Do you ever wonder how you’d spend a weekend in your favorite city if it was your last chance *ever* to do so? We do. And with so. many. fun and memorable things to do in this Capital City, narrowing it down is certainly a feat. Check out one local’s idea of the perfect weekend in Columbia SC – if it just so happened to be her last.
Friday
Public Art Stroll
There are over 300 pieces of public art in Columbia SC so, honestly, you could spend an entire weekend (or more) trying to see them all. I’d kick off the weekend in the downtown Vista district, taking photos of the art-lined Lincoln Street tunnel and the eye-catching murals popping up everywhere – like Lady Vista and Windows to the Soul.
Catch a Flick at the Nick
The Nickelodeon Theatre – South Carolina’s only nonprofit arthouse theatre – is the coziest way to spend an evening. And with its undeniable charm (and nice array of beer and wine to pair with your popcorn), it was an obvious addition to my weekend itinerary.
Dinner and Frosé at Bone-In BBQ
For dinner, I’d want something with both classic + innovative options. Enter: Bone-In BBQ – Columbia’s hub for eclectic Southern food with a creative twist. With the addition of seasonal Frosé made with fresh fruit + view of Segra Park, you’ve got a dreamy night worth remembering.
Saturday
Sunrise Stroll at the West Columbia Riverwalk
With so much to see and do and so little time, I’d fight through the sleepiness and wake up before dawn to watch the sun rise over the Gervais Street Bridge at the West Columbia Riverwalk. Allllll the feels.
Soda City
Is it really a Columbia SC weekend if you don’t hit Soda City? My can’t-miss spots at Columbia’s Main Street market include coffee from Curiosity, Avocado toast (extra corn, plz!), shopping at Nana By Sally, build-your-own bouquet at Petite Fleur and, of course, stopping to pet all the puppies.
Picnic at the State House Grounds
What better way to say goodbye to my city than with the *ultimate* picnic, made up of treats from all my favorite places? On the State House grounds for a little extra capital city charm. The menu would include deviled eggs from Spotted Salamander, charcuterie and house-made mozzarella from Il Giorgione, an array of salads from The Gourmet Shop and treats (like oatmeal! chocolate chip! sea salt! cookies) from Silver Spoon. Phew – I’m full just thinking about it.
Tube down the Saluda River
Time on the river is an ‘absolute must’ addition to my perfect farewell weekend, of course. I’d pack a cooler, rally the crew and tube down the Saluda River—soaking up that Columbia SC sunshine.
Main Street Food Crawl
Main Street is home to so many of my favorite restaurants and I couldn’t choose just one, so a food crawl with stops for each course seemed like the perfect solution. Appetizers and sunset views at Hendrix, burgers and cocktails at Bourbon and dessert + bubbly at Lula Drake. Perfect, indeed.
Catch a Show at New Brookland Tavern
Columbia’s music scene is booming with talent + there’s several eclectic venues to catch a live show. For my ultimate Saturday night, I’d cross the bridge and land at New Brookland Tavern – where both local bands + local beer are in abundance.
Sunday
Brunch at Motor Supply
Do you really think I’d say farewell to Columbia without brunch first? Mimosas and gourmet cuisine on the patio at Motor Supply would be the ideal kick-off to a Sunday in the City.
Riverbanks Zoo
Baby gorillas. Giraffes. Sea lions. I’d have to go see them one last time at Riverbanks Zoo – and take hundreds of pictures to make the memories last longer, of course.
Brewery Hopping
To officially kiss the city goodbye, I’d have to hop around to several of its dynamite breweries Steel Hands, Columbia Craft, or Hunter-Gatherer at the Hangar. Yep – I’m crying just thinking about it.
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How would you spend your last weekend *ever* in Columbia SC? Or ideas + inspo, follow us on Instagram.