Hey y'all! I'm Preach, a DJ, writer and artist here in Columbia, South Carolina. I've traveled a lot and come to realize that the capital city, my city, really has all the passion and creativity of other places, but with a uniquely supportive community. You can follow along with my work at @mobettasoul and @preachjacobs on Instagram.
Unique SOUVENIRS: Spend an afternoon sifting through thousands of records at Papa Jazz Record Shop in Five Points. The space may be cozy, but the musical collection is expansive. There’s nothing better than picking up a souvenir that you enjoy for years to come.
Pro Tip: The staff here are a wealth of knowledge. Strike up a conversation and you're sure to leave with both a record and story to take home.
DIG IN: Gather with family and friends at Railroad BBQ, where the walls are lined with history and the plates are filled with Southern cooking. They know good BBQ and make sure that no one ever leaves hungry.
Pro Tip: Preach warns that you'd be remiss to overlook The HoBo Sandwich: perfectly smoked and grilled bologna between two slices of bread.
BLUETILE SKATE: Expect the unexpected in Columbia SC. Though the sign on the door may indicate that Bluetile is a skate shop, you’re just as likely to find a DJ performing or a freestyle skate competition. These spots are more than retail, they’re where community has been formed and visitors have been welcomed for decades.
SHOP LOCAL: A grocery store might not sound like a must on your travels, but Rosewood Market has been a Columbia institution for 50 years. Order lunch from their deli counter, find locally grown fruits and veggies in their produce aisle, or strike up a conversation with their friendly staff.