From the locals at COLAtoday

This content was created in partnership with Experience Columbia SC.

While our state’s capital city often gets overlooked, over the last couple of years Columbia has been quietly brewing up a uniquely cool, under-the-radar scene of culture, food, outdoor experiences, and community– set against a backdrop of five downtown districts, three rivers, S.C.’s only national park, + a 50,000-acre lake.

Additionally, Columbia was recently named South Carolina’s best-kept waterfront secret (Garden & Gun), one of the best small cities in the U.S. (National Geographic Traveler) + a travel destination that’s “about to blow up” (Thrillist).

If you haven’t been lately, you may not recognize the place. Between developing its rivers + building more breweries (12 and growing), Columbia is booming– and you'll likely be pleasantly surprised by its progress.

To give you a jump start on planning your next trip to the Midlands, we asked our sister-publication COLAtoday to give you the scoop on what to see + do during a weekend in Columbia from a locals’ perspective.

Day One (Friday)

Similar to CHS, it gets steamy here in the summer, so pack for warm weather (and don’t forget your swimsuit + sneaks).

3 p.m.: Check in

You got an iced coffee on the road and arrive in Cola feelin’ fresh + energized. If you don’t want to go the Airbnb route– living like a local in a downtown neighborhood dig or at a Lake Murray vacation house– here’s where you’re staying:

Hotel Trundle | 📍 1224 Taylor St. (Main St. District)
Starting rate: $179
Recently opened, locally-owned boutique hotel right around the corner from bustling Main St. The hotel’s mascot/logo is a unicorn– so you can imagine how cool the decor is– and nearly everything featured in the hotel is handpicked + local: from the art + photos on the walls, to the welcome drink + nightly Sip ‘n Nibble reception, to the morning coffee + breakfast pastries. Plus, they’re now offering themed packages (think: foodie, brewery, romance, etc.).

Aloft | 📍 823 Lady St. (The Vista)
Starting rate: $166
Modern + trendy hotel chain in The Vista district. They have a W XYZ bar and a cool cityscape mural on one of their outdoor patios. Next door is COA, which should be your first stop after you check in for a tequila cocktail (from their list of 22+).

Hampton Inn | 📍822 Gervais St. (The Vista)
Starting rate: $189
Classic hotel digs– with a saltwater pool– in the heart of The Vista. 25+ restaurants + bars within a two-block radius. A good bet for families.

More options in The Vista: Hilton (924 Senate St., $226) + Hyatt Place (819 Gervais St., $199).

Sheraton | 📍 1400 Main St. (Main St. District)
Starting rate: $174
Beautiful building right on Main Street with the city’s highest rooftop bar (go for the views). It has a martini bar in a bank vault on the main floor next to the lobby, and downstairs there is a (surprisingly cool) Starbucks.

Marriott | 📍 1200 Hampton St. (Main St. District)
Starting rate: $179
Another good option right around the corner from Main Street. This one has an indoor pool + a full-service restaurant.

The Inn at USC | 📍1619 Pendleton St. (UofSC campus)
Starting rate: $179
Small, yet plush hotel set in an old Southern home, in the middle of the historic campus of the University of South Carolina. Walk to sightsee on campus (must-do: The Horseshoe); drive to your downtown destinations.

Find more hotels here.

Or “rough it” on Dreher Island Park at Lake Murray. Their new (not rough) camper cabins look like a ton of fun + start at $105/night. Choose this option if you’re mostly here for the outdoor adventures… but not if you want to be close to downtown.

3:30-6:30 p.m.: Self-guided brewery tour

Get an Uber + head toward UofSC’s Williams-Brice Stadium– the central location for Cola beer.

First, hit River Rat brewery. Check to see if they’re doing any summery, limited-edition releases, or go for a classic like the River Rat Red. If you’re not into beer, or want to mix it up– get a Prosecco Pop– a.k.a. a pint of bubbly with your flavor choice of King of Pops popsicle dipped in.

Then head to Conquest Brewing for beer, games, + a stop into Crouch Distilling next door... if you’re feelin’ frisky.

Next is Swamp Cabbage to chill under the shaded pergola. Bonus: all of these are dog-friendly.

Now it is time to choose your own adventure:

Option 1: Head ~7 mins down the road to HG Hangar, the new, second location of Cola’s classic brewpub Hunter Gatherer, set inside the historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar. Have a beer + a snack. If you want to stay longer, grab a pizza for dinner + watch a killer sunset from the second-story patio.

Option 2: Make your way back downtown toward the developing BullStreet District, where Columbia’s minor league baseball team, the Columbia Fireflies, play at Spirit Communications Park. Catch the game (most start around 7 p.m.) – and imbibe on a local craft beer while you’re at it. If you stay for most of the game, go next door to Bone-In Barbeque during the 7th inning for dinner + sit on their patio to catch the post-game fireworks.

