It’s that time of year where our little Gamecocks must don their cap and gown and fly the coop. Graduation season has arrived in the heart of SC and whether you’ve come to Columbia from many miles away or just a town over, soak up these last few days with the place you called home for so long. Put away the books and essays and make your last days here memorable for one last hurrah. It’s celebration season!
Take a campus tour
Revel in the nostalgia and prove to your family that you ventured out of your study cubicle a time or two during your four years when you wow them with a tour of the stomping grounds. We suggest a saunter through the Horseshoe, pointing out memorial bricks, the infamous squirrels, and all the beautiful blooms this time of year. Share your favorite memories while you compare the campus from your first tour all those years ago.
Graduation Pictures
If you didn’t go the professional photographer route but your mom and grandma want a few stills for the fried, we know of a few spots that are good for posing. There are always your typical jaunts like the fountain in front of Thomas Cooper Library and the Horseshoe, but what about off campus? Power stance in front of the South Carolina State House or down our iconic and historic Main Street. Strike a pose in front of your favorite shop, hangout, or restaurant for the mems and grab a selfie in one front of one of the many public art pieces found throughout the city. Murals, statues and monuments galore can be found across the midlands. How about the newly unveiled Dawn Staley statue?
Sit down for a nice dinner
It’s time to bid a farewell to the days of dining hall food and air fryer meals. Toast to your accomplishments and the occasion in the best way possible, with a meal paid for by the ‘rents! Head to a rooftop bar like the one at the Moxy, Hendrix, or Black Rooster for a cheers with that famous Cola backdrop. Head over to West Columbia and grab a table and artisan pizza on the patio at Terra, here, fresh, local ingredients and craft-cocktails reign. If you’re near the Five Points district, you can’t go wrong with a Columbia classic, Saluda’s. What used to be an officers’ club built after the First World War, Saluda’s is a perfect place to salute grads from all over Columbia. If your whole crew is coming in then check out places that can fit you and a few.
Bucket List
It’s time to check off any last-minute Columbia bucket list items. Is there anything that you’ve wanted to do, but between juggling school and other commitments you haven’t gotten around to yet? It could be a visit to one of our museums like the Columbia Museum of Art or the South Carolina State Museum, a trip to the Riverbanks Zoo, or a hike at Congaree National Park. Maybe it’s seeing a concert at The Senate, catching a Fireflies Baseball game, or grabbing a bite to eat at that place that everyone has said you have to try. Regardless of what it is, now’s the time to make it happen.
Grads, we’re tipping our caps and wishing you a congrats! Just know, whether you come from a quick visit, or make the heart of SC your permanent home, we’ll always be ready to welcome you back.