Looks like your next visit will be to Columbia, SC based on your answers to our city quiz
Welcome to Columbia. You might have heard that we are Famously Hot and while that may be true we are also known as the Soda City, Cola town or the Capital City. Jess + Lauren here, the editors of COLAtoday, and we are so excited to show you around. Before we get started here are a few fun facts about Columbia.
○ Columbia was actually founded in 1786, but you won’t see many 18th or early-19th century buildings there. That’s because most of Columbia burned to the ground during the Civil War by Gen. William T. Sherman and his army when they attacked the city in 1865.
○ Just 20 miles outside of town in Congaree National Park you can find more than two dozen “champion trees” or trees that are the largest of their species. You can also find the spectacular synchronous fireflies here from late May to June.
○ The first textile mill run completely by electricity opened in Columbia back in 1894. The iconic red brick building that housed the mill is now home to the South Carolina State Museum.
Alright, let’s take a look around.
Main Street
Visit now: A trip to Cola isn’t complete without a stroll down Main Street, one of the epicenters for art in the city. The Columbia Museum of Art has created a “Museum from Home” experience, where you can find virtual exhibit tours (check out ‘It’s Alive’, a horror + sci-fi collection), fun at-home art activities for the kids, interviews + more.
We can’t tell you about Main Street without mentioning the Nickelodeon Theater, a staple for film lovers since the 80s. For the time being, they are offering Virtual Screening Rooms where you can watch new indie + foreign films that would’ve been screened at the theater.
Visit later: An absolute must-do on Main is Soda City Market, a weekly event that turns the street into a market of 150+ local vendors.
Historic Columbia
Visit now: As the state capital, Columbia has seen its fair share of major historical events. Get a firsthand look at the city’s role in the Civil War, diverse neighborhoods + more through Historic Columbia’s virtual tours. Finish off your history lesson with a tour of the S.C. State House to get the big picture of how Cola came to be.
Visit later: Check out all of the sites from the tour IRL on a guided tour with Historic Columbia or go out on your own and explore the city.
Riverbanks Zoo + Gardens
Visit now: The zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, and until we can visit them in person, Riverbanks is offering a way to meet them online. Every weekday at 10 a.m. on their Facebook, zookeepers host a Z-Learning session where they introduce an animal and teach viewers more about the species.
Visit later: Riverbanks is also home to the botanical garden which boasts the natural beauty from our area + around the world. Speaking of natural beauty, you might have already guessed from the name Riverbanks, but the zoo is located right on the banks of the Saluda River. For Columbia natives, many summer days are spent walking the river trails or renting a tube + floating down the river.
Picture-Perfect Backdrops
Visit now: There’s no doubt that some of the best souvenirs can be photos, and Cola definitely has some picture-perfect spots. Whether you’re exploring Main Street, the Vista, or Five Points, you can expect to see murals, sculptures + more. We have this helpful list of Columbia’s most iconic landmarks to get you started. Check out this interactive map to explore local public art installations from the comfort of your own home.
Visit later: Speaking of picturesque spots, you can’t visit the state capital without snapping a pic in front of the State House, or by its surrounding gardens + monuments. Another must-visit is the Horseshoe– an iconic (and beautiful) representation of the University of South Carolina.
Eatin in COLA
When it comes to food, Cola delivers. When it is safe to visit you will have a satisfying selection to pick from.
Jessica recommends all the tacos cantina 76 + Real Mexico, then there is also Bodhi Thai, Spotted Salamander, Midwood Smokehouse, Pearlz, Za’s on Devine, The War Mouth + a sweet treat from Kaminsky’s or Cupcake Down South.
Lauren’s favorites include Home Team BBQ, Motor Supply Company Bistro, Hendrix, Black Rooster, Tazza, Gourmet Shop + brunch from Steel Hands Brewing.
We’ve also have plenty of articles to help you navigate the local food scene.
○ You can’t miss this list of Columbia’s oldest restaurants including Al’s Upstairs, Mr. Friendly’s + Saludas.
○ There’s no better way to find good food than to ask the locals. Check out this mobile food guide of Columbia’s food trucks.
○ If you come to town and get the urge to cook, you may want to check out this places to find fresh local produce around Columbia
That brings us to the end of the tour. You didn’t think we could show you all of Columbia, did ya? Some things you just have to experience in person, like tubing down the river on a sunny day or the best part of our city - in our opinion - the Soda Citizens.
If you still haven’t had enough of Cola, check out this spontaneous marathon around town and start to plan the must do spots for when you visit. And be sure to stop by the Experience Columbia website for more virtual fun + inspiration for your next trip to the Soda City. We can’t wait to see you. 👋
If you’d like to take our quiz again and see what city you end up in next, you can do so here. Or, follow the links below to navigate directly to the virtual tour of one of our six sister markets:
