Mobile Home Sales in Columbia, SC

A national bookstore that has been part of Richland Mall for more than a quarter-century plans to move to a new location in Columbia. The move comes as developers are in the nascent stages of a years-long, $100 million overhaul of the Richland Mall property.

Barnes & Noble senior director of store planning and design Janine Flanigan confirmed Thursday morning that the Richland Mall store, located at 3400 Forest Drive in Forest Acres, will close in January or February 2024, and the store will move to the Shoppes at Woodhill shopping center at at 6090 Garners Ferry Road.

Flanigan said the Garners Ferry shop would likely open a couple weeks after the Richland Mall location closes. She said Barnes & Noble would stay at the mall location until construction and preparation is complete at the Garners Ferry spot, then make the move.

The Barnes & Noble will be moving into a space that formerly was occupied by a Bed, Bath and Beyond. The Shoppes at Woodhill shopping center on Garners Ferry is anchored by a Target store and has several other businesses.

Flanigan said the Richland Mall Barnes & Noble has been open since 1997. Outside of the University of South Carolina campus bookstore, the Richland Mall store is the only other Barnes & Noble in the Midlands. While Flanigan admits it is bittersweet for the company to leave the Richland Mall site, she said Barnes & Noble is excited to be moving into a new space in Columbia. She said the store will have a fresh look.

“We have a brand new design,” Flanigan said. “If you’ve been in our stores, you know the furniture is the dark wood, and there’s the green carpet. It’s been typically that tone. Our new design is very different. It’s a light-colored wood, which we call Victorian lace. It will be very bright, with high ceilings.

“And we will organize the fixtures differently, creating these really fantastic book rooms. It just really invites someone in to explore each of the different genres and sections.”

Like the store in Richland Mall, Flanigan said the coming Garners Ferry Road Barnes & Noble will also have a cafe that serves Starbucks coffee.

Barnes & Noble’s announcement that it is moving comes just one day after department store Belk confirmed it is closing its location in the Richland Mall in September. Those are the last two national retailers left in the mall in its current form.

However, there is a plan moving forward that looks to breathe new life into the sprawling mall site.

The mall property had been owned by Century Capital LLC and Forest Holdings LLC. However, in January, Augusta development company Southeastern officially purchased the property. It has pledged to overhaul the 32-acre site with a more than $100 million plan that is set to include a 100,000-square-foot grocery store, more than 500 apartments, a public park, a brewery or taproom and more.

City officials have said the coming redevelopment of the mall site will be the largest single economic development investment in Forest Acres in nearly four decades. The redevelopment of the mall site will be a years-long process. The bulk of the current mall building ultimately will be demolished to make way for the overhaul.

Southeastern is no stranger to major developments. The company has numerous retail, residential, hospitality and other business developments in its portfolio, with projects across the South. Among its developments is the mixed-use Shelter Cove Towne Centre in Hilton Head.

This story was originally published August 10, 2023, 12:41 PM.

A look at 60 high school football players to watch for the 2023 season in the Columbia area, as compiled by The State’s sports staff. Listed in alphabetical order

Jarod Acosta, LB, Newberry: Class 2A all-state selection last year had 107 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles and a blocked punt.

Brady Albro, QB, Chapin: Junior completed 65% of his passes for 2,150 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.

Jaden Allen-Hendrix, RB, Irmo: Gilbert transfer was Class 3A all-state honorable mention, was second on team with 1,610 yards rushing and had team-high 26 touchdowns. He also had 271 yards receiving, three touchdowns.

Demencio Banks, LB, White Knoll: Led Timberwolves with 87 tackles, 9.5 for loss, five sacks and two interceptions last year.

Dylan Barbrey, OL, Airport: One of the area’s top offensive linemen and an Appalachian State commitment.

Patrick Belk, QB, Heathwood Hall: As a freshman last season, Belk threw for 1,708 yards, 11 touchdowns and also rushed for 440 yards and three scores.

Drake Braddock, QB, Gilbert: Braddock split time with Chance Jennings last season but will be the Indians’ lead signal caller this year. He threw for 1,050 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022.

AJ Brand, QB Irmo: Junior is a Division I college prospect, was Class 4A all-state selection last year and had more than 2,400 yards of offense and 25 total touchdowns.

Chris Brown, LB, Keenan: Keenan’s leading returning tackler had 65 stops, two sacks and an interception.

