiar face or meet a new friend or two.”

Discover Sesquicentennial State Park, a natural oasis near Columbia. Hike scenic trails, cool off at the splash pad or challenge yourself to a ride along the six-mile bike trail. Rent a paddle boat or kayak and enjoy a day on the water. With two playgrounds, a dog park and seven reservable picnic facilities, Sesquicentennial State Park is your perfect outdoor escape. Learn more at SouthCarolinaParks.com/sesqui

Sesquicentennial State Park 9564 Two Notch Road • Columbia, SC 29223 803.788.2706 • SouthCarolinaParks.com

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

When planning your next Southern getaway, know the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is ready to welcome you. Located in the sweet spot of the state, Columbia, SC is a bustling region, chock-full of fun-at-any-age attractions, quirky dive bars, natural escapes, historical tours and so much more you’ll be booking your return trip before this one ends.

FLYCAE.COM

*Image of the Purple Martins flying over Lake Murray

The South’s

best Kept Secret

written by Ashley Elsey | illustrations by Caryn Brilliandt

Columbia has been quietly thriving... but word’s gotten out. The accolades are stacking up, and people are taking notice. Now is your chance to experience this city on the rise. When you hear “Best Place to Live in South Carolina,” do you think of Columbia, South Carolina? According to Travel + Leisure, you should. And we’re ready to dust another spot off in our trophy case. National Geographic Travel ranked us as one of the “Best Small Cities in the U.S.” How about a top city in the U.S. to start a career? Again, Columbia was recognized, pulling in the fourth spot by WalletHub. PureWow included us as No. 5 on its list of “Best (and Most Affordable) Places to Travel.” Only city in the Southeast to have two James Beard Award finalists in 2023? You guessed it; that’s us. (Don’t worry, we’ll dive into Columbia’s incredible food scene — Garden & Gun’s “lowkey food city of the South” — throughout this publication.) Judging by the buzz, Columbia is having a moment. Locals have known this for a while, but it’s starting to catch on. And to be honest, we don’t mind. We welcome the attention. We know our chefs can hold their own. We live for a Saturday morning at Soda City Market and a sunset along the river. We commemorate our history

and vivid arts scene. We’re proud of the Midlands, the collection of cities and counties anchored by South Carolina’s capital city. It’s a region brimming with growth, creativity and the anticipation of what’s to come — like a budding spider lily along the Congaree. Here’s a taste of what awaits you in Columbia and beyond:

COLUMBIA KNOWS A THING O R T W O A B O U T S TA R T I N G A T H I N G O R T W O. In fact, Columbia was the first planned city in the newly established United States. Located in the Rosewood district, City Roots is South Carolina’s first urban farm with eight acres of family owned, organic farmland. Each year, you’ll find all manner of fun at the annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival at City Roots. The all-day music fest is a proper good time without any of the big city fuss. Make note — Columbia is serious about its festivals. Expedia included our thriving metropolis as a “Top Destination to Travel in the U.S. in the Month of April”

for its robust festival schedule. Across the street from the farm is about the last place you’d expect to find a historic hangar-turned-brewery, but get used to surprises. HunterGatherer at Curtiss Wright Hangar is now home to hazy IPAs and bar-inspired bites, but once had notable figures flying into its space, including Amelia Earhart and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

“

Experience Columbia before the rest of the country finds out about our thriving Southern secret.

The BullStreet District is South Carolina’s first urban gigabit community. The burgeoning district is known as the largest city-center development East of the Mississippi. BullStreet boasts E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

WELCOME • COLUMBIA ACCOLADES

Ballpark Digest’s “Class A Ballpark of the Decade” — Segra Park, home of the Columbia Fireflies. Thrillist named Columbia one of 8 “American Cities making Big Improvements” for the BullStreet District. Columbia flaunts one of the oldest published pimento cheese recipes (from a 1912 cookbook, “A Friend in Need”) and we lay claim to the first pimento cheeseburger dating back to 1954. The tasty Southern delicacy looms large on many a menu throughout the region. There is even a Pimento Cheese Passport, as seen in Southern Living Magazine, with 16 local restaurants participating in the pimento promotion.

THE CIT Y IS HOME TO A FEW OF SOUTH C A R O L I N A’ S “ O N LY S .” In the heart of the Main Street District, look out for a distinctive neon marquee where you’ll find The Nick, South Carolina’s only non-profit art house cinema. While you’re there, don’t forget to look up. The district — named one of “America’s 25 Cutest Main Streets in Small(er) Towns” by Fodor’s Travel — recently installed 28,000 canopy lights along the 1600 Block of Main Street. Peak Drift Brewing has one of the only female certified master brewers in the Southeast. You can’t go wrong with their Watermelon-Blueberry Sour Ale, infused with fruit from Coosaw Farms, a local operation less than 2 hours from the brewery. Cola Town Bike Collective is the state’s only full-service nonprofit bike shop. The collective developed an app for riders to easily map out

Congaree National Park is a beautiful old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. Photo by Forrest Clonts.

bike-friendly routes around the region, from the riverfront to the Three Rivers Greenway and beyond. South Carolina’s only national park rests on 26,000 acres a 25-minute drive from downtown. Congaree National Park is the largest intact tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the U.S. and contains some of the tallest trees in Eastern North America. Its uber-high canopy promotes bio-diversity at a world-renown level. Congaree is also one of the few places in the world — named the best place in North America by Smithsonian Magazine — to experience the magic of synchronous fireflies each May. This natural phenomenon certainly lives up to the hype.

#1 st

te smar C in S

city

PLACE TO LIVE IN SOUTH CAROLINA

2023

2018

BEST CITIES IN THE U.S. TO START A CAREER

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BEST PLACE TO WATCH FIREFLIES

The Columbia Museum of Art and the Richland Library tout National Medals for Museum and Library Services, with both institutions committed to serving and uplifting the community. The CMA just launched an exclusive exhibit showcasing homegrown fashion designer Sergio Hudson’s designs, illustrations, and mementos. Catch it through the end of June. At Richland Library’s main branch on Assembly Street, you can find more than just books. It’s the only place in the world where author Maurice Sendak has allowed his artwork to be displayed in a public space. We know our history, too. On the University of South Carolina’s campus you can find the Anne Frank Center, which is the only permanent site in North America that’s partnered with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. The partnership allows for research, education, and advocacy around the Holocaust and Jewish Studies. Between our fresh, urban South environment and our unexpected energy of grit, hospitality and hard work, Columbia was named a “Top 100 Best Places to Live” by US News & World Report, and has consistently ranked in the “Top Five Cities Where Millennials are Moving” by SmartAsset. You could say we’ve got bragging rights. It’s no wonder Thrillist named Columbia one of eight “Under-theRadar” American cities to visit “before they’re too popular.” Now is the time to get ahead of the curve. Experience Columbia before the rest of the country finds out about our thriving Southern secret. Savor your time here, whether that includes sipping a rooftop spritzer, cheering on the Gamecocks, soaking in history at Historic Columbia’s Hampton-Preston Mansion or taking the family to Riverbanks Zoo’s new aquarium and reptile conservation center. And don’t forget: We want you to come as you are to discover all that makes Columbia a real under-the-radar hot spot. We’ll be waiting with a glass of sweet tea (unless, of course, you’d prefer something barrel-aged or bacon-infused.)

Find it all in Five Points!

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A Wild History of Columbia’s Zoo Riverbanks Zoo and Garden slithers into the future with new reptile center written by Genna Contino photography by Forrest Clonts

Lochlan Wooten wants Riverbanks Zoo visitors to leave the zoo with two things: a smile on their faces and the tools to change the world. It might seem like a hefty challenge, but to the zoo’s chief operating officer, it’s part of an important shift industrywide to prioritize conservation alongside guest experience. “If we’re inspiring people to love nature, and we’re creating an amazing guest experience and creating amazing word of mouth, they’re going to come back,” Wooten said. “And so those two things are really synergistic.” With the zoo’s 50th anniversary slated for April 2024, Wooten said the biggest way Riverbanks has evolved over the past five decades is in sharpening its focus on conservation and the first step, she said, is to look internally. “Whether you work on our grounds, or our housekeeping department, or our maintenance crew, or whether you work on our finance team, we’re ensuring that you’re as connected to our mission as our animal division and animal care team are connected to our mission,” Wooten said. Sean Foley, the zoo’s curator of herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians), has been working 16 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

RIVERBANKS ZOO • ACTIVITIES

populations that allow zoos to create connections, inspire actions, and impact conservation,” Riverbanks Curator of Birds Colleen Lynch said.

SCALED SUCCESS

toward this mission since he joined the team at Riverbanks Zoo in 1992. The cold-blooded expert wants guests leaving the zoo to be able to make connections between the animals they see behind the glass and their own ecosystems at home. “We want them to be good stewards of the animals of the planet, or our ecosystems, from South Carolina all the way across the world to places like Madagascar,” Foley said. One example of the zoo’s conservation efforts are all of the summer hatchings that brought new zoo babies. Riverbanks welcomed baby rockhopper penguins and flamingos, along with many other birds. “All of these hatches are the results of efforts by highly skilled teams, and are important contributions to the animal

Looking for another reason to come to the zoo? You absolutely have to check out the new reptile exhibit. Foley, who works with the zoo’s amphibians and reptiles, assisted in designing and choosing which animals would be housed in the newly renovated Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center. The center replaced an aging exhibit - and when the Boyd Foundation provided funding, “it all fell into place,” Foley said. Approaching the new exhibit, you get to walk down a boardwalk surrounded by tortoises. Through the front door, you’re transported to a temperate rainforest. Floor-to-ceiling exhibits are home to animals native to the Southeastern United States, including timber rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, alligator snapping turtles, corn snakes, eastern diamondbacks, pine snakes, and rattlesnakes. Turn to your right to enter a tropical forest with tree monitors, emerald tree boas, and poison dart frogs. Even the temperature is set to mimic the scaly critters’ climate. The tropical gallery features some of Wooten’s favorite habitats - like the home of a 30-year-old anaconda that she described as “geriatric” and “fabulous.” Once you’ve weathered the tropics, you’ll enter a glass door to a desert biome where noisy, bright green parrots will greet you with a ‘hello.’ You’ll also find Cayman Island blue iguanas, Galapagos tortoises, southwestern rattlesnakes, desert lizards, and pythons. Beyond the desert, the exhibit begins to move from land to

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ACTIVITIES • RIVERBANKS ZOO

water. After passing by some tropical reptiles and amphibians, you’ll find mangroves, jellyfish, and a coral reef. Soon, the zoo plans to get an octopus for its saltwater exhibit, Foley said. The reef isn’t just a part of the exhibit’s wow factor, it’s a working lab contributing to the zoo’s mission of conservation.

“

If we’re inspiring people to love nature, and we’re creating an amazing guest experience... they’re going to come back. – LOCHLAN WOOTEN “Since all of the media and noise around the coral bleaching that’s going on off the shores of Florida, we really wanted to bring attention to that,” Wooten said, highlighting the zoo’s commitment to conservation. In 2019, Riverbanks partnered with the federal government and other zoos and organizations to house corals they’ve rescued off the Florida Reef in Columbia, “in an effort to give them a safe haven while we figure out what this tissue loss is all about, and make sure that we don’t lose the genetic diversity,”

Photo by Brett Flashnick

Wooten said. Continuing on the conservation trend, the last spot in the Boyd Center is the biodiversity wall and conservation lab where they’re raising leaf tailed geckos. Riverbanks has sent geckos the zoo raised and bred to 40 institutions around the world, according to Foley. “They’re only found in Madagascar, in tropical forests,” he said. “And so we do a lot of breeding and then we coordinate with zoos all over the country, and actually, all over the world, because we’ve sent them to Europe as well.”

WILD ABOUT COLUMBIA

Approaching 50 years, the zoo has become both a mainstay for locals and a destination for those visiting. In total, about a million people visit Riverbanks each year, according to data provided by the zoo. “Greenville has a zoo. Atlanta has a zoo. Plenty of other Southeastern cities have zoos. Not only does Riverbanks more than hold its own as a regional option, but it’s also constantly regarded as one of the best zoos in the entire country,” Experience Columbia SC’s Communications Manager, Dayna Cantelmi, said. “The caliber of our local attractions is a major point of pride and an incredible asset to the work we do to drive tourism to the area. We’re extremely fortunate to have Riverbanks right here in our backyard.” Wooten is proud to lead the most visited zoo in the Southeast, and believes it’s important to give back to the community. Whether it’s through offering sensory sensitivity backpacks, discounted tickets for those with SNAP benefits, or free field trips for local schools, Wooten invites all to enjoy the zoo. “It’s really important for us, for this entire community to know that Riverbanks is a place for them,” Wooten said.

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Stay Close to

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FOOD & DRINK • LOCAL BREWERIES

Columbia

Experience by The Pint (or Flight)

Columbia’s brewery scene offers something for everyone. Dive into the bubbly ale and find out. writtn by Ben Culbreth | photography by Lynn Luc

Like the capital city they call home, Columbia’s breweries have surged in the last 10 years. In 2013, there were less than five breweries. Today, you’ll find nearly a dozen within easy driving distance of just about any part of the city. The breweries, in many ways, reflect Columbia. They’re diverse; no two are alike in their experience or what they brew. And similar to Columbia’s neighborhoods and districts, the breweries have personalities all their own. Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at The Hangar hosts a weekly running club. Steel Hands Brewing regularly puts on free music festivals and concerts. Or go for something totally different, like Bierkeller’s authentic German atmosphere. Wherever you stop, you’ll get a taste of Columbia — and maybe find a new favorite brew you’ll want to take home as a reminder of your time spent here. And if you’re looking for a variety of brews, try one of Columbia’s bottle shops. Across the river in West Columbia, you’ll find WECO Bottle & Biergarten and The Dales Biergarten and Bottle Shoppe. In Columbia and Irmo, check out Craft & Draft’s two locations.

H U N T E R G AT H E R E R BREWERY & ALEHOUSE Downtown Alehouse 900 Main St. | Columbia, SC 803-748-0540 Brewery Hangar 1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd. Columbia, SC 803-764-1237 Kevin Varner has brewed beer for a long time. He started in his home and later cut his teeth in the West Coast brewing scene before the craft beer

20 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

craze moved to the Southeast. He brought his knowledge back to Columbia and opened HunterGatherer in 1995. Varner is the master brewer and still loves making beer for people. “I think it’s a brewery first and not a business first,” Varner said. You’ll see this mindset in HunterGatherer’s extensive tap list, which has everything from IPAs to traditional English-style ales. “We keep 10 to 14 beers here at any given time,” Varner said. Varner believes they’ve created a unique aesthetic at their downtown and Rosewood locations. Beer is brewed at each, but the downtown spot is a restaurant-style experience where a gourmet meal can be enjoyed along with a draft beer. At The Hangar in the Rosewood neighborhood, bar standards are available, including vegan options like the vegan pizza and hummus. Varner said first-timers can’t go wrong with ordering a flight. And for food? “The Greek pizza is my favorite thing on the menu,” he said. Enjoy your food and brews in the historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar, the Columbia area’s first-ever airport that has deep ties to aviation icons like Glen Curtiss and the Wright Brothers. Though it hasn’t been used as an airport since the 1980s, it’s one of the only vintage airplane hangars still standing in the country.

LOCAL BREWERIES • FOOD & DRINK

Strauss said these lighter beers do well in the Columbia market. But his sours are a particular point of pride. “If you look at all your varieties, we’ve done 70 different sours since inception,” Strauss said.

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I think Columbia is putting itself on the map to become a craft beer city. – ANDREW STRAUSS

COLUMBIA CRAFT B R E W I N G C O M PA N Y 520 Greene St. Columbia, SC 29201 803-799-6027 Andrew Strauss credits his mom with getting the family into the brewing business. What started as a hobby for Andrew and his dad quickly expanded as they looked into making extensive modifications to their first brewery (a.k.a. their garage). “My mom kicked us out of the garage,” Strauss said. Conveniently located near Huger Street, one of Columbia’s main thoroughfares, Columbia Craft is a place to get great beer near some of the city’s event centers like the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, USC’s Colonial Life Arena, Founders Park, and the USC campus. Less than a decade into brewing, Columbia Craft is producing winners. Their Carolinian won gold in the 2020 Great American Beer Festival competition. And, Macroeconomics won gold in the 2023 World Beer Cup.

He said the variety they offer is unique in the Columbia market. “There’s not a lot of breweries doing a New Zealand IPA,” Strauss explained. “We’re right up there with any of the other breweries in terms of variety.” And while there’s much to explore, Strauss often encourages customers to start with the blonde ale. “You can’t go wrong with our blonde,” he said. “It’s easy drinking.” Columbia Craft is revamping its kitchen and planning to offer more food options. For something lighter, boiled peanuts will hit the spot. They also offer a bratwurst with a pretzel bun. If those aren’t your tastes, rotating food trucks bring a variety of local flavors. Strauss said he’s excited to see the growth of Columbia’s craft beer scene. “I think Columbia is putting itself on the map to become a craft beer city.”

