Forest Acres
Located on the Eastern border of Columbia, Forest Acres dates back to 1935. Tree lined streets and historic homes sit side by side with some of the best shopping Columbia has to offer. From browsing the racks at Trenholm Plaza to lunching on chicken bog at The Other Store, visitors get the best in modern design and traditional foods, all within a few miles.
Trenholm Plaza: Sometimes you just need a good shopping moment and Trenholm Plaza is here for you. Get outfitted by national brands like Anthropologie, J. Crew, and lululemon, or shop for unique finds from boutiques like Fab'rik. When you’ve worked up an appetite stop in for a bite at the Original Pancake House or Tazza Kitchen.
Tazza Kitchen: Known to locals as Tazza, this is the perfect place to take a break during your shopping expedition. You’ll want to try something from the wood-burning brick oven - we recommend the prosciutto and arugula or kale and cheddar pizza. For a main, try the shrimp and crispy polenta or pork bolognese. Also known for their craft cocktails and small batch wine selection, you'll be unwinding in no time. Bonus - they’re open for brunch on the weekends. Wood oven avocado, anyone?
Pasta Fresca: This family-run restaurant specializes in pasta and sauces made fresh in house daily. With eight types of pasta, including whole wheat and gluten free, it won't be hard to please everyone in your tribe. We recommend starting out with an order of hand breaded calamari or crab cakes and then digging into a traditional marinara dish like loaded spaghetti or a signature pasta dish of chicken bacon gorgonzola served with fresh spinach and gorgonzola cream sauce - Need we say more?
Verde: Located in Trenholm Plaza, Verde is one of Forest Acres’ newest additions and has quickly become a local favorite. This spot is perfect for those seeking a quick, healthy option. From salads to wraps and the endless veggies and dressings to top them with, everything here is done fresh with mostly local and seasonal ingredients. Not only will your body thank you for treating yourself to this nutrient-rich goodness, but the environment will thank you as well. Verde’s commitment to go green with its recycling efforts, use of compostable containers, and more will undoubtedly inspire you to make your life more eco-friendly.
The Other Store: A visit to The Other Store is like stepping back to a general store from another time. Past the racks and provisions is a small cafe where locals flock for chicken salad and Greek Turkey sandwiches. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a day they're serving their infamous chicken bog, order it. Save room for a slice of homemade cake. Think - fresh coconut, German Chocolate and caramel layer cakes.
Boca Grande Burritos: Columbia's "one and only custom-shop burrito joint," is full of flavor and options. Opened by former Cantina 76 executive chef, this restaurant is the perfect spot for burrito lovers of all varieties. In addition to their main menu, they offer vegan and gluten-free options and source ingredients locally. Yeah, we'll take extra guac with that.
Be Beep Toys: Much like the name tells, Be Beep is an epicenter for specialty children's toys, carrying everything from arts & craft kits to LEGO sets to dollhouses and more. Not quite sure what you're looking for? Take a stroll around the shop and let the staff help you pick the perfect gift. We won't judge if you pick up some candy for yourself while you're there.
