There are quite a few hidden gems within the many neighborhoods in our region, and one that shouldn’t be missed is the Blythewood and Northeast area. A quick twenty-minute ride from Columbia’s city center to both areas, you’ll find eats, treats, and ways to fill that weekend itinerary.
Follow along for our take on 24 hours tucked away in these popular areas.
Day 1: Northeast Columbia
Check-in
Book a stay at one of our preferred hotels in Northeast Columbia to be just a quick drive from restaurants, shopping and outdoor activities. The Fairfield Inn and Suites and the Hampton Inn & Suites Killian Road both offer comfortable stays and welcoming staff.
Lunchtime bites
Enter some fabulous lunch destinations. If you’re in the mood for authenticity, head to Tacos Nayarit, known for bringing a regional twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. Get enough birria tacos to share with the table (or keep for yourself) and indulge in any of their classic options from burritos with carne asada to tejana tortas. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with a mango chamoy slushie. If you’re someone who thinks breakfast should last all day, head to Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles for a heaping helping of soul food. Here you can order, of course, chicken and waffles no matter the time of day, or a big plate of pork chops with a mimosa to sip on.
Fresh Air
After a hearty lunch is the perfect time to get those steps in, that’s why you’ll want to head to Sesquicentennial State Park. Take in over 1,400 acres worth of sights, trails, and pines with no shortage of activities.
Shopping anyone?
Over in the Northeast is the shopping hub known as the Village at Sandhill, and here, all your shopping needs will be met for the entire group. Over 140 stores with big names and local boutiques, this mall is an open-air shopping experience with sidewalks and gorgeous landscaping leading you to the next store.
Dinner is served
If you’re anything like us, you’ll let all that shopping work up an appetite. Drop your shopping bags at the hotel and make your way to Ratio. Chef Javier Uriarte's menu is stacked with Peruvian style tapas that will have you ordering several rounds. Paired with their creative bar program, which has a special focus on pisco, this spot might make you consider extending your stay.
Day 2: Blythewood
Coffee, please!
You’ll want to grab a coffee to fuel up for all the action, which is why you should head to Bloomin Bean Coffee Bar. Known for using locally roasted beans, hand-pulled espresso, and customizing a drink to your liking there’s something for everyone here. Satisfy the caffeine and sweet tooth with a caramel cream cold brew.
Golf
Blythewood is home to Cobblestone Park Golf Club. This award winning 27-hole course brings in players from around the state and tournaments from far and wide. Book a tee-time to experience it for yourself.
Events
If golf isn't your thing, that's okay. Check out Blythewood's active events calendar. From the Doko Rodeo to an annual poetry festival, you can count on a unique experience waiting for you.
Dinner & Drinks
The day is winding down and what better way to celebrate a good weekend getaway than with a toast. Head to Alexander’s at Cobblestone Park. Here you can sit at the bar in the clubhouse or grab a patio table and watch the golfers tee off while enjoying some sunshine. When it’s time to grab some dinner, you’ll want to grab a table at Doko Station Pub & Eatery. More on the casual side of things, this will be a nice place to end the day. Try rotating house made specials, paired with their wine suggestions, or staple menu items like the fig & bacon flatbread.
Need a few extra ideas? Check out some tips from Columbia, SC ambassador Bianca Crawford-Shelton who calls the Northeast neighborhood home.
Ambassador picks:
Bringing the fam? Bianca’s favorite spot to play with her daughter Jordin is Doko Meadows Park. “The swings are her favorite; and we love the walking trails as a family.”
When it’s time for something sweet you’ll want to head to Lick Ice Cream. “Amazing options and visually appealing desserts.”
GNO spot has to be Seven Sports Bar & Lounge with their “amazing wings and the quesadillas are my favorite.”
A southern trip wouldn’t be complete without some barbecue, obviously. Bianca’s suggestions include Big Boys Original Smokehouse and Big Bull’s Bang’n BBQ and Southern Comfort Food.