BIERKELLER BREWING C O M PA N Y 600 Canalside St. Suite 1009 Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 239-4794 Walking up to Bierkeller Brewing Company, it’s impossible not to embrace the relaxed, European-inspired atmosphere right along Columbia’s Riverfront Canal. Co-founder Scott Burgess said

Bierkeller is a product of the time he spent in Germany. The brewery started as a pop-up Biergarten along Riverfront Park, not far from its now-permanent location. Burgess said the Biergarten amplifies Columbia’s connection to the river and its laid-back atmosphere. “Not only to brew great German beer the way I discovered it, but also to showcase the absolute best settings in Columbia,” he explained. You won’t find IPAs, sours, or other modern concoctions here. Bierkeller serves six beers, all made in the traditional German style. Ingredients are sourced from Germany and every pour is direct from the barrel.

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Not only to brew great German beer the way I discovered it, but also to showcase the absolute best settings in Columbia. – SCOTT BURGESS

“If you make a simple beer with simple ingredients, that stuff makes the difference in our beers,” Burgess said. Bierkeller keeps to its German roots by offering food options like schnitzel, bratwurst, and käsespätzle. For those less inclined to Bavarian cuisine, dishes like a chicken finger plate and a caprese sandwich are available. But Burgess encourages patrons to sample a little bit of everything. “It’s the experience that counts,” he said. “The beer in its best state. The food that accompanies it.” Bierkeller places quality above nearly everything else, so enjoy the beer while you’re here, because you won’t find their German brews anywhere else. E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

LOCAL BREWERIES • FOOD & DRINK

Visitors can enjoy brewpub fare like chicken wings, burgers, and pizzas. Iron Hill also has several vegetarian options, and if variety is your thing, don’t miss out on the appetizer sampler. Edelson said Iron Hill has taken home plenty of awards for their beers. Their King’s Gold brew recently won gold at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival. If you enjoy what you find at Iron Hill, you can visit one of their 21 locations, which are concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic, with a few locations in the Southeast. You can also grab a crowler or growler of anything on tap and select brews in cans.

A J O L LY GOOD PINT Local breweries offer beer lovers the chance to buy their brews inhouse and at select stores locally, but some are offered across the nation — and the world.

IRON HILL BREWERY & R E S TA U R A N T 945 Sabal St. Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 480-8200 Iron Hill has joined a growing number of businesses popping up in the revitalized BullStreet District. The Delaware-based brewery first ventured south with a location in Greenville and opened its second South Carolina venue at BullStreet, a former consortium of public health facilities now home to Columbia’s minor league baseball team and a bevy of residential and retail offerings. “We feel like BullStreet is the perfect location,” said Mark Edelson, Iron Hill’s Founding Partner and Vice President of Beer. Iron Hill has a litany of brews to offer, including location-specific recipes like the Soda City Pils. The brewery has lots of indoor seating and an outdoor patio; a perfect place to grab a bite before heading to a Columbia Fireflies baseball game. “We’re all about providing a great experience,” Edelsom said. “It starts with the products. Having great food and great beer.”

Brands like Steel Hands and Savage Craft are offered in stores across the state, and many places offer crowlers and growlers togo, including Lexington's Hazlewood and Angry Fish breweries. Looking for a taste of Columbia further afield? You might be in luck.

S AVA G E C R A F T A L E W O R K S 430 Center St. West Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 888-6005 Savage Craft made a splash across the river in West Columbia when it launched in 2021. The brewery’s extensive facilities include an indoor bar and eating area, rooftop bar, outdoor seating with a stage, and private event space. Savage Craft’s Victoria Porter said the initial vision was to provide an excellent space with excellent beer. She said a big

In late 2023, distribution company Crescent Moon began exporting South Carolina craft brews to the United Kingdom. Columbia Craft is sharing a number of their beers with the British, including their Famously Hop IPA, Citrus All Pro and their award-winning Carolinian Blonde Ale. Peak Drift is sending over its New England IPA, the Berry Crumble Sour and the Fire Pit Dark Ale. In addition to distributing to stores and bars across the U.K., Crescent Moon will also sell the S.C. brews online at thebeersofamerica.com. Both breweries sell their brews in stores and at restaurants across the Palmetto State, too. E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

FOOD & DRINK • LOCAL BREWERIES

focus is to educate people on craft beer. “Whenever anyone is here first, we ask them what they drink normally,” Porter said. “We walk you through it.” But don’t sleep on the cocktails. Savage Craft offers a variety of mixed drinks. “We sell five-hundred margaritas every week,” Porter touted. For the experience, Porter said there’s something for everyone. Visitors can bring their dogs or kids to enjoy time outside. Or, if you’re looking for more privacy, the rooftop is adults-only. Their scratch kitchen offers several elevataed options — from a Crab Cake Benedict for Sunday Brunch to CoconutCurry Halibut and Wagyu Steak out in the biergarten — but Porter said the burger is the place to start. Savage Craft beer can be purchased locally in Columbia and across the state in Greenville and Aiken, where brews are sold at specialty food stores.

H A Z E LW O O D B R E W I N G C O M PA N Y 711 E Main St. Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 785-3947 Since opening in 2019, Hazelwood Brewing Company has become a staple in Lexington. Owner Matt Rodgers has had his hands in the beer industry for years, from his time

owning a homebrew supply store to brewing beer for Lexington’s Old Mill Brew Pub. Located in a textile mill boiler room that dates back to 1891, Hazelwood has made the most of the eclectic space with indoor seating that utilizes many of the salvageable materials. When the weather is nice, a large outdoor area is a perfect gathering spot for friends, families, and those in search of live music.

visitors can enjoy boiled peanuts from local favorite Cromer’s and a daily rotation of food trucks. Hazelwood’s beer can be purchased in specialty craft beer stories throughout the Midlands.

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We love that old craft beer experience that we grew up with. The sights, the smells, and the feeling like you’re part of the brewery. – MATT RODGERS Rodgers said Hazelwood takes particular pride in sourcing local ingredients, to the point that they grow their own hops at their farm — also called Hazelwood — in Camden, SC. “We’ve been one of the only hop farms in the state all this time,” he explained. He said this was all part of the design when they decided to open the space. “We love that old craft beer experience that we grew up with. The sights, the smells, and feeling like you’re part of the brewery,” Rodgers said. For first timers, Rodgers said the lager is a must try. “I love our house lager because it’s made with Carolina Gold Rice and Hazelwood hops.” Those looking for something a little hoppier should try Neuroscience or the Indo/Outdo IPA. Along with a beer,

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PEAK DRIFT BREWING C O M PA N Y 3452 N. Main St. | Columbia, SC 29203 Peak Drift Brewing Company is bringing new life to an old, unused space. In the up-and-coming North Main district, Peak Drift has established its expansive brewing operation in a former manufacturing facility. The brewery also has a microbrewery inside Smoked, an upscale seafood eatery on Main Street. While it’s a Columbia-based brewery, Vice President of Sales and Operations Jason Snyder said the goal has always been to reach beyond the Midlands. “We didn’t want the brand to just be Columbia or just South Carolina,” Snyder explained. Peak Drift drew certified master brewer Ashley Kinart-Short from Wisconsin, where she gained experience at one of the beerintensive state’s oldest breweries. Peak Drift’s selection appeals to a wide range of palates, with beers like their lighter Golden Ale, a rotating sour

LOCAL BREWERIES • FOOD & DRINK

series, and a New England IPA. While production has been up-andrunning for a bit now, Snyder said Peak Drift hopes to have its on-site space ready for customers in 2024. They plan to include a stage for live music and plenty of entertainment options. “I’m super excited,” Snyder said. “It’s going to be a great outdoor space.” Customers who enjoy Peak Drift’s brews can grab the beer in stores locally, and in Greenville and Rock Hill.

delivered to the brewery to enjoy with their beer. Hodge, himself is inclined to order their cauliflower crust pizza. Those trying out Angry Fish brews for the first time should start with the IPAs, Hodge said. In addition to food and beer, the brewery has music trivia every Thursday and live music most weekends. As for the name, well, that’s a fish tale you’ll have to hear over a pint of Angry Fish beer.

ANGRY FISH BREWING CO. 106 Fabrister Ln C. Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 520-7470 As the first commercial brewery in Lexington, Angry Fish intentionally started small. But since opening in June 2018, the operation — and demand for their beer — has grown. “When we first started this, it was really about turning our hobby into a business,” said Kenny Hodge, CoOwner of Angry Fish Brewing Co. The brewery has made a name for itself with their IPAs, hazys, and sours. They also have a regular rotation of seasonal beer.

– KENNY HODGE Hodge said the sours are a particular point of pride because they take a unique approach to the flavors. “We’re kind of all over the place with the sours,” he said. Visitors will enjoy a quaint taproom or enjoy their beer outside in the biergarten. Those looking to grab a bite to eat can enjoy food from Luce Cucina Italiano, which is next door to Angry Fish. Hodge said Angry Fish customers can order food from Luce’s and have it

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Our team’s focus is on being a true destination, not only for our community, but [also for] fans and visitors traveling through. – ASHLEY LAMBERT

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When we first started this, it was really about turning our hobby into a business.

Coffee Lager. Lambert said they wanted to build a place for the community to come together. “Our team’s focus is on being a true destination, not only for our community, but [also for] fans and visitors traveling through.”

STEEL HANDS BREWING 2350 Foreman St. | Cayce, SC 29033 (803) 708-9864 Surrounded by factories and railroad tracks, Steel Hands has embraced the hard-working culture of its neighbors with its brand and beer production. “We’re currently ranked third by the brewer’s association in terms of barrels produced per year,” said Ashley Lambert, Steel Hand’s Marketing and Business Development Director, referencing the national organization of which Steel Hands is a member. Steel Hands made an immediate impression on the Columbia craft beer scene when it opened in 2018 with its production scale, entertainment offerings like Nashville Nights and its annual Woodstock event, and unique

Visitors will find indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy beer and food. It’s become a popular destination for free live music, where musicians near and far take the stage. Lambert said there are many options to choose from, but the Tropical IPA is Steel Hands’ top seller. For those looking for something different, she recommends the Coffee Lager, which is made with local roaster Loveland Coffee’s beans. “It’s one of those beers that people have had coffee beers before, but ours is so light,” she said. “That’s what fans really love about it.” Lambert said there’s one clear go-to on to the food menu: the Cayce Fried Chicken Sandwich. If you find a beer you love, you can pick it up on-site at Steel Hands or in several locations across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. And the Cayce-based brewery isn’t slowing down. Steel Hands expanded to open a second brewery and taproom in Greensboro, NC. This expansion led to more awards; their Dunkel took home a gold medal in the 2022 NC Brewers Cup.

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FOOD & DRINK • PIMENTO CHEESE

The Perfect Pimento Cheese Columbia’s history of this savory spread runs deep written by Zoe Nicholson photos by Crush Rush

In 1954, restaurant owner Jacob “J.C.” Reynolds got a little adventurous. At his downtown Dairy Bar, Reynolds slathered a Southern delicacy on his juicy burgers, birthing a sensation Columbia has not yet forgotten — the pimento cheeseburger. While we own the bragging rights as the first city to put the cheesy, creamy spread on a burger, pimento cheese has a much more storied — and controversial — history than one might imagine. Traditionally a combination of cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise and pimento peppers, pimento cheese has been around since at least the 1870s, when it ventured down from the northeast along with the carpetbaggers and post-Civil War migrants. From there, we made it our own. Swap out the cream cheese for some Duke’s Mayonnaise

Chris Williams shows off his Philly pimento cheesesteak at Roy’s Grille in Irmo. 26 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

and use the Georgia-grown variety of the pimento, The Perfection Pimento, and voila; Southern pimento cheese was born. “We bring our food and we bring our influences with us whenever we migrate to another place. And I believe that’s what happens,” said Kevin Mitchell, a South Carolina Chef Ambassador, culinary instructor and author whose upcoming book delves into the history of pimento cheese. “People move from here to there — north to south, south to north — and they bring that with them.” One of the earliest recorded recipes for pimento cheese appeared in the cookbook, A Friend in Need, in 1912, when Janie DuBose wrote a version of the recipe that included the option to add sour pickles. The past century has brought a wealth of diversity to a recipe traditionally requiring three ingredients. For Mitchell, pimento cheese is indicative of the uniqueness that’s found in all South Carolina cuisine. “The food of the South, to me, can be very multifaceted,” Mitchell explained. “I believe it’s based on regionality; we may use the same ingredients from state to state, but we prepare them and create dishes all in a very different way.” For Chris Williams at Roy’s Grille, an award-winning barbecue eatery in Irmo, pimento cheese is a way to serve up the South. But it didn’t start that way for the former South Carolina Chef Ambassador. “I’m gonna be honest, man, growing up, I hated pimento cheese,” Williams chuckled. “My first experience with pimento cheese — like I’m pretty sure most Southern children — was a little tub

PIMENTO CHEESE • FOOD & DRINK

from the grocery store.” The orangey, gooey texture made Williams turn his nose up at the stuff, but years later, he tried it again. “Fast forward 15-20 years, I’m at DiPrato’s in downtown [Columbia]. I met my mother for lunch,” Williams recalled. “There was something on the table and I was like, ‘What is this?’ And my mom says, ‘Pimento cheese.’ But it was white?” Restaurants like DiPrato’s have their own, unique spin on the pimento cheese recipe. Where the USC-adjacent lunch spot uses milder, white cheeses in its mix, other places mix it up, too. Bourbon on Main Street opts for a Creole-inspired take on the dip. Terra, a farm-to-table eatery in West Columbia, puts it on pizza. At Roy’s Grille, Williams focuses on the right blend of cheeses. “I like mixing a mild cheese with the sharper cheese,” Williams said. “Using just one cheese that’s just cheddar heavy, I’m not a fan of that. So I like different flavors, I like to add a little smokiness sometimes, maybe a little spice.” Williams puts his mixture on a grilled cheese sandwich. He also serves it on burgers and cheesesteaks and his patty melt. If you want, you can order it as an appetizer, too. “I’ve encrusted steaks with it. I put it on burgers. Of course sandwiches, crackers,” Williams rattled off in his kitchen. “I mean, any way you would normally put cheese on bread … you name it.”

many variations you can find around Columbia. And for those who tick off enough boxes, there are tiered prizes in store. Trotting across our region in search of pimento cheese may be a fun way to fill your weekend (and your bellies), but it goes deeper than that. Pimento cheese, like most Southern dishes, is an act of hospitality. It’s a delicious dip you share around the table with friends, it’s a new recipe you try for the next family gathering, it’s a way to connect. “Food breaks down all barriers. Everybody eats, everybody likes good food. So food is a wonderful equalizer,” Williams said. “When it comes to food, it doesn’t matter race, color, creed … food binds us all.” And through that binding, you can trace our roots. Whether it’s a cheesy spread brought down south by late-1800s carpetbaggers or that same spread made new again, Columbia is a hub for it all.

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... we may use the same ingredients from state to state, but we prepare them and create dishes all in a very different way. – KEVIN MITCHELL The variety of pimento cheese offerings at Roy’s Grille is echoed throughout the region’s restaurant scene. From highend wine bars like Saluda’s to down-home kitchens like Lizard’s Thicket, pimento cheese is a menu staple. And while the task to try them all might seem daunting, Experience Columbia SC has a plan to help you out. First launched in 2019 and refreshed with additional locations in 2022, the Pimento Cheese Passport is a guide to some of the

VISIT SEGRA PARK! YOUR YEAR-ROUND BASEBALL AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

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Since the late 1980s, Columbia has developed a strong reputation when it comes to its vibrant and eclectic rock and punk scenes. While pop-rock superstars Hootie & the Blowfish are the most well-known and commercially successful export, there have been plenty of other acts — from soul-folk troubadour and former Papa Jazz employee Amos Lee, to chillwave and indie folk icon Toro y Moi and neosoul pioneer Angie Stone — who have emerged over the years.

GROWING A JAZZ SCENE Less known but every bit as vital, though, has been the city’s jazz scene. Complemented by the strength of local institutions’ — University of South Carolina, Columbia College and Benedict College — music programs, but also thanks to a revolving but energetic set of clubs and stages throughout the metro area, the art form has consistently found a warm welcome in South Carolina’s capital city. The story of the modern-day jazz scene begins with Skipp “Pops” Pearson, an Orangeburg native and tenor saxophonist whose lengthy residencies at both Hunter-Gatherer and, later, Le Cafe Jazz, became a nexus point for everybody from students and local musicians to nationally touring performers to meet, chat, and jam. Pearson passed away in 2017, but the groundwork he laid has come to full fruition in recent years given the current vibrancy of the scene.

COLAJAZZ CENTRAL

Smooth Sounds Jazz is the secret soundtrack to Columbia’s vibrant arts scene written by Kyle Peterson | photography by Lynn Luc

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Let’s start with trumpeter Mark Rapp, Pearson’s successor as the official SC Jazz Ambassador. Rapp is a Palmetto State native. But he made his name in both New Orleans and New York City before returning to Columbia in 2011, where he eventually founded ColaJazz, a non-profit that supports the art through recordings, promotional events, and education, including most prominently the ColaJazz Fest, which celebrated its sixth year in 2023. The festival is the big calling card for Rapp and the group, thanks to its consistently sold-out crowds and world-renowned headlining talents like

THE JAZZ SCENE • LIFESTYLE

Wynton Marsalis and Columbia native Chris Potter, but it is Rapp’s daily hustle that makes the biggest difference to the local scene. In addition to staying busy playing with his own groups, which regularly play clubs like Pearlz Upstairs and The Aristocrat in the Vista, as well as The Joint @ 1710 on Main Street, Rapp and his dedicated team of volunteers tirelessly promote and present a variety of local shows and performances every month while continuing to grow jazz educational offerings throughout the state. That work includes SC Public Radio’s ColaJazz Presents, which does bite-size coverage of South Carolina’s jazz history, as well as current-day offerings and summer camps for Columbia’s tiniest aspiring jazz musicians.