Myles Brown, DE/LB, Ridge View: Brown is one of the leaders on Ridge View’s defense and had 65 tackles and three sacks last year.

Stephen Collier, WR, River Bluff: Collier, a Division I prospect, is back healthy after missing baseball season with a torn labrum. He had 32 catches for 356 yards and five TDs last year.

Taevian Copney WR/RB, Ben Lippen: Copney is a dual threat for the Falcons and had 831 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.

Jojo Crim, DB, Camden: Crim was second on the team with 94 tackles, one interception and four fumble recoveries.

Devan Crumpton, DB, Spring Valley: Senior had 65 tackles, four pass break-ups and one interception last year.

Hayden Cushman, LB, River Bluff: Transfer from White Knoll had 76 tackles, 6.5 for loss, last season for the Timberwolves.

Thompson Dubose, WR, Heathwood Hall: Led Highlanders with 45 catches for 1,074 yards and six touchdowns last year.

Jylil Favor, LB, Irmo: Linebacker was Class 4A all-state selection and had more than 100 tackles last season.

Jordon Gidron, WR, Ridge View: Sophomore saw time as a freshman and will have a bigger role in the passing game this year. Gidron is part of a strong young receiving group for the Blazers.

Jayvon Gilmore, QB, Ben Lippen: Ridge View sophomore transfer has offers from Miami of Ohio and Austin Peay.

TyDarion Greer, Fairfield Central: Greer was Class 2A all-state selection and led the team with 73 catches for 1,110 yards and nine touchdowns. He also rushed for 320 yards and four scores.

Jacob Hamilton, WR, Dutch Fork: Hamilton is the leading returning receiver for the Silver Foxes. He caught 30 passes for 598 yards and five touchdowns last year and forms a strong 1-2 combination at receiver with Ron DiPietro.

Averee Hickmon, RB, Camden: Hickmon rushed for a team-high 1,234 yards and 13 TDs last year.

Charles Jeffcoat, DL, Dreher: Senior is Blue Devils’ leader on defense.

Jake Jeffrey, TE, Northside Christian: Jeffrey was the Crusaders’ top receiver last season with 36 catches for 575 yards and three TDs.

Tyler Jones, DB, Dutch Fork: Jones is one of the top secondary players in Midlands and had 76 tackles, six pass breakups and an interception last year.

Dakota Jordan, DL, Dutch Fork: Jordan was Class 5A all-state selection and had 62 tackles, 13 for loss and six sacks this season.

Cortez Lane, ATH, Cardinal Newman: Camden transfer had 1,320 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns last year for the Bulldogs.

Hasaan Lee, WR, White Knoll: Had 31 catches for 553 yards and eight touchdowns. Will be WK’s top target as Austin Cunningham recovers from injury.

Trenton Lodge, RB, Dutch Fork: Senior expected to help carry the Silver Foxes’ running back load. Rushed for 384 yards and three touchdowns last year in a reserve role.

JT Lott, DE/DT, Saluda: Class 2A all-state selection had 77 tackles, 22 for loss, eight sacks and 13 quarterback pressures last year.

Jaquarius Mayrant, WR, Camden: Mayrant led the Bulldogs with 62 catches for 1,002 yards and six touchdowns.

Cam McMillon, QB, Fairfield Central: As a freshman last season, McMillon was Class 2A all-state selection after throwing for 3,319 yards and 33 touchdowns. He completed 59% of his passes on the season.

Will McQueen, LB, Hammond: McQueen led the Skyhawks with 91 tackles, 27 for loss and also had seven sacks.

Taiden Mines, QB, Lexington: Mines was Class 5A all-state selection. He completed 69% of his passes for 2,240 yards and 23 touchdowns. Mines also rushed for 397 yards and six scores.

BJ Montgomery, RB, Gray Collegiate: Junior led War Eagles with 912 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns.

Aidan Moseley, RB, AC Flora: Junior will be a big factor in Falcons’ passing and running game. He rushed for 474 yards last season and caught 12 passes for 127 yards and 11 total touchdowns.

Donovan Murph, WR, Irmo: Sophomore played last season for Our Lady of Good Counsel in Maryland and should be one of the top weapons for the Yellow Jackets passing game.

Parker Murray, QB, River Bluff: Murray enters second year as starting quarterback and threw for 1,176 yards and 14 touchdowns last year.

