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There are countless places to find simple joys in Soda City, from the Vista to Five Points and beyond! For our Simple Joys issue, we want to highlight some of Columbia’s hidden gems: the well-loved, fascinating points of interest that are hiding in plain sight. Browse through these pages, and create your own itinerary for a thrilling day of adventure, fun, and exploration!
Out & about
Geocaching: Enjoy your traditional hikes with a twist: Dreher Island State Park offers geocaching challenges along designated trails for exciting treasure hunts that make every afternoon hike a new fun adventure.
3677 State Park Road, Prosperity
Purple Martin Tours on Lake Murray: Each summer, the skies around Bomb Island in Lake Murray are filled with an estimated one million beautiful Purple Martins. The best way to see them is by boat, so head to the lake this summer and plan on taking a tour!
Synchronous fireflies at Congaree National Park: From mid-May to mid-June, Congaree National Park plays host to a unique natural phenomenon. Every year, thousands of fireflies gather to perform a synchronous light display in search of a mate.
100 National Park Road, Hopkins
The Planetarium at the South Carolina State Museum: Did you know? The South Carolina State Museum is home to a 55-foot digital planetarium where you can take a journey through time and space from the comfort of Cola.
301 Gervais Street
Fit Columbia: Stretch your fitness imagination and try a bungee workout class with Fit Columbia. All sessions (AKA bungee parties) are beginner-friendly and perfect for adding some fun back into your workout routine.
2121 College Street
Palmetto Outdoor Tubing: Relax and float down the Lower Saluda River with Palmetto Outdoor, and make a splash with friends and family for an afternoon adventure!
131 Alexander Road
Master Naturalist Course by SCWF: Want to become a Master Naturalist? Take the South Carolina Wildlife Federations’
12-week course to learn the history of our state’s flora and fauna, and learn how to sustainably support South Carolina ecosystems.
Tasty bites
Transmission Arcade + Bar: From classic arcade games to great food and drinks, Transmission has something everyone will enjoy! Right beside The Joint on Main Street, Transmission could become your go-to spot for late-night bites. It’s open for all ages until 8pm, making it a great destination for family fun.
1712 Main Street
McCutchen House: Dine by the University of South Carolina’s iconic Horseshoe, with meals made by students of the USC School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Enjoy a wonderful weekday lunch and support local college students as they learn the ins and outs of running a restaurant!
902 Sumter Street
smallSUGAR: From the founders of CITY GRIT, smallSUGAR uses local ingredients to bring you flavorful breakfasts and lunches. Located in the Vista, this café is a truly amazing addition to the Columbia palate! Don’t forget to check out their sister restaurant, Il Focolare on Sumter Street, for incredible wood-fired pizzas.
709 Gervais Street
Goat’s: On Devine Street in Five Points, Goat’s is where you go when you want a fantastic culinary experience in a casual setting. Try their Philly cheesesteak sandwich, duck poutine, or mussels and frites appetizer—trust us, you’re going to love it!
2017 Devine Street
Julia’s German Stammtisch: For traditional German dishes in a cozy atmosphere, look no further than Julia’s. Expect excellent German beers, schnitzel, and delicious seasonal soups at this local favorite!
120 Sparkleberry Crossing Road
Hendrix the Bus: A new coffee truck is now in Five Points! Find it right by Blossom Plant and Produce from Tuesday through Friday and at the Soda City Market on Saturdays. Take your coffee to-go or head inside to sip your coffee in the bus’s beautiful and comfortable interior.
1920 Blossom Street
Bierkeller Brewing Company: Home to German beers, bratwurst, and delicious snacks, Bierkeller’s outdoor seating overlooks the Columbia Canal from the Canalside Apartment Complex. Check out their website for a calendar of events that marks every season!
600 Canalside Street, Suite 1009
Crave Artisan Market: Open daily for lunch, Crave has delicious sandwiches and paninis named for Columbia’s streets and neighborhoods! Our recommendations for your next picnic: The Devine Street and The Millwood Cuban.
2843 Millwood Avenue and 725 Meeting Street
City Roots Organic Farm: As South Carolina’s very first urban farm, family-owned City Roots Farm offers fresh, organic, sustainably-farmed microgreens and plays host to many farm-to-table dinners you won’t want to miss this spring.
1005 Airport Boulevar
Morelia Ice Cream Paletas: For our sweet-toothed Soda City citizens: Morelia Ice Cream offers delectable frozen paletas (think popsicles!) made by hand, featuring delicious homemade flavors like Sicilian Pistachio and an endless array of toppings.
4517 Forest Drive
Curious crafts
Half and Half: Add a splash of unique color and design to your walls with Half and Half, an award-winning printmaking studio that creates screenprinted music posters right here in Columbia.
400 Calhoun Street
LaRoque: Owned by visionary dress designer AnnaBelle LaRoque, this fashion boutique always features her latest creations. Visit her storefront and see a wardrobe full of designs, dreamt up in Columbia!
2816 Devine Street
Rhythm Roots Music Studio: Enjoy rhythm and music with your little one with Rhythm & Rhyme classes, ranging from private lessons, small group classes and singing sessions.
ByFarr Design: Home to a brand new print studio with vintage presses, ByFarr creates everything from embossed invitations to foiled roses.
2112 Sumter Street
Marionette Theatre: This puppet theater is a unique find for Columbia, with a rich variety of shows and even a fun space for birthday parties! Break out of your routine and see art come to life right before your eyes.
401 Laurel Street
Blue Sky Gallery: Located inside the historic Arcade Mall on Main Street, Blue Sky features gorgeous art that’s available to purchase.
1332 Main Street #126
Mel’s Shoe Repair: For decades, Mel’s Shoe Repair has been the go-to spot for restoring and saving the cherished shoes, bags, and more of Soda City locals. Drop by their shop on Taylor Street and see why it’s a true neighborhood treasure.
1523 Taylor Street
State of the Art: Enjoy a small group or private pottery class in a small, cozy environment with State of the Art: perfect for a girls night activity or date night on the town.
2007 State Street
One Eared Cow: Try your hand at a brand new craft and take a glass-blowing class at One Eared Cow. Don’t forget to browse their gift shop for a one-of-a-kind hostess gift this spring and view all the beautiful art featured in the Lewis and Clark gallery at the same address!
1001 Huger Street
