Squeeze in some fun when you’re traveling to Columbia SC for business. From river walks to rooftop bars, there are more than enough things to do in the capital city after your meeting wraps.
1. Public Art Tour
Take yourself on a self-guided public art tour through The Vista, Columbia’s official arts and entertainment district. Just to name a few, you’ll run into Lady Vista, a structure signing I Love You, and the Lincoln St. Tunnel which is the home to several murals that pay tribute to the city’s ability to unite and overcome tragedy.
2. Get Fresh Air Along the River
Columbia lies at the confluence of two rivers, with several riverfront trails accessible for those that need some fresh air.
Head to Riverfront Park for a stroll along the Columbia Canal and Congaree River. This four-mile trail offers plenty of room for exercise. And if you find yourself there on the right afternoon, you might catch a pop-up German biergarten by local brewer, Bierkeller.
Just across the Gervais St. Bridge you’ll find the West Columbia Riverwalk and Amphitheater where you can walk along a lighted, tree-lined boardwalk. Here you might catch an outdoor concert at the amphitheater, complimented by a South Carolina sunset.
With seating and picnic areas, you can enjoy your lunch on the Cayce Riverwalk. The recently created Timmerman Trail is sure to show you all kinds of wildlife to get your mind off of business.
3. Find Where the Locals Eat & Drink
The Columbia food scene is buzzing with new restaurants that mix in among seasoned chefs and quintessential Southern dishes. Whatever you fancy, we’ve got the restaurant for you.
Duck into The Oyster Bar for your share of Gulf Oysters and classic seafood baskets, or just cozy up at the bar for an after-meeting beer. Next thing you know, you’ll be chatting it up with a local in no time.
Looking for something on the higher end? Head to the rooftop at Black Rooster in West Columbia. Their Italian dishes and specialty cocktails compliment the views of the city skyline.
If you have food restrictions, look no further than Good Life Café on Main Street. This Vegan menu includes a lengthy list of options that are just as delicious as they are filling. The Smokey Pimento-Less Cheese Wrap is our pick.
It’s no secret that Columbia is known for its sunny days, meaning you can find an outdoor space at almost every restaurant and bar. If you’re staying near Main St., snag a seat at the Market on Main patio where you can watch sports, movies and the like on their big screen TV.
You may be surprised to hear that Columbia is full of craft beer lovers. In The Vista, you can grab a brew from Twisted Spur Brewing or Columbia Craft Brewing Company, just steps away from the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Or, hop in an Uber to one of the larger breweries just minutes from the city center, like Peak Drift Brewing Company, Steel Hands Brewing or Savage Craft Ale Works.
4. Team Bonding
If you’re traveling with the team and are in need of something to bring you closer, Columbia has a host of spots for team bonding activities.
From arcade games at Bang Back Pinball Lounge and Transmission Arcade to places to get your aggression out like Craft Axe Throwing, there’s sure to be something your team can get on board with.
On Main St. check Main Course for virtual golf, dodgeball, hockey and more, or hit The Grand across the street for boutique bowling. Bonus – both spots have self-serving taps and we all know that’s how the real bonding happens.
5. Plan for Next Level Adventure
Find yourself with a little extra time? Columbia SC is no stranger to a little adventure.
Rent tubes or kayaks from Palmetto Experience and choose your difficulty level on the river – white water rapids to a leisurely float with skyline views.
Extend your stay and have the family join you for a day at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden to see more than 2,000 animals, interactive exhibits, a ropes course and zip-lining.
Head twenty minutes from downtown and you’ll find Lake Murray. Here you can paddleboard, fish, rent a boat, or just dine on the water at places like Liberty on the Lake or Catfish Johnny’s.
All this starting to sound like fun? Reach out to our staff to plan your next meeting in Columbia SC.