Luke New, QB, Pelion: New had 1,280 yards and 15 touchdowns last year for the Panthers.

Zai Offord, ATH, Gray Collegiate: S.C. State commit had 41 catches for 524 yards and three touchdowns last season. He also had 31 tackles and an interception on defense.

KD Outen, LB, Lugofff-Elgin: Outen had 123 tackles, nine sacks, seven tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.

Jamel Patterson, DB, Lower Richland: Patterson was Class 3A all-state selection. Patterson had 64 tackles and four interceptions.

Caleb Pearson, QB, CA Johnson: Senior quarterback had 2,342 all-purpose yards and 23 touchdowns last season for the Green Hornets.

Albert Perkins, LB, AC Flora: Senior had 63 tackles and two sacks last season for the Falcons.

Lamarion Pearson, RB, Lower Richland: Pearson led the Diamond Hornets with 1,124 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns.

Pedro Reyes, DB, Cardinal Newman: Transfer from New Jersey has offers from Duke, North Carolina, Cincinnati and Vanderbilt, among others. Reyes had 44 tackles and two interceptions at Absegami High School in 2022.

Edward, Robinson, DL, Blythewood: Robinson was all-state selection and Region 3-5A Defensive Player of the Year. He had 115 tackles, school-record 25 sacks, 37 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles and 29 QB pressures.

Sterling Sanders, OL/DL, Blythewood: Division I prospect had 25 tackles, nine for loss, and six quarterback pressures last year.

Christian Sexton, LB, Lexington: Sexton had a team-high 100 tackles, 12 for loss, last season.

Landon Sharpe, QB, White Knoll: Sharpe threw for 2,208 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also ran for five TDs.

Duncan Skehan, QB, Cardinal Newman: Senior threw for 2,100 yards and 21 TDs, and also ran for five touchdowns.

JT Sowell, OL, Gray Collegiate: Senior is one of the anchors of the War Eagles offensive line. Sowell is an Appalachian State commit.

Dakari Sumter, OL, Lower Richland: Senior is 18th-ranked player in state by 247Sports for Class of 2024. Has offers from Kentucky, Charlotte, Middle Tennessee, among others.

Mike Tyler, TE, Hammond: Skyhawks tight end has offers from Cincinnati, Liberty and S.C. State. Tyler caught 16 passes for 181 yards last season.

Terrance Wells, DL/LB, Dutch Fork: Wells is one of the leaders of Dutch Fork’s defense. He had 47 tackles, 13 for loss, and five sacks last year.

Grayson White, QB, Camden: White was a Class 3A all-state selection and completed 62% of his passes for 2,157 yards and 20 TDs. He also rushed for 887 yards and 13 TDs..

Will Wilson, QB, Richland Northeast: N.C. State commit threw for 1,797 yards and 14 touchdowns and also rushed for 705 yards and 14 scores last season. 247Sports ranks Wilson as a three-star prospect and the 24th-best quarterback in the country for the Class of 2025. He is the fifth-ranked prospect in state by 247Sports for his class.

Will Young, ATH, Brookland-Cayce: Young likely will play a little bit of everything for Bearcats this year at quarterback, running back and receiver. Last season, he had 782 all-purpose yards on offense and 47 tackles on defense.

Deshawn Washington, RB, Brookland-Cayce: Senior rushed for 1,189 yards and 11 touchdowns last season for the Bearcats.

Elijah Williams, OL, Irmo: The 6-foot-6, 270-pound senior is Yellow Jackets’ top lineman and committed to Georgia State.

This story was originally published August 14, 2023, 9:00 PM.

Welcome to Columbia, South Carolina, a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and an abundance of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local looking at houses for sale in Columbia on Redfin, or moving into an apartment near USC, there’s always something new and exciting to explore. From the bustling streets of downtown to the peaceful parks and gardens, living in Columbia offers a unique blend of urban and natural beauty.

But beyond the well-known attractions lies a world of hidden treasures that are waiting to be unlocked. We’ll take you on a journey to discover 10 of Columbia’s best-kept secrets, from off-the-beaten-path eateries to secluded parks and historic landmarks. So put on your exploring shoes and get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Columbia, South Carolina.

1. The M. Gallery

This hidden gem on Main Street is a must-visit for lovers of art and culture. Tucked away in a historic building, The M. Gallery is an art gallery and event space that showcases a wide range of contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year. The space itself is impressive, with high ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The M. Gallery also hosts a variety of events, from art openings and live music performances to yoga classes and poetry readings. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and inspiring experience, the gallery is a hidden gem that’s well worth discovering.

