Cayce

You'll find all kinds of locals just across the river from downtown Columbia in Cayce - a city rooted in history (12,000 years to be exact). Here you can learn about the history from Native American settlers to Civil War soldiers. Cayce also provides easy access to the Midlands abundant natural offerings. Families go hiking and wildlife spotting on the Timmerman Trail, as canoers suit up for river expeditions with Adventure Carolina. Let us not forget about the unique food offerings. From legendary steaks to new noodle shops, Cayce is a neighborhood on the rise.

Cayce Riverwalk: With eight miles of lighted paved pathways and more than 46 acres of river park, the Cayce Riverwalk makes the beauty of the Congaree River accessible to all. Watch for wildlife at the newly created Timmerman Trail, or go fishing for Striped Bass. The Cayce Riverwalk’s design reflects the first riverfront settlements here - with all of the modern conveniences. The entire park is ADA accessible and has seating and picnic areas as well as convenient parking. Part of the Three Rivers Greenway, Cayce Riverwalk is a vital green space serving joggers, cyclists and visitors of all ages. 

Cayce Historical Museum: Step back in time to a trading post in 1765 at the Cayce Historical Museum, which traces the people of the Midlands back to the early 1700s. Learn about those early settlers and the agricultural, social and cultural heritage of Cayce, Old Saxe Gotha, Granby, and West Columbia here. The Museum also features Native American artifacts dating back thousands of years.

12,000 Year History Park: More than 12,000 years ago, prehistoric Native American settlers gathered near the Congaree River. During the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, battles were fought here. Get here easily via the Cayce Riverwalk and learn about history from the wooly mammoth to the Civil War by taking a guided walking tour along the Congaree. As you walk the two mile route, you’ll envision thousands of soldiers who fought in the Battle of Congaree Creek toward the end of the Civil War. The tour takes about 1.5 hours - make sure to wear comfy shoes! And make sure to ask the tour guides about ongoing preservation plans for the area.

 

The Kingsman: For more than four decades, The Kingsman has been serving up steaks, 10 oz. ribeye burgers and Southern classics in their iconic restaurant. Start out with onion rings or if you’re being adventurous, the Southern Fried Chicken Livers. Then dig into the Palmetto Burger, topped with (what else) homemade pimento cheese, fried jalapenos and bacon, or the Kingsman Ribeye, aged and cut fresh daily.

Steel Hands Brewing: Since its opening in 2019 Steel Hands has become a city staple. A hub for happy hours, a host for live music, or just somewhere nice to spend the day. What could be better than an afternoon on the patio with a cold beer in hand, sharing a pretzel with friends? Their local brews can be found in restaurants all around town, but be sure to stop in to listen to local bands in the sunshine with a cold coffee lager (which is infused with coffee from Loveland Coffee)! Don't forget to check back, they're constantly adding seasonal brews. 

D’s Wings: Another locally owned and operated restaurant, D’s Wings still uses the scratch made tomato base recipe for four of its wing flavors. They’ve added many others, including garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, and sriracha, all with varying levels of spice. But the menu doesn’t stop there. D’s Wings also serves Lowcountry favorites including a fried oyster platter and steamed shrimp by the dozen, as well as steaks, sandwiches and pastas.

Duke’s Pad Thai Street Food and Noodle Bar: Belly up to the bar - the noodle bar that is - and choose your own adventure at Duke’s. Opened in the fall of 2017, Duke’s features a noodle bar that lets you choose a protein, noodle and broth to make a delicious and filling soup. Owned by Noi Souvanna and her husband Chris, the noodle concept came from one of their sons. You can also order off the menu, which features dishes like drunken noodles, crispy rice salad, Pad Thai, and Bahn Mi tacos.

Adventure Carolina: Interested in seeing the Congaree from the water? Adventure Carolina Kayak and Canoe Trips will help you with everything you need to stay afloat. They also run a 3,000-square foot retail store with canoes, kayaks, camping, and climbing equipment. The fun goes year round with snow skiing trips, from ski rentals to plans.