City Seeker - Downtown Getaway

You won’t find our unique blend of southern charm, fresh perspectives, and easy-going attitudes in other cities. Here, you’ll find a mix of urban-goers as you experience the creative, unexpected energy in the heart of South Carolina. 

Friday 

Afternoon

Your home away from home this weekend is the oh-so-chic Hotel Trundle, located in the heart of the bustling downtown scene. After getting settled and snapping a couple of pics for your Instagram story, it's time to get this weekend started right with a bite to eat and something to drink. Head on over to The Grand on Main Street for a delicious meal, and challenge your crew to a friendly game of bowling. 

Afterward, walk the Main Street district for shopping and more. If the bowling hasn't depleted your energy, grab some handcrafted specialty ice cream from Sweet Cream Co. and head to the State House. Take bliss in the capital city's sunny weather as you take a self-guided walking tour of the of the State House Grounds (You can pick up a tour brochure at the Columbia SC Visitor Center!).

Evening 

As the sun sets on a perfect first day, it's time to get ready for the evening ahead. For dinner, check out Bourbon, a whiskey bar, for some locally-inspired Cajun-creole cuisine that will leave you wanting more. If you're not quite ready for the night to end once your stomachs are full, pop down the street to Main Course. Newly renovated, this "eatertainment" hub boasts 75 self-pour taps that include everything from IPA's and hard seltzers, to craft cocktails. 

 

Saturday

Morning 

Saturday mornings are for Soda City Market, which features fresh produce, local treasures, and lively community. Don’t forget to stop into the old-timey Mast General Store for anything under the sun. Check out the unique kids’ toys, fun kitchen gadgets, or latest outdoor gear. If you’re shopping with your four-legged friend, be sure to reward good behavior with a dog treat from behind the checkout counter. 

Afternoon

After shopping with Soda City vendors and grabbing a quick lunch at one of the local food trucks, it's time to hit the vibrant art scene (no thriving metropolis is complete without one). On Main Street you'll find the Columbia Museum of Art, who is redefining the modern museum. As the cultural heart of downtown, the museum hosts impressive national art exhibitions and out-of-the-box art learning programs, and brings the community together through popular events like Arts & Draughts.

Evening 

Your last evening in the heart of SC calls for a night out on the town in Five Points. This walkable district is lined with some of Columbia’s most popular spas, salons, boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and home décor shops. Don’t forget to venture a half-mile up Devine Street for more of the best boutique shopping in Columbia.  

For dinner, savor every bite at the upscale and refined Saluda’s, whose space was built after the First World World, and originally served as an officers' club. After dinner, check out Bar None for a laid-back vibe and game of shuffleboard. Like many watering holes in the area, as the night grows later, the crowd gets younger. For the latest of nights, follow the locals to NightCaps on Devine Street.

 

Sunday 

Morning 

Grab a coffee and small bite from The Donut Guy in The Vista to refuel for your journey ahead. We hope you got a taste of the unexpected energy that is Columbia SC during your weekend getaway with us. But there's still more to see and do, as we have more things to do than hours to do them (a burden we're willing to bear). Which just means you'll have to come back, and when you do, we'll be waiting with a glass of sweet tea, unless of course, you'd prefer something barrel-aged or bacon-infused.