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Southern Charm: A Weekend Travel Guide for Columbia, South Carolina

Until recently, I’d only ever driven through Columbia, South Carolina .

The capital of The Palmetto State is the closest major city along the route we take to visit family in Florida, and until a month ago, mostly symbolized that we were nearly home. As part of our commitment to visiting more destinations in our region this year, we intentionally made Columbia the terminus of a June Saturday drive and stayed for the weekend.

The drive from Charlotte was over in the blink of an eye; soon after we passed Carowinds at the South Carolina border we reached the outskirts of Columbia. All-in-all, it’s about ninety minutes from one city center to the other.

Armed with a weekend itinerary full of great food and local gems, we primarily took to the city by foot. Columbia’s downtown area is ultra-walkable – even in the peak summer heat. I highly recommend parking your car and leaving it whenever possible. Ready to hit the city? Here’s how to spend a fun food- and activity-filled weekend in Cola (and I bet if you’re anything like us, by the end of the weekend Columbia will no longer be a pass-through city for you either):

COLUMBIA SIGHTS + ATTRACTIONS

Soda city market.

There’s no better way to kick off the weekend than by visiting the Soda City Market on Saturday morning (Fun fact: the nickname Soda City is derived from Columbia’s abbreviation of Cola. Cola = Soda, get it?). Rain or shine, a section of Columbia’s Main Street is closed to vehicular traffic every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. With an average of 150 local vendors each week selling produce, crafts, and more, there’s bound to be something for you. During our visit, the food vendors were selling a world of flavors – from paella to noodles. But being in Columbia, we couldn’t resist a biscuit with pimento cheese for breakfast from Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits as the city lays claim to one of the oldest recipes for the Southern staple. Visitors can even complete a Pimento Cheese Passport for swag!

Columbia Museum of Art

Little did we know that a visit to the Columbia Museum of Art would transport us back to France! Our visit coincided with the exhibition of In the Shadow of Monet: Giverny and American Impressionism , on display through September 2022 (head here to view current exhibits) – but even without any special exhibits, the museum’s collection is worth the cost of admission alone. Spanning both centuries and continents, the general collection contains a diverse assortment of priceless works. You might be surprised that you’re not in a museum in New York, Paris, or London when you leave.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

After working at a college with an accredited zoo, I better understand the importance of only visiting zoos and aquariums that have been vetted to ensure proper care of their animals. Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is accredited through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is transparent about its animal care and conservation efforts . The property is sprawling, spanning both sides of the Saluda River – with 350 species of animals on one side, and 5,700 species of plants on the other. We split our visit between the two sides of the park, visiting the zebras, giraffes, and otters (okay, we visited the otters twice since they’re my favorite ) and then the botanical and vegetable gardens across the river. There is a lot of ground to cover and visitors should expect to do a lot of walking, although there is a tram available to take guests up to the Botanical Gardens (if you’re able, I recommend walking as it’s a bit faster). And if you think your kids might be bored in the gardens, guess again – Waterfall Junction offers young guests a chance to play in the splash pads, unearth dinosaurs (replica, of course!), and more.

COLUMBIA FOOD + DRINK

Market on main.

You can probably guess where Columbia’s Market on Main is located – right in the heart of Main Street. This bar and restaurant serves an incredible weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, and thankfully for non-breakfast-lovers like my partner, the menu is pretty evenly divided between breakfast and lunch items. I particularly love how MOM incorporates local and seasonal ingredients throughout their offerings. The Spicy Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich is now my touchstone for all future BECs, and Michael’s Texas Tajima Wagyu Burger put a decadent spin on a classic dish. And while side dishes are usually just supporting acts for the main course, the ultra-fresh fruit and (mountain) of truffle fries can hold their own. Even if you’re not around for brunch, Market on Main’s weekly specials and expansive patio are reasons to visit (I definitely picture myself enjoying a cocktail on the patio in the future).

Black Rooster

Black Rooster proudly proclaims they are “Frenchish” – but their approach to food is definitely wonderful. This hip spot in West Columbia offers a well-edited menu of shareable plates and main courses that will feed vegetarians, pescatarians, and carnivores all on one table. A half-dozen oysters is the perfect way to start the meal – indulgent, but won’t leave you too full for your main course. As usual, we argued over who ordered the better meal: my Salmon Wellington (paired with a summer ratatouille, brown butter noisette, smoked tomato romesco, Marcona almonds, and salmon cracklins) or Michael’s Royale with Cheese (two patties of chuck and brisket, topped with gruyere, caramelized onions, and dijonnaise, and served with beef tallow fries). Our squabble resulted in a draw – but ultimately, I’d recommend the salmon for its uncommon approach. And though the restaurant has ample seating in the lively dining room, outdoor patio, and rooftop bar (with a great view!), reservations are recommended.

