What better way to end the summer than with a laid-back road trip? With plenty of outdoor activities, safe and clean hotels, and welcoming locals, Columbia SC is the perfect spot to spend your long Labor Day weekend. So load up the car for a change of scenery and get ready to make memories in the heart of SC.  

Friday:

Once you arrive in town and get settled at your hotel, take some time to stroll the streets and get aquatinted with Columbia SC. Our walkable districts are sure to delight with public arttrendy boutiques and bars ready to serve you something barrel aged or bacon infused. Once you've gotten the lay of the land, it's time for festive bites followed by a show. Get into vacation mode at Main Street Public House with a Main Street Mule and an order of truffle pub fries. Next head to Chayz Lounge for the smooth vocals of Beverly Crowder & Company. If country is your style, score tickets to see Mitchell Tenpenny at The Senate or Cody Johnson at the Township.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Saturday:

Here in Columbia, Saturday morning starts with a trip to Soda City. You'll find Main Street full of breakfast and lunch items alongside artists and crafters selling their wares. Find a delicious bite and a souvenir to take home. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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For those looking for some fun and fresh air, waters that flow through the heart of SC are ready to welcome you. Book a trip with Palmetto Outdoors for a float down the river or head to Saluda Shoals where you can hike or rent a kayak. If you’re more lake life than river rat, make your way towards Lake Murray. Bring your own boat to get out on the water via public access at Lake Murray Park or keep it simple and rent a boat from Better Boat Rentals or AquaFun

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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As the sun sets, enjoy minor league baseball plus brews and ballpark eats (like the gooey and golden grilled pimento cheese sandwich!) as the Columbia Fireflies take on the Charleston River Dogs at Segra Park.  

Sunday: 

Start the day with breakfast at the Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli where your crew can fill themselves with decadent cinnamon rolls or savory breakfast sandwiches. From there, enjoy a day of museum hopping around the city. Whether you find yourself immersed in the darkly intriguing exhibit The Ironic Curtain (through September 12) at the Columbia Museum of Art or take in classic Americana and South Carolina history at the South Carolina State Museum with their permanent collection, there is plenty to discover in Columbia SC. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Chapin Labor Day Festival & Parade offers fun all weekend long, but music lovers will especially enjoy a concert on Beaufort St. Featuring the Maddie Rean Band.  

Monday:

Continue your long weekend fun with a good old fashioned parade Monday morning in Chapin followed by lunch or a treat at one of the featured eateries from Chapin Restaurant Week, like The Tipsy Toad or Deca Dessert Bar.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Before you make the trip to Columbia SC, be sure to check local Covid-19 health and safety practices.