A SMOOTH JAZZ OASIS AT C H AY Z L O U N G E Speaking of radio personalities who also play a central role, Chayz Lounge owner Chaye Alexander is a less visible, but equally vital key, to the strength of today’s jazz scene in Columbia.

Alexander developed her chops on R&B radio in New York City and later on her internet radio show (named “Chayz Lounge”) before turning her sights on club ownership. Initially starting in the back room of the now-closed Nonnah’s in the Vista, Chayz Lounge eventually established a full-time location in West Columbia. It’s an upscale, classy haven for smooth jazz and R&B lovers thanks

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The Aristocrat in downtown Columbia offers weekly jazz concerts from local favorites and touring acts. ABOVE

West Columbia’s Chayz Lounge is an ode to the jazz clubs of New York City and Chicago with its dressy attire and top-tier talent.

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LIFESTYLE • THE JAZZ SCENE

to the sharp, astute flow of national talents that Alexander brings in weekin and week-out. That’s in addition to her promoter work with the Live at Boyd Plaza series and the new Meeting Street Music Fest — both free festivals for the public to enjoy. There’s something satisfyingly oldschool about Alexander’s approach. Nights at Chayz Lounge hit all the right notes for a night out, creating a formal intimacy with its cabaret seating and fancy dress code, while also offering a sophisticated menu and drink list. It’s more how you imagine jazz clubs in New York or Chicago operating, but with its own brand of new South charm.

MASTERS OF THE ART If Alexander and Rapp are associated with the weekly hustle of the jazz scene in Columbia, saxophonist Robert Gardiner is the one who corrals the (quite literal) big band together. The Lander University professor and frequent local performer is the founder of the SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble, a group that features 18 of the best musicians from across the state who are dedicated to authentically presenting and preserving the art form at the highest artistic levels. The Ensemble performs just a handful of times a year (usually at Irmo’s Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, a semi-hidden suburban spot that sneakily does some of the best and varied arts programming in the region) and has all the feel of an all-star

“Dream Team” of South Carolina talents, from USC music school emeritus professors like trumpeter Dick Goodwin and pianist Bert Ligon to younger, hard-touring favorites like bassist Reggie Sullivan and Ranky Tanky trumpeter Charlton Singleton. Like ColaJazz, they also bring in heavy-hitting headliners, including famed jazz violinist Regina Carter this spring.

In other words, it’s a literal jazz church. Sounds about right for a town as teeming with jazz cats as Columbia.

JAZZ UNIVERSITY As we said before, much of the jazz energy in the city stems from the University of South Carolina’s music program, which has consistently churned out players who go on to populate the city’s stages, as well as offering its own slate of concerts and programming, including the signature Left Bank Big Band. USC’s jazz program, too, is undergoing a bit of a renaissance thanks to a slew of new hires, including the director of the program Matthew White, as well as drummer Colleen Clark and saxophonist Lauren Meccia. The program has found a new stand-alone home in the Greene Street United Methodist Church, the historic worship center that stands at the corner of Greene and Assembly Streets in the middle of the school’s downtown campus. Through a lease agreement with the university, the jazz studies program will be allowed to use the church buildings for concert performances, practice space, and offices, even as the congregation continues to worship in the sanctuary.

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Trumpeter Mark Rapp heads the ColaJazz Foundation UPPER RIGHT

The ColaJazz Festival is a free annual event aimed at promoting jazz talent in Columbia ABOVE

Robert Gardiner performs with his 18-piece big band, the SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble

THERE’S ALWAYS MORE AT THE CMA More art. More activities. More adventures. We’re adding more all the time — grab a friend and stop in to see what’s new!

1515 Main Street in the heart of downtown Columbia

The James Beard Effect Powerhouse chefs put Columbia on the map as a full-fledged foodie town written by Stephanie Burnette

Columbia pulled off a hat trick in national culinary news. When The James Beard Foundation announced its 2023 finalists, CITY GRIT Hospitality Group had advanced as a nominee for Outstanding Restaurateur and Lula Drake Wine Parlour was on the list for Outstanding Hospitality. These were not regional awards, but national categories. The announcement placed Columbia restaurants among peers in top-tier dining markets including Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, and Seattle. As a food and travel writer, I can share what a seismic event this was. There are 10 national James Beard awards each year, and nearby markets fared this way:

> Charleston: 0 > Greenville: 0 > Charlotte: 0 > Nashville: 0 > Atlanta: 0 > Columbia: 2 32 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

NATIONAL RECOGNITION • FOOD & DRINK

People were astounded. My phone started pinging. “What’s going on in Columbia?” message after message read. Everyone, it seemed, was finally catching up. I’ve been writing about dining in the Carolinas for more than a decade and Columbia stays on my radar. The number of independently owned restaurants in the capital city is significant, but there’s something else. I sum it up as “all roads lead to Columbia.” If you’re coming or going to any part of South Carolina, then you’ll likely go through Columbia. Many conversations about Columbia go like this: You’ve never had lunch at Spotted Salamander? Jessica Shillato got a semi-final nomination for Best Chef Southeast and her daily deviled eggs should have been enough for a win. What about champagne brunch at The Gourmet Shop? Dinner at any of chef Kristian Niemi’s places: Bourbon, Black Rooster, The Dragon Room? Have you had the chicken and red-velvet waffles at Kiki’s? Or, the spicy dumplings at JJ Tea House? (At times, my enthusiasm for eating out has been known to bubble over.)

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We all know the recognition by the James Beard Foundation can change the course of restaurants and cities... – SARAH SIMMONS All this to say, the James Beard nominations were spot on. It’s easy to talk about someone like Sarah Simmons and her passion for the food and beverage community. She’s the proprietor of CITY GRIT along with her husband, Aaron Hoskins, and their partner Elie Yigo. Their chefdriven restaurants include an all-day café, smallSUGAR, a self-proclaimed “unauthentically authentic” pizzeria named Il Focolare, and CITY GRIT, a fun culinary hybrid depending on the time of day — part artisan market,

lunch counter, culinary incubator, and casual fine dining room. Simmons recalled feeling thunderstruck by the nomination for Outstanding Restaurateur, and then overwhelmed when they were named a finalist. “We all know the recognition by the James Beard Foundation can change the course of restaurants and cities,” Simmons said. “We’ve been so laserfocused on providing opportunities to young adults in Columbia that we never imagined receiving recognition of this scale on a national level.” Tim Gardner is the owner of Lula Drake Wine Parlour, as well as one of its many sommeliers. He called the experience of becoming a finalist in the Outstanding Hospitalit y categor y “earth-shattering.” “Columbia was so excited for us,” he said, “and then guests started showing up from out of town that had never been here before.”

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Food from CITY GRIT. Photo by Forrest Clonts. ABOVE

Guests enjoy world-class wines in Lula Drake’s Main Street dining room. Photo by Bee Turner. BELOW

A delicious spread from Il Focolare. Photo by Jessica Hunt.

T H E G U T S TO S E R V E W H AT ’ S CHALLENGING Lula Drake opened in a shotgun storefront when Columbia’s Main Street was still reimagining itself into a vibrant dining district. Gardner envisioned a place for drinking wine supported by plates, snacks, and maybe an aptly made cocktail or aperitif. E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

FOOD & DRINK • NATIONAL RECOGNITION

ABOVE

Patatas Bravas from CITY GRIT. Photo by Forrest Clonts. BELOW

Vegan Pasta from Lula Drake. Photo by Bee Turner.

First and foremost, Lula Drake would offer many wines by the glass; the list would rotate often. The wine bar would honor its original tenant of the early 1900s, a hatmaker named Lula Drake. Gardner thought about what she might sip with her posh customers. Lula Drake’s wine list is adventurous, culled from winemakers who take risks and produce bottles that are sustainable and biodynamic. Gardner believes in noninterference, embracing wine that may taste differently year to year, vintage to vintage. Adding ingredients not inherent to the wine-making process is a no-go for him. “When you taste something that’s real, it changes your world,” he said. “I learned how difficult and, frankly, how expensive it is to produce wine like this, how tempting it can be to manipulate it to make the next vintage taste like the last vintage.” He acknowledged that Lula Drake presents a by-the-glass list that doesn’t include “the usual suspects.” “I knew there was an audience in Columbia for what we wanted to pour,” he said, “but I also knew we’d have our work cut out for us.” His answer was to hire for personality

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and passion. And Gardner wanted lots of different people on the team. If the wine list looked challenging, there would be a friendly face at the ready to demystify it. If you were interested in wine, this would be your place. Gardner put the staff through the Level 1 sommelier training and then much of the Level 2 coursework. Training lasted four-to-five hours a day for six weeks. It quickly became the practice at Lula Drake to encourage guests to sample anything and everything. They wanted converts and repeat customers. They wanted regulars. “When we opened, there was a lot of excitement and I think some controversy. We weren’t for everyone, and I was okay with that,” said Gardner. In nearly seven years, Lula Drake has beat the odds. They’ve experienced little turnover and only employed two chefs. Current chef Rachel Harrison is a protégé of opening chef Pierce Bowers. He went on to start Dorsia Pasta Company, which supplies Lula Drake with fresh pasta every Wednesday. “Rachel grows every week as a chef and as a person,” said Gardner. “She thinks about how our wines pair with what’s on the plate. There’s not a better fit for Lula Drake.”

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There’s nothing better than walking into our space every day,.. It’s about when the people who are there are happy and excited about their job, so every point of the experience is a pleasure. – TIM GARDNER

The Cacio e Pepe is a celebrated dish. It can be ordered with Capa Negra Jamón Ibérico shaved over top. The three variations of cheeseboards are nearly as curated as the wine list. There are lamb bites, too, and a

FOOD & DRINK • NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Korean-style fried chicken that happens to be gluten and dairy free. If it’s after dinner, I’ll order the cookie butter crepes or the dark chocolate terrine, maybe with a little vintage Madeira. Lula (as the locals call it) is one of my favorite places to dine alone. But you’re never really alone at Lula Drake, because people on both sides of the bar feel a lot like you. To say the team was stunned by the James Beard nomination would be an understatement. Gardner remembered emailing the staff of 14, including General Manager Scott Wild and Head Bartender Caitlin Britt, while his hands shook and tears rolled down his face. It was an award for an operation. Not wine, not food, but hospitality. It was for how a restaurant treats its guests, how it treats its team; how it makes others and its community feel. “There’s nothing better than walking into our space every day,” Gardner said. “It’s about when the people who are there are happy and excited about their job, so ever y point of the

experience is a pleasure. I couldn’t wait to share this with them. To be recognized for anything means we’re taking a stand on something.” T H E G R I T T O S T AY FOCUSED ON COMMUNITY When you Google Sarah Simmons, the accolades are plentiful: Food & Wine’s Best New Cooks, Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, more press from Zagat and Food Network. New York City adored her (and her restaurant Birds and Bubbles) with a zealousness few chefs experience. But in 2017, she felt pulled home to Columbia. Her passion was economic development and workforce training. She wanted to bring non-college bound youth to the hospitality industry as a career. This is not the glamorous work that garners a restaurant group a James Beard nomination — or so she and her husband thought. “If we were going to put all of our energy into rebuilding our restaurants in Columbia, then we had to do it for something that was bigger than accolades,” said Simmons. “We were so far away from being focused on recognition that we didn’t even know it was possible.” They opened smallSUGAR cafe in the Vista neighborhood that serves breakfast, lunch, and coffee, and figured out what a single parent would need for a living wage without gratuity. (It was over $16 an hour nearly six years ago.) Next up was a pizza restaurant in Cottontown, where they also decided to forego tipping. Then during the pandemic, the fast casual restaurant in front of smallSUGAR closed and they couldn’t turn down the additional space, or its kitchen, which they needed to increase the number of meals they were preparing for those in need in the nearby communities. Chef Elie Yigo had followed them south to Columbia. In New York, Simmons recognized his immense drive and a deep-seated curiosity for the culinary arts. He worked with Hoskins and honed his trade, and the couple offered him ownership in CITY GRIT Hospitality Group in 2019. Simmons called him indispensable to the company.

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GETTING to K N O W JAMES BEARD Our restaurateurs describe learning about the James Beard Awards: “I was a young actor in Los Angeles and was working for caterers as a bar manager. One of my colleagues found out a restaurant he worked at had been nominated for a James Beard Award. I remember he said it was the equivalent of an Academy Award, and it always stuck with me.” - TIM GARDNER “We got engaged at the James Beard House in 2016. We were serving a Valentine’s Dinner and I proposed before the dessert course. And then we got a call that our restaurant had a surprise inspection from the health department. Thankfully we got an A. It was a crazy night.” - AARON HOSKINS “When I was in culinary school in the early 2000s, it was something that fine-dining, male chefs got at the time. Twenty-two years later, someone told me I was nominated and I thought they were joking. I had to look it up.” - JESSICA SHILLATO “One of my first opportunities in the food world was to write a profile for Bon Appetit about the James Beard nominees in 2010, which included José Andrés, Tom Colicchio, and Charles Phan. I was just a baby chef and was starstruck. I even got to go to the awards that year and literally backed into Jacques Pepin in the hallway.” - SARAH SIMMONS “I moved to America over ten years ago from Africa. I first heard of James Beard at my first real kitchen job with a Michelin star. I knew it must be a big deal if the team with a star were so excited about it.” - ELIE YIGO

NATIONAL RECOGNITION • FOOD & DRINK

“He has good ideas and is a great teacher with an energy that ’s unmatched,” said Simmons. “Elie leads our cooks at every restaurant; they turn to him, and it makes sense.” The cuisine is very, very good. There may not be a lacquered pastry in the state of South Carolina that is as delicious and/or more attractive than what’s in the pastry case at smallSUGAR. Breakfast is a study of loveliness and feels equally modern and handmade. There’s a soft-set egg toast with dressed salad that I crave. There’s roasted root vegetables and sweets and per fectly constructed coffee drinks. Food writer and pizza connoisseur Nikki Miller-Ka called the potato and rosemary pizza at Il Focalore “nearly perfect.” The pie rounded out an evening of good food, which began at CITY GRIT for tapas — a sauced tuna crudo with herby pasta and white wine, served at an ideal temperature.

“

Being nominated as Outstanding Restaurateur really codified that our mission in Columbia is to build the next-generation restaurant group. – SARAH SIMMONS The service at the three eateries is rapt. And a lot of explaining is required: yes, please don’t tip…. Yes, our prices are higher so that everyone is paid a living wage… Yes, everything is made by hand… that’s right, don’t add an additional tip. Employees learn the business front- and back-of-house at CITY GRIT, and it’s fun to hear a different person say it the same way, each time, at each restaurant. Simmons and Hoskins were stunned by the nomination for Outstanding Restaurateur, mostly because it was a national award, but also because it

was their dream category. “Our goals are not just chef goals,” said Hoskins. “They are goals for restaurant sustainability, a safe place for employees, and how the restaurants interact with community. There’s this line in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ that I’m obsessed with, ‘How you do anything is how you do everything.’” In her early days in New York, Simmons remembered working all month just to make rent and saving change for anything extra. “If I had a really good meal, it was such a treat, so what if in Columbia, South Carolina, this is your treat and it’s not the same?” Simmons posited. “Consistency is important.” Likewise, their non-profit, Feed the City, has big ambitions. Feed the City supplies meals outside of their restaurants in times of crisis, supports local food makers and businesses, and runs workforce and life skills training programs, among many other things. Every employee is offered one shift a week working in the office for the nonprofit — for pay — because they believe everyone needs a day off their feet, and experience some variety. It’s creating a best-practice culture that fuels Simmons, Hoskins, and Yigo inside and outside the doors of their restaurants. Simmons hopes to reach a point where she can focus all her energy on

LEFT

Chef Aaron Hoskins serving dishes at CITY GRIT. Photo by Forrest Clonts. ABOVE

Interior of CITY GRIT. Photo by Forrest Clonts. BELOW

Chicken Salad Croissant and Jamon Buerre Baguette from CITY GRIT. Photo by Forrest Clonts.

