As you prepare to travel from one Columbia to another for the upcoming face-off against the Gamecocks, we encourage you to spend some time exploring all the wonderful offerings of “The New Southern Hot Spot” outside of Williams-Brice Stadium! With so much to do and see in opens in a new windowColumbia, SC, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau is providing you with a rundown of some of the area’s “hot spots!”
The New Game Day Hot Spot
Game day in Columbia is like nothing else. The energy surrounding the stadium is a (sand) storm of activity and excitement as fans hop from tailgate to tailgate, playing games of cornhole and counting down the hours until kickoff. Carolina Fair Park in the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Gamecock Park and Seawell’s are all popular tailgating locations around the stadium and no matter which team wins the game, the celebration will last well into the night at bars in the Congaree Vista, Five Points and on Main Street.
The New Culinary Hot Spot
Be sure to bring your appetite and sample the local flavor! From barbecue and burgers to fine dining and food trucks, we have it all! opens in a new windowThe Southern Belly BBQ and opens in a new windowPalmetto Pig will have you going hog wild while opens in a new windowRockaway Athletic Club and opens in a new windowPawleys Front Porch serve expertly crafted burgers with unique Southern flair. For the more refined palate, opens in a new windowThe Oak Table, opens in a new windowTerra and opens in a new windowMotor Supply Co. Bistro offer fresh, locally-sourced dishes. If you can track down these meals on wheels, opens in a new window2 Fat 2 Fly will have you stuffed and opens in a new windowThe Wurst Wagen will get you in the Oktoberfest spirit with authentic German recipes. Bon Appétit!
The Brew Southern Hot Spot
The craft beer scene in Columbia exploded this past year. The region went from no breweries to three successful operations and a fourth in development. opens in a new windowConquest Brewing Company, opens in a new windowRiver Rat Brewery and opens in a new windowSwamp Cabbage Brewing Co. are all located in close proximity to Williams-Brice Stadium and all but the latter are available as tailgating locations! Quench your thirst with an ice-cold pint and get ready for game time!
The New Adventure Hot Spot
Situated at the convergence of three rivers and boasting a temperate climate, Columbia offers year-round outdoor adventure. Stick around and spend the day after the game kayaking or tubing on the Broad, Saluda or Congaree rivers, hiking in opens in a new windowCongaree National Park or sailing the beautiful waters of opens in a new windowLake Murray. You’ll have a fresh burst of adrenaline for your journey back home!
The New Historic Hot Spot
Take in Columbia’s fascinating history with a free tour of the opens in a new windowSouth Carolina State House or by meandering through renovated opens in a new windowHistoric Columbia properties such as the opens in a new windowWoodrow Wilson Family Home and the opens in a new windowRobert Mills House & Gardens. The opens in a new windowSouth Carolina State Museum is a must-see, having just completed their $23 million “Windows to New Worlds” expansion that includes a 55-foot digital planetarium dome and theater, an online observatory, a 4-D multisensory theatre and an outdoor telescope-viewing terrace. The museum is the first facility in the nation to house all of these properties under one roof!
The New Artistic Hot Spot
Absorb the beauty of the Columbia area through its expansive and diverse art scene! opens in a new windowColumbia Museum of Art houses masterpieces by Monet and Botticelli, as well as a constant rotation of traveling exhibits throughout the year. Public displays of art can be found along Main Street and throughout the city, adding a unique aesthetic to the region. Columbia is also home to the only nonprofit, art house theatre in the state, opens in a new windowThe Nickelodeon, which hosts the Indie Grits Film Festival each year. opens in a new windowTin Roof, Music Farm, opens in a new windowTownship Auditorium and opens in a new windowColonial Life Arena attract musical talent from all genres, while opens in a new windowTrustus Theatre pushes the envelope with their daring and edgy plays.
For more information or assistance in planning your trip, please visit opens in a new windowcolumbiacvb.com or call opens in a new window803-545-0002opens phone dialer. Come back soon!
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Thanks to Dayna Cantelmi with the Columbia, SC Convention and Visitors Bureau for providing us with all these great tips!
All photos courtesy of the Columbia, SC CVB
