The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Columbia, South Carolina Now
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED JUNE 2022 • 4 min read
In the heart of South Carolina, tradition and tomorrow pair perfectly in Columbia. As a creative hub that's fed by university and capital city communities, a gritty spirit and vibrant energy can be felt all around. It's a city where stately buildings buzz with new businesses and centuries-old sites give rise to fresh perspectives—all this in the midst of surrounding natural beauty.
Image courtesy of Visit Columbia
1. THE SHOPPING
In a Southern city with equal parts charm and unique local style, you can bet you’ll find great shopping within the downtown’s walkable districts. Columbia, South Carolina has what you’re looking for whether it’s the perfect souvenir or you’re swinging into town to catch up on the latest trend. Whether you have a whole day or just an hour to shop—you’ll always find something special in store.
Image courtesy of Visit Columbia
If you’re looking to get all your shopping done in one place, Columbiana Centre and the Village at Sandhills offer national retailers to fuel your shopping spree. From sporting goods to clothing and home furnishings, all conveniently located just outside of downtown, both destinations have what you need.
2. THE ART
The Columbia Museum of Art believes that art is meant to be experienced, not just seen. In addition to rotating exhibitions, the CMA has a fantastically diverse permanent collection of art. In fact, they have one of the largest and most impressive international collections in the Southeast, including many Renaissance and Baroque pieces.
Image courtesy of Visit Columbia
With collections organized by theme, visitors can explore thematically similar pieces from across many eras—creating a richer experience for each guest.
Columbia, South Carolina is home to some super colorful street art created by local artists around town. New street murals appear almost overnight and do not disappoint. A Public Art Directory is available as a walking guide. Get your Instagram ready, because these murals do not disappoint.
3. THE COCKTAILS & CUISINE
Cocktails, sunsets and skylines. Whether you are looking for a chef-driven dining experience or unique rooftop cocktails not found elsewhere in the city, Hendrix has a table for you. House-made cocktails and Instagram-worthy views go hand in hand atop the historic circa 1879 building. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying The Italian Job—funky and delicious, it’s concocted with Elijah Craig Rye whiskey, Averna, Campari (both Italian amaros), cold brew coffee, pineapple and lime juices, rimmed with Demerara sugar.
Hendrix in Columbia South, Carolina
Crafted with sustainable, local and ethically-sourced ingredients with an array of dynamic flavors, favorite dishes at Hendrix include Carolina Heritage Farms Bone-In Pork Chop (CHF is a local pork producer here in South Carolina that provides all of Hendrix’s pork), Summer Salad with local farm-grown lettuce, as well as a Rock Shrimp Roll with sturgeon caviar, tarragon aioli, Bulls Bay sea salt chips, on split-top brioche. As a farm-to-table restaurant, the menu changes frequently, so these exact items may or may not be available depending on the time of year and what we can source from our local farmers and purveyors.
Up on the casual rooftop enjoy a smaller, lounge-centric menu with dishes such as a Duck Katsu Sandwich with crispy panko, collard green slaw and gochujang aioli on Japanese milk bread (made by a local baker), and Spicy Lamb Naan.
4. THE GARDENS
Hailed by Horticulture Magazine as one of “10 Gardens That Inspire” and by HGTV as one of “20 Great Public Gardens Across America,” Riverbanks Botanical Garden boasts 70-acres of unparalleled beauty through multiple dramatic and themed gardens.
Riverbanks Botanical Garden in Columbia, South Carolina
You’ll find 4,200 species of native and exotic plants showcased throughout Waterfall Junction, The Asian Garden, Bog Garden, The Collection Garden, Dry Garden, Old Rose Garden, Shaded Garden, and Walled Garden. Whether it’s a spectacular bloom, a mass of color or an unusual plant structure, there’s always something growing at Riverbanks Botanical Garden.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
One of only five National Historic Landmarks in Columbia, the Robert Mills House & Gardens showcases the skill of the architect who designed some of our nation's most prominent buildings, including the Washington Monument. When construction began in 1823, The Classical Revival mansion faces north, with a portico that has four Ionic columns supporting a gabled pediment. The main entrance is topped by a fanlight window, and the windows in the flanking bays are set in round-arch openings, a Mills design hallmark.
Robert Mills House in Columbia, South Carolina
Today, the Robert Mills House & Gardens operates as a historic house museum featuring period rooms and focus galleries highlighting late-18th through mid-19th century decorative arts. Complimenting the mansion are gardens featuring a combination of early-1970s landscape design, hallmarks of 19th-century English-style gardens and the accomplishments of contemporary gardeners.
WHERE TO STAY IN COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Right in the heart of Downtown Columbia on the scenic campus of the University of South Carolina, Graduate Hotel Columbia blends historic grandeur with pops of prep for a stay that feels just like home. The South Carolina retreat boasts local charm, with Gamecock-inspired headboards and echoes of “Oot Oot.”
