Making memories is one of the best parts of travel, and in Columbia SC there are plenty of local shops with unique items and regionally made treasures to remind you of your stay. Here are a few to seek out during your next trip. 

 

Artists & Art Galleries  

Ernest Lee (The Chicken Man):  Colorful folk-art pieces featuring “funky chickens”, palmetto trees and other themes near and dear to South Carolina are hand-painted on plywood by Ernest Lee. For something easy to pop in your suitcase, try the fridge magnets for a pocket-sized piece of local art.  

Easel Cathedral: Live painter and Experience Columbia SC Ambassador Trahern Cook, aka Easel Cathedral, is known for painting Columbia’s scenes and events. Book him to paint your next Columbia SC meeting, convention or event and have a priceless visual as a memory.  

One Eared Cow: Founded in 1991 by three graduates of the University of South Carolina’s art department, One Eared Cow creates hand-blown glass treasures from ornaments to vases to home décor in their studio and gallery.   

Stormwater Studios: Visit the gallery Wed-Sun from 11-3 to peruse works from various local artists.  

 

Jewelry and Accessories 


Nana by Sally: Fashion meets craftsmanship with Columbia designer Sally Peek’s handmade handbag collection. Follow her on Instagram for weekly drops.  

Cola Stacks: Cola Stacks has been crafting stackable bracelets handmade in Columbia, SC since 2020. Their brick-and-mortar shop on Devine Street just opened in 2025.  

Tenfold Collective in Lexington offers a “charm bar” of jewelry with mission and purpose.   

 

Nibbles and Sips 

Adluh Grits: The Allen Brothers’ Adluh Flour Mill is South Carolina’s only operational flour mill. The plant is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and their grits are featured in restaurant menus across the country. Visit the mill (in the heart of downtown Columbia!) to purchase local products, or order online.  

Columbia Craft Brewing Company: The brightly colored, eye-catching cans make a great addition to any gift basket and the selection of brews will appeal to a variety of beer lovers.  

Steel Hands: The Coffee Lager and Tropical IPA are local faves from this Cayce brewery.  

Savage Craft: This veteran-owned brewery in West Columbia offers pre-packaged products ready for you to take home after your visit to their taproom.  

DiPrato’s pimento cheese is not only a staple on the Pimento Cheese Passport. They also offer takeout of their famous spread so you can grab a cooler for the car and bring it home by the pint! 

 

Local Shops 

The Columbia region is home to numerous local shops to browse for that perfect gift or souvenir.  A Little Happy in Five Points offers unique gifts and mementos with a celebratory vibe.   

For unique University of South Carolina college merch try Barefoot Campus Outfitter. 

Historic Columbia Gift Shop at Robert Mills: The history lover will be thrilled with one of the historic house ornaments, an enchanting book filled with local lore, or home décor from Historic Columbia’s gift shop.  

Cotton Mill Exchange at South Carolina State Museum: After visiting the South Carolina State Museum, take home a souvenir from their 4,000 square foot gift shop featuring South Carolina themed gifts. 

Partager features a collection of antiques, artwork, home décor, clothing and gift items from local artisans and vendors, all in one convenient spot.  

Cottage and Vine in Forest Acres carries a sophisticated array of tabletop items, clothing, home décor, jewelry and other gifts.  

The Columbia SC Visitors Center features Columbia-branded merchandise like t-shirts, tumblers, post cards and totes, a selection of local products and a wide range of brochures and visitor guides. Looking for a taste of the South? Grab yourself Ole Gold Mustard based BBQ sauce, Adulh Grits, pancake and waffle mix, or Carolina Breader. Visit in person or purchase products online.  

Soda City Market on Saturday mornings is a must-visit for local and regional products and gifts, and was recently named the #1 market in the country by USA Today’s readers.  

 

And that’s not all. Find more shopping in the Columbia region here.