The Gourmet Shop

The Gourmet Shop has been serving locals in Columbia’s Five Points neighborhood since 1979. Equal parts upscale market (with an astounding selection of cooking tools, hard-to-find ingredients, and a wine section you could get lost in) and all-day café, we lingered way longer than anticipated. But I’m glad we didn’t hesitate to grab a table for breakfast, because soon after we did a line formed. The menu boasts all the Southern lunchtime favorites including, of course, pimento cheese. Since you’re dining on the weekend, you’ll likely have the opportunity to choose from both the lunch menu and the brunch menu . Again, we chose one meal from each, and it was the correct decision. Michael ordered their famous chicken salad croissant, which indeed lived up to the hype (and is made perfectly simply, without any fussy ingredients). And I watched so many breakfast bowls exit the kitchen that I wound up being influenced to order one myself. I can see why it’s such a favorite!

Za’s on Devine

While I think its official name is Za’s Brick Oven Pizza, it seems as though everyone calls it Za’s on Devine. But if you’re asking me, I think they should be calling it Za’s on Divine instead, because the pizza is heavenly (who cares if you have to rename the street it’s on?). The Pick Four pizza is the way to go – and we just barely finished the 8″ size, leaving a few pizza bones behind. The kitchen is mostly-open, and it’s a treat to watch the pizzas being made and fired. I know if we lived closer, Za’s on Devine would be our weekly pizza spot.

Boku Kitchen and Saloon

A relative newcomer to the Columbia dining scene is Boku Kitchen & Saloon, dishing up scratch-made Pan-Asian fare in trendy surroundings. While sure, everyone can order their own entree, it’s really the kind of place you’ll want to bring a few friends who love sharing plates. We nabbed a few of our favorites to start: Pork Potstickers, Vietnamese Rolls, Crab Rangoon, and Char Siu Pork Bao Buns. But by the time we were finished with that round, we were both far too full to order more. And sadly we were teetotaling as it was our last meal before heading back to Charlotte – but I bet Boku would be a great place for a drink and appetizer if you’re in the mood for a lighter meal. Have an Ube’bay for me, okay?

Savage Craft Ale Works

We were torn between visiting a few breweries on Saturday afternoon, so we did what any good traveler should do when in a similar predicament: stop and ask a local. The answer was overwhelmingly Savage Craft Ale Works, and after visiting their taproom, I can see why. It’s located just across the river from downtown in West Columbia’s former city hall and fire department building, and it has a sizeable lawn, indoor seating area, and a popular rooftop bar. My go-to beer is almost always a Hazy IPA (if you’ve read my Charlotte breweries post, you probably figured that out!), and that’s what I chose at Savage Craft. The Galaxy Banger is described as “Hazy, Dank, and Tropical” – and I agree. I regret that it was so hot on the day of our visit because the rooftop bar looks perfect for lounging. Next time!

Coa Agaveria y Cocina

I recently returned from a trip to Tequila with a newfound respect for the spirit (and for its cousin, mezcal), and there’s no better place to further your education than at Coa Agaveria y Cocina. Sure, you could get a margarita, but where’s the fun in that? Coa offers over twenty cocktails made from the agave distillates, and countless others for sipping. The atmosphere feels a little cool and dark, like being in a cava, and symbols of the tequila-making process are everywhere. With a delicious dinner ahead of us, we opted to skip any botanas (a decision that felt almost painful to make). Next time, we’re making room in our schedule and our stomachs for Tlayudas, Tamales Oaxaqueñas, and Guacamole.

Transmission Arcade

We found Transmission Arcade just a few blocks away from our hotel (more on that in a minute!) on Saturday night, and it’s the best spot for a nightcap with a competitive edge. The arcade bar serves cocktails, local beer, and the perfect late-night munchies (I’m assuming, at least – they all sounded delicious but sadly I was far too full). You’ll need tokens to play the pinball machines and other games, but luckily there’s an ATM and change machine on site. Just don’t ask me who won at Super Off Road …

Once you step inside this quirky bar, you’ll probably forget which city you’re in. It honestly feels like it could be in any city around the world – or perhaps even outer space. Thankfully it’s here in Columbia and fortunately, our visit coincided with Y’all Mart, a curated eclectic market featuring local makers. From jewelry to taxidermy, the market had it all. But even if your visit happens to fall on a different day, it’s still a really cool spot to cool off and grab a beer – and I suspect things kick into high gear after dark or at their many other events .

