Spend 3 Days in Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia doesn’t get enough love. On a recent trip with my sister, it hit me: Why had I never considered just how amazing South Carolina’s capital city was before? Three beautiful rivers, a thriving arts and music scene, nearby Congaree National Park, new and celebrated restaurants, and the Columbia Food & Wine Festival, all in the center of the state—this city is definitely worth the drive. While I’ve enjoyed my spring and summer visits, I recommend going in the fall and winter when the weather cools for outdoor adventure and football season is in full swing. Here’s my weekend guide to Soda City.

Friday 

There are several cool places to stay in the region, but my favorite so far has been the Lantern Hotel. Situated in a former firehouse, the hotel has contemporary style with blue and gold accents and cozy rooms. Check in Friday evening and sit at the bar for dinner at Ladder 13, a chic Mediterranean dining concept from Charleston-based chef Kevin Johnson and executive chef Joseph Wolfson and start your weekend twirling pasta and cocktailing.

Saturday 

Year round on Saturday mornings, Main Street opens to pedestrians for Soda City Market where you can browse fresh produce, secondhand denim, and local crafts with the alluring scent of street eats wafting through the air. Gathering residents, visitors, and local and regional small businesses, the market is my favorite way to experience Cola’s community. 

Catch a Gamecocks football game in the afternoon, then head to the dimly-lit Lula Drake Wine Parlour for dinner. On one memorable visit, I sat by the window and filled up on gnudi (each little ricotta pillow is a heavenly bite), Korean barbecue (tangy and delicious), and a few staff-recommended pours. Across the street, don’t miss Hendrix, a rooftop bar where you can sip your drink with a skyline view.

Sunday

Sleep in on Sunday and head to All Good Books in Five Points for Southern pecan cold brew and iced matcha and pastries from JJ’s while you browse paperbacks. Visit the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden or the Columbia Art Museum in the afternoon. Stop by City Limits BBQ for lunch, helmed by pitmaster Robbie Robinson, for a platter of pork, collards, and jalapeno slaw. 

After checkout, navigate to Congaree National Park and wander winding boardwalk trails through a peaceful forest of bald cypress trees. In the fall and winter you’ll enjoy a humidity- and bug-free experience. In the spring, if you’re lucky enough to win tickets, you may experience the synchronous firefly show, an annual natural phenomenon.  

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