E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

FOOD & DRINK • NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Feed the City. She’s been keeping notes on the organization’s wins and failures, with the intention of creating a playbook for other restaurateurs and small business owners to utilize in their own communities. “Being nominated as Outstanding Restaurateur really codified that our mission in Columbia is to build the next-generation restaurant group,” said Simmons. “In Chicago it really hit home, we’re doing something that can create lasting change here. We want people to look at what we’re doing on our own — without deep pockets — and recognize that they can do the same in their own cities.” ONE NIGHT IN CHICAGO The James Beard Awards ceremony is held at the Lyric Opera Theatre in Chicago, around the first Monday of June each year. I attended the 2023 ceremony, something I’d never done before. There are parties and events all

weekend. And after the ceremony, it’s a quick walk to Union Station for a massive reception with food and drink by prestigious restaurants and bars, plus a tower of Moet champagne, music and dancing, and ubiquitous photographers. Both CITY GRIT and Lula Drake brought their teams to Chicago. As a food writer, I can say that you rarely see industry folks outside of their restaurants, let alone all of them together. What a night that was, to be among the “Who’s Who” of American dining, dressed up and celebrating together for one night. In the world of James Beard, getting to Chicago is the award. As a finalist, you can forever say you’re a James Beard Nominee. It can be printed on your menu, splashed on your website, and your restaurant will forever be referred to as “James Beard nominated” in the press. Winning is considered the icing on the cake, and neither South

Carolina nominee won. “Sitting in the audience as a finalist was surreal,” said Simmons. “Literally everyone you’ve ever looked up to is in the room and you’re questioning how you got there and why you’re in a dress with all the people you love around you and not in your restaurants.” Gardner agreed. “It was an eye-opening experience for our team. Just to be in the company of that room, to call these people our peers, was next level for us,” he said. “It tells us that we’re doing a lot of things right, and that we still have so much to learn.” Columbia found its way onto a big stage that night in Chicago. Where is Columbia? may have echoed around the hall at the 1,000-person party more than a few times. A contingent of us repeated happily: In South Carolina… no, not Charleston… no, not Greenville, but you’ll run right into it from either direction.

CITY OF COLUMBIA OFFICE OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Innovate. Empower. Educate.

CITY OF COLUMBIA

SOUTH CAROLINA

803-545-3950 obo@columbiasc.gov obo.columbiasc.gov

City of Columbia @wearecolumbia @cityofcolumbia

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EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA INSIDER’S GUIDE 2023

Business or Leisure? How About Both? Co-working spaces offer unique offices for professionals written by Eden Prime photography by Crush Rush

Beyond serving as the seat of South Carolina’s government, Columbia offers a hub for creatives and entrepreneurs to collaborate, think, and work as members of a growing metropolitan workforce ripe with opportunity. Community work spaces have boomed in the past decade, paving the way for collaboration between locals and visitors popping into the city for a trip. One of the leaders of this charge is Greg Hilton, co-founder of SOCO, a coworking entrepreneurial community with two thriving locations in Columbia’s downtown. Hilton founded SOCO in 2013 alongside Gene Crawford and a small team of fellow visionaries. “We were the first shared workspace in Columbia … so we’re pretty proud to be 10 years old, and still be locally owned and in growth mode,” said Hilton. SOCO is based on a co-op model where members pay a flat rate for access to the facilities which are outfitted with desks, a break room area, printing services, and much more. The Lady Street location in the Vista is even equipped with a podcasting studio that members can book to record in – all they need to bring is a laptop and ideas. “We get to do what we want and what our community cares about doing,” Hilton continued. Hilton’s belief in active collaboration, community engagement, and creative thinking has led to a flourishing community that unifies creatives, gig workers, and remote working individuals from across Columbia’s diverse population. SOCO endeavors to promote an atmosphere of welcoming energy that is sustainable and invigorating. Not too far up the road, on Sumter Street, a similar space with a bright, artistic focus sprouted in the throes of the pandemic. 40 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

COWORK SPACES • LIFESTYLE

When Maisie Cook attended an event in an aged warehouse next door to Indah Coffee, she came home dreaming of a space where artists could spread out and work together. Cook’s mother-in-law, Beth Lawson, took the idea and ran with it almost immediately.

“

We’re pretty proud to be 10 years old, and still be locally owned and in growth mode. – GREG HILTON

“I called the landlord and they said the building was available … and from there we developed the concept of NoMa Warehouse,” said Lawson. Cook’s vision for a shared workspace for artists, and Lawson’s entrepreneurial insight, quickly led to the creation of what is now seen as a community and cultural hub in the booming Cottontown neighborhood. Artists can rent space to become an anchor vendor, or book time to devote to specific projects monthly or daily, depending on their needs. On top of this, NoMa hosts an evening market on Fridays called “The NoMa Flea” and has open shopping hours for anchor vendors during the week. Not only has NoMa Warehouse become a workspace for artists, but a retail environment for them to sell their work. And the space’s dedication to the arts doesn’t stop at studio and retail space. In 2022 NoMa hosted their first music festival, SolFest RollFest, to showcase local musical talent and promote sustainability in the community, complete with a bike-powered stage. “We really try to be conscious about everything we do and try to make as little impact as possible on the environment,” Lawson said. While SOCO and NoMa Warehouse are prime spots for visitors to find some collaborative work spaces in

Columbia, there are options outside the city limits, too. Co-Create is a women-run space in Lexington on Garner Lane. Co-Create offers women a space to push entrepreneurial boundaries and learn together as they work. Offering coworking space, private offices, meeting rooms, and other services, Co-Create strives to give women accessible tools for growing their businesses. Like SOCO, Co-Create also hosts a content creation studio for recording podcasts and other forms of audio and visual media. All over the region these community hubs exist, ready to take in new members, friends, workers, and artists — or even providing an office away from home for visitors to the area.

Each space has its unique niche in the community — from painters and photographers to accountants and analysts, there is a space that fits each entrepreneur’s needs — or is willing to adapt.

FAR LEFT

SOCO is Columbia’s original coworking space with two locations downtown. ABOVE

NoMa Warehouse in the thriving Cottontown neighborhood offers an artsy space for creatives to shop, work, and explore. RIGHT

NoMa Warehouse features artisan goods and wares from small makers, in addition to hosting weekly special events. E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

EXPLORE SOUTH CAROLINA’S LARGEST MUSEUM Four Floors of Exhibitions & More

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM 301 GERVAIS STREET | SCMUSEUM.ORG

SALLY SALAMANDER • ACTIVITIES

Take a walk with Sally Salamander Columbia’s unofficial mascot offers free fun for the whole family written by Zoe Nicholson

Take a walk through Columbia’s many neighborhoods and districts and you’ll find all manner of shops, restaurants and locals eager to welcome you in with our unique brand of hospitality. But there’s something else lurking along our streets and on our buildings … our unofficial city mascot, Sally Salamander. Launched in 2009 by a Leadership Columbia class, Sally Salamander is not just a pretty face; she’s an adventure for the whole family to enjoy with the Sally Salamander Walking Tour, a free, walkable scavenger hunt to find Sally across some of Columbia’s downtown districts. This spring, Sally’s adventure will get even bigger with updates to the walking tour. The first stop on your amphibious adventure should start at the Columbia SC Visitors Center at 1120 Lincoln Street, located in the heart of the Vista district. The associates can get you set up with a map of the walking tour, and are on hand to answer any other Columbia-related questions you might have. Need a dinner spot? They’ve got you covered. Want to get out of the city and explore some of our natural landscapes? Lots of options. Anxious to find out when parking meters are in effect? The team at the Visitor’s Center can help you out. From there, hit the streets and track down all 20 Sally Salamander statues on the recently revamped and expanded scavenger hunt. The search for Sally will take you to Columbia institutions and locals’

haunts, including The Nick, South Carolina’s only not-forprofit, independent cinema, Adluh Flour Mills, USC’s historic Horseshoe, and many more. Not only is the tour a great way to get some fresh air, but by foot is also arguably the best way to really take in Columbia’s downtown districts. Once you’ve found all 20 tiny black statues, head to Congaree National Park or Sesquicentennial State Park (both about 20 minutes from downtown Columbia) to see Sally in her natural habitat. Both parks are examples of the landscapes native to the Midlands and are teeming with creatures like the Spotted Salamander (our state amphibian), the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, or even a river otter. Whether in the woods or the city streets, Sally Salamander will help you explore Columbia with fresh and keen eyes.

A sneaky statue at University of South Carolina’s Historic Horseshoe. Photo by Lynn Luc. E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

FOOD & DRINK • ZERO-PROOF COCKTAILS

Global flavors the headache

without

Zero-Proof Cocktails around Columbia written by Bach Pham | illustration by Caryn Brilliandt

Columbia is always brimming with activity. Whether you are attending a USC Gamecock or Benedict Tigers football game, heading to one of the city’s dozens of arts and music festivals, or just dropping into Soda City Market every Saturday, the capital city is alive with something for everyone to do. There are times, however, amid the hustle and bustle of the city, that you need to hit the brakes on life and take a moment to transport yourself to another place and time. The following are a few zero-proof recommendations that will not only help you refresh and reset, but take you both somewhere maybe you’ve never been before — both in the city and on the journey that each drink offers. Zero-proof drinks have exploded in popularity in recent years, providing completely nonalcoholic craft drinks that are as equally complex in design as their alcoholic counterparts. They ensure that everyone at the table has their own unique, handcrafted sip. Pomegranate is one of the rare fruits that transcends seasons. Whether blended with spices in a holiday drink or shining on its own in a bright, vibrant spritzer, the Mediterranean fruit’s versatility is what makes it such a perfect vehicle to build around. THE FRIENDLY FIRE offers a bit of both worlds with a gently spiced hibiscus that sits quietly in the background while the crisp, tart pomegranate takes center stage. It’s perfect for pairing with Tazza’s collection of pizzas and tacos, offering a lovely palette refresher. No matter what time of year, Tazza — a longtime advocate for having zero proof options — always has an inventive, seasonal option on the menu for patrons of this

Forest Acres neighborhood favorite. On paper, England and Korea seem like two very different palettes that don’t quite correlate, but here in Columbia you get a wonderful linkage that connects the two worlds. THE LADY FITZGERALD at 929 Kitchen & Bar is a particularly English-inspired affair, featuring a blueberry and lemon juice-infused with thyme, orgeat, and herbs de provence to give it a garden aroma. A light honey foam settles over the drink, giving a lovely sweetness. The tartness and sweetness actually makes a wonderful pairing with the bustling modern Korean menu the restaurant serves, balancing all the spicy, crispy, and savory notes from dishes like Korean fried chicken or wok-fried udon with spicy pork. Seeing unexpected connectivity is a wonderful thing, one which this zero-proof drink provides in spades for adventurers who wander in. PATTAYA is a city off the coast of Thailand known for its beaches and nightlife. Kao Thai’s zero-proof drink celebrates the coastal side of life in Pattaya with its bright pineapple, sweet coconut water, and fragrant mint. Together, it’s fresh and lively and a perfect refresher with their infamous roti with curry. A garnish of fresh lychee fruit — a beautiful pale orb that’s silky and sweet — immediately lifts you off Main Street and right onto the ferry towards adventure. A fan favorite of the Vista for many years, the modern Thai street food restaurant made a big move to Main Street this year. Kao Thai’s new zero-proof additions, including the herbaceous Lumpini Lotus and the spicy Thai chiliinfused Bird’s Eye View, offer guests a variety of options and directions to take their evening.

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FERRY TO PATTAYA Kao Thai 1307 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 4:30–10 PM, Mon.-Sat.

FRIENDLY FIRE Tazza Kitchen in Trenholm Plaza 840 Forest Dr #20, Columbia, SC 29206 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9:30 PM, Tues-Sat. 10:30 AM-2:30 PM, 5-9:30 PM Sun

LADY FITZGERALD 929 Kitchen 929 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201 11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM, Tues-Sun

THE VENUE

LIFESTYLE • URBAN FARMING

A Growing City Columbia-Area Farms Connect with the Public, Showcase Local Foods written by Eva Moore photography by Thomas Hammond

When you think of a farm, you probably think of a rural area: acres of corn stretching to the horizon, siloes and tractors, big equipment and big spaces. But farms are more diverse and more widespread than many people realize. They can be found right here in our thriving, bustling city. And while they’ve always been a part of Columbia’s past, agriculture is just as much a part of our future. For local farm City Roots, Columbia is central to the farm’s identity. “The name was very intentional,” coowner Eric McClam said. “We wanted to be rooted in our city, part of our community, teaching about the benefits of agriculture and its effects on the local economy and people’s health and well-being. In the city, we are in this purposeful place that allows us to engage the public.” The farm sits in the Rosewood neighborhood, surrounded by homes, old warehouses, athletic fields, a park and a brewery. These days, it specializes in organic microgreens grown in greenhouses, but over the years, City Roots has raised bees and fish, farmed vegetables and mush-

ABOVE

Brinton Fox, owner of Boone Fox Farm, picks fresh cut flowers from her plots at City Roots Farm. RIGHT

Lewis Urdahl harvests microgreens at City Roots Farm.

rooms, kept chickens, and more. Community engagement remains part of its purpose. The farm partners with an event company, F2T Productions, to host farm-to-table events and festivals on-site. Cut-flower farmer Boone Fox Farm is now sharing the farm site, growing blooms for local bouquets. A few miles away at Cottle Strawberry Farm, community connections are just as important. “A lot of kids don’t know about farming any longer,” said Joy Cottle, who owns the beloved local U-pick strawberr y farm. “They think when you go to the grocery store, that's where your groceries come from.” One of her favorite parts of the job is seeing children picking their own berries off the plants and

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tasting them in the field. Cottle took over the farm in 2001 when her father, who owned strawberry farms in Columbia and North Carolina, retired. She moved the farm from Lower Richland County to Garners Ferry Road, where it remains today. Across the city, other farms are growing produce and raising animals – and teaching people about farming. North of the city, Doko Farm raises heritage turkeys and hogs. Sal’s Ol’ Timey Feed and Seed not only sells vegetables and vegetable plants, but offers gardening, homesteading, and canning classes on top of raising goats, mules, horses, chickens, and doves. In Lower Richland, Paul Grant at Freshly Grown Farms grows lettuces and herbs. Out toward Elgin, Goat Daddy’s Farm is a goat dairy and animal sanctuary, offering field trips and animal care classes. These farms teach the public about the challenges of farming, including just how much work it really is.

URBAN FARMING • LIFESTYLE

For example, strawberry season is only two to three months long, but growing strawberries is a year-round activity. At Cottle, the growing season begins in late summer, when sheets of plastic are stretched tightly across raised rows of soil. The plastic keeps moisture in and pests and weeds out, and keeps the berries clean. In October, thousands of strawberry plants are planted by hand, one at a time, into holes punched in the plastic. Through the fall, winter and early spring, the farmers protect the strawberry plants – from deer, from pests, and from cold. As spring nears, anytime there’s a threat of freezing temperatures, covers are pulled across each row. Flowers on the plants means strawberry season is near. “It’s 30 days from bloom to berry,” Cottle explained. “You’ll know we’re getting close to opening the field once you see some of our roadside stands open up. And then we open up to the public and let everyone start picking.” Farming is year-round at City Roots, too. McClam said the farm operates 365 days a year. Frequent harvesting means customers can always buy the freshest microgreens. City Roots recently opened a second facility a few miles from its flagship location, off Bluff Road near the USC football stadium. The company is investing $10 million in the project, and hiring 50 new employees. The farm will continue to

operate at both sites – because for McClam, Columbia is part of the farm, and vice versa. “We like to show the biodiversity of what can be grown in South Carolina, show the seasonality,” McClam said. “Being in the city, we have the unique ability to do that in proximity to where the majority of food is consumed, and that’s the city.”

W H AT ’ S

good H E R E ?

Find these locally farmed foods around Columbia for good, home-grown eats:

CITY ROOTS ORGANIC FARM

cityrootsfarm.com Find City Roots microgreens at restaurants and grocery stores throughout the Southeast.

COTTLE STRAWBERRY FARM

cottlestrawberryfarm.com Visit the Trotter Road farm to pick your own, or buy pre-picked berries from one of Cottle’s seasonal farm stands around the Midlands. Watch Facebook and Instagram for opening dates and more information.

DOLCE VITA FARMS

facebook.com/dolcevitafarm In addition to growing ornamental shrubs and trees, this Eastover farm has a U-pick blueberry patch. The season usually starts around early June, but check their Facebook page for details!

FRESHLY GROWN FARMS

freshlygrownfarms.com At his farm in Lower Richland, Paul Grant grows lettuces and herbs that make local chefs swoon. Look for him on local menus, at Rosewood Market and 14 Carrot Whole Foods, and via the home delivery and subscription service on his website. 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.

Learn more at scinvietnam.com 803.737.8095

301 Gervais Street • Columbia, SC

MANCHESTER FARMS

manchesterfarms.com If you see quail on a restaurant menu anywhere in the US, there’s a good chance it came from this Columbia business. The nation’s oldest quail farm, Manchester Farms raises quail and quail eggs.

WP RAWL

rawl.net Local doesn’t always mean small! Perhaps the nation’s biggest grower of collards, turnip greens, mustard greens, and kale is located right here in Lexington County. Look for the Nature’s Greens label at the grocery store.

E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

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 Farms, parks, golf and a variety of festivals. S I P, S A V O R , S H O P 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 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 postround beverage.

BullStreet District

Neighborhoods Find Southern hospitality at every turn—from bustling entertainment districts to mellow enclaves surrounded by nature. 48 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

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 self-taught 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. S I P, S A V O R , S H O P 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 early this year is renowned Southern-inspired restaurant Tupelo Honey Café. Outdoorsy visitors can find all the gear they need for adventure at REI.

NEIGHBORHOODS • LIFESTYLE

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. S I P, S A V O R , S H O P 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 Henry’s Grill and Bar, The Kingsman Restaurant and Vella’s Restaurant & Tavern. If you like it hot, dig into authentic Mexican cuisine at La

Estrella or Jamaican eats at The Reggae Grill. 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.

to an aged steak and delicious desserts at Chapin Chophouse. 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, Market Place of Chapin and Memere’s Attic.