WHERE TO STAY IN COLUMBIA

Hotel trundle.

Hotel Trundle is a “Unique Boutique” hotel in the heart of downtown, and it unequivocally  lives up to both of those descriptors.

It’s hard to believe that the hotel has only been open since 2018 (with a pandemic in the mix!), as it feels very much like a staple in the city. Stepping through the lobby doors is a bit like stepping into your chic cousin’s home – it’s tastefully decorated with local art and photos, you’re offered a welcome drink upon arrival, and you start to feel like a weight has been removed from your shoulders so you can just relax ( plus it smells so nice ).

That feeling carries you right to your room, which, if it’s anything like our Trundle King Room , skews industrial without feeling cold. Although the inclusion of a ceiling fan in the room was a very cool thing (seriously? When is the last time you stayed at a hotel with a fan? It’s such a nice touch for light sleepers). Other in-room amenities include robes and slippers, an open wardrobe with an iron and ironing board, a large television, a mini-fridge and microwave, a single-serve coffeemaker, and MOMO Shampoo and Conditioner from Davines (which I definitely regret not asking housekeeping if they could slip me a second set…). And I loved the little quirky touches like the dinosaur keys, the shadow-puppet wallpaper, and the do not disturb sign. If you happen to get a room near the lobby, don’t skip strolling through the rest of the hotel to check out the artwork.

Breakfast is delivered to your room each morning – just make sure you place your order online the night before (Hotel Trundle helpfully texts you a link!). You’ll get to choose your meal and your delivery window, which is so convenient – except when you accidentally sleep through your alarm, because you’re in a cozy sleep cocoon thanks to the comfortable bed and blackout shades. I don’t envy the sight of my groggy and confused self receiving breakfast at the door! If you happen to find yourself in the same position, you can  be grateful that there’s fresh coffee just steps away in the lobby.

Our stay at Hotel Trundle was really such a highlight of this trip – and it will be the first place we look when searching for accommodations in Columbia (especially as they are adding a new wing, delightfully called the Flutter Wing !). If you’re looking to book as well, here are just a few more things to know before you do: Parking is $18 per day, and at peak times they offer complimentary valet parking. The lot behind the hotel might be a little bit of a tight squeeze if you’re self-parking a larger vehicle. The hotel offers several ways for guests to enhance their stay through add-on packages; head here to learn more. And if you’re just looking for a good deal, they run specials from time to time. Check out their offers page before you hit submit!

WITH MORE TIME IN COLUMBIA

With more time in Columbia, you’ll have the chance to visit more museums (like the South Carolina State Museum or the  EdVenture Children’s Museum ), get outdoors and explore (say, at Congaree National Park or just spend a relaxing day tubing with Palmetto Outdoor ), enjoy more meals at restaurants with local and global flavor, both in casual digs and upscale surroundings (just a few I’ve added to my list for next time: 929 Kitchen and Bar ,  Il Giorgione ,  Bourbon , DiPrato’s ,  Terra ,  Duke’s Pad Thai ,  Bernie’s Restaurant , and Sahara on Main ), and relax at more of the city’s breweries ( Columbia Craft , Steel Hands , and River Rat are on my radar!). Personally, I’m marking my calendar for the city’s annual festivals , and planning on earning all the stamps on the Pimento Cheese Passport – and making Columbia my destination, not just part of the journey.

Looking for more? You may also enjoy:

• Packing List: Columbia, SC
• Weekend Guide: Beaufort, SC
• Weekend Guide: Wilmington + Wrightsville Beach, NC
• Weekend Guide: Charlotte, NC
• Weekend Guide: Dunwoody, GA
• Weekend Guide: Chapel Hill, NC
• City Guide: Asheville, NC
• Carolina Day Trip: Davidson, NC
• Carolina Day Trip: Lexington, NC
• Carolina Day Trip: Winston-Salem, NC
• Carolina Day Trip: York County, SC
• Day Trip: Tallahassee, FL

What’s first on your list of things to do in Columbia?

5 Comments on “ Southern Charm: A Weekend Travel Guide for Columbia, South Carolina ”

I absolutely love this! Columbia has a special place in my heart – we lived there for 2 years and still regularly visit to see our best friends! 🙂

After visiting I can definitely see how it would be a wonderful place to live! What are some of your must-visit spots when you return?

