About five miles from Columbia’s city center is the thriving neighborhood of Forest Acres. There are more than enough restaurants, shops and happenings in the area to make you want to plunk down some serious roots - just ask any of the young professionals, families and retirees who call this area home. 

But if you are just in the Columbia area for a short jaunt, follow along for our take on 24 hours tucked away in Forest Acres. 

DAY 1

Start with Local Shopping 

With designers ranging from Rag & Bone, Tibi and Alice & Olivia to Christian Louboutin and Black Halo, at Coplon’s you can outfit yourself for everything from a night sipping wine at nearby Tazza to a powerhouse meeting at the South Carolina State House.

Also stop by Cottage & Vine for on-trend artwork, accessories and home décor with a distinctly Southern flair. 

Lunch at Groucho’s Deli

Find traditional deli favorites at Groucho's Deli, along with super-welcoming service and family-friendly atmosphere. Order like a local and go for the STP or the Apollo with a side of 45 and thank us later. 

Afternoon About Town

If you happen to be passing through on a Wednesday between April and November, stop by the Forest Acres Farmer’s Market at the corner of Beltline and Forest Drive (under the tent near Richland Mall) from 1-6pm fresh flowers, fruits and veggies. 

And right inside Richland Mall is the Columbia Children’s Theatre. The youth theatre group (exceptional talent and always a delight) will perform Mary Poppins August 2-4 and 9-11, 2019. 

Apps and Drinks at Tazza

See, be seen, and see some more from Tazza’s perfectly positioned patio and outdoor seating. Order a house cocktail from the seasonal cocktail menu and sip while you wait for your mouth-watering small plates.

Dinner at Tombo Grille

Tuck in to this neighborhood hideaway for a seriously delicious dinner like the grilled pork chop with brown sugar hot mustard glaze or cast-iron scallops. The cozy atmosphere and friendly banter of locals at neighboring tables will make you feel right at home, and live music is offered on Wednesday and Saturday nights this summer. 

 

DAY 2

Sweat it Out

Forest Acres is also home to a location of popular Orange Theory Fitness, so you can redeem yourself from All. The. Food. of last evening and start the day guilt-free. 

Breakfast All Day

Fuel up after your workout with classic breakfast favorites like French Toast, Steak & Eggs and new favorites like Avocado Toast & Eggs or a Biscuit-Wich at Eggs Up Grille. 

“Do” Trenholm Plaza

Start with a nailcare reboot at Paintbase. Décor of sunwashed pinks and modern gold accents inside the salon both soothe and inspire as you bask in the affordable luxury of a quality salon experience in a beautiful setting. And don’t hesitate to take the kids along – they offer both a kids’ manicure and kids’ pedicure (with countless candy-coated hues) on the menu so you can make family time relaxation time.

J. Crew, Anthropologie, Fabrik, Ivy & Leo mix with local boutiques like Scout and Molly for a full afternoon of retail therapy before you hit the road. 

 

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