Chapin

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.

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. S I P, S A V O R , S H O P 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 treat yourself

Discover what Columbia has in store for you

Devine Street

S I P, S A V O R , S H O P Find a tranquil start to the day with cof fe e a m o n g g r e e n e r y a t Blüm Coffee o r s i t t i n g i n a c u t e c a f é at Azalea Coffee Bar. 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,

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Exchange Blvd., Blvd.,Columbia, Columbia,SC SC29209 29209| | 803-695-0062 803-695-0062 250 E Exchange E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

LIFESTYLE • NEIGHBORHOODS

burgers at Burger Tavern 77 and cold beer at Craft and Draft. Gift shops are a big deal here, too. Go fashion-forward at LaRoque, Brittons, Slate and Pink Sorbet, a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store. Also find fine jewelry at Unforgettable, curated luxury collections at non(e) such, gorgeous bouquets at Fern and children’s clothing at Duck Duck Goose.

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. S I P, S A V O R , S H O P Coffee at Drip or brunch at The Gourmet Shop guarantees a great start to the day. For lunch, enjoy signature sandwiches at Enzo’s Delicatessen, 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. In between meals, shop for cute clothes at Revente and Corbeau, 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’s new home on Harden Street.

Enjoy a lunch at The Gourmet Shop in Five Points. Photo by Brett Flashnick

Deli on Forest Drive. At Tombo Grille, locally grown ingredients are transformed into gourmet comfort food. Load up on Italian classics at Pasta Fresca or woodfired 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 Col u m bia, natural beaut y awaits in the ’burbs. Spend the day outdoors at nearby Harbison State Forest, which

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 under the covered tent at Richland Mall. S I P, S A V O R , S H O P Shop national brands, such as Anthropologie, Sephora, lululemon and HomeGoods at Trenholm Plaza, where yo u ’ll a l s o f in d u n iq u e fa s h i o n s at Granger Owings and Scout & Molly’s Boutique. Stop for a bite to eat at Boca Grande, which serves up specialty burritos, or grab a signature sandwich stuffed with various meats at Groucho’s

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. S I P, S A V O R , S H O P Shop for brand names at retail developments, such as Columbiana Centre Mall and Harbison Court. Get ready to greet the day with a fresh-brewed 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 Restaur a n t, w h i l e t r a d i t i o n a l C h i n e s e 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

Tombo Grille in Forest Acres. Photo by Crush Rush.

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Embark on outdoor adventures yearround 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. Outfitters such as AquaFun Paddle

With more than than $1.4 $1.4 billion billion invested invested in our city over the the last last five five years, years, the message is clear. clear. Columbia Columbia is a great place place to to do do business. business. Columbia Economic Economic Development Developmentworks workswith withbusinesses, businesses, entrepreneurs, developers, investors and partners developers, investors and partnerswho whoare are focused on focused on growing growing the the local local economy economyand andcommunity. community. Site Identification Site Identification and and Site Site Visits Visits||Workforce WorkforceNeeds Needs Funding and Incentives | Entry to New Markets Funding and Incentives | Entry to New Markets Partnerships || Business Partnerships Business Recruitment Recruitment| |Project ProjectManagement Management Connect with Connect with Columbia Columbia Economic EconomicDevelopment. Development. We’d love to show you around! We’d love to show you around! 1201 Main Main St., 1201 St., Suite Suite 250, 250, Columbia, Columbia,SC SC29201 29201 803-734-2700 803-734-2700

choosecolumbiasc.com choosecolumbiasc.com

LIFESTYLE • NEIGHBORHOODS

Amphitheater or hit some balls down the driving range at LJ’s Par and Grill.

over a marina — the perfect place to catch the sunset.

S I P, S A V O R , S H O P 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 BoneAppetite 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.

Lexington

Lower Richland

An elevated dining experience at Private Property. Photo by Forrest Clonts.

gear visitors up with Jet Skis, kayaks, sailboats and paddleboards to play on the lake all day. S I P, S A V O R , S H O P 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

Just 20 minutes west of downtown Columbia, this thriving area has entertainment for the whole family. Have some play time at Virginia Hylton Park, root for the Blowfish at Lexington County Baseball Stadium, watch a live show at Icehouse

The Congaree River winds its way through this rural area southeast of Columbia, where outdoor ac tivities beckon. Explore the vast wilderness of Congaree National Park, paddle along Cedar Creek or bike The Palmetto Trail.

Lexington, South Carolina

Play Stay Shop Dine

Come explore and be charmed LEXINGTONSC.ORG 52 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

NEIGHBORHOODS • LIFESTYLE

The Nick in the Main Street District. Photo by Earl Jones

Enjoy a stay in the bed & breakfast at Wavering Place Plantation, which dates back to 1768. S I P, S A V O R , S H O P 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.

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.

sandwiches. Located in the heart of Olympia Mill Village, 701 Whaley Center for Contemporary Art is a popular space for weddings, catered dinners, meetings, arts and music events, and it houses the 701 Center for Contemporary Art and Beautique Spa.

S I P, S A V O R , S H O P Grab a seat on the rooftop of Hendrix for locally sourced dishes and Instagram-worthy views. Satisfy your sweet tooth with ice cream and sorbet handcrafted with sophisticated ingredients at Sweet Cream Company or with artful dessert masterpieces at The Robinson Room. Make a toast with friends and savor small plates at Lula Drake Wine Parlour. Pick up a signature creation (might we suggest the grilled pimento cheese?) for breakfast or lunch from The Sandwich Depot. Give a warm welcome to district newcomers 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 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.

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. S I P, S A V O R , S H O P Beverages are plentiful here, with specialty coffee at Indah Coffee and Curiosity Coffee Bar. Innovative vegan soul food is the draw at A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen, while The War Mouth churns out beautifully presented farmto-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

Mill District

Main Street 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.

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

S I P, S A V O R , S H O P Dig into creative pizzas at Village Idiot Pizza and classic diner meals at Granby Grill. Authentic Italian- A merican specialties can be found at Enzo’s Spuntino with their made-from-scratch

A tasty spread served at A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen Photo by Lynn Luc E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

LIFESTYLE • NEIGHBORHOODS

from Main Street Bakery or popcorn and peanuts from Cromer’s are sure to please. Grab a breakfast biscuit at local favorite Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits. Stop by The NOMA Warehouse or the NOMA Flea on Friday nights for your pick of local, handmade vintage and collectable goods, fashion, antiques and art. from Main Street Bakery or popcorn and peanuts from Cromer’s are sure to please. Grab a breakfast biscuit at local favorite Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits. Stop by The NOMA Warehouse or the NOMA Flea on Friday nights for your pick of local, handmade vintage and collectable goods, fashion, antiques and art.

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.

Live music at The Senate/Tin Roof. Photo by Brandon Geer

S I P, S A V O R , S H O P 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.

The Vista

Hip and eclectic, this southside neighborhood is where you’ll find City Roots Farm across the street from Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at The Hangar (located in a historic Curtiss–Wright Hangar).

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.

S I P, S A V O R , S H O P Take your pick of pubs: the British Cock n’ Bull Pub, where you can order bangers and mash with your pint, or the low-key Rockaway Athletic Club, where the pimento cheeseburger is a must. New to the area is 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, and healthy grab-and-go at Rosewood Market & Deli. After any

S I P, S A V O R , S H O P Kick off your morning with pastries at smallSUGAR. 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. For comfort food favorites, try 1801 Grille and Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria & Pub. Taste signature seafood specials made with Lowcountry flavors at the contemporary

Rosewood

Can’t beat fresh, local produce from Soda City Market. Photo by Hélène Dujardin

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 he alth -fo cuse d cof fe e or smoothie from As Well As.

54 E X P ER I EN C E CO LU M B I A S C I N S I D ER ’ S G U I D E 2024

Welcome to the Holiday Inn Columbia Downtown, an upscale boutique style experience in a refreshing, inviting atmosphere, in the Historic Main St. District! Our location is convenient to major businesses like Prisma Health Baptist, Bank of America, and IBM.

We also offer easy access to the University of South Carolina, Colonial Life arena, Williams Brice Stadium, and Riverbanks Zoo &Gardens. Boutique shopping, fine dining, and unique Columbia sights can be found just around the corner. Holiday Inn Downtown 803-205-4950 1233 Washington Street Columbia, SC 29201

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LIFESTYLE • NEIGHBORHOODS

Blue Marlin. Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea serves up coffee, tea and shakes, plus baked goods. 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 n’ 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 The Donut Guy. Pick up beautiful blown glass pieces from One Eared Cow Glass and stock up on local goods and swag from the Columbia SC Visitors Center.

AMBASSADOR’S CHOICE C R U S H R U S H ’ S FAV O R I T E T H I N G : I really can’t express enough how diverse Columbia truly is. If I were to take a group picture with all of my friends, we’d look like a box of crayons. Not the 8-pack I’m talking about the 64-pack. Columbia truly has a place for everyone to fit in comfortably even though “The South” isn’t known for its diversity.

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. S I P, S A V O R , S H O P Linger over a classic American brunch at Café Strudel or savor the Southern cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients at Terra. The French-inspired eatery, Black Rooster, features a rooftop

Friends enjoying time together at Columbia Craft Brewery. Photo by Forrest Clonts.

bar perfect for cocktails with sunset views, while 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 for 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 Tailgating at Williams-Brice Stadium. Photo by Forrest Clonts.

Calling all sports fans. This area is home to football at Williams–Brice Stadium

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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. S I P, S A V O R , S H O P 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 dog-friendly. 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.

SHOPPING • LOCAL TREASURES

Take Columbia Home Five shops and artisans crafting local goods written by Haley Kellner photography by Thomas Hammond

One of the best ways to experience a destination is through its local businesses. You can learn about the culture, the art, and the people, all while exploring different streets and neighborhoods. You may even walk away with a unique memento from your visit. And whether you want a locally made food product to remember our culinary scene, an original work of art that reminds you of our storied history, or something practical you can use day-in and day-out, small businesses across the Columbia region have goodies aplenty to choose from — some even small enough to fit in a carry-on suitcase. Of all the options to choose from, we’ve compiled just a few stops to get you started. Make time during your visit to discover the shops and wares specific to our area. Meet those who’ve made Columbia their business and take a piece of our city home with you.

The Collective Uncle Willie’s Grocery Store

CONGAREE MILLING COMPANY GRITS

Looking for a unique taste of Columbia? Stop by Uncle Willie’s Grocery Store on North Main Street for a pack of Congaree Milling Company grits. Named for one of our beloved rivers, Congaree Milling Company uses both old and new milling methods to give their course-ground grits an authentic Southern flavor. While you’re there, browse the other goods Uncle Willie’s has to offer. Owner Christa Williams opened the store in 2022 as a place for locals to access fresh and affordable food. Go early enough and you might find freshly baked cinnamon rolls or tomato pie.

TEXTILE ART AND DECOR BY HEIRLOOM ATELIER

The Collective on Columbia’s Carlisle Street serves as a home for the work of artists and artisans. It gives vendors from Columbia and the South at-large a place to sell their work and a place for patrons to find it. There, you can peruse the variety of locally made paintings, bracelets, embroidery, candles, and more. Find the stand for Heirloom Atelier to see weaving and basketry work by Columbia artist Sarah Phillips. Phillips designs a variety of pieces, from framed textiles for your walls to woven trays for your table.

LOCAL TREASURES • SHOPPING

Loveland Coffee

SPECIALTY INSTANT COFFEE

Maybe you’re not keen on instant coffee. But what about instant coffee from local artisan roasters? Grab your morning cup of joe out in Irmo at Loveland Coffee. What was once just a roadside kiosk is now a two-story coffee celebration full of delicious classics and signature lattes. While you’re there, pick up a box of their specialty instant coffee. It’s made carefully in-house from the same ethically sourced coffee beans as their brews. You can take the taste of Loveland Coffee home with you, all while giving instant coffee a new name.

Gardener’s Outpost

STAINED GLASS BY SEAN MEADOWS

Whether you love gardening or just a glass of wine surrounded by flowers, Gardener’s Outpost is a must for your Columbia visit. There are two locations for your convenience — one on Devine Street and one off of North Main Street in Cottontown. A great spot for all of your gardening needs, the Cottontown location also hosts events like yoga and live music. Taking home a plant might not work for most visitors, but the stained glass works by local artist Sean Meadows will likely catch your eye. Whether you choose the honeycomb or the monstera leaf, Meadows’ careful craftsmanship will bring artful light to your home or garden.

Sunrise Artisan Bath & Body

HAND-CRAFTED SOAPS

There’s a special luxury to hand-crafted soap. Since opening its doors in the USC-adjacent district of Five Points in 2016, the woman- and Black-owned Sunrise Artisan Bath & Body has been a haven for bath and skincare products. There you’ll find something for everyone, from bath bombs to body butters to linen sprays. Not a bath person? Turn your home shower into a spa with a scented shower steamer. The soaps lather and moisturize your skin, all without animal fats or chemicals. Whether it’s for you or for a friend, select from a suite of locally made soaps – lovely to look at and even better to smell.

A Little Happy

ART BY GRACE LANGDON

Just across the street from Sunrise is another local gem, A Little Happy. The gift shop is a dream for sorority members, but anyone who loves fun accessories and home decor will find something to adore. Amongst other Columbia artists, the shop carries prints by Grace Langdon. Langdon’s work includes picturesque watercolors of Southern football stadiums and beloved university buildings. USC alumni can purchase her print of the Horseshoe gates as a memento of their college years. Stop by A Little Happy in Five Points for a print by Langdon, a cute pair of earrings, or an eclectic coaster set. In town for a Carolina game? They’ve got you covered with game day accessories.

E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

LIFESTYLE • FORT JACKSON

Midlands Military Fast Facts FORT JACKSON ECONOMIC IMPACT $4.7 billion MILITARY ECONOMIC IMPACT IN THE GREATER MIDLANDS REGION $6.6 billion STATEWIDE $34.3 billion Fort Jackson is the U.S. Army’s LARGEST TRAINING BASE. All of the U.S. Army’s Drill Sergeants are TRAINED AT FORT JACKSON. Columbia is the WINDOW TO THE U.S. ARMY.

Great training. Great community. American soldiers. Columbia proudly supports our military missions and is honored to be designated as a “Purple Heart City.” Columbia was selected as a “2018 Best for Vets, Places to Live” and in 2019 was named a “Great American Defense Community.” Fort Jackson opened in 1917 and is the U.S. Army’s largest initial training base. It has trained more than five million soldiers since that time. Currently, Fort Jackson trains 60% of all new soldiers and 56% of all female soldiers. More than 69,000 soldiers are trained annually on base bringing more than 250,000 visitors to Columbia to see their loved ones graduate from basic training. Columbia has the second largest military presence in South Carolina, including such installations as Fort Jackson, South Carolina National Guard, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, the U. S. Army Reserves and Camp McCrady Training Center. We encourage guests to the Midlands to visit the many fine attractions and restaurants our community has to offer, including these 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

BASIC COMBAT TRAINING MUSEUM (803) 751-7419 CHAPLAIN CORPS MUSEUM (803) 751-8079 FINANCE CORPS MUSEUM (803) 751-3771

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“THE MOST MILITARY-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY IN AMERICA” It is our hope that as you and your family visit Columbia and the greater Midlands region, you experience a warm welcome and share the respect we have for our military and local businesses. Enjoy your visit and come again. 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 of South Carolina assists more than 150,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guard and marines. USOSouthCarolina.org ®

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Airport 803-391-4000 | 110 McSwain Drive, West Columbia SC Located across from Lexington Medical Center at I-26/378, minutes away from Downtown Columbia, University of South Carolina and Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

• hilton.com/en/hotels/caemcgi-hilton-garden-inn-columbia-airport

p a H s ’ t a Wh

ACTIVITIES • ANNUAL EVENTS

YEAR-ROUND

APRIL

JANUARY

ANNUAL PIG AND OYSTER ROAST f2tproductions.com/events

ARTISTA VISTA vistacolumbia.com/special-events/ artista-vista BARK TO THE PARK barktothepark.com

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY EVENTS AT USC sc.edu

BENEDICT COLLEGE HARAMBEE FESTIVAL benedict.edu/harambee-festival

RESTAURANT WEEK COLUMBIA restaurantweekcolumbia.com

COLUMBIA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL columbiafoodandwinefestival.com

FEBRUARY

COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL cifonline.org

BLACK HISTORY PARADE & FESTIVAL fundsinc1.org MARDI GRAS COLUMBIA mardigrascolumbia.com COLUMBIA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL kahnjcc.org/jewish-film-festival

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

PALMETTO SPORTSMEN’S CLASSIC dnr.sc.gov/psc

LOWER RICHLAND SWEET POTATO FESTIVAL lowerrichlandsweetpotato fest.com

ST. PAT’S IN FIVE POINTS stpatscolumbia.com

TARTAN DAY SOUTH tartandaysouth.com

MARCH

WINE TASTING AT RIVERBANKS BOTANICAL GARDEN riverbanks.org/events/wine-tasting COLA JAZZFEST colajazzfest.com

