A Guidebook to Columbia, SC
Neighborhoods
Earlewood attracts people who are looking for the best of many worlds – the tranquility and character of an historic neighborhood with the proximity to urban amenities. It is a century-old neighborhood of tree-lined streets and Craftsman bungalows that bubbles with the vibrancy of young professionals and new families.
The centerpiece is Earlewood Park, a 66-acre urban forest within walking distance of every residence. Today Earlewood is a magnet for people seeking style and diversity.
Earlewood
Earlewood attracts people who are looking for the best of many worlds – the tranquility and character of an historic neighborhood with the proximity to urban amenities. It is a century-old neighborhood of tree-lined streets and Craftsman bungalows that bubbles with the vibrancy of young professionals and new families.
The centerpiece is Earlewood Park, a 66-acre urban forest within walking distance of every residence. Today Earlewood is a magnet for people seeking style and diversity.
City/town information
The City of Columbia is a special place. We've lived here for more than 20 years and it continues to evolve and grow. Here are some of the things that we think make our city really special.
A Vibrant Arts Scene. Columbia has always punched above its weight class when it comes to music, visual art, murals and the performing arts. We love the Koger Center for Performing Arts, Trustus Theatre, concerts at the Township Auditorium or just walking around downtown exploring the ever-changing landscape of murals in our city.
Nature. Our city is blessed with three rivers (Broad, Saluda and Congaree) and has done a great job of creating accessible river systems. We have more than 25 miles of riverside greenways, several incredible state parks and the state's only National Park (Congaree National Park). In addition, we have tons of kid-friendly parks and playgrounds dotting the city.
Eclectic Neighborhoods. We always love getting on a bike and riding around exploring all the interesting and authentic neighborhoods and districts in cities we visit. Columbia is no different. Each neighborhood is unique and forms a patchwork of experiences. From the downtown neighborhoods in the NOMA District of Earlewood, Cottontown and Elmwood Park to Shandon and the "Devine Mile" to the beautiful historic neighborhoods surrounding USC and The Five Points District. So many fun, unique places to explore.
43 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Columbia
The City of Columbia is a special place. We've lived here for more than 20 years and it continues to evolve and grow. Here are some of the things that we think make our city really special.
A Vibrant Arts Scene. Columbia has always punched above its weight class when it comes to music, visual art, murals and the performing arts. We love the Koger Center for Performing Arts, Trustus Theatre, concerts at the Township Auditorium or just walking around downtown exploring the ever-changing landscape of murals in our city.
Nature. Our city is blessed with three rivers (Broad, Saluda and Congaree) and has done a great job of creating accessible river systems. We have more than 25 miles of riverside greenways, several incredible state parks and the state's only National Park (Congaree National Park). In addition, we have tons of kid-friendly parks and playgrounds dotting the city.
Eclectic Neighborhoods. We always love getting on a bike and riding around exploring all the interesting and authentic neighborhoods and districts in cities we visit. Columbia is no different. Each neighborhood is unique and forms a patchwork of experiences. From the downtown neighborhoods in the NOMA District of Earlewood, Cottontown and Elmwood Park to Shandon and the "Devine Mile" to the beautiful historic neighborhoods surrounding USC and The Five Points District. So many fun, unique places to explore.
Food scene
Places to eat, drink and be merry!
Try the hash and be blown away. Great outdoor patio, great bar and great locally sourced "elevated backwoods" menu.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The War Mouth
1209 Franklin StTry the hash and be blown away. Great outdoor patio, great bar and great locally sourced "elevated backwoods" menu.
Relaxed Mediterranean kitchen dispensing hummus, shawarma & kebabs, plus pizza & pasta.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Noma Bistro
2431 Main StRelaxed Mediterranean kitchen dispensing hummus, shawarma & kebabs, plus pizza & pasta.
Curiosity is locally owned by Greg and Sandra and is super cool. Great coffee and beer options, great live music/entertainment in the evenings and lots of local community-supported events happening regularly. One of our faves.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Curiosity Coffee Bar
2327 Main StCuriosity is locally owned by Greg and Sandra and is super cool. Great coffee and beer options, great live music/entertainment in the evenings and lots of local community-supported events happening regularly. One of our faves.
Super hipster, but super fun. Great coffees, great place to get work done, great place to meet with some friends. Located in the recently renovated Franklin Street enclave, just minutes from Earlewood.
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Indah Coffee
2238 Sumter StSuper hipster, but super fun. Great coffees, great place to get work done, great place to meet with some friends. Located in the recently renovated Franklin Street enclave, just minutes from Earlewood.
