12 incredible stops in Columbia, S.C.

There’s plenty to see, do, eat in vibrant city.

A decade ago, Columbia, South Carolina, was thought of as a 9-to-5 city, with a quiet downtown filled with modern office blocks.

But today, the state’s capital has a much different vibe. Columbia’s downtown has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, with a striking amount of work put into both the Main Street area and the adjacent Vista neighborhood. An expanding mix of awardwinning chefs, cultural festivals, public art and innovative businesses have also given the city a new edge and made Columbia a nearly 24/7 destination.

While Columbia feels more eclectic and alive, it remains a place that’s overflowing with gracious, Southern charm and big city amenities. Along with taking in the new sights, travelers often hang with locals at quirky dive bars, peruse the streets in search of the perfect, public art photo and admire skyline views as they tube the Congaree River.

Here’s how to navigate all that’s new and exciting in this fastevolving city.

What to eat & drink

Whether you’re into soul food, fine dining, or something in between, you can find it in Columbia. The burgeoning food scene is bursting with flavor and full of delicious surprises.

Bourbon, a whiskey bar and Cajun-Creole restaurant, makes its home in one of Main Street’s oldest buildings, but it’s actually one of the newest kids on the block. The menu features craft cocktails and a massive whiskey list, with American whiskeys, ryes and bourbons. The draft beers and sodas are all local, too, but this bar isn’t just about beverages. Most of the ingredients in their kitchen are locally sourced and used to produce delectable Cajun-Creole cuisine with a South Carolina spin.

Motor Supply Co. Bistro’s chef-driven menu changes daily and the restaurant offers a contemporary, bistro atmosphere. The mouth-watering American, Asian, Italian and French dishes are made with ingredients sourced from local farms and meats that are house-butchered and smoked.

When you’re looking for a cold one, Columbia’s brewers offer a variety of unique and signature taps. New breweries have been popping up all over town in recent years and some local favorites include River Rat Brewery, Columbia Craft Brewing Co. and Steel Hands Brewing. Each brewery has its own atmosphere, ranging from playful, with oversized games, to kid-friendly, with grassy, outdoor areas that are perfect for kids to run around or a morning session of brewery yoga.

What to do

This one can be pretty hard to narrow down, especially for first-time visitors. With chic shopping districts, an indie movie theater, museums and beautiful parks, all located in walkable areas, there’s much to explore in Columbia.

On every Saturday morning of the year, Main Street fills with vendors for Soda City Market. The market was inspired by European street markets and features fresh produce, handmade jewelry, art and pottery, street performers and a host of other attractions that cater to a richly diverse community.

Formerly a textile district filled with warehouses, The Vista is a hub for the arts, dining and cultural events, all in one convenient location. Located along the Congaree River, The Vista is home to over 45 restaurants and 60 art galleries and specialty shops. Get lost (not literally, of course) in the brick streets of this urban oasis, full of old world character mixed with modern personality.

While there’s plenty that’s brand new in Columbia, some of the long-time favorites remain some of the best tickets around. The Nickelodeon, or the Nick as it’s affectionately known, has evolved from a typical movie theater into a non-profit art house theater. Today, the programming consists of independent films, curated series and screenings of films that are relevant to the community. The theater is also the home of the Indie Grits Film Festival, an annual four-day festival celebrating Southern culture through film, art and music.

Another must-stop on your Columbia itinerary is the Mast General Store. The store is stocked with just about everything you could ever need—such as socks, cookware, fishing poles, clothes and jam—housed inside a giant, old-timey store in Downtown Columbia. It’ll feel like a blast from the past and you’re sure to pick up some cool stuff, too.

Where to stay

After a full day of eating, shopping and playing in Columbia, you’ll need a place to lay your head. Fortunately, there’s a number of great options.

If you’re looking for a trendy hotel with a lot of style, consider the new Aloft Columbia Downtown. This boutique hotel has over 100 dining and entertainment options in Columbia’s historic downtown, and features a hip vibe that’s a hit with tourists and locals alike.

Also situated downtown is Graduate Columbia, a boutique hotel with funky décor that nods to the history of the University of South Carolina and its athletics. Another quintessentially Columbia retreat is Hotel Trundle. Located in the heart of the Main Street district, the hotel is housed in a three-building, historic property and uses all local companies for its decor, art, welcome beverages and more.

Columbia is just over a threehour drive from Atlanta, making it a great destination for a short getaway. Easy to navigate and full of budget-friendly things to see and do, explore the exciting changes and beloved oldies in this modern city this season.

TUCKER PRESCOTT Columbia, South Carolina, features a recently revitalized downtown and a still-growing array of shops, restaurants and other businesses.

FORREST CLONTS Columbia’s Cajun-Creole restaurant and bar, Bourbon, is located just steps from the South Carolina State Capitol building.

SHELL SUBER Located between the 1300-1500 blocks of Main Street, vendors at Soda City Market line up from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.