Hi, #realcolumbiasc fam! I'm Mattison Heatherly lifestyle blogger, hospitality publicist and founder of City Social. You'll often find me taking photos of food (phone eats first), planning restaurant openings and events, and exploring our city one bite at a time.
Sweat IT OUT: Studio Fire in Rosewood is known for their heated studio which will have you feeling the burn. The studio features a variety of classes including cardio hip hop, traditional yoga flow, and slower meditative classes. Afterwards, grab a smoothie from their café and browse their shop for exercise attire, candles, jewelry and more.
Insider Tip: "Don't forget your non-slip mat and ice water at StudioFire, you'll leave sweaty and refreshed every time."
Main STREET: In the last 15 years, Main Street of Columbia, South Carolina has truly seen a renaissance. With rooftop bars, beautifully restored historic storefronts and a weekly market that brings in thousands of visitors and locals alike, you could spend an entire weekend just on this one district.
Mix IT UP: There are a few places in Columbia that simply transport you and make you forget you’re in a bustling capital city. The patio on Smoked is one of those spots. Soak up some sun while sipping their award-winning cocktails. Order a round or two of oysters in the half shell for a treat you won’t soon forget.
Cheers Y'ALL: James Beard Award Finalist, Lula Drake is an absolute must. Whether you’re considered the sommelier of your crew or are just looking for a perfect glass of bubbly, they have you covered. The wine menu is more than informative, it will likely make you laugh out loud and fall in love with your wine even before your first sip. And we haven’t even mentioned the food.
Insider Tip: "Lula Drake has the best meat and cheese board around - don't forget to add their homemade iberico ham jam to uplevel it even more. Trust them on the wine selection, they're pros for a reason!"
Festival Fun: It’s no secret that Columbia is home to some great food. But it’s not all biscuits and BBQ down here. The annual Columbia Food and Wine Festival is the perfect spot to see the wide array of culinary talent in the Midlands.
Stay IN TOUCH: Columbia SC is constantly growing and there's always something new to explore. Continue to follow Mattison's adventures around the capital city at @mattisonheatherly on Instagram.