Interested in moving to the area?

This hidden wine bar and restaurant is located in the heart of downtown, but is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Housed in a historic building, Lula Drake offers a cozy and intimate setting for enjoying a glass of wine or a delicious meal. The menu features a selection of small plates, perfect for sharing, as well as a wide range of wines by the glass or bottle. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and happy to help you find the perfect wine to pair with your meal. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, Lula Drake is a hidden gem that’s perfect for a romantic date night or a night out with friends.

3. Finlay Park

Located just a few blocks from the Statehouse, Finlay Park is a hidden oasis in the heart of downtown Columbia. This beautiful green space offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, with walking paths, fountains, and a large lake. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables throughout the park, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or a quiet afternoon of reading. Finlay Park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music concerts, food festivals, and cultural celebrations. With its tranquil setting and lively events, Finlay Park is a hidden gem that’s not to be missed.

4. Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse

This hidden gem brewery and alehouse is located in a historic warehouse just a few blocks from Main Street. The brewery has been producing craft beer since 1995, and the alehouse offers a casual and laid-back setting for enjoying a pint or two. The menu features a variety of pub-style dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas, as well as daily specials. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the beer selection, and happy to offer recommendations. With its relaxed atmosphere and delicious beer and food, Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse is perfect for a low-key night out with friends.

5. 701 Center for Contemporary Art

This hidden gem art center is housed in a historic railroad station just a few blocks from the Statehouse. The center showcases a variety of contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year, featuring local and national artists working in a range of media. The space itself is impressive, with high ceilings and large windows that flood the galleries with natural light. The center also hosts a variety of events, from artist talks and workshops to film screenings and live music performances. With its inspiring exhibitions and lively events, 701 Center for Contemporary Art is an outlet for art lovers and anyone looking for a unique and engaging cultural experience.

6. The Nickelodeon Theatre

This hidden gem movie theater is located in the heart of the historic district of Columbia. The theater specializes in independent and foreign films, as well as documentaries and classic cinema. The intimate theater has a cozy atmosphere and is decorated with vintage movie posters and art. The Nickelodeon Theatre hosts a variety of events, from film festivals and special screenings to Q&A sessions with directors and actors.

7. The Old Mill Antique Mall

The antique mall is located in West Columbia, just a few miles from downtown Columbia. Housed in a historic brick mill building, The Old Mill Antique Mall features over 75 dealers offering a wide range of antiques and collectibles. The mall is organized into themed sections, making it easy to browse and find exactly what you’re looking for. From vintage clothing and jewelry to antique furniture and artwork, this place is an extravaganza for antique lovers, collectors, window shoppers, and anyone looking to repurpose things,

8. The State House Grounds

Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, the State House Grounds is a hidden gem park that offers a peaceful escape from the city. The park features walking paths, gardens, and fountains, as well as a variety of historical monuments and statues. The park is also home to the South Carolina State House, a historic building that dates back to the 19th century. Visitors can take a guided tour of the State House or simply enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the park.

One of the most iconic features of the park is the African American History Monument and the Japanese Gardens.

9. The Gervais Street Bridge

The Gervais Street Bridge is a hidden gem landmark in Columbia that spans across the Congaree River. The bridge is not only a stunning sight, but it also has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Originally built as a toll bridge, the Gervais Street Bridge has undergone several renovations over the years, including the addition of pedestrian and bike lanes. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride across the bridge to enjoy the breathtaking views of the river and the city skyline.

10. Goat’s

Goat’s restaurant is located in the heart of Five Points, a popular neighborhood in Columbia. Goat’s is a unique eatery that serves up an eclectic mix of dishes inspired by global cuisine, from tacos and sushi to pizza and pasta. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and is decorated with quirky artwork and vintage finds. One of the standout features of Goat’s is its impressive beer selection, featuring a rotating tap list of local and craft brews. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, swing by Goat’s a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.

Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Columbia offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. As the state capital, it’s a bustling city that’s home to several colleges and universities, making it a vibrant and diverse community. But, like any place, there are pros and cons to living in Columbia. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor looking into the Columbia housing market, this city has a whole heap of perks that more than make up for any downsides.