MAY BLACK EXPO blackexposouth.com CONGAREE FIREFLIES FESTIVAL nps.gov/cong/fireflies.htm DRINK PINK ROSE FESTIVAL f2tproductions.com/events LEXINGTON WINE WALK lexingtonwinewalk.com ROSEWOOD CRAWFISH FESTIVAL rosewoodcrawfishfest.com 62 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

ARTS AND DRAUGHTS columbiamuseum.org/events/arts-draughts CWC RHYTHM ON THE RIVER cwcchamber.com/rhythm-on-the-river/ FARM-TO-TABLE HARVEST DINNER SERIES f2tproductions.com/events FIRST THURSDAY ON MAIN firstthursdayonmain.com MEETING STREET ARTISAN MARKET westcolumbiasc.gov/ meeting-street-artisan-market THE NOMA FLEA nomawarehouse.com SODA CITY MARKET sodacitysc.com VISTA AFTER FIVE vistacolumbia.com/special-events/ vista-after-five

g n i n e p p JUNE

OCTOBER

COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK columbiafashionweek.com

BOO AT THE ZOO riverbanks.org/events/boo-at-the-zoo

COLUMBIA SHRIMP & GRITS FEST columbiashrimpandgrits.com JUNETEENTH FREEDOM FESTIVAL juneteenthfreedomfest.com OUTFEST scpride.org/outfest SOUTHEASTERN PIANO FESTIVAL southeasternpianofestival.com 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 REGGAETRONIC reggaetronicsc.com

DECEASED FARM deceasedfarm.com FAMOUSLY HOT SC PRIDE FESTIVAL scpride.org GERVAIS STREET BRIDGE DINNER gervaisstreetbridgedinner.com

ANNUAL EVENTS • ACTIVITIES

NOVEMBER DEVINE NIGHT OUT devinestreetcolumbiasc.com FIREFLIES HOLIDAY LIGHTS firefliesholidaylights.com GOVERNOR’S CAROLIGHTING HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER icrc.net/event/holiday-lights-river-35 WILD LIGHTS riverbanks.org/events/wild-lights SOUTH CAROLINA OYSTER FESTIVAL scoysterfest.com VISTA LIGHTS vistacolumbia.com/special-events/ vista-lights

GREAT AMERICAN WHISKEY FAIR experiencewhiskey.com

SOUTH CAROLINA PELION PEANUT PARTY Facebook.com/pelionpeanutparty/

JAM ROOM MUSIC FESTIVAL jamroommusicfestival.com

DECEMBER

JERRYFEST fivepointscolumbia.com/events/jerry-fest/

CAROLINA CARILLON HOLIDAY PARADE carolinacarillon.com

OKTOBERFEST COLUMBIA oktoberfestcolumbia.com

CAROLINA LIGHTS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS scstatefair.org/carolina-lights/

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR scstatefair.org

CHICK-FIL-A CLASSIC chick-fil-aclassic.com

WALK FOR LIFE AND FAMOUSLY HOT PINK HALF MARATHON, 5K + 10K give.phmf.org

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF COLUMBIA HOLIDAY MARKET jlcolumbia.org

AUGUST BREW AT THE ZOO riverbanks.org/events/brew-at-the-zoo MAIN STREET LATIN FESTIVAL mainstreetlatinfestival.com SODA CITY COMIC CON sodacitycomiccon.com SOLFEST ROLLFEST nomawarehouse.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 E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

South Carolina Barbecue — Just the Facts Diving into the best barbecue around written by April Blake photography by Sarah Danelli

Want to start an argument with a local? Declare an opinion about barbecue as fact and watch folks come running to participate and debate. But there are barbecue opinions which vary widely, and there are hard and fast barbecue facts — which are detailed here. South Carolina’s barbecue history, much like all of its history, is steeped in tradition, and some of it can be problematic in specific areas, but overall most folks in the state love a good plate of barbecue cooked with the love that only a pitmaster can put into it. And folks do cling to their sauce preference and favorite sides. No answer is wrong except using barbecue as a verb, so let’s dive into the facts of South Carolina barbecue culture:

SAUCE CHOICES CAN BE MAPPED There are traditionally four main types of barbecue sauce in South Carolina: heavy tomato sauce, light tomato sauce, vinegar and pepper, and the main one in the Midlands — mustardbased sauce. A few other niche varieties exist in specific areas, such as a mustard and tomato mix that is local to Orangeburg County.

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BARBEQUE • FOOD & DRINK

The domain of mustard sauce traditionally encompasses the Midlands and goes down I-26 to Charleston and through the majority of the Lowcountry. Mustard-based sauce dominates this area due to influences from German settlers. There are plenty of variations on it, and each barbecue restaurant has their own secret recipe. True BBQ in West Columbia has a few spins on mustard-based sauce, like their humorously named Pretty Lady Sauce. But of course, people can and do like variety and aren’t confined to like what’s in their region, it’s just the dominating preference. The regional preferences across the state are dated, though, according to barbecue expert Robert Moss, things are a-changin’ and he charges that mustard-based is the domain of the Upstate, down the western border, and through the

A N ATO MY

Midlands — but then vinegar and pepper based takes over moving eastward towards the coast.

PROTEIN CHOICES It’s pulled pork. At larger barbecues or restaurants, the meat comes from a whole hog, though people use cuts of pork shoulder and butt for smaller barbecues at home. Beef brisket barbecue is less common here, although City Limits BBQ is doing a very successful job at introducing South Carolinians to Texasstyle beef barbecue. The longtime food truck recently opened a brick and mortar location where people line up for the limited runs of brisket, pulled pork, other smoked meats, and a variety of sides in a tucked away spot in West Columbia. Another type of meat that is common in a barbecue joint is hash and rice. Hash was invented in the 1800s

by enslaved communities to disguise unappetizing cuts of meat from whole hog barbecues. It’s cooked down into a soft, seasoned stew and can be eaten with a spoon and is often served over rice. People love it when they don’t think about its origins, though it is a clever way to engage in nose-to-tail cooking. It is especially popular in the Columbia barbecue restaurant scene compared to the rest of the state.

B A R B E C U E C U LT U R E Not only are the sauces and the meats very closely held choices and opinions, but the entirety of barbecue culture is as well. There is a sharp divide on the more laborious wood smoked meats versus the less intensive but cheaper and easier gas cooking of barbecue. The most coveted barbecue in the Midlands is cooked exclusively over wood, hands down.

of A B A R B E C U E P L A T E Something green:

green beans, collards, fried okra, succotash, stewed tomatoes and okra

Something tangy:

Something creamy:

pickles, vinegar-based slaw, cooked purple cabbage

mayo-based coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, corn pudding

Optional additions:

Pulled pork or brisket

(bun for a sandwich optional)

baked beans, hush puppies, hash and rice, plain rice, tomatoes and rice, corn on the cob

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FOOD & DRINK • BARBECUE

P L AT E A C C O U T R E M E N T S Barbecue is great, but it’s highly advised and necessary to cut the richness of the meat with other flavors and textures, which is where sides come in. Sides are the most variable part of barbecue because some people have their specialities, and the list can be quite long. There’s coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, collards, potato salad, we could go on and on. Then end it all with some banana pudding for dessert, if there’s room.

L E AV E I T T O T H E P R O S With the multitude of factors that go into a great plate of barbecue, the idea of DIYing it can seem overwhelming, and it is truly a rigorous process. That’s why many locals leave it to the pitmasters who reside among us to do the hot, heavy, and time-consuming work of cooking the barbecue at our many fine establishments in the Columbia region. A common juxtaposition is

This incredible sauce line-up can be found at Home Team BBQ.

that the best barbecue can be found at the places open the least amount of days per week, which is why many spots are only open Thursday-Saturday, with some only open Friday and Saturday.

Saturday from 8 a.m. through 7 and 6 p.m. respectively. City Limits BBQ is open Saturdays and Sundays starting at noon until 3 p.m. or they sell out. They often update their social media with unexpected hours changes. True BBQ is open Thursday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. For a more weekday barbecue experience that also features buffets, try Little Pigs Barbecue Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. Shealy’s BBQ is open every day except Sundays and Wednesdays starting at 11 a.m. There are also festivals that celebrate the mighty meatiness of Columbia. The annual Pig & Oyster Roast put on by F2T at City Roots, Blythewood’s Doko Ribfest and the Southeastern BBQ Showdown at Segra Park are a few examples to plan ahead for.

Hite’s Barbecue is open Friday and

Welcome home(s). Robert Mills House & Gardens

Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens

Modjeska Monteith Simkins House

Mann-Simons Site

The Museum of the Reconstruction Era

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.

TICKETS historiccolumbia.org/house-tours & INFO 803.252.7742 ext. 23

LIFESTYLE • GETTING AROUND

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. 68 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

ACTIVITIES • THINGS TO DO

THINGS TO DO AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY 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. The eponymously named club now serves as a beautiful event venue on Hampton Street. COLUMBIA SC 63 WALKING TOUR

columbiasc63.com 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 this Romanesque Revival building, which 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

1515 Main St., Columbia (803)799-2810

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 are ongoing. SERCO

sercosc.org (803) 261-5596 PO Box 332, Hopkins

SERCO preserves the Lower Richland Heritage Corridor in the southeastern portion of the county, which contains 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

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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 a 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

LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SOUTHERN SEMINARY lr.edu/ltss (803) 786-5150 4201 N. Main St., Columbia

Columbia’s campus is a satellite of the Hickory, NC-based school. Established in 1830, it focuses on preparing students to excel in a variety of ministry settings. MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE midlandstech.edu (803) 738-8324 PO Box 2408, Columbia

Spanning seven campuses in the Midlands, MTC offers two-year associate’s degrees and certificate programs. It features strong college transfer 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 50,000 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 samosas. BILL’S MUSIC SHOP & PICKIN’ PARLOR

billsmusicshop.com (803) 796-6477 710 Meeting St., West 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 education for both men and women.

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.

COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

bowlero.com (803) 796-6300 900 Axtell Dr., Cayce

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.

BOWLERO 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.

THINGS TO DO • ACTIVITIES

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-andblues musicians. COLONIAL LIFE ARENA coloniallifearena.com

(803) 576-9200 801 Lincoln St., Columbia

Big musical acts, monster trucks and the USC basketball teams call the 18,000-seat Colonial Life Arena home when they’re in Columbia. 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, which hosts stand-up acts and other amusing performances 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. FRANKIE’S FUN PARK frankies.com/columbia (803) 781-2342 140 Parkridge Dr., Columbia

A 14-acre entertainment center with attractions including go-kart tracks, miniature golf courses, a batting cage, bumper boats, an arcade, a 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. 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 midsize acts in Columbia. LET’S COOK CULINARY STUDIO letscookculinary.com (803) 348-5874 1305 Assembly St., Columbia

Demonstration classes include three to four 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.net (803) 356-4653 381 Pilgrim Church Rd., Lexington

Enjoy drinks, appetizers or a meal and hit some golf balls at this professionally maintained driving range. NEW BROOKLAND TAVERN

newbrooklandtavern.com (803) 791-4413 632 Harden 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, now in a brand-new location at Five Points. THE NICK THEATRE nickelodeon.org (803) 254-8234 1607 Main St., Columbia

The state’s only arthouse theater shows independent, select blockbusters and foreign films on two screens in the renovated historic 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 player. 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. THE SENATE thesenatecolumbia.com (803) 252-9392 1022 Senate St., Columbia

Rock out with local, regional and national touring acts at this midsize venue in The Vista. STARS AND STRIKES

starsandstrikes.com (678) 965-5707 700 Columbiana Dr., Irmo

From bowling to laser tag, arcade games and bumper cars, this

Mason the mascot at Columbia Fireflies game. Photo by Crush Rush

entertainment venue with a miniature theme park vibe has everything a gamer’s heart desires, including a full-service restaurant.

pickles. They serve and educate the Columbia community as well as top restaurants, chefs, grocers and farmers markets.

TOWNSHIP AUDITORIUM

clintonseasefarm.com (803)730-2863 382 Olde Farm Rd., Lexington

thetownship.org (803) 576-2350 1703 Taylor St., Columbia

The Township offers a midsize venue for concerts, plays and shows enjoyed in an intimate space with great views from every seat. TRANSMISSION ARCADE transmissionarcade.com (803) 667-9140 1712 Main St., Columbia

Transmission 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.

FARMS & FARMERS MARKETS CAYCE FARMER’S MARKET (803) 791-1009 2329 Charleston Hwy., Cayce

Open 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 of which are Certified SC Grown.

CLINTON SEASE FARM

Seasonal fun abounds at this longstanding 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 Farm 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 in April–May, or pick up fresh peaches and mixed vegetables during the summer months.

CITY ROOTS ORGANIC FARM

THE MARKET AT ICEHOUSE

cityrootsfarm.com (803) 254-2302 1005 Airport Blvd., Columbia

lexsc.com (803) 358-7275 107 W. Main St., Lexington

City Roots is the only urban farm in the Midlands, growing greenhouse microgreens and organic root vegetables for their gourmet

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

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THINGS TO DO • ACTIVITIES

MEETING STREET ARTISAN MARKET (803) 622-8598 425 Meeting St., West Columbia

Open Saturdays 11am–3pm, this market is located in the pavilion o f 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 900 Clemson Rd., Columbia

Fresh produce and locally made products are available Tuesday afternoons in the northeast. SODA CITY MARKET sodacitysc.com 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 dozens of vendors to sell produce, art, food and more. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FARMERS MARKET scstatefarmersmarket.com (803) 737-4664 3483 Charleston Hwy., West Columbia

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

HISTORIC SITES CHESNUT COTTAGE BED & BREAKFAST chesnutcottage.com (803) 256-1718 1718 Hampton St., Columbia

One of the city’s best-kept secrets is this charming B&B located in the heart of downtown. Five rooms offer historic charm 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 Lutherans in the city. Their growth has been sustained through several building additions and renovations. ELMWOOD CEMETERY & GARDENS (803) 252-2133 501 Elmwood Ave., Columbia

This prestigious cemetery holds 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 historic home, built in 1868, was once owned by a Union soldier and was 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 hosted a flourishing bar scene in the ’70s. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

FORT JACKSON

Carolina’s only presidential site. The house was home to Wilson’s family in the 1870s.

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 serves 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. It now features exhibits of life from the 1800s through early 1900s, plus an impressive garden. 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 is housed in South

ROBERT MILLS HOUSE & GARDENS historiccolumbia.org (803) 252-1770 1616 Blanding St., Columbia

The prominent architect Robert Mills designed this grand home, which now showcases a museum featuring decorative arts of the early 19th century. Tours are available 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 historic treasures and art special to the state. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE

southcarolinastatehouse.com (803) 734-2430 1100 Gervais St., Columbia

firstbaptistcolumbia.com (803) 256-4251 1306 Hampton St., Columbia

The soaring façade of the Greek Revival building that houses the First Baptist Church congregation also held the convention that met in 1860 and voted for South Carolina to secede 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 historic 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 9/11 and SC first responders who died in the line of duty.

African American Monument Outside of South Carolina State House. Photo by Crush Rush E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

ACTIVITIES • THINGS TO DO

and also features an artistin-residence program for up-and-coming artists.

AMBASSADOR’S CHOICE

ANNE FRANK CENTER AT USC

D AV I D L A I R D ’ S M U S T - S E E : We have a music scene that is gritty, independent, local, and just damn good. Visit the beloved music haunts and you’ll likely see the same folks at night that you had a coffee meeting with earlier that morning. Annual highlight = Jam Room Music Festival

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 USC’s campus. 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 quotations, photos, videos and original artifacts to represent the experience of Anne’s family as they hid behind her father’s business. CAYCE HISTORICAL MUSEUM caycesc.gov/museum.php (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.

Show-goers enjoy a live show at The Senate. Photo by Brandon Geer.

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.

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 20th century.

the Horseshoe, the tree-lined, picturesque gathering spot for students and area residents alike.

SOUTH CAROLINIANA LIBRARY

SUPREME COURT OF SOUTH CAROLINA

(803) 256-2417 1401 Washington St., Columbia

sc.edu/library/socar (803) 777-3131 USC Horseshoe, Columbia

judicial.state.sc.us/supreme (803) 734-1080 1231 Gervais St., 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 its completion in 1840.

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.

ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL

visitstpeters.org (803) 779-0036 1529 Assembly St., Columbia

trinitysc.org (803) 771-7300 1100 Sumter 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 Revivalstyle building are available. ST. TIMOTHY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH sainttimothyscolumbia.com (803) 765-1519 900 Calhoun St.. Columbia

Situated across the street from

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 became

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WASHINGTON STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 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 due to its historic 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,

COLUMBIA ARTS CENTER parksandrec.columbiasc.gov/ art-center 1227 Taylor St., Ste. C, Columbia

The Arts Center is Parks and Recreation’s home for cultural arts. It offers multiple opportunities for adults and children alike as it houses classes, workshops and open studios for participants to explore and learn about the visual arts. COLUMBIA FIRE DEPARTMENT MUSEUM columbiasc.net/fire (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 firefighting artifacts from the 1800s to the 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 at 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

THINGS TO DO • ACTIVITIES

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, from before the Revolutionary War through the modern era. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM scmuseum.org (803) 898-4921 301 Gervais St., Columbia

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

A spectacular autumn day at Congaree National Park. Photo by VISIO photography

home to EDDIE, the world’s largest child, plus 92,00 sq. ft. of interactive exhibits. LEXINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM lexingtoncountymuseum.org (803) 359-8369 231 Fox St., Lexington

The colonial and antebellum periods are the focus of the Lexington County Museum, which consists of 36 historic buildings important to the county’s cultural evolution. MCKISSICK MUSEUM sc.edu (803) 777-7251 USC Horseshoe, Columbia

Collections that date back 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. Located on 170 acres, it includes an aquarium, birdhouse and farm, as well as botanical gardens and an interactive children’s garden. SC LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HALL OF FAME scdps.sc.gov/hof (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-today tasks of protecting and serving South Carolina. SOUTH CAROLINA ARCHIVES AND HISTORY CENTER

scdah.sc.gov (803) 896-6196 8301 Parklane Rd., Columbia

More than 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

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 can gather at the observatory on campus on Mondays at 8pm to see the heavens through a variety of telescopes.

