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 Ulla Johson, Halston and Veronica Beard  to Celia B, Hunter Bell and LoveShackFancy, 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

Nosh on a Signature Burrito or build your own at Boca Grande Burrito.

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

Browse gift items with a distinctly Southern flair and maybe take a slice of cake or a muffin to go from Kudzu Bakery.

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 neighborhood hideaway, Tombo Grille for a seriously delicious dinner and top-notch bar. This cozy spot is celebrating its 20th anniversary this fall.  Locals swear by the Chicken Parmesan and the Boneless Pork Chop, and their Fried Brussels Sprouts are hard to beat. Pro tip: Snag a reservation ahead of time – this place stays packed for a reason.

Or try newly-opened Poogan’s Southern Kitchen where the fried chicken and waffles, biscuits, collard greens and other comfort foods will leave you full and happy.

After dinner, pop into Molto Vino Wine Bar, where you can sample sips of various wines on tap before settling in with a full glass of your favorite.

 

DAY 2

Sweat it Out

Forest Acres is also home to a location of popular Orange Theory Fitness as well as CycleBar, so you can start your day with plenty of endorphins.

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

Anthropologie, Fabrik, Ivy & Leo, Kendra Scott and  Scout and Molly provide a full afternoon of retail therapy all within the open-air Trehnolm Plaza shopping center. Freshen up with a manicure at POSH or a massage at Urban Nirvana before you hit the road.

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