Wow! I’ve never been but it looks like such a cool place!

It’s a great city for a weekend getaway!

Absolutely loved your weekend guide to Columbia, South Carolina! You’ve perfectly captured the essence of Southern charm, highlighting spots that offer a rich blend of culture, history, and delightful cuisine. Your recommendations are spot-on for anyone looking to explore this beautiful city. While Columbia offers a fantastic gateway to the South, have you considered delving into the unique cultural experiences of the Gullah Heritage on Hilton Head Island, S.C.? It’s a fascinating area known for its rich African heritage and traditions. I wonder how it would compare to the experiences in Columbia.

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Things to Do Around Williams-Brice Stadium

Hot april highlights: art, festivals and fireflies baseball, solo traveler.

Looking to fly solo in the capital city? Well, this trip itinerary is for you. From outdoor adventure to a buzzing culinary scene and vibrant public art , there’s plenty for the solo traveler to explore and enjoy. Keep reading to start planning your weekend getaway for one in Columbia, SC.

Check into your home away from home at Holiday Inn Columbia Downtown in the Main Street district. This new, retro-inspired hotel puts you in the heart of all the action, with buzz-worthy bites and must-see attractions just steps away.

After your journey, your stomach might be growling, so take a quick walk down to Spotted Salamander . Local for almost 15 years, this menu rotates daily with specials thought of in-house. Get there early to grab a special - they'll sell out before you know it. 

Once you can’t eat another bite, it’s time to explore Columbia’s art scene. It's the perfect solo-traveler activity because there’s no need to feel out of place milling around big art galleries by yourself. Start with the Columbia Museum of Art – A 21st-century museum that boasts one of the largest international collections in the Southeast. Take delight in the permanent collection and the one-of-a-kind traveling exhibits like Jackson Pollock and Van Gogh that find their way to this renowned museum.

Next stop, Immersion SC. Have you ever wanted to step inside an artist’s painting? Well, you can do just that here. This unique experience allows you to explore artist-designed rooms that are perfect for solo perusing and a selfie or two.

After freshening up for the evening, and maybe squeezing in a quick nap, it’s time to explore the rich history of the capital city. Make your way to the historic house and garden district and take an outdoor multi-site tour of Robert Mills House and Gardens and Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens with Historic Columbia . Connect to the history of 19th-century Columbia by learning about architecture, the planter class, enslaved individuals, and the evolution of these historic sites. Prefer to explore at your own pace? Walk or ride through one of the many garden and neighborhood self-guided tours they offer.

When dinner calls, head back to Main Street. Tonight, you’ll dine at Market on Main , and you may just catch some live entertainment while you’re there. Treat yourself to a hand-crafted cocktail and a gourmet dish like the oh-so-popular M.O.M Burger. Whatever dish you fancy, be sure to order a side of the truffle frites (you can thank us later).

Time to conquer the day! But first, coffee. Grab a pour-over coffee from Drip on Main, and then hit the street and while away a couple of hours at Soda City Market . Stretching from one to three blocks depending on the season, the market draws people from all walks of life to enjoy time in the hub of the city. This producer-only market is where you can soak up all of the tastes and cultures on tap here in the capital city. Over a hundred vendors line Main Street each Saturday, and you grab a bite to eat and browse and shop all things SC hand-crafted and grown.

Drop off any souvenirs you picked up at  Soda City Market , and then grab some comfortable shoes. This afternoon calls for getting some fresh air and experiencing this gritty city’s outdoor offerings. Drive away from the buzz of the city to Congaree National Park , the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the Southeastern United States, or stay closer to downtown by strolling the pathways along Three Rivers Greenway .

You’ll probably work up an appetite while getting those steps in, so make time to have a picnic along the way. Pick up some lunch from Spotted Salamander before you head out. We recommend their Spotted Salad and deviled eggs. If you're in search of a plant-based option, grab an out-of-this-world “chicken” sandwich with a side of mac & “cheese” from Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen .

Want to do some reading while you’re out on your adventure but forgot to pack a book? No problem! Stop by Ed’s Editions or Odd Bird Books to grab your next favorite read.

After an eventful afternoon, it’s time for a laid-back evening starting at The Aristocrat . This cozy-chic spot knows how to make a top-notch cocktail, and their Southern heritage-inspired dishes will have you wanting to try everything on the menu. Kick-off your food coma with an app or two, and order one of their flatbread pizzas as your main.