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-ofthe-art recreation complex. It 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 enjoying the lakefront in every imaginable way 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, and an amphitheater. 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. Once the current renovations are complete, Finley Park will once again welcome concerts, festivals, and visitors to this oasis. GUIGNARD PARK

PARKS & GARDENS BOTANICAL GARDEN AT RIVERBANKS ZOO riverbanks.org (803) 779-8717 1300 Botanical Pkwy., West Columbia

CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK nps.gov/cong (803) 776-4396 100 National Park Rd., Hopkins

sctrails.net (803) 796-9020 964 Axtell Dr., Cayce

Playgrounds, picnic shelters and a quaint creek guarded by a grove of trees make this little park a hidden paradise in the city of Cayce.

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.

HARBISON STATE FOREST scfc.gov/state-forests/harbisonstate-forest (803) 896-8890 5600 Broad River Rd., Columbia

More than 20 miles of hiking

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ACTIVITIES • THINGS TO DO

and biking trails and 22,000 acres of woodlands sit alongside the Broad River, making for an unexpected natural retreat in the growing urban area.

opportunities, kayaking, fishing, nature trails, soccer fields, tennis courts and a low ropes course.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARK

southcarolinaparks.com/sesqui (803) 788-2706 9564 Two Notch Rd., Columbia

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 Dr. 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 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 offer educational

SESQUICENTENNIAL STATE PARK

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 open for weekday tours and feature large trees, lush greenery and spectacular fountains. VIRGINIA HYLTON PARK

lexsc.com (803) 359-1027 111 Maiden Lane, 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. It 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 go to New York City when Broadway comes to Columbia with six hit shows per season, all performed in the Koger Center for the Arts.

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Demi-Soloist Gabrielle Gardner in Snow White. Photo provided by South Carolina Ballet.

CHAPIN THEATRE COMPANY

COLUMBIA CLASSICAL BALLET

chapintheatre.org (803) 240-8544 721 Chapin Rd., Chapin

columbiaclassicalballet.org (803) 252-9112 Columbia

The stage lights 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 worldclass 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. COLUMBIA CITY JAZZ CONSERVATORY columbiacityjazz.com (803) 252-0252 100 Park Place Court, Lexington

This conservatory offers lyrical and modern jazz, ballet, pointe and tap classes for dancers of all ages taught by professional dancers from varied backgrounds.

Bringing ballet to the community is the mission 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 arts council for the Columbia community, the Columbia Music Festival Association hosts plays, musicals and other events, and houses The ArtSpace for use by non-profit groups. DICK GOODWIN BIG BAND goodwinmusics.com (803) 799-8235 307 Southwood Dr., Columbia

The award-winning Dick Goodwin Big Band has played with notables such as Ray Charles, Bob Hope and Aretha Franklin and play at events all over the state and region.

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Celebrate your style at Aloft Columbia Downtown, a hip new hotel in the always-buzzing Congaree Vista. We offer easy-breezy access to businesses, government offices and cultural hotspots, as well as stunning natural beauty in and near the city. Aloft Columbia Downtown 823 Lady Street Columbia, SC 29201 AloftColumbiaDowntown.com E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

ACTIVITIES • THINGS TO DO

DRAYTON HALL THEATRE

PALMETTO MASTERSINGERS

SANDLAPPER SINGERS

sc.edu (803) 777-1111 1214 College St., Columbia

palmettomastersingers.org (803) 765-0777 1205 Pembrook Dr., West Columbia

(803) 220-1952 Columbia

Primarily hosting 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.

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 PO Box 50462, 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 BALLET southcarolinaballet.com (803) 799-7605 1545 Main St., 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.

Dance is alive in Columbia, thanks to this professional company that mixes the traditional with exciting new choreography that captures the imagination.

THE POWER COMPANY COLLABORATIVE

SOUTH CAROLINA PHILHARMONIC

thepowercompanycollaborative.org (803) 786-3590 1301 Columbia College Dr., Columbia

scphilharmonic.com (803) 771-7937 500 Taylor St., Ste. 300, 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.

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The philharmonic has brought symphonic music to the Midlands for both loyal supporters and more casual listeners through a variety of programs for more than 50 seasons.

SOUTH CAROLINA SHAKESPEARE COMPANY shakespearesc.org (803) 787-2273 Columbia

One of the most highly regarded Shakespearean companies is located right here in Columbia. They produce two free public plays per year with an emphasis on fresh new twists on 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 standingroom-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 is presented for the community, by the community.

THINGS TO DO • ACTIVITIES

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 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 DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE artsandsciences.sc.edu (803) 777-4288 Longstreet Theatre, Columbia

The theater department at USC teaches future theater performers up to the MFA level, as well as entertains students and the community with live performances. 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 more than 50 years, in addition to offering classes and workshops for aspiring actors. WORKSHOP THEATRE

workshoptheatreofsc.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

away from the bustle of downtown. They also host tournaments and other special events.

the driving range or get in the Broad River for kayaking, fishing and stand-up paddleboarding.

pontoon boats and Jet Skis at Jake’s Landing, located at the water’s edge in Lexington.

COBBLESTONE PARK

SOLINA GOLF CLUB

cobblestoneparkgolfclub.com (803) 714-2620 1298 University Pkwy., Blythewood

solinagolf.com 200 Indian River Dr., West Columbia

CAROLINA OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

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 courts and a clubhouse. HIDDEN VALLEY GOLF CLUB

hvgolf.com (803) 794-8087 147 Excaliber Court, Gaston

In West Columbia, Hidden Valley offers innovative golf experiences such as using golf boards instead of carts for a fun, new way to hit the links. LAKE MURRAY GOLF CENTER

lakemurraygolfcenter.com (803) 345-0199 2032 Old Hilton Rd., Chapin

A full-sized nine-hole course, an 18-hole miniature golf course and a driving range offer something for every golfer, not too far from the lake. LINRICK GOLF COURSE facebook.com/linrickgolfcourse (803) 754-6331 356 Camp Ground Rd., Columbia

This public golf course for players of all abilities in upper Richland County sits on 257 acres and features eight ponds set among rolling green hills. OAK HILLS GOLF CLUB oakhillsgolf.com (803) 735-9830 7629 Fairfield Rd., Columbia

One of the closest golf clubs to downtown Columbia, Oak Hills offers members the chance to spend leisure time on the green or at tournaments hosted by the club.

CHARWOOD COUNTRY CLUB

RIVERSIDE GOLF CENTER

charwood.com (803) 755-2000 222 Clubhouse Dr., West Columbia

riversidegolfandreccenter.com (803) 750-1015 1600 Garner Lane, Columbia

A relaxing game of golf is what’s on the agenda at Charwood,

Take in nine holes on the links next to the river, just hit a few balls at

carolinaoutdooradventures.com (803) 381-2293

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 proshop, 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. WILDEWOOD GOLF COURSE

thewildewoodclub.com (803) 788-8000 90 Mallet Hill Rd., Columbia

Built on more than 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. THE WINDERMERE CLUB windermereclubsc.com (803) 786-7888 1101 Longtown Rd., Blythewood

The most unusual 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.

TOURS AQUAFUN BOAT RENTALS AND TOURS aquafunboatrentalsandtours lakemurraysc.com (803) 413-1693 220 Jakes Landing Rd., Lexington

Rent kayaks, paddleboards,

Want to have an adventure? Carolina Outdoor Adventures rents water equipment for kayaking and paddleboarding, and even for land adventures such as 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 at several restaurants on these guided tours. COLUMBIA SC 63 WALKING TOUR columbiasc63.com

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. COLUMBIA SC VISITORS CENTER experiencecolumbiasc.com (803)545-0002 1120 Lincoln Street Columbia

The Columbia SC Visitors Center provides in-person visitor assistance, merchandise, brochures and serves as the first stop of the Sally Salamander walking tour. HISTORIC COLUMBIA historiccolumbia.org (803) 252-7742 1601 Richland St., Columbia

Historic Columbia manages the area’s historic houses and works to preserve and restore artifacts and places of cultural and historic significance, in addition to providing educational outreach. PALMETTO OUTDOORS palmettooutdoor.com (803) 404-8254 131 Alexander Rd., West Columbia

The three rivers in Columbia offer tons of outdoor opportunities such as 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

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ACTIVITIES • THINGS TO DO

Reconstruction Era in Columbia. Each site offers connections to understand the important events that shaped the period. SALLY SALAMANDER WALKING TOUR ColumbiaSalamander.com (803) 545-0002 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.

PALMETTO TRAIL palmettoconservation.org (803) 771-0870 722 King St., Columbia

Imagine one trail going from the mountains to the ocean. The Palmetto Trail runs through Columbia and encompasses more than 500 miles of marked hiking and biking paths.

PEACHTREE ROCK HERITAGE PRESERVE

WATEREE RIVER HERITAGE PRESERVE

sctrails.net (803) 254-9049 883 Peachtree Rock Rd., Lexington

dnr.sc.gov (803) 734-3833 15001 Goodwill Rd., Richland County

Named after a large upsidedown triangular rock formation, this nature preserve in western Lexington County also features sandstone formations and the state’s only natural waterfall.

This 3,674-acre Wildlife Management Area provides hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreational access to the public.

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 prominent citizens and state history. The grounds have been of great historic significance from the 1800s to present. TWO GALS AND A FORK

twogalsfoodtours.com (803) 360-0578 Columbia

Celebrating the city’s 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 historical 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.

Friends enjoying the West Columbia Riverwalk. Photo by Forrest Clonts

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 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

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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.

CONFERENCE CENTER Featuring the world-class services & amenities you have come to expect from Hilton

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Over 22,000 sq ft. of flexible meeting & event space

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Largest hotel ballroom in Columbia with 10,400 sq ft. 800 sit down dinner capability

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237 well appointed guest rooms

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Complimentary parking

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Complimentary WiFi in guest rooms and public space

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Columbo’s Restaurant - open breakfast, lunch & dinner Happy hour M-F 4pm - 7pm

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Complimentary airport shuttle

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Fitness center & outdoor pool

2100 Bush River Road Columbia, SC 29210 803-731-0300 columbiasouthcarolina.doubletree.com

LIFESTYLE • WHERE TO STAY

ACCOMMODATIONS 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 you’ve come to expect from any Aloft property.    

CAMBRIA HOTEL COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN–THE VISTA 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   

COLUMBIA MARRIOTT HOTEL marriott.com/caemh (803) 771-7000 1200 Hampton St., Columbia

Right in the pulsing heart of downtown, the Marriott offers easy access to some of the most popular attractions in town. 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 Convention Center, Koger Center, Colonial Life Arena and USC’s Darla Moore School of Business.    

EMBASSY SUITES COLUMBIA– GREYSTONE columbiagreystone. embassysuites.com (803) 252-8700 200 Stoneridge Dr., Columbia

Elegance is what the Embassy Suites is all about. Within miles of

downtown and very close to the zoo, this hotel provides an upscale environment for travelers.    SWIMMER 

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES MARRIOTT–COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN

HOLIDAY INN COLUMBIA– DOWNTOWN ihg.com/holidayinn (803) 205-4950 1233 Washington St., Columbia

GALLUS STADIUM PARK INN

Holiday Inn Downtown is a recent addition to the Main Street District. Major businesses, shopping, fine dining and unique Columbia sites are just around every cornerl.

choicehotels.com/south-carolina/ columbia/ascend-hotels/sc393 (803) 708-3311 621 S. Assembly St., Columbia

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN–THE VISTA

(803) 744-4000 501 Taylor St., Columbia

 

GRADUATE COLUMBIA graduatehotels.com/columbia (803) 779-7779 1619 Pendleton St., Columbia

wifi utensils SMOKING-BAN

(803) 663-7500 901 Washington St., Columbia

    

The latest addition to the newly revived Main St. 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.

HAMPTON INN DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT

HOME2 SUITES BY HILTON COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN

The newly renovated boutique property is the closest hotel to USC and features décor inspired by Columbia’s history and culture—from a rooster motif to Darius Rucker.

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. wifi mug-hot SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

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 Steak House. An attached garage provides ample covered parking. wifi utensils SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

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, it’s within easy walking distance of the University of South Carolina, SC State House, attractions, entertainment venues and local restaurants. wifi utensils  SMOKING-BAN

82 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

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. wifi mug-hot  Dog SMOKING-BAN

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 and major interstates with quick airport access. wifi mug-hot  SMOKING-BAN

HOTEL TRUNDLE hoteltrundle.com (803) 722-5000 1224 Taylor St., Columbia

Dubbed Columbia’s handcrafted hotel, Hotel Trundle resides inside three historic buildings, lending itself to all manner of surprises,

RED = PREFERRED

PARTNER HOTELS

 FREE WI-FI  AIRPORT SHUTTLE  RESTAURANT  FULL BREAKFAST  SMOKE FREE  PETS ALLOWED  INDOOR POOL  OUTDOOR POOL

including Art Deco-inspired décor and beer on tap at the front desk. wifi SMOKING-BAN

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, this hotel is just a short walk from Colonial Life Arena, USC and the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. shuttle-van wifi mug-hot  Dog SMOKING-BAN

SHERATON COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN HOTEL marriott.com/caesi (803) 988-1400 1400 Main St., Columbia wifi utensils Dog SMOKING-BAN

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 free Wi-Fi and amenities such as a mini refrigerator, microwave and iHome in every room. wifi mug-hot  SMOKING-BAN

STAYBRIDGE SUITES COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN staycolumbiasc.com (803) 451-5900 1913 Huger St., Columbia wifi mug-hot  Dog SMOKING-BAN

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 Wi-Fi, a large HDTV and the “Top It” breakfast bar. Plus, it’s only three minutes from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. wifi mug-hot SMOKING-BAN

WHERE TO STAY • LIFESTYLE

COLUMBIA SE & FORT JACKSON BAYMONT BY WYNDHAM COLUMBIA FORT JACKSON wyndhamhotels.com (803) 567-5863 240 E. Exchange Blvd., Columbia wifi SWIMMER

CANDLEWOOD SUITES– COLUMBIA/FORT JACKSON ihg.com (803) 727-1299 921 Atlas Rd., Columbia wifi SWIMMER Dog

COMFORT INN & SUITES FORT JACKSON MAINGATE choicehotels.com/comfort-inn (803) 695-5555 7337 Garners Ferry Rd., Columbia wifi mug-hot  Dog

COUNTRY INN & SUITES BY RADISSON, COLUMBIA, SC countryinns.com/columbiasc (803) 776-6660 220 E. Exchange Blvd., Columbia wifi mug-hot 

HAMPTON INN & SUITES COLUMBIA/SOUTHEAST, FORT JACKSON columbiasoutheastfortjackson suites.hamptoninn.com (803) 217-3999 201 E. Exchange Blvd., Columbia

Located off I-77, this hotel is conveniently located a mile from shops and restaurants, downtown Columbia, the University of South Carolina, Fort Jackson and Williams-Brice Stadium. wifi mug-hot 

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES–FORT JACKSON hiexpress.com/fortjackson (803) 695-1111 7329 Garners Ferry Rd., Columbia wifi mug-hot  SMOKING-BAN

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 wifi mug-hot SWIMMER Dog

MICROTEL INN & SUITES BY WYNDHAM COLUMBIA/FORT JACKSON wyndhamhotels.com/microtel (803) 217-1000 7504 Garners Ferry Rd., Columbia wifi

SLEEP INN–FORT JACKSON choicehotels.com/sleep-inn (803) 776-6263 200 E. Exchange Blvd., Columbia wifi mug-hot SWIMMER

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOT COLUMBIA SE/ FORT JACKSON (803) 704-1600 170 East Exchange Blvd., Columbia

An all-suites hotel conveniently located just minutes from downtown with modern amenities at an affordable price. TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT COLUMBIA SE/ FORT JACKSON marriott.com/caese (803) 695-0062 250 E. 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.

(803) 391-4100 414 Piney Grove Rd., Columbia

HYATT PLACE COLUMBIA/ HARBISON

wifi mug-hot 

columbiaharbison.place.hyatt.com (803) 407-1560 1130 Kinley Rd., Irmo

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.

