Whether it’s a milestone birthday, family reunion, corporate team retreat, shower, graduation party or wedding, Columbia SC has cultivated quite the lengthy list of unconventional options for your next gathering. From shiny, new and noteworthy to historic and genteel, we’re running down eight unique spots to scout for your next small(ish) get-together.
The Pastor’s Study at Lula Drake
Situated neatly above Lula Drake Wine Parlor in Columbia’s Main Street District and named for one of the building’s former uses in its century-plus history as the study for a local Columbia pastor, The Pastor’s Study has a vintage, classy feel for events with approximately 100 guests. You can have event catered by Lula Drake or ask to use the caterer of your choice.
Robert Mills Historic Carriage House & Gardens
Exposed beams and barn-style doors provide an historic backdrop for a statement event with rustic elegance at the Robert Mills House. Century-old trees grace the back lawn, while a view of the main house can be spotted from the front. A gravel lot provides parking for approximately 30 vehicles, and restrooms and a catering prep kitchen are available on site. They can seat an intimate group of 50 indoors (100 standing, reception style) and more if you include the lush outdoor garden areas.
Springdale House and Gardens
Springdale, a 1933 Greek Revival home, was transported to its existing location on Platt Springs Road in 2008. Choose from indoor meeting space, outdoor space in the gardens, or tent an outdoor event for a magical feel. Onsite catering with a varied menu is available.
City Roots Urban Sustainable Farm
If getting down on the (urban) farm is more your speed, stage your event under a covered pavilion and twinkly string lights amidst rows of colorful flowers and vegetables at City Roots. Catering provided by F2T Productions makes for a seamless planning process in a truly unique setting. And while they can host hundreds, they can also make your small event feel cozy.
Venue on Main Topgolf Swing Suite
If you’ve been to a Topgolf, you’re probably thinking of an outdoor venue on an expansive property. But the Venue on Main boasts a cozy indoor environment in the middle of Columbia’s urban downtown with golf simulators and other game (think virtual baseball and even dodgeball!). From renting one or two bays for a reunion or get-together for a small group of friends to hanging with up to 25 co-workers in the Champion’s Suite to taking advantage of their expansive bar area and back patio for a couple hundred this unique venue will have guests engaged and having fun.
Vista Room at Blue Marlin
Visitors to Columbia SC often make a stop at Blue Marlin for their signature shrimp and grits while in the capital city. But their catering division, Blue Marlin Signature Catering, has become gold standard in these parts for quality and consistency for events. Have the best of both worlds at the Vista Room, adjacent to the restaurant (located under the old train depot canopy) in Columbia’s Vista district. The Vista Room accommodates 20-60 seated or up to 100 for a reception. Shrimp and grits for all, please!
Saluda’s
The perfect spot for a baby or bridal shower or graduation luncheon, the expansive porch at Saluda’s provides stellar views (and the ability to relive some fond memories) of Five Points while enjoying a delicious meal. It books up fast during peak times, so give ample time and call ahead for a reservation.
Columbia Museum of Art
Following over a year of renovations, the Columbia Museum of Art (CMA). In addition to their variety of indoor meeting spaces, don’t overlook the gorgeous updates to Boyd Plaza. The pavilion provides a covered space with windowed ceilings, large fans optional side walls to keep out the elements.
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Since there is no way we could list them all here, visit Experience Columbia SC’s meeting facilities page for more on these venues, plus 150+ (no, that’s not a typo) options for places to hold your event in Columbia SC. Y’all come!