The downtown area of Columbia is near and dear to our heart, but sometimes its hustle and bustle can lead you to venture a little out of the heart of the city for things to do and places to eat + drink.

Enter: Forest Acres – only ~10 minutes from downtown.

We went to our readers and asked for their help in putting together a guide to Forest Acres, based on their recommendations. Here are the top answers.

But first, a few Forest Acres quick facts:

○ Home to 11,162 residents as of July 2019

○ Average household income is $104,896

○ Median home value is $238,286

○ 4.6 square miles in size

○ Zoned for Richland School District One schools

Where to Eat + Drink

Ally & Eloise Bakeshop | 5209 Forest Dr.

“...ally & eloise for the best macarons!”– @denae_pearson

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar | 4623 Forest Dr. | Menu

“We’ve started going to Bad Daddy’s Burgers. We can actually hear each other there.”– @pottsmarilyn

BLD Diner | 4840 Forest Dr. | Menu

“BLD!!!!😋🥂”– @jp_scurry

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxkqqaolm3Z/

Bruegger’s Bagels | 4601 Forest Dr. | Menu

“Going to Bruegger's Bagels is like walking in to Cheers. Friendliest people.”– Sam Agee

Pasta Fresca | 4722 Forest Dr. | Menu

“@pastafrescasc is a true gem! The food is wonderful, but the staff is even better. Excellent experience every time!”– @jamesrichter

Tacos Nayarit | 1531 Percival Rd. | Menu

“Best place to eat in forest acres is a Mexican taco place called Naryarit”– angelica quinn

Tazza Kitchen | 4840 Forest Dr. | Menu

“Tazza brioche rolls = life.”– @mkkorpita

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu2I0GIFFdN/

The Other Store | 4130 Bethel Church Rd. | Menu

“The Other Store is a hidden gem in the heart of @FANeighbors with great lunch and soups.”– @MirandaLattimor

Tombo Grille | 4517 Forest Dr. | Menu

“Tombo for dinner- classic standards like chicken livers and collard greens and good variety in specials.”– Margaret Anne DuBose

Where to Shop

Anthropologie | 4840 Forest Dr.

“Anthropologie for clothes...mostly dreaming, but still good stuff.”– Amber G.

Granger Owings | 4840 Forest Dr.

“@grangerowings (Jimmy is the man!)”– @colesa87

Lowes Foods | 4711 Forest Dr.

“Lowes Foods for all my grocery needs! Their produce is always fresh and being able to drink a beer while you shop is a huge plus.” –Lauren D.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl6lG3FFbbD/

lululemon | 4840 Forest Dr.

“@lululemon Trenholm Plaza! They have the BEST employees!”– @michelle_w_barnes

Trader Joe’s | 4516 Forest Dr.

“Trader Joe’s for reasonable & healthy food options & flowers”– @denae_pearson

Where to Play

Quinine Hill Park | Groggy Lane and N. Beltline Blvd.

“The hidden gem is at our busiest intersection (Forest & Beltline), yet tucked onto a hill above the traffic with a great view to the west. It’s Quinine Hill Park. It’s underutilized, and the best of what an urban pocket park can be.”– John Barnes

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv8M_khliea/

Where to Take Care of Yourself

Club Pilates | 4605 Forest Dr.

“My go to work out is @clubpilatesforestacres that I love so much.”– @colesa87

Eva Skin Care | 3924 Forest Dr.

“Before or after you eat, shop or exercise at all the great Forest Acres places already listed, treat yourself to some self-care love at Eva Skin Care Clinic, also home to Soda City Lashes, where Monika, Eva & her staff will take care of you from head to toe! Their services are amazing! @sodacitylashes @evaskincarecolumbia”– @jillibean_sc

To see the full list of all the recommendations we received, see our posts on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.