When you stroll around Rosewood, you’re sampling some of the best that Cola has to offer. This eclectic + vibrant neighborhood has a little bit of everything — from young families and college students to artists and retirees. The neighborhood has grown since its early days, so we wanted to check out what’s currently brewing here. If you haven’t explored it in a while, it might be time to rediscover why so many people — maybe even you — love to call it home.
Need to know
You’re not the only one with your eyes set on Rosewood. Since the year 2000, the area’s population has grown by 13.2%. Rosewood is known for its numerous parks, its award-winning elementary school (which is walkable within the neighborhood), its rich history, an urban farm, and more.
The early days
Rosewood’s robust history begins with a school, built in 1926 to accommodate the surplus of mill family students. It was called the Rosewood School, but there are no records to show how Rosewood got its name. According to The Moore Company, back then, the last stop on Columbia’s trolley was Rose Hill and the area was very rural. If you know the full story on how Rosewood got its name, email us a hello@colatoday.com. We’re curious too.
Big changes came to Rosewood following World War II, when businesses like restaurants, launderers, and bakeries began to open their doors. Originally built in 1954, the Rosewood Shopping Center opened and was rebuilt in 2002 as a Publix grocery store.
Can’t miss
A trip to Rosewood isn’t complete without attending one of City Root’s events. Engage in educational opportunities to see how the farm grows its microgreens. Many grocers around Cola use what City Roots grows.
City Roots also has plans for a 93 acres expansion in a Richland County Industrial Park. It plans to only develop 10 of those acres and preserve the rest as protected wetlands.
Outdoors
Rosewood is bursting with parks of all different kinds and specialties. No matter what you’re looking for, the great outdoors of Rosewood have you covered.
- Rosewood Park (901 S Holly St.) offers nearly six-acres of outdoor space including a picnic shelter, play equipment, and a paved trail perfect for family walks.
- If you’re looking to get a little more active, try Owens Field Park which is complete with a skate park (think metal-plated rails + a pool bowl), soccer fields, a baseball field for children with disabilities, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
- Baseball enthusiasts should also check out Valencia Park — a two-acre park featuring youth baseball fields. Beyond the fenced in field is additional green space for kids to play.
Eat + drink
From mainstay restaurants that have been around since the dawn of the neighborhood to up-and-coming spots you must try, you won’t go hungry in Rosewood.
- Rockaway Athletic Club is a must-visit spot serving up hushpuppies, burgers, and pimento cheese fries — made from the recipe of the co-founder David Melson’s mom.
- Dano’s Pizza has been a Rosewood mainstay for 18 years. Get your pizzas, calzones, and subs here.
- If you’re craving a fresh-made sandwich for lunch, try 5th Avenue Deli. Bonus: David’s favorite sandwich is the Ray Tanner. DYK: Many of the sandwiches are named after Rosewood neighborhood streets and Gamecock baseball players.
- Hunter Gatherer Alehouse is Columbia’s oldest brewery we recommend going to its hangar location — Hunter Gatherer Hangar — at 1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd.
- Established in 1942, Rosewood Dairy Bar offers soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, and even fried bologna sandwiches.
Entertainment
The community of Rosewood is constantly organizing exciting events and festivities, but here are just a few:
- The Rosewood Arts & Music Festival is a free outdoor festival featuring multiple stages of live entertainment, visual arts, poets, and music. Plan ahead to attend on Sat., Oct. 15.
- Keep the good times rolling at the Rosewood Crawfish Festival and get your fill of Cajun favorites, live music, arts + crafts vendors, and a carnival for the kids.
- Celebrate Mardi Gras at the annual Krewe de Columbi-Ya-Ya Mardi Gras Festival. Catch the free parade and then delve into an evening of eating, craft vendors + live music at City Roots.
What’s new
Rosewood is constantly growing. Just these last few years, several new developments and projects have been announced.
- Last spring, the Garvin Design Group announced the $11 million Rosewood Church Redevelopment project. The 1937 Rosewood Baptist Church, located at 2901 Rosewood Dr., is currently being turned into four buildings, 49 high-end apartments, and a mix of retailers.
- Across the Street, on Sloan Street, the church’s gym + kitchen building will be redeveloped into a single-story retail attraction and the first tenant of the mixed-use development, Starbucks, opened at the end of July (2807 Rosewood Dr.)
- Just last month, As well As (3000 Rosewood Dr.) — the local collaborative health and wellness space — announced moving across the street to a bigger space. The new location will feature a second studio, new bathrooms with showers, an expanded cafe with a to-go pick-up window, IV therapy, and more.
Where to live
If you’re sold + looking to buy a home in the area, here are some housing options currently on the market:
- 1618 Hollywood Dr. | 3 BD, 3 BA | $360,000 | Lovely brick home with a remodeled kitchen + shaded backyard.
- 1455 Laburnum Dr. | 5 BD, 4 BA |$275,000 | All brick home featuring three master suites + a back patio.
- 311 S Ott Rd. | 3 BD, 2 BA | $275,000 | Right in the middle of Rosewood, this house features a sunroom and spacious backyard.