7 p.m.: Dinner

Columbia’s dining scene is so much more than classic Southern food (but you can find that here, too). If you can, make a reservation to check out some of the forward-thinking, chef-driven menus offered around town. Our suggestions:

🍴 Bourbon (Cajun dishes + bourbon cocktails)
🍴 The War Mouth (Southern camp fare with a twist)
🍴 Il Giorgione (authentic + affordable Italian)
🍴 Motor Supply (craft cocktails, challenging apps + modernized classic entrees)
🍴 Bone-In Barbeque (BBQ, reimagined)
🍴 Cellar on Greene (small plates + wine)
🍴 Lula Drake (wine bar with fancy pastas)
🍴 Baan Sawan (authentic Thai)
🍴 116 State (Spanish-inspired)

Or go slightly more casual with one of these spots:
🍴 Publico (Mexican-Asian fusion menu; also good for brunch)
🍴 Henry’s on Devine St. or in Cayce (burgers + kid-friendly fare)
🍴 Publick House (wings + beer)
🍴 Thirsty Fellow (pizza + a covered porch)
🍴 Rosewood Market (healthy market + cafe with outdoor seating)🍴 or one of these outdoor dining spots

9:30 p.m.: Find live music

While big, national acts perform at Colonial Life Arena or Township Auditorium, if you want to catch some live music the locals’ way– here’s where to look:

🎤 The Senate (mid-sized music venue; formerly Music Farm) | schedule
🎤 Tin Roof (bar with live bands) | schedule
🎤 New Brookland Tavern (dive bar/music venue; look for these top-notch local bands) | schedule
🎤 Chayz Lounge at Nonnah’s (dessert bar with jazz lounge) | schedule
🎤 Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor (old-school bluegrass + line dancing spot) | schedule
🎤 Pearlz Upstairz Lounge (jazz + blues club above Pearlz oyster bar) | schedule
🎤 Delaney’s (Irish bar ft. occasional local bands) | schedule
🎤 Art Bar (funky, divey bar with occasional shows of various genres) | schedule
🎤 Foxfield Bar and Grille (hole-in-the-wall, locals-only dive bar ft. local bands) | schedule

If you’re more of a live theater or performance arts-lover, check out these spots.

11 p.m.: Nightcap

An authentic weekend night out in Columbia wouldn’t be complete without a stop into Main Street’s signature dive bar: The Whig. It’s underground, in an old bank vault and they serve possibly the best gouda mac (add broccoli) and burgers (the Berger Burger) in town. You’re welcome.

If you want something a little nicer, try Goat’s in Five Points or Kaminsky’s in The Vista for cocktails + desserts. And if you didn’t make it there for dinner– Motor Supply, Bourbon, and Terra are known as three of the best cocktail spots in the city.

Day Two (Saturday)

9 a.m.: Brunch + shopping

Make your way to Soda City– Columbia’s rain-or-shine farmer’s market ft. food vendors, fresh produce + groceries, and goods + gifts. It runs every Saturday from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

But first, coffee: hit Drip’s new coffee bus for an iced latte or Indah’s coffee stand for an iced chai. Both have brick-and-mortar locations that serve as locals’ go-tos during the week.

Soda City | Photo by @allieroyall

Stroll the 3+ blocks of vendors + maybe even bring back a local gift. When you start to get hungry, reach for a local baked good from Ally + Eloise or Rosie Girl Bakery; get an acai bowl from Roots + Fruits or Yoghut; or go savory with Mary’s Arepas or Mimie’s Delect-A-Bowls.

11:30 a.m.: Lunch + more shopping

If you want to continue the eating + shopping elsewhere, choose one of two options:

📍 West Columbia | antiquing + thrifting (guide here) | lunch at Cafe Strudel (get the Hangover Hashbrowns + a single cinnamon pancake)

📍 Five Points | shopping for clothing, accessories, menswear + goods (guide here) | lunch at Gourmet Shop (get the chicken salad croissant with pesto pasta salad + a mimosa kit)

Want to spend the entire day shopping? Here’s your guide to boutiques across Columbia.

1:30 p.m.: Outdoor adventure

Here, you’ll meet your true Sophie’s Choice: rivers, lake, or parks? You may only be able to do one over the course of this trip, so choose wisely.

Lake Murray | 🕒 ~25-45 mins from downtown
Lake Murray is huge (~500 miles of shoreline) and spans several towns, so the drive time downtown varies depending which “side” of the lake you’re doing. Rent a boat, jet ski, or kayak, try SUP paddleboarding, visit the “beach”, or Dreher Island State Park. If you would rather stick to dry land– eat, drink, listen to music, + people-watch somewhere like Frayed Knot, Rusty Anchor, or Liberty on the Lake.

Lake Murray | Photo by @jarrettsholmes

Congaree/Saluda/Broad Rivers | 🕒 convergence ~3 mins from downtown (runs between Columbia + West Columbia)
If you’re feeling adventurous, definitely go with a guided tubing or kayaking tour from the pros at Palmetto Outdoor Center or Adventure Carolina. (If you want to do a DIY tubing trip, here’s an unofficial guide. Park at your own risk, y’all.) Make sure to carve out some time before or after to walk the West Columbia/Cayce Riverwalk. If you’re feeling lazy– bring your Eno hammock or beach blanket to chill along the Riverwalk, or find a shallow alcove to set up a cooler + tunes and hang out in the middle of the river on the rocks for the day.