If you have room for dessert, you’d be remiss in not making a stop at Kaminsky’s in The Vista . The robust selection of sugary creations and alcohol-infused milkshakes will be the cherry on top of your whirlwind weekend.

Before you say goodbye to the heart of SC, have one more unforgettable meal at The Gourmet Shop in Five Points . Sit on the patio with a cup of coffee and a breakfast panini, and then explore their extensive gift shop and deep selection of wines, cheeses, and pastries to bring home with you.

We hope you enjoyed your solo stay in Columbia, SC! Until next time, keep up with the latest happenings in the capital city with our blog and follow us on social.

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With approximately 60 total employees, each team member of Midlands Authority for Conventions Sports & Tourism and Experience Columbia SC has an integral part to play within their specific organization and department in driving economic…

Tourism is big business in Columbia, South Carolina. Welcoming 14.8 million visitors annually to Richland County, Lexington County and the City of Columbia doesn’t happen without lots of hard work and it doesn’t happen…

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Scott and his team at Experience Columbia SC Sports were a great group to work with. It was easy communication to lock in an awesome venue as well as hotel block and dining/entertainment options for our event. Columbia was a beautiful city and we are can't wait to go back!

During a year of such great uncertainty, Graduate Columbia has most appreciated our Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. They have worked tirelessly to not only bring back annual group business, but drum up new, innovative business that Columbia tourism so desperately needs. Their outside-of-the-box ideas are one example of why they represent our wonderful city and Graduate Columbia is proud to stand by them…

We are eternally grateful for the hard work that the ECSC team continues to put in year after year to expose visitors and tourists to the many wonders the Midlands has to offer... They have done a tremendous job in building our regional brand, and are continuously looking for new ways to innovate in the destination marketing field, which helps us in our role as economic developers to attract talent and…

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The South Carolina Funeral Directors Association (SCFDA) has been meeting at the CMCC for the past 17 years. The location is great, the rooms are perfect, hotels are close and above all the staff. The Convention Staff are some of the best. They communicate and are always willing to make adjustments.

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Experience Columbia SC was extremely helpful in several different areas for us. They started off by assisting us with a list of restaurants or meetings spaces that could potentially hold large groups. We learned about the other services that were offered and decided to give it a try. Our sales manager (Crystal) reached out to the hotels of our choice and sent the RFP to them and then sent us an email…

Christy Junkins

Our Experience Columbia SC sales manager (Crystal) kept the communication going during the RFP process, sent me the information I needed before my deadline, and was always quick to respond. The proposal packet they sent made my job easy! I presented the comparison of hotel quotes, amenities and pricing directly from the proposal during a WebEx meeting to the decision makers and they were so impressed! I…

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Columbia SC tourism is comprised of a set of sister organizations responsible for various components of promoting and marketing tourism throughout Richland County, Lexington County and the City of Columbia. The two sister organizations are made up of three branches (Experience Columbia SC, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and Experience Columbia SC Sports), each with a specific set of responsibilities related to promoting and marketing the Columbia region. 

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Economic impact annually, hospitality partners, jobs generated in 2022, tradeshows attended in 2021, media library, media gallery, from our ceo, president & ceo.

You won’t find a more passionate team anywhere. So whether you are planning a major conference, sports tournament or just a weekend getaway for your family, we have the expertise to make your experience memorable.

Historic Columbia

Offsite Tours

Explore historic sites in Columbia and Richland County through guided walking and bus tours. Travel to the historic sites by participating in these public programs and group tour offerings. These tours showcase historic sites and provide historical context to the people, architecture, and events that made them significant.

You get the bus, we give the tour! Historic Columbia offers a variety of engaging driving tours of historically significant areas of Richland County, including themed tours like the African American History Tour, Columbia City of Women Tour, and more! Any of our bus tours may be booked for groups of 10 or more with advance registration.

Walking Tours

There are many options for exploring our local history by visiting historic sites throughout Richland County. We offer monthly, guided Walking Tours  that typically run 75 minutes. We also offer any of our walking tours to groups of 10 or more with advance registration. 

Upcoming Walking Tours

Sunday, May 12th: 1 — 2:30 p.m.

Main Street Walking Tour

1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Explore Main Street with Historic Columbia.

Sunday, June 9th: 1 — 2:30 p.m.

University Hill Walking Tour

1619 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Explore University Hill with Historic Columbia.

Schedule a Group Tour

Group tours consist of 10 or more people. If you have fewer than nine people, you can join any tour without advance notice.  Contact us today to book your group! 

[email protected] (803) 252-1770 ext. 23