Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~38 minutes from downtown
Est. population: 7,185
Avg. high in January: 57°
Camden’s historic downtown offers multiple restaurants and shops to visit. | Photo by COLAtoday
Things to do
Camden Battlefield & Longleaf Pine Preserve
Located just eight miles north of downtown, the Camden Battlefield is over 450 acres and was the site of the Battle of Camden, where British troops defeated the Americans in the Revolutionary War.
Davis & Sons Guitar Shop
Owned by Rusty Davis, father of country singer Patrick Davis who’s written this popular Gamecock-themed song, the guitar shop sells a variety of instruments and is a great spot to stop in and chat about the SC music community.
Fine Arts Center of Kershaw
The Kershaw Fine Arts Center offers camps for kids, pottery classes for adults, and an array of events to keep you in touch culturally. Stay up to date with its event calendar.
Grub to eat
Mill Pond Steakhouse
Located just outside of Camden in Boykin, Mill Pond Steakhouse has long been a destination for Soda Citizens looking for a serene dining experience just a short country drive from Cola.
Stay just miles from downtown Camden on Lake Wateree | Photo by VRBO
Overnight accommodations
If you get a wild hair and decide to turn this quick day trip into an overnighter, here are some spots to stay.
Home on Lake Wateree
Camden is located just minutes from Lake Wateree, so if you’re looking for a weekend getaway on the lake, look no further than this home. Here you can enjoy an afternoon on the lake and an evening in the historic downtown area.
Smoked Oyster Series | Tuesday, Jan. 16 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Smoked, 1643 Main St., Columbia | $60 | Learn to appreciate oysters like a fine wine by discovering the nuance of flavor by the climate of origin, taste, texture, and salinity.
January half-off lunch features | Thursday, Jan. 11-Wednesday, Jan. 31 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Price of purchase | Hanabi Hibachi and Sushi, 1600 Block Main St., Columbia | The Grand on Main, Hanabi Hibachi and Sushi, and Smoked are offering half-priced lunch on select menu items — plus, Goodlife Cafe is offering half off dinner (4-8 p.m.).*
Friday, Jan. 19
Jurassic World Live Tour | Friday, Jan. 19-Sunday, Jan. 21 | Times vary | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $25-$105 | Get up close and personal with some of your favorite Jurassic World dinosaurs and vehicles.
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News Notes
Event
Time to dig out your prom dress or tux. Trustus Theatre is hosting its inaugural Adult Prom on Friday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. Happening at the SC State Museum, the theme for the event is Across the Decades.
Number
21. That’s the number of upcoming races on the Columbia Running Club calendar. Sign up for one today and hit the ground running in 2024.
Outdoors
Historic Columbia Walking Tours are back after last year’s full bookings. Upcoming dates include Heathwood on Saturday, Feb. 25, University Hill on Saturday, March 10 and June 9, and Main Street on Saturday, May 12.
Eat
Indah Coffee is rolling out new lunch menu items, including a Turkey Pistou Sammie, a Buffalo Chickpea Sammie, and more. Pairs well with a flat white.
Health
Already faltering on your New Year’s goals? We’ve got tips + tricks to help you crush your 2024 resolutions — and all the local ways to make it more fun (think: fitness groups, healthy restaurant eats, and more). And ICYMI, this was part of our monthly COLA Wellness newsletter. See the latest edition.*
Finance
Meet Money Pickle: your gateway to smart financial planning. How it works: 1. Get matched with an experienced, top-notch financial advisor for your specific needs. 2. Connect with them through an easy, free video call. 3. Transform your investments, retirement, wealth management + more with their trusted advice. Get matched.*
Giveaway
Make a donation towards veterans’ and children’s charities + you could win a RAM 3500 HD truck in the Big Diesel Truck Dream Giveaway. Double your entries with code 6AMCITY.*
The Buy
The Buy 1.16.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Some cute housewares to add color to your kitchen — shop Six & Main’s collection of coasters, kitchen towels, bowls, and trays.
We’re looking to explore some of the towns and cities around the Midlands. Give us some recommendations on places you love to visit on a quick road trip. Here’s a good place to start your exploration.
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