Congaree National Park | 🕒 ~37 mins from downtown
This is South Carolina’s only national park and it’s such a hidden gem. Walk the 2.4-mile boardwalk, canoe the river that runs through the park, or take a themed, guided tour– if they’re offering. We’ve done both the “count butterflies” and the “big tree” tours. Be sure to bring plenty of bug spray + water.

For hiking + biking, visit Sesquicentennial Park (~17 mins from downtown) or Harbison State Forest (~23 mins). Saluda Shoals Park (~21 mins) has a two-acre dog park if you brought your dog with you. And Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (~10 mins) is the perfect place for kids– visit the new baby animals at the Zoo or go to Waterfall Junction splash pad.

Here are more tips on maximizing all the kid-friendly fun in Cola (there’s a lot).

6:30 p.m.: Dinner + drinks

Do a casual dinner from one of the spots we listed in Friday’s dinner guide. Or if you have time to freshen up, do dinner + drinks at one of Cola’s brand-new Asian-fusion restaurants– 929 Kitchen, or Kao Thai, both in The Vista and an easy walk to your next move. (Fun fact: Kao has a popular sister-restaurant in Asheville.)

8 p.m.: Sunset spotting

Catch the sunset on a rooftop. The Sheraton rooftop bar is a must-do for the best downtown views + basic bar drinks. Or if you didn’t make it there yesterday– try the second-story rooftop at the HG Hangar brewery in the Rosewood neighborhood. Everything the light touches is yours.

9 p.m.: Close out the night

It’s 9 o’clock. You’ve done a lot today. You can:

🎳 Press on. Go bowling or play board games on big, comfy couches at Main Street’s boutique bowling alley, The GRAND. They also have a patio, big food menu + self-pour beer taps. Or catch a late-night flick next door at The Nick, S.C.’s only nonprofit art-house theater. They also serve beer + wine.

🍷 Have one more drink. Lula Drake is right on Main Street, and a must-do for a glass of wine. The building has the neatest historic backstory (ask the bartender) and the menu has the funniest wine descriptions.

💤 Go home. We won’t judge.

Day Three (Sunday)

10:30 a.m.: Brunch

Check out of your hotel, pack up the car, and– yes– go back out to eat. Columbia is a brunch town, so we have just a few recommendations…

🍳 Tazza Kitchen | get the huevos rancheros
🍳 Spotted Salamander | only does brunch in the summer, so lucky you
🍳 Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli | giant, specialty cinnamon rolls
🍳 Michael’s on Main | fun for groups + sitting outside
🍳 Za’s on Devine | hello, brunch pizza
🍳 DiPrato’s | deli-style cafe with great pancakes + eggs Benny
🍳 Original Pancake House | fresh-squeezed OJ + pancakes are a must
🍳 Good Life Cafe | raw/vegan restaurant with pressed juices + some cooked items
🍳 Twisted Spur Brewing | get the chicken and waffles

12:30 p.m.: Arts stroll

Columbia is covered in public art, and there seems to be more popping up every day. Take a self-guided driving arts tour from the Main Street District to West Columbia. 🎨 (Not an arts fan? See Saturday’s outdoor adventure section and do what you didn’t get to yesterday. 🌲)

First, visit the Columbia Museum of Art on Main St. Admission is half-price since they’re renovating the permanent collection space. Then go a block up to take photos with the three murals on Taylor St. Don’t forget to use #muralsofColumbia when you post.

Cross Assembly St. to walk through the latest gallery in the lobby of the Richland Library– and to marvel at how tech-forward and cool our library is. Go westward into The Vista to spot more murals off of Lincoln St. (Most of The Vista’s art galleries + studios are closed on Sunday– but check these out if you’re doing this another day.)

Cross the bridge back into West Cola/Cayce to visit the area’s new collective art studio, Stormwater Studios, open Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Peek into acclaimed artists studios like David Yaghjian and Eileen Blyth. Next door is Lewis and Clark handcrafted lighting + One Eared Cow Glass– where you can catch some live glassblowing if you’re lucky.

3:30 p.m.: Ice cream + roll out

Stop for ice cream before you leave. There are good options all over town, but we recommend 🍨 Sweet Cream Co. on Main Street for handmade ice cream with fresh, offbeat ingredients (ask for the secret handshake flavor), 🍧 Scoopy Doo Gelato in Five Points for gelato with toppings (including alcohol-infused concoctions for 21+), or 🍦 Rosewood Dairy Bar for a good ‘ol fashioned cone of soft-serve, dipped in a hard chocolate shell or rainbow sprinkles. If you’re dairy-free– try one of the 10+ Pelican’s Snoballs locations around town for some fruity shaved ice.