While we are certain you have enjoyed the extensive togetherness with those in your immediate household over the past year, you may find that it will soon be time to plan a safe and enjoyable escape with a couple of your favorite gal pals. Here are four fresh itineraries leading you just down the road to Columbia SC. We’re ready when you are... 

Artful Endeavor 

Build your getaway around the Columbia Museum of Art where you'll find both contemporary and classical art. Keep the creative vibes flowing with lunch at Cafe Strudel or Motor Supply Co. Bistro, where local works grace the walls. Take a public art stroll using the One Columbia Public Art Directory or try your hand at some artwork of your own at one of the region’s studios such as or Wine and Design or Studio Cellar (paint and sip), Mad Platter (painted ceramics) or AR Workshop (woodworking) with Lexington and Columbia/Forest Acres locations. 

City-Meets-Nature Girls 

If your girls’ group is into the great outdoors, opt for a stay in a villa or lakeside cabin at Dreher Island State Park (now equipped with complimentary wifi + some units are pet friendly) where you can wake up to views of Lake Murray and enjoy a morning hike on the 2.1 mile Little Gap Trail. After your hike, head to Nicky’s Pizzaria LexingtonThe Root Cellar Lexington or Cribb’s Sandwich & Sweet Shop for a satisfying lunch before zipping over to Saluda Shoals Park for some afternoon tubing - or venture to Congaree National Park for canoeing down Cedar Creek. Hit up Savage Craft Ale Works to sample some of Columbia’s local beers and chef’s Instagram-worthy bites with plenty of outdoor seating.

Pour on the Pretty 

If it’s dressing up and sipping wine you seek, head to Devine Street for a bevy of boutiques including LaRoque, Pink Sorbet, Copper Penny and more to pull together a fun look for the evening. Treat yourself at Glowout or Occo Luxury Spa then enjoy a night downtown at Gervais & VineHall’s Chophouse or Hendrix for stylish sips and bites. Make plans to sleep in followed by brunch at The Gourmet Shop and a bit more shopping at Five Points boutiques such as La Boheme, Sid & Nancy and Vestique.  

A Blast and the Past 

Debuting in spring 2021, RECONSTRUCTED: A Journey Through the Reconstruction Era in Columbia SC will introduce visitors to eight stops along the road post-Civil-War reconstruction in the Heart of SC. Plan to stay in one of Columbia’s properties with a past such as Chesnut Cottage Bed & Breakfast or 1425 Inn. Register for an Historic Garden Tour with Historic Columbia or simply stroll the gardens at your leisure. Check out Columbia SC 63, Main Street’s Civil Rights Walking Tour or the South Carolina State Museum, with four floors of history including permanent collections and rotating exhibits, like this one exploring 19th Century South Carolina furniture. Make plans to dine at several restaurants with roots including Villa Tronco, the oldest restaurant in South Carolina or Groucho’s Deli. After this trip, you’ll have some stories of your own to tell.   
Make it a day trip, or linger longer with an overnight getaway and pair your perfect itinerary with one of the region’s many hotels to fit your price point, vibe and preferred neighborhood. Let’s go!