The best Asian fusion food in the city. Multiple locations, but locally owned. We love this location for the vibe and walkability from the Vista Arts & Entertainment District. Try anything "from the wok" and they have great sushi.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
M Vista
701 Lady StThe best Asian fusion food in the city. Multiple locations, but locally owned. We love this location for the vibe and walkability from the Vista Arts & Entertainment District. Try anything "from the wok" and they have great sushi.
Outdoor Adventures
Riverfront Park is a 3 mile greenway experience not to be missed. You'll cross a short bridge off of Gist Street and walk/run/bike alone 3 miles of trail with the Columbia canal on one side and the beautiful broad river on your other. You'll end your adventure at the Broad River Dam. Don't forget to look for herons, turtles and possibly the occasional alligator on your trip. Bathrooms at both ends of the trail.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Riverfront Park
1115 Gist StRiverfront Park is a 3 mile greenway experience not to be missed. You'll cross a short bridge off of Gist Street and walk/run/bike alone 3 miles of trail with the Columbia canal on one side and the beautiful broad river on your other. You'll end your adventure at the Broad River Dam. Don't forget to look for herons, turtles and possibly the occasional alligator on your trip. Bathrooms at both ends of the trail.
The Saluda Riverwalk is the crown jewel and latest addition to the Three Rivers Greenway system. Access off of Candi Lane just upriver from the Zoo main entrance and park in the new paved parking lot. The trail is around 5 miles if you go both ways. To the left is a 1,000 foot wood boardwalk overlooking Mills Race (our largest rapid) and ends at the beautiful Boyd Island Sanctuary.
To the right is a beautiful stroll/bike/hike/skate up the river. The water is calmer, the forest is less dense and the views are spectacular. Great trail for getting away from the city and it's 5 minutes by car from Earlewood.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Saluda Riverwalk
650 Candi LnThe Saluda Riverwalk is the crown jewel and latest addition to the Three Rivers Greenway system. Access off of Candi Lane just upriver from the Zoo main entrance and park in the new paved parking lot. The trail is around 5 miles if you go both ways. To the left is a 1,000 foot wood boardwalk overlooking Mills Race (our largest rapid) and ends at the beautiful Boyd Island Sanctuary.
To the right is a beautiful stroll/bike/hike/skate up the river. The water is calmer, the forest is less dense and the views are spectacular. Great trail for getting away from the city and it's 5 minutes by car from Earlewood.
Sightseeing
One of America's best zoos, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 2000 animals and one of the nation's most inspiring botanical gardens. The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a 170-acres and includes the zoo, aquarium, botanical gardens, Zip Lines, a climbing wall and Waterfall Junction, a multi-level splash pad. It really is a fantastic experience for the whole family (and don't forget to visit during Lights at the Zoo).
268 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zoológico y Jardín Riverbanks
500 Wildlife PkwyOne of America's best zoos, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 2000 animals and one of the nation's most inspiring botanical gardens. The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a 170-acres and includes the zoo, aquarium, botanical gardens, Zip Lines, a climbing wall and Waterfall Junction, a multi-level splash pad. It really is a fantastic experience for the whole family (and don't forget to visit during Lights at the Zoo).
We are one of the only major cities with a National Park within 20 miles. Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.
For exciting adventure, try paddling the park's "blueways" during spring or summer to be blown away by an astonishing array of biodiversity.
110 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Nacional Congaree
100 National Park RdWe are one of the only major cities with a National Park within 20 miles. Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.
For exciting adventure, try paddling the park's "blueways" during spring or summer to be blown away by an astonishing array of biodiversity.
Soda City Market is Columbia’s weekly Main Street event inspired by traditional European street markets. Every saturday morning (9am - 1pm), 5,000+ people and 150+ vendors come out. There is tremendous energy and community at the Soda City Market.
Find everything you need to nourish your brain, body, and belly—and help establish Columbia as the real southern hotspot for locals and visitors alike.
Soda City Market is a microcosm of Columbia, a melting pot of cultures, and an inviting community experience worth making a part of your regular weekend routine.
133 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Soda City Market
1300-1600 Main StSoda City Market is Columbia’s weekly Main Street event inspired by traditional European street markets. Every saturday morning (9am - 1pm), 5,000+ people and 150+ vendors come out. There is tremendous energy and community at the Soda City Market.
Find everything you need to nourish your brain, body, and belly—and help establish Columbia as the real southern hotspot for locals and visitors alike.
Soda City Market is a microcosm of Columbia, a melting pot of cultures, and an inviting community experience worth making a part of your regular weekend routine.