RESIDENCE INN COLUMBIA NORTHWEST/HARBISON

extendedstayamerica.com (803) 781-8590 1170 Kinley Rd., Irmo wifi SWIMMER Dog

marriott.com/caefn (803) 732-4436 320 Columbiana Dr., Columbia

BAYMONT BY WYNDHAM COLUMBIA NORTHWEST

wifi mug-hot  SMOKING-BAN

HAMPTON INN ON THE LAKE AT HARBISON columbiaharbison.hamptoninn.com (803) 749-6999 101 Woodcross Dr., Columbia

wyndhamhotels.com/ baymont (803) 731-2300 347 Zimalcrest Dr., Columbia

wifi mug-hot SWIMMER Dog

shuttle-van wifi SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

columbiaharbison.stayhgi.com (803) 407-6640 434 Columbiana Dr., Columbia

BEST WESTERN EXECUTIVE INN & SUITES bestwestern.com (803) 561-9027 1720 Bush River Rd., Columbia wifi SWIMMER

COMFORT INN HOTEL COLUMBIA comfortinncolumbiasc.com (803) 798-5101 911 Bush River Rd., Columbia

Affordable accommodations and a staff that understands Southern hospitality come together at the Comfort Inn, within easy driving distance of downtown Columbia, Irmo and Fort Jackson. shuttle-van wifi mug-hot SWIMMER Dog SMOKING-BAN

COMFORT SUITES HARBISON choicehotels.com/comfort-suites (803) 407-4444 750 Saturn Pkwy., Columbia wifi mug-hot  SMOKING-BAN

COUNTRY INN & SUITES BY RADISSON, COLUMBIA AT HARBISON, SC countryinns.com/columbiasc_ harbison

RAMADA LIMITED COLUMBIA wyndhamhotels.com/ramada (803) 731-9997 1315 Garner Lane, Columbia

EXTENDED STAY AMERICA– COLUMBIA–NORTHWEST/ HARBISON

IRMO, ST. ANDREWS, HARBISON

wifi SWIMMER Dog SMOKING-BAN

wifi SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

wifi SWIMMER

wifi mug-hot SWIMMER Dog SMOKING-BAN

ALOFT COLUMBIA HARBISON

QUALITY INN & SUITES choicehotels.com (803) 798-9665 2210 Bush River Rd., Columbia

shuttle-van wifi utensils SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

FAIRFIELD INN BY MARRIOTT– COLUMBIA NORTHWEST/ HARBISON

marriott.com/caeah (803) 407-6166

wifi utensils mug-hot SWIMMER Dog SMOKING-BAN

HILTON GARDEN INN COLUMBIA/HARBISON

The bustling Harbison-area Hilton is a comfortable walking distance from several restaurants, the Columbiana Centre indoor mall and many other major and local retailers. wifi utensils  SMOKING-BAN

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES COLUMBIA I-26 @ HARBISON BLVD columbiahie.com (803) 732-2229 211 Lanneau Court, Columbia wifi mug-hot

HOME2SUITES BY HILTON COLUMBIA HARBISON hilton.com (803) 766-0600 550 Columbiana Dr., Columbia Dog

HOMETOWNE STUDIOS & SUITES

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. wifi mug-hot SWIMMER Dog

SLEEP INN AT BUSH RIVER ROAD choicehotels.com/sleep-inn (803) 731-9999 1901 Rockland Rd., Columbia wifi mug-hot

SUPER 8 BY WYNDHAM HARBISON/PARKRIDGE HOSPITAL wyndhamhotels.com/super-8 (803) 772-1914 411 Piney Grove Rd., Columbia shuttle-van wifi Dog

TOWNEPLACE SUITES COLUMBIA NORTHWEST/ HARBISON columbiatowneplace.com (803) 749-7552 438 Columbiana Dr., Columbia

You’ll love the neighborhoodstyle living and great value in this all-suite, extended-stay Columbia hotel just minutes from downtown and USC. Dog SMOKING-BAN

TRU BY HILTON HARBISON COLUMBIA tru3.hilton.com (803) 732-7299 271 Columbiana Dr., Columbia

Enjoy the best of both worlds at Tru by Hilton Harbison, where visitors are minutes from both the beautiful Lake Murray and downtown Columbia. wifi mug-hot SMOKING-BAN

redroof.com/extendedstay/ hometownestudios (877) 398-3633 350 Columbiana Dr., Columbia

WOOD SMOKE FAMILY CAMPGROUND woodsmoke.webs.com (803) 781-3451 11302 Broad River Rd., Irmo

E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

LIFESTYLE • WHERE TO STAY

minutes of downtown, shopping, restaurants and major attractions.

AMBASSADOR’S CHOICE

wifi mug-hot SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

A M Y B E T H F R A N K S ’ M U S T - S E E : The Columbia Museum of Art is every art lover’s dream, and an absolute must-see. On Columbia’s Main Street, the CMA has over 7,000 artworks in its word-class collection and is home to 10 Andy Warhol portraits of Mao, a Claude Monet painting, a Chihuly glass chandelier and the only Sandro Botticelli fresco outside of Italy anywhere in the world.

YOGI BEAR’S JELLYSTONE PARK CAMP RESORT AT RIVER BOTTOM FARMS riverbottomfarms.com (803) 568-4182 357 Cedar Creek Rd., Swansea utensils SWIMMER Dog

RICHLAND NE & FORT JACKSON BEST WESTERN PLUS COLUMBIA NORTHEAST bestwestern.com (803) 736-6666 7525 Two Notch Rd., Columbia wifi mug-hot SWIMMER

COMFORT INN BLYTHEWOOD choicehotels.com/comfort-inn (803) 754-1441 436 McNulty Rd., Blythewood wifi mug-hot SWIMMER Dog

COMFORT SUITES NORTHEAST choicehotels.com/comfort-suites (803) 678-4266 1540 Daulton Dr., Columbia wifi mug-hot 

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT COLUMBIA NORTHEAST A spectacular Chihuly sculpture on display at Columbia Museum of Art. Photo by Sean Rayford Photography

marriott.com/caene (803) 736-3600 111 Gateway Corporate Blvd., Columbia utensils mug-hot SWIMMER

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 (803) 996-2000 325 W. Main St., Lexington wifi mug-hot utensils 

DAYS INN BY WYNDHAM LEXINGTON wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn (803) 356-6533 1015 S. Lake Dr., Lexington SWIMMER

EDMUND RV PARK

HAMPTON INN & SUITES LEXINGTON

MR. Z’S RV PARK AND CAMPGROUND

hilton.com/en/hotels/caelehx (803) 722-5800 4751 Sunset Blvd., Lexington

mrzsrv.com (803) 206-8928 3343 Augusta Hwy., Gilbert

wifi mug-hot SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

QUALITY INN & SUITES LEXINGTON

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES LEXINGTON–HWY 378 hiexpress.com/lexingtonsc (803) 808-0800 131 Innkeeper Dr., Lexington wifi mug-hot SWIMMER

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 E. Columbia Ave., Leesville Dog

edmundrvpark.com (803) 955-4010 5910 Edmund Hwy., Lexington

84 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

choicehotels.com/quality-inn (803) 359-3099 328 W. Main St., Lexington wifi mug-hot SWIMMER Dog

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 wifi mug-hot utensils SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

WINGATE BY WYNDHAM– LEXINGTON/COLUMBIA lexingtonwingate.com (803) 957-5000 108 Saluda Point Court, Lexington

Wingate makes business and leisure travel easy. This convenient location is just off I-20, within

DAYS INN BY WYNDHAM NORTH COLUMBIA FORT JACKSON wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn (803) 999-5369 114 Blythewood Rd., Blythewood SWIMMER Dog

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. wifi mug-hot SWIMMER Dog SMOKING-BAN

HAMPTON INN & SUITES COLUMBIA KILLIAN ROAD hamptoninn3.hilton.com (803) 999-1800 1310 Robert’s Branch Pkwy, Columbia

Close to Sesquicentennial State Park and a short drive from downtown Columbia, this Hampton

WHERE TO STAY • LIFESTYLE

Inn is a draw for nature lovers and urban dwellers alike.

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS COLUMBIA–TWO NOTCH

(803) 736-3237 1520 Barbara Dr., Columbia

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT CAYCE

wifi mug-hot SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

hiexpress.com (803) 699-9333 8300 Two Notch Rd., Columbia

wifi

marriott.com/caecy (803) 794-7033 1125 Fort Congaree Trail, Cayce

HAMPTON INN COLUMBIA I-20/CLEMSON ROAD columbiai20clemsonroad. hamptoninn.com (803) 788-4901 1021 Clemson Frontage Rd., Columbia wifi mug-hot SWIMMER

HAMPTON INN COLUMBIA NORTHEAST FORT JACKSON AREA columbianortheast.hamptoninn.com (803) 865-8000 1551 Barbara Dr., Columbia wifi mug-hot SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

HILTON GARDEN INN COLUMBIA/NORTHEAST columbianortheast.hgi.com (803) 807-9000 8910 Farrow Rd., Columbia wifi utensils  SMOKING-BAN

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES BLYTHEWOOD

wifi mug-hot SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES COLUMBIA–I-20 @ CLEMSON ROAD

MOTEL 6 COLUMBIA EAST SC motel6.com (803) 736-3900 7541 Nates Rd., Columbia

wifi utensils SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

ECONO LODGE INN & SUITES

SWIMMER Dog

QUALITY INN FORT JACKSON

choicehotels.com/econo-lodge (803) 936-0015 1935 Airport Blvd., Cayce

hiexpress.com/clmbia@clemson (803) 419-3558 1011 Clemson Frontage Rd., Columbia

choicehotels.com/quality-inn (803) 736-0822 8104 Two Notch Rd., Columbia

wifi Dog

wifi mug-hot SWIMMER

RESIDENCE INN MARRIOTT COLUMBIA NORTHEAST/FORT JACKSON AREA

hamptoninn3.hilton.com (803) 791-8940 1094 Chris Dr., West Columbia

HOME2 SUITES BY HILTON BLYTHEWOOD (800) 445-8667 92 Creech Rd., Blythewood wifi utensils  Dog

LAQUINTA INN & SUITES COLUMBIA NE FORT JACKSON wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta (803) 736-6400 1538 Horseshoe Dr., Columbia wifi mug-hot SWIMMER Dog

hiexpress.com/ blythewoodsc (803) 333-0315 120 Creech Rd., Blythewood

MICROTEL INN & SUITES BY WYNDHAM COLUMBIA TWO NOTCH ROAD AREA

wifi mug-hot SWIMMER

wyndhamhotels.com/microtel

HAMPTON INN COLUMBIA I-26 AIRPORT

residenceinn.com/caeri (803) 788-8850 2320 LeGrand Rd., Columbia

Located just across the interstate from Lexington Medical Center, this hotel provides easy access to downtown Columbia and area attractions.

mug-hot SWIMMER Dog

shuttle-van wifi mug-hot SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

SESQUICENTENNIAL STATE PARK

HILTON GARDEN INN COLUMBIA AIRPORT

southcarolinaparks.com/sesqui (803) 788-2706 9564 Two Notch Rd., Columbia

hilton.com/en/hotels/caemcgi (803) 391-4000 110 McSwain Dr., West Columbia

SUPER 8 BY WYNDHAM COLUMBIA/FORT JACKSON SC wyndhamhotels.com/super-8 (803) 790-1133 5321 Forest Dr., Columbia

Close to Lexington Medical Center and mere miles from the airport, Holiday Inn offers everything travelers expect when they’re on the go. shuttle-van wifi utensils SWIMMER SMOKING-BAN

wifi

MAGNOLIA CAMPGROUND

WOODSPRING SUITES COLUMBIA FORT JACKSON

magnoliacampground.com (803) 926-2272 4031 Charleston Hwy., West Columbia

woodspring.com (803) 699-1413 931 Spears Creek Court, Elgin wifi Dog

GARDEN COLUMBIA wyndhamhotels.com (803) 736-0809 1539 Horseshoe Dr., Columbia wifi utensils SMOKING-BAN

WEST COLUMBIA, CAYCE, AIRPORT BARNYARD RV PARK barnyardrvpark.com (803) 957-1238 201 Oak Dr., Lexington

QUALITY INN WEST COLUMBIA choicehotels.com/quality-inn (803) 791-5160 2516 Augusta Rd., West Columbia wifi mug-hot SWIMMER Dog

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, such as spacious studio suites, a fully equipped kitchen and complimentary grocery delivery. wifi mug-hot SWIMMER Dog SMOKING-BAN

CLARION INN AIRPORT choicehotels.com/clarion (803) 794-9440 500 Chris Dr., West Columbia shuttle-van wifi utensils SWIMMER Dog

COUNTRY INN & SUITES BY RADISSON, COLUMBIA AIRPORT, SC countryinns.com/columbiasc_airport (803) 794-6200 2245 Airport Blvd., Cayce

TOWNEPLACE SUITES COLUMBIA WEST/LEXINGTON (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.

shuttle-van wifi mug-hot  SMOKING-BAN

E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

MAPS • REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS

THE COLUMBIA REGION 1 DREHER SHOALS DAM 2 LEXINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM

3 RIVERBANKS ZOO & GARDEN

4 FORT JACKSON

VISITOR CENTER

5 CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK 6 COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN AIRPORT

D I ST R I C T S A R O U N D C O LU M B I A

Take time to explore all the great districts of Columbia, SC.

HARBISON/IRMO NORTHEAST WEST COLUMBIA CAYCE DOWNTOWN LEXINGTON CHAPIN LOWER RICHLAND

ATTRACTIONS SHOPPING

MAP ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS GREGORI

86 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS • MAPS

E XPERIENCECO LUM B IASC .COM

MAPS • CITY CENTER

COLUMBIA CITY CENTER D I ST R I C T S A R O U N D C O LU M B I A

Take time to explore all the great districts of Columbia, SC.

NOMA

USC CAMPUS

HISTORIC HOUSE & GARDEN

BULL STREET

FIVE POINTS

THE VISTA

MAIN STREET

DEVINE STREET

MAP ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS GREGORI

1 HISTORIC COLUMBIA 2 COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART 3 SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE

4 COLUMBIA, SC VISITORS CENTER 5 SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM 6 EDVENTURE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

88 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

ATTRACTIONS HISTORIC HOMES SHOPPING

WHERE SOUTHERN H O S P I TA L I T Y COMES INCLUDED BOOK YOUR NEXT STAY AT MARRIOTT COLUMBIA

Get ready for an authentic Southern stay that leaves you feeling welcomed and inspired at the Marriott Columbia. Situated in the heart of downtown and close to the University of South Carolina, Williams-Brice Stadium, and Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, our hotel offers spacious guest rooms with plush bedding, free Wi-Fi and Smart TVs. With thoughtful amenities like a heated indoor pool, fitness center, Southern-style restaurant and 27,000 square feet of dynamic event spaces, experience the best of Marriott Columbia. M A R R I OT T C O L U M B I A 12 0 0 H A M P TO N S T R E E T, C O L U M B I A , S C 2 9 2 01 8 3 .771 .7 | M A R R I OT T.C O M /C A E M H

ACTIVITIES • EVERYDAY FUN

Postcards

from Cola

S A V O R I N G T H E E V E R Y D AY Columbia has no shortage of activities for friends, family, or the solo traveler. Whether it’s a stroll along our many riverwalks, a trip to some of our finest restaurants like the Peruvian-inspired Ratio, grabbing a beer at our diverse range of breweries or catching a free festival on Main Street, we have plenty to offer any voracious visitor.

ots p s o m e sh a n s o t e r , Be s u it forever is v r u o y ber to remem cherish o we can s s u g a t and ! ories, too yo u r m e m , Instagram Find us on ) witter (X T d n a k o Facebo biasc. at @colum Team The ECSC D I G I N AT R AT I O Ratio serves up Peruvian-inspired fare in Northeast Columbia. Photo by Forrest Clonts

THE IRMO OKRA STRUT This annual festival celebrates Southern food — especially fried okra — and traditions. Photo by Forrest Clonts

COFFEE & SMILES Self-serve coffee and Southern brunch with a twist make West Columbia’s Cafe Strudel a locals’ favorite. Photo by Sean Rayford 90 E X P E R I E N C E C O L U M B I A S C I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 4

steps away FROM EVERYTHING IN COLUMBIA SC

www.Hilton.com 924 Senate Street Columbia SC 803-744-7800

comfort

IN THE HEART OF COLUMBIA SC

www.Hampton.com 822 Gervais Street Columbia SC 803-231-2000

Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC

SpringHill Suites Columbia Downtown/The Vista

Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC

SpringHill Suites Columbia Downtown/The Vista

Whether close to campus or close to The Vista, our two downtown hotels will keep you close to the action during your next trip to Columbia, SC! Amenities at Courtyard include: Spacious guest rooms with work desks and minifridges The Bistro - serving made to order breakfast and dinner entrees, offering full bar in the evening Over 5,000 square feet of event space including outdoor courtyard with fireplace Located on UofSC's campus at Assembly and Blossom

Amenities at SpringHill Suites include: Spacious guest suites with separate living and sleeping areas, mini-fridge, and microwave Complimentary breakfast daily On-site bar serving specialty cocktails, craft beer, wine, and appetizers Conveniently located in the Congree Vista District 1,500 square feet of meeting space, perfect for small meetings and trainings

COURTYARD COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN AT USC 630 Assembly Street Columbia, SC 29201 803.799.7800 Marriott.com/CAECD

SPRINGHILL SUITES COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN/THE VISTA 511 Lady Street Columbia, SC 29201 803.978.2333 Marriott.com/CAESH