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Capital city of South Carolina, United States
Photo: Akhenaton06, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Columbia is the capital city and second largest city in South Carolina. It is home to the main campus of the University of South Carolina, and to the Army's Fort Jackson. It is in the approximate geographic center of the state, and was one of the first planned cities in the United States.
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Fort Jackson is one of the major draws of visitors to Columbia. Essentially, there are three types of visitors to Fort Jackson: 1. the miserable private going through Basic Combat Training; 2. friends and family of graduating basic trainees; 3. A.I.T. (Advanced Individual Training) students. For those visiting for B.C.T graduation, graduation will be held at Hilton Field or, in the case of inclement weather, the Solomon Center. You should not surprise the soldier you're visiting, because they must report whether they is going home with a family member or at government expense. Failure to alert your soldier will cause him/her to be required to leave on government transportation. Furthermore, leave contact info with your soldier, so their drill sergeants can alert you to any changes in plans.
One of the few houses left from antebellum Columbia, it was built in 1818 and has many authentic furnishings.
With a copper dome and bronze stars marking places where Sherman's cannonballs struck, the Statehouse is well worth the trip for fans of history and architecture alike. Though the Confederate flag no longer flies on the top of the dome, it stands atop a memorial directly in front of the building at the intersection of Gervais and Main. The grounds include several monuments and a small Italianate rose garden.
Riverbanks Zoo has grown tremendously in the past decade. Recent additions include a gorilla habitat and koala bears donated from their native Queensland. Considered to be in the top ten US zoos, it has the added benefit of being small enough for those with difficulty walking to manage. Children will enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides, and demonstrations.
This museum is often visited by South Carolina school groups, and tourists on rainy days. Children may enjoy the hands-on exhibits, but parents will note that this place is long on reproductions and short on explanations. Come prepared for lessons on history, geography, industry, and economics. The gift shop has many South Carolina-themed items.
Lots of fun for those with small children.
South Carolina's premier international art museum has 25 galleries of extraordinary collections of European, American and Asian fine and decorative art that span centuries. The museum's collection includes masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance through the 18th century from the Samuel H. Kress Collection, a strong collection of European and American furniture and decorative arts, as well as modern and contemporary art, art glass, and 20th-century design. Of particular interest are Sandro Botticelli's Nativity, Canaletto’s View of the Molo, Claude Monet's The Seine at Giverny, and art glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The museum’s collection of Asian art and Antiquities has grown through generous gifts to the collection, including an impressive collection of Korean and Chinese ceramics and Roman portrait heads. The museum also offers changing exhibitions from renowned museums and educational programs that include group and public tours, lectures, films, and concert series. The Museum Shop is open during museum hours.
One of Columbia's great institutions is University of South Carolina sports. The Gamecocks compete in 9 men's and 12 women's sports, almost all in the Southeastern Conference. As with most large schools, their hot-button sports are traditionally football and men's basketball, although their most nationally competitive have been women's basketball (in which they frequently lead the entire NCAA in attendance, and often outdraw the men) and baseball. Most athletic facilities are on campus, with the best-known venues being Williams-Brice Stadium (football), Colonial Life Arena (both basketball teams), and Founders Park (baseball).
The City of Columbia's Minor League Baseball team with single-game tickets starting as low as $6.
For independent film in Columbia, this is your place. Also has several film festivals throughout the year and is a comfortable movie theater.
The Melton Observatory is open to the public every Monday night when the sky is clear. Drop by to see planets, stars, nebulae, or whatever else is visible in the night sky.
Kadampa Meditation Buddhist Center is a great place to learn about meditation and Buddhism. The center is right across from the state capitol building and offers classes nearly every day of the week.
Riverfront Park
This series of trails is popular with joggers, dog walkers, bikers, skaters, etc. One can walk along almost the entire riverfront on the east and west sides of the river. Access via Laurel Street or Gervais Street. Beautiful views of the 3 rivers (Saluda and Broad combine to form the Congaree).
Axe, Hatchet or Tomahawk Throwing
A destination for axe-throwing, tomahawk, and hatchet enthusiasts. Craft beverages are available. Groups and parties welcome. Experts will guide you through axe-throwing, ensuring a safe and entertaining experience for all skill levels.
Annual LGBT pride festival held in downtown Columbia in October along with Outfest, a block party held in June coinciding with pride month. SC Pride also supports Brave The Rainbow, an initiative for businesses in the Midlands showing support of the LGBT community on their storefronts.
Undergrad guilty pleasure, features cheap salads and variety of simple but decent subs. Open late, usually until 3AM, also delivers.
Original store of the mainly S.C.-based chain, serves liberally decorated deli sandwiches with tart dipping sauces.
Those in the know visit for the inexpensive but tasty Indian buffet.
Quirky drinking establishment is famous for its desserts.
Large portions of superior Italian fare at reasonable prices make this one popular with people who dine out for food rather than linen tablecloths.
One of the better seafood restaurants in Columbia, Blue Marlin specializes in Lowcountry style seafood such as shrimp and grits as well as she-crab soup.
Good service; excellent salads and steaks, in addition to good desserts and a nice bar.
Fabulous Northern Italian cuisine. Wine cellar on premises. Jackets recommended. Reservations are suggested.
Outstanding food selection. Also has an excellent wine service and good service in general. Reservations are recommended for the restaurant is fairly small inside and is pretty popular.
People dress up to visit the celebrated (and busy) Mr. Friendly’s, known for its meaty Southern cuisine.
Winner 2008 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Makes a strong effort to support local farmers and uses as many locally grown ingredients as possible.
Comfort Inn & Suites Ft. Jackson Main Gate
Comfortable hotel with an exercise room, pool, and free Wi-Fi connection..
formerly Inn at USC
This hotel is in the Vista in walking distance of bars, restaurants, the State Museum, the Convention Center, and the central business district. It is a 4 diamond-rated AAA hotel and the on-site restaurant is Ruth's Chris.
Amenities include free breakfast, free internet, a business center and a fitness center. Microwave and refrigerator in each guest room. Free pass to Gold's Gym, across the street from Columbiana mall, directly next door to Bailey's Sports Grill and Carmike movie theater
Located in an architecturally pleasing building, but that's about the only good view of the hotel - the area surrounding the hotel essentially offers views of parking garages. Located in the central downtown area of Columbia.
Extended-stay suites. Free breakfast, 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool. Free internet, free evening reception Monday - Thursday, business center. Spacious guest rooms offer a fully equipped kitchen (microwave, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, cooking utensils), flat screen TV and free internet.
District of Columbia that features a wide selection of primarily locally-owned shops and boutiques, including a unique bookstore and music store. A must-visit for shoppers in Columbia.
Older, smaller mall that is good for bargain hunters at stores such as Burlington Coat Factory.
Columbia's largest shopping mall, anchor stores include Belk, Dillard's and J.C. Penney. The former Sears anchor is now occupied by a Dave & Buster's and a Belk men's store.
Mid-market mall on Columbia's north-central side, including Sears, Burlington Coat Factory and the only Macy's department store in the region.
By plane
To get from the airport to downtown using public transport, Comet Bus Route #28 operates weekday-only service from the Midland Tech Airport campus, a few blocks from the airport.
By train
By bus
The COMET. The city's local transit system and the main way to travel by bus within the metropolitan area with routes in downtown Columbia and parts of Richland and Lexington Counties.
Most people use a car to get around Columbia, but more pedestrian-friendly areas of the city include downtown, The Vista, the University Hill/USC area, and Five Points.
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Columbia · Regional · CAE
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