Main Street
Kick off the day at the tip of Main Street with brunch at cajun-creole restaurant Bourbon. We recommend the Biscuit of Champions or the Fried Quail & Waffles (and an order of the Booze Berry Biscuits to share). After brunch, cross the street and take a walk on the beautiful South Carolina State House grounds.
Walk North on Main Street and check out the Columbia Museum of Art, full of galleries worthy of a jaw-drop. Be sure to take a photo in front of Daniel Rozin's "Phase" - the museum's first kinetic work of art. After museum wandering for a while, head to The Grand - where you and your girls can bowl and clink cocktails glasses before dinner.
For dinner, grab a table on the Hendrix rooftop - for bites + sites you won't forget. Try the pot pie empanadas and Paella. Finish your night with a bubbly toast + Nutella-espresso crepe to share at Main Street's European-style wine bar Lula Drake.
Lexington
Escape the downtown hustle + bustle and head to Lexington for a girl's day that's equal parts laidback and lovely. Gather for brunch at Momma Rabbit's and don't pass on the famous Champagne Cake. Who says you can't have cake at 10 AM? You are celebrating, you know. Follow up brunch with shopping on Main Street, in local gems like Blush Boutique.
Grab a midday pick-me-up in the form of coffee + pastries at The Haven, then head to Virginia Hylton Park where you can walk along the mile-long trail, snap some pictures in the day lily garden and gaze at the koi pond.
To get the evening started on the right foot, enjoy a few seasonal beers at Old Mill Brewpub. Share a plate of fried green tomatoes to tide you over until dinner at Bodhi Thai Dining. Savor beautifully crafted (and authentic) Thai food and be sure to get an order of the dumplings - they're shaped like flowers. #internallyscreaming
Five Points
How about a girl's day in Columbia's original village neighborhood? Savor an Instagram-worthy brunch at The Gourmet Shop, complete with mimosa kits to share and a brie + bacon croissant. Then, peruse aisles of vinyl at Papa Jazz Record Shoppe, right around the corner.
Continue the shopping along Saluda Avenue, stopping into Sid Nancy, Revente, Dakotas and more. After buying yourself something nice (you deserve it), walk over to Publico to kick off the night with margaritas and cornhole.
For dinner, indulge in something fancy like the Three Cheese Lobster Mac or Beef Bourguignon from Goat's - paired with a dirty martini or a nice glass of Vino, of course. Close the night at The White Mule where you and your squad can dance along to the sounds of local bands.
The Vista
Brunch at smallSUGAR is the ideal way to begin a day in the Vista. Order up the smallSUGAR breakfast - complete with soft boiled egg, tehina, ricotta, herb salad, avocado, seasonal veggies and fresh whole-wheat flatbread - and a Cappuccino or Matcha latte. You would be remiss in not grabbing a few almond croissants for the road.
Add some culture to your day and browse contemporary art (some by SC artists!) at IF Art Gallery. Walk to Lady Street, where you can admire public art and stroll along mural-lined Lincoln Street Tunnel. You'll definitely want to bring a camera along for this one.
Dine the farm-to-table way at Motor Supply, and be sure to order up a cocktail from the restaurant's award-winning head barman, Josh Streetman. Grab a night cap in the form of Chocolate Temptation cake across the street at Nonnah's + finish out the night at the eclectic Art Bar for drinks.
West Columbia
Hangover hash browns from Cafe Strudel are a must for any girl's day in West Columbia. Just steps away, take in the sites of the Gervais Street Bridge and Congaree River with a walk or bike ride along the West Columbia Riverwalk.
Go treasure hunting at 763 Antique Mall and then find the perfect read to curl up with at Ed's Edition. Toast to your girls + a fun Columbia SC evening with cocktails at 116 Espresso and Wine Bar.
Treat yourself to dinner at Terra. We recommend ordering up a few of their famous pizzas - particularly the Pimento Cheeseburger (#YES) or Duck Confit varieties. Enjoy the stylings of local bands (and sip on local beer) at New Brookland Tavern next door.
Devine Street
Homemade pastries and craft coffee drinks are waiting for you at Silver Spoon Bakeshop. Then, pamper yourself with a facial or massage at Stacey O Studio. #selfcare, amirite?
Find the perfect evening outfit at one of the many Devine Street boutiques, like Copper Penny and Just The Thing. Do yourself (and your hair) a favor and stop into Parlour 818 - because everyone knows the power of a blowout.
Start the evening festivities with a glass of vino and unique appetizers at Za's on Devine. Dine under twinkly lights to cap off the evening at Il Giorgione. Get your carb fix with the Spaghetti Carbonara or one of the many delicious pizzas, then order up gelato + bubbly for dessert.
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