Anyone been to Columbia SC?

[wallawallakids]

Has anyone been to Columbia SC and have a list of must do or must see things? How about places to eat? I am flying in from WA state for three nights this fall to watch my son play football against USC. I was looking for recommendations of things to do and great places to eat from locals or anyone who has been to Columbia. I have never been to the area before and I am excited but not sure where to start. There seems to be a lot to do! Thanks for your help!

 

[Clifton Tesh]

I used to go to Columbia 3 days a week. My advice is to not go to Columbia.

The only thing to do in Columbia is to sit behind the train and wait while it blocks the entire road.

But, if you have to go to Columbia check out Roy's BBQ in Irmo and while you're in Irmo visit the dam and check out the history of the city under the lake.

They removed the giant fire hydrant for some reason or I would tell you to go down town Columbia to see it.

 

[HopperFan]

I used to go to Columbia 3 days a week. My advice is to not go to Columbia.

The only thing to do in Columbia is to sit behind the train and wait while it blocks the entire road.

But, if you have to go to Columbia check out Roy's BBQ in Irmo and while you're in Irmo visit the dam and check out the history of the city under the lake.i

They removed the giant fire hydrant for some reason or I would tell you to go down town Columbia to see it.


View attachment 878575

So our Lake Lanier isn't the only haunted lake with cities and more sitting at the bottom.

Been quite some time but visited a friend there a few times. Agree there is no compelling reason to go there, unless of course OP wanting to go to a football game.

At 17, almost 18, my DD asked me if she could go to "Columbia" with her friend. Quite perplexed I said "why in the world would you want to go there?" My mistake she meant "Colombia".

 

[wallawallakids]

I used to go to Columbia 3 days a week. My advice is to not go to Columbia.

The only thing to do in Columbia is to sit behind the train and wait while it blocks the entire road.

But, if you have to go to Columbia check out Roy's BBQ in Irmo and while you're in Irmo visit the dam and check out the history of the city under the lake.

They removed the giant fire hydrant for some reason or I would tell you to go down town Columbia to see it.


View attachment 878575

Ha! Well I have to go. It’s the first game of the season. But thank you for the recommendations! I love BBQ food so Roy’s sounds amazing.

 

[HopperFan]

Ha! Well I have to go. It’s the first game of the season. But thank you for the recommendations! I love BBQ food so Roy’s sounds amazing.

Likely your best bet is research for some really good local food. Foodie focus would probably be the highlight of the area.

 

[wallawallakids]

Likely your best bet is research for some really good local food. Foodie focus would probably be the highlight of the area.

Will do. Thank you. Good thing I like food I guess!

 

[anniemae]

If you have the time, Charleston is a little under 2 hours away. Fabulous city.

 

[wallawallakids]

If you have the time, Charleston is a little under 2 hours away. Fabulous city.

Ohh. Thank you. I will have time Friday for exploring so maybe I’ll look into heading there. Thank you.

 

[sam_gordon]

I was there a couple of months ago. I spent a couple of evenings walking along the Saluda River Walk and at the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park.

https://parksandrec.columbiasc.gov/regionalparks/

 

[wallawallakids]

I was there a couple of months ago. I spent a couple of evenings walking along the Saluda River Walk and at the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park.

https://parksandrec.columbiasc.gov/regionalparks/

Thank you!

 

[RedAngie]

In 2018 we stopped in Columbia on the drive back from Florida. It was October and the main reason was to visit the South Carolina State Fair. We also walked around the Capitol grounds and thru the University of South Carolina campus.

 

[design_mom]

We stayed briefly in Columbia this summer to visit Congaree National Park. It's very close to Columbia and has free admission. Admittedly, it's not the most exciting of the National Parks, but it was a good place to spend an afternoon. The Boardwalk trail was our favorite and is an easy walk (I wouldn't even call it a "hike"). You can pick up a brochure at the visitor center (at the trailhead) and it explains things you'll see along the trail. I think it'd be a good way to spend a couple of hours. Bring bug spray though!

 

[wallawallakids]

Thank you so much for all of your recommendations. I think I will easily find enough to do for the few days I am there now. I have never been to SC, so I am still excited even if it isn't the best location in the state. I think the National Park sounds like a lot of fun as well as the art museum and of course the food! Thanks again!

 

[Cadiewampus]

Ohh. Thank you. I will have time Friday for exploring so maybe I’ll look into heading there. Thank you.

Greenville is also fun. Lots of shops and the park on the river is great. Hour and a half away

 

[Tuffcookie]

When I drive to WDW, from Ohio, Columbia, SC is my stopping place the 1st day. I always eat at the Lizard’s Thicket, off Rt 77.

 

[RuntheMouse]

We lived in Columbia 10+ years ago. Agree it’s not much of a sightseeing town. If you’re going to a football game, my only suggestion is to visit Bernie’s Chicken. It’s right by the stadium. It doesn’t look like much from the outside but it’s famous, and SO good!
https://www.bernieschicken.com/

 

[Mokat76]

Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter is less than an hour away. It’s a pretty large arboretum with some great walking paths. I went in spring when the irises were in bloom so don’t know what it’s like in late summer. It’s a nice place, though, and free.