2 days Ago
Columbia is a city best enjoyed with an itinerary tailor-made just for you. I could craft 10 "perfect days," depending on if I'm in the mood to learn, itching to meet new people, or want to get out of downtown and head somewhere quiet with my dog. This "perfect day" of mine is a greatest hits of my two years living in Columbia.
It's a mix of go-to spots, my favorite place to take friends when they visit, and activities I do when I need some time to myself. My perfect day is one that's chock-full, but allows me to move at an easy pace. It's one where I can get plenty of car time, windows down and music blaring, and time with friends or strangers.
This coffeeshop on North Main Street is my go-to. It's not pretentious, the brick-walled interior is comfy without being overly so, and the ownership team's dedication to social causes and the local arts scene means there's always some event happening. Owners Greg Slattery and Sandra Moscato behind the counter at Curiosity Coffee Bar They have an excellent seasonal menu of lattes, teas and the like, but I stick to a cappuccino with oat milk (if I'm feeling bold I'll add some lavender syrup).
And I always, always get the bacon, egg and cheese bagel (everything bagel, of course). I love antiquing. Whether it's a place with borderline-artifacts for sale, or a dusty maze of stalls brimming with Formica and knick-knacks, I revel in the slow perusal, the eventual hunt of something new to add to my home.
One of my favorite places in Columbia is the family-owned Red Lion Antiques off Taylor Street. Housed in a warehouse, the part-auction house, part-antique mall has a great mix of affordable finds and showstoppers tucked into the aisles. Tip: If you go in the summer, be prepared for the lack of air conditioning.
Kids play on a recently opened section of West Columbia's riverwalk. John A. Carlos II / Special to The Post and Courier Tucked along the banks of the Congaree and Broad rivers, Columbia's Canal Riverwalk is the perfect spot for a midday dose of Vitamin D.
Featuring a pedestrian bridge, amphitheater, grassy knoll for lounging and a well-lit, 4-mile path it's a great way to take in the confluence of Columbia's rivers. And keep an eye out for great blue herons and alligators! Now that I've worked up an appetite getting my walk on, it's time for lunch. I recommend Richland Street's Spotted Salamander.
The menu is a celebration of Southern cuisine. Try the daily deviled egg special. For dessert, order the homemade oatmeal cream pie — it's so big we regularly order one and split it between the entire newsroom.
A diner spread pimento cheese at Spotted Salamander Cafe & Catering in Columbia, SC For a dose of culture, head to Main Street's the Columbia Museum of Art. Main Street's museum is always a wonderful time. Special exhibits dominate the downstairs gallery spaces, while the upstairs space is reserved for the permanent collection.
It's a great mix of local, S.C. and internationally renowned artists.
One such featured artist is Columbia's own Tyrone Geter. The Columbia Museum of Art features an impressive collection of modern art and gallery exhibits. Be sure to stop by the free Columbia SC 63 exhibit in the museum's lobby, "Our Story Matters.
" The exhibit is an ode to the Black activists, business owners and leaders who fought for civil rights in South Carolina. WECO Bottle and Biergarten is a West Columbia bar and taproom. By this point, it's been quite a busy day.
I like to unwind at WECO Bottle and Biergarten, a West Columbia staple known for its large variety of brews and an expansive outdoor patio. Rotating food trucks park on-site each night, too, in case you get a bit peckish. My favorite local brew is Columbia Craft's Lager.
It's light, refreshing and tastes just as good after the 100th sip as the first. The Mexican eatery COA is l ocated on the first floor of the Aloft Hotel in the Vista, another nightlife, retail and arts district close to Main Street. I love the apple cinnamon-marinated shredded chicken that comes on a variety of dishes.
The chips and dips are always good, but that's not why you really go to COA. COA is best for excellent cocktails, an amazing vibe and superb customer service. This goes without saying, but the margaritas are fantastic.
I couldn't end my perfect day in Columbia without a drink or two at Art Bar, just a few blocks down the street from COA. Crowds gather at Art Bar on Sept. 21, 2023.
The venue is one of Columbia's favorite bars for comedy, happy hour and people watching. The eclectic bar is full of retro robots, twinkling lights, and a cross-section of Columbia locals — college students, punks and hipsters, wedding parties, and average joes. Most weekend nights you'll be able to catch some music, and the outdoor patio offers a chance to make new friends.
And if there's one thing Columbia has to offer, it's good people..
