4 drivable fall destinations within four hours of Columbia, SC
Hop in the car, fill up your tank, and drive ~three hours to see the leaves change. | Photo by @jacobskateslakai
Is anyone else craving a reprieve from the heat and humidity Famously Hot Cola is known for? We feel the buzz for cooler weather, less humidity, and are itching for a fall retreat to the mountains.
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches close to 500 miles through the Appalachian Mountains. Southern Living recommends stopping at the parkway’s highest point, the Richland Balsam Overlook, which sits at 6,053 ft and is said to resemble Canadian wilderness.
Fun fact, Dahlonega was where the nation’s first gold rush happened in the 1820s + is known as North Georgia’s Wine Country. This quaint town is full of history, wineries, and is near several U-pick farms. Read through the full visitor’s guide before planning a weekend trip.
Need some ideas for things to do around Greenville? Check out GVLtoday — you’ll be in good hands. Southern Living highlights Greenville for its recreation opportunities + bike trails and recommends spending time on The Swamp Rabbit Trail which follows along the Reedy River.
The allure of wide-open spaces is hard to resist. The mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva offer 360 degrees of outdoor adventures. The area also offers local artisan shops and Appalachian-grown food. (Read: There’s a getaway for every style.) These nine different trip itineraries (created by local experts) offer tips on where to stay, eat, and things to do in Jackson County.
Asked
How far are you willing to drive for a fall foliage getaway?
A. One to two hours B. Two to three hours C. Three to four hours D. Four to five hours E. Other
Peak Drift Patio Party at Smoked | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 5 p.m. | Smoked | Free | Revel in live tunes, savor beer specials, and engage in thrilling games, all set on Smoked’s back patio.
Mat Pilates with Hannah Boyles | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 6 p.m. | Icon on Taylor | $10 | Get ready to work on your core strength, flexibility, and overall well-being in a welcoming and supportive environment.
AAF Midlands Fireflies Game | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 7 p.m. | Segra Park | Free | Enjoy $1 sodas, $2 tacos + draft beer, and $3 cocktails and craft beer.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Charleston RiverDogs | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $6-$18 | It’s USC Night: The Gamecocks take over Segra Park, with the first 1,000 fans in attendance receiving a special co-branded Fireflies Rally Towel.*
Friday, Sept. 6
Vintage Market Days “A Carolina Fall” - Fall Market | Friday, Sept. 6-Sunday, Sept. 8 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | SC State Fair Grounds | $10-$42 | Vintage Market Days provides an opportunity for vendors to showcase their passions, crafts, and more.
Meeting Street Music Fest | Friday, Sept. 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Meeting Street, West Columbia | Free | Groove to a lineup of multiple genres of music, including nationally and regionally renowned artists on multiple stages throughout the River District.
Saluda Shoals fall Jazz Series | Friday, Sept. 6 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park | $12-$15 | Listen to Live jazz outdoors on the deck featuring Amos Hoffman, an internationally recognized Israeli jazz guitarist.
Sunday, Sept. 8
Car Cruise-In + Cookout | Sunday, Sept. 8 | 12-4 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing | Free | Calling all hot rods, classics, and muscle cars — enjoy cool cars and a cookout.
New Brookland Tavern is temporarily closed + unable to sell alcohol, citing issues with the venue’s taxes and liquor license because it wasn’t renewed by Saturday, Aug. 31. The venue hopes to reopen by Friday but still faces heavy insurance burdens. (The State)
Open
Mr. Toy Hibachi & Sushi Takeout, a new Japanese restaurant, opened on Leesburg Road off of I-77 at the end of August. Guests can expect a full menu featuring appetizers, soups, salads, lunch specials, dinners, sushi rolls, combos, and more. (The State)
Edu
The SC Board of Education approved a statewide ban on cell phones in the classroom following the Free to Focus initiative. The ban will begin in January + districts that don’t comply could lose state funding. (The Post and Courier)
Biz
Carter Lumber, an Ohio-based lumber company, expanded to Columbia and created a full-service lumberyard. The location will bring 10-20 new jobs to the area. (The Post and Courier)
Number
$3.2 million — that’s the listing price of a 4,736 sqft, six-bedroom, resort-style property on Lake Murray in Chapin. The three-story home comes with a large pool, lazy river, private dock, outdoor kitchen, guest house, and more. Take a look.
Civic
Voting registration deadlines are approaching for the Tuesday, Nov. 5 election. The online registration deadline is Sunday, Oct. 6, the register-by-mail deadline is Monday, Oct. 7, and the in-person registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 4.
Sports
Locked On is finding the positives from the ODU game + giving a LaNorris Sellers breakdown. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Travel
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, Kiawah Island Golf Resort transforms into a holiday wonderland. Think: Decadent dining, breathtaking decor, and festive events for all ages — from a tree lighting ceremony to Santa sightings, gift-crafting workshops, and more. Start planning your holiday getaway.*
Now Open
In case you missed it, USC’s College of Nursing recently opened a new, state-of-the-art teaching facility located on the main campus of Lexington Medical Center. The expansion will allow the university to train more nurses + address SC’s nursing shortage.*
Biz
Vote for number one
Cast your vote for COLAtoday’s Best. | Graphic by 6AM City
We crunched the numbers and compiled your official COLAtoday’s Best nominees.
Now comes the fun part: Voting. Now through Friday, Sept. 20 you can vote for your number one spot in each category. From kid-friendly venues to best places to golf, there are plenty of options to brag on your favorite biz.
Hold tight. Winners will be announced Friday, October 4.
Stillhouse, one of Columbia’s longest-established bands on the local music scene, celebrates its 20th anniversary this Saturday, Sept. 8 at Foxfield Neighborhood Bar & Grille for free. The six-piece ensemble will play at 8 p.m.
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