Scavenger Hunts
Test your knowledge and discover all that awaits you in the real Southern hot spot! Assemble a team or go it solo with this series of scavenger hunts designed to show you what Columbia SC has to offer. From popular attractions to hidden gems and everything in between, you’re sure to find something you haven’t before.
The Real Southern Scavenger Hunt, Vol. 3
In partnership with Historic Columbia
Stop #1 Take me out And we’ll have a ball. Root, root, root For us to win them all. There’s nothing Minor about it, Voted best in its first year. The community has really taken To wearing all of the gear. This is just the beginning, Many stops still in tow. So what are you waiting for? Come on, let’s glow! |
Stop #2 What once roamed on wheels, You no longer have to chase. For it’s found a permanent home, Or perhaps its “first base”. Come for the ‘cue, Then hang out all day. Cool off with some drinks Like a Firefly or Frosé. Historic Columbia Hint: If you went hog-wild, your behavior wouldn’t be out of left field. |
Stop #3 Keep going, You’re nowhere close to being Dunn. You can sit and stay Or grab something to go if you’re on the run. Started at the market And now we’re here. This buzzworthy spot Has been open for about a year. Its name means beauty, And this we can’t deny. It’s something very special Be it hot, cold or Thai. |
Stop #4 Named after a type Of freshwater fish, This is where you come For an old-fashioned Southern dish. Chicken bog, deviled eggs And smoked ribs, oh my! You’d also be remiss in not Giving the barbecue plate a try. Once a place where you could go To fix your car, Now you can gather over a meal Or order up something from the bar. |
Stop #5 Once beige, Now ocher in hue. Both the inside and out Boast an experience that’s all new. Retelling the story Of all who’ve lived here before, Updated exhibits and gardens Offer much to explore. Claimed a sanctuary During the Civil War, This long-standing spot has reopened, So come take a tour! Historic Columbia Hint: Sometimes history doesn’t make any mathematical sense, as this historic site hosted a Tricentennial celebration well before the property was 200 years old. |
Stop #6 One main house, Plus the frames of five more. Ghost structures of residences, A lunch counter and also a store. Owned by the same family Who lived their lives free. This is also the home Of the annual Jubilee. |
Stop #7 Cozy and sleek, The atmosphere will leave you in awe. Not to mention the curated menu Will make you drop your jaw. Sips from all over In every shade under the sun. Plus, handmade pasta and small plates That are second to none. Its namesake looks on From a portrait in black and white. Sidle up to the pearly bar For the perfect date night. Historic Columbia Hint: Hats off to the spirited young lady who inspired this unique addition to Columbia. |
Stop #8 Let’s get the ball rolling On a fun night out. There’s something for everyone, So you can spare any doubt. Two floors and a patio Featuring games galore. See if you have what it takes To get a perfect score. Come on in, But stay in your lane. Eat, drink and play At this hangout on Main. Historic Columbia Hint: If you strike out, you won’t go home a loser. |
Stop #9 It’s new, it’s chic, It’s the first downtown boutique. Fun patterns and trendy décor, Lots of local art and so much more. With comfort and style leading the way, It’s just the place to plan your stay. Right at home is how you’ll feel, And it’s here you’ll find that unicorns are real. |
Stop #10 You can bank On this stop along your way. Columbia’s first skyscraper Stands tall to this day. If you’ve never been, That’s all your fault. But we’ll keep your secret safe And lock it up in The Vault. Journey up To floor eighteen, For some of the most amazing views Columbia has ever seen. Historic Columbia Hint: Since 1913, this building has ensured the state’s tree would always stand on Main Street. |
Stop #11 Reminiscent of NoLa When it comes to the flavor, The signature cocktails Are something to savor. Swing by for dinner, brunch Or just a happy hour. And order something that’s Stormy, a Smash, or Sour. Every winter, If it’s a vacation you seek, Here, you’ll find an oasis In the form of Tiki Week. At the bar you’ll perch Or into a booth you’ll sink. Beneath damask on the walls And the sign declaring DRINK. |
Stop #12 This iconic landmark Looms large in the sky. Since 1900, It’s really drawn the eye. In the Vista district Is where it sits. Churning out Southern favorites Like flour for biscuits or stone-ground grits. |
Stop #13 When it comes to views, This is one of the best. Allowing you to travel To and from the West. Sandwiched between two others, Yet its own elegant design it has to boast. Golden Palmettos and crescents Adorn each lamppost. Look out below, Water flows free. For the Saluda and the Broad Have formed the Congaree. |
Stop #14 Offices, event space And cool, funky art. This multi-use facility Sure sets itself apart. Dating back To when mills ruled the scene, Now a popular spot for weddings, festivals And everything in between. |
Stop #15 Between both its past and its present, The one constant is a flight. Though much has been preserved At this refurbished historic site. Primitive in name, Yet an industry on the rise. You can hang out on the roof Beneath open skies. This is the last stop Along the course. So kick back with a brew Straight from the source. Historic Columbia Hint: You won’t have to wing it when planning a visit with friends. |
2017
For a longer, more challenging and completely walkable option, here you are! See what you stumble upon between two of downtown's neighborhood districts.
Note: Unless you plan to do this scavenger hunt on a Saturday, skip Stop #4.
Stop #1 At first glance, This is one detour Just stop and appreciate |
Stop #2 There are studios, exhibits, |
Stop #3 Edgy and cool, Despite its name, Don’t expect to find |
Stop #4 We’re not trying to stump you, Once you’ve completed |
Stop #5 Back in its heyday, However, the future is bright |
Stop #6 If the coffee isn’t enough |
Stop #7 All roads here lead to victory, |
Stop #8 It’s a bit of a secret, Once gloomy and dark, Out of tragedy, came unity |
Stop #9 A place to pay respect |
Stop #10 Still don’t know? |
Stop #11 This place has been open It’s time to wrap it up, |
2016
The Original! You'll need a car, but that just means you'll be covering more ground. Get out there and fall in love with Columbia SC.
Stop #1 It is here that kids Now go forth |
Stop #2 Here, you can hang with Finn |
Stop #3 Let the gleam of copper |
Stop #4 Around every corner, |
Stop #5 You can start a tour, |
Stop #6 Go to the store Some say it’s great, |