In this Redfin article, we’ll weigh the advantages against the disadvantages to calling South Carolina’s capital your new home.

Pros of living in Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina stands out as an affordable city to reside in. First, the cost of living in Columbia is 6% lower than the national average, providing residents with a favorable financial situation. Additionally, the median sale price in Columbia is $247,000, significantly below the national median of $419,000. Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment in Columbia or buy a home, you’ll find that doing so in this city is relatively affordable compared to the rest of the country. Furthermore, Columbia’s cost of living is 4% lower than both Charleston, SC, and Charlotte, NC, highlighting the city’s overall affordability in comparison to its neighboring regions.

Columbia is known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, which is a significant draw for many residents. The city has a strong sense of community, with residents taking pride in their hometown and working together to make it a great place to live. An excellent example of this is the Soda City Market, which takes place every Saturday morning in downtown Columbia. It’s a farmers market, craft fair, and community gathering all in one, where locals come together to shop for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and unique gifts, and to catch up with their neighbors. The market is a great way to experience Columbia’s Southern charm firsthand, and it’s a beloved local tradition.

Columbia’s climate is another advantage for those looking to live in a comfortable year-round environment. The city has a humid subtropical climate, which means hot summers and cool winters. However, the temperatures rarely reach extreme levels, with the hottest month, July, averaging a high of around 92 degrees Fahrenheit and the coldest month, January, averaging a low of around 36 degrees Fahrenheit. This mild climate allows residents to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year, from hiking and biking in the spring and fall to boating and swimming in the summer.

Columbia has a rich and fascinating history, with many landmarks and sites to explore. The South Carolina State House is a magnificent building that has been the seat of the state government since 1786. It’s open to the public for tours, and visitors can see historic documents, paintings, and sculptures. The Columbia Museum of Art is another great example of the city’s history, with a collection that spans centuries of European and American art, as well as modern and contemporary works. Finally, the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a must-visit for anyone interested in the natural history of the area, featuring over 2,000 animals from around the world, including rare and endangered species.

Columbia is known for its delicious Southern cuisine, which is a highlight for foodies and casual diners alike. Barbecue is a particular specialty, with local spots like Southern Belly BBQ and Doc’s Barbecue serving up mouth-watering pulled pork and brisket. Seafood is another popular option, with restaurants like Blue Marlin and Pearlz Oyster Bar offering fresh and flavorful dishes. For something sweet, Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles is a local favorite, with its famous chicken and waffles combo and delicious sweet potato pie. Overall, there’s no shortage of fantastic dining options in Columbia, and residents can easily explore a variety of cuisines and styles.

Interested in moving to the area?

While the mild climate in Columbia is generally a plus, there is one major downside: the sticky, humid summers. For some folks, the humidity is no big deal, and they can handle a little bit of sweat and frizzy hair. But for others, the humidity can be downright unbearable, turning a leisurely stroll through the park into a sauna-like experience. Locals have all sorts of tips and tricks for surviving the summer months, from carrying a personal fan to avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. And let’s not forget about the dreaded “humidity hair” – that puffy, frizzy look that seems to defy all attempts at taming. So, if you’re planning to make Columbia your home, just be prepared for a little extra moisture in the air and maybe invest in a good leave-in conditioner.

Before you move to Columbia just know you’ll be in a constant battle with the state bird: the mosquito. While these pesky insects are not unique to Columbia, they do seem to have a particular affinity for the area’s warm and humid climate. As a result, locals have become experts at mosquito avoidance techniques, from slathering on bug spray to strategically positioning citronella candles around their yards. If there is any relief, mosquitos there tend to come swarming in seasons, so no worries because it won’t last forever. Be prepared to make friends with some itchy bumps and invest in plenty of insect repellent.

While there are certainly bars and clubs in the area, the scene may not be as extensive or diverse. Some visitors or new residents may find that the options for after-hours entertainment can feel limited, especially if they are used to a more vibrant nightlife. Part of the reason for this may be the size of the city.

That being said, Columbia still has plenty to offer for those looking to enjoy a night out on the town. The city has a number of popular bars and nightclubs, and there are also plenty of restaurants and cafes that stay open late, as well as outdoor parks and venues that host events and concerts throughout the year. While it may not offer the same level of nightlife options as some larger cities, Columbia can still be a fun and enjoyable place to spend an evening with friends or loved ones.

Columbia’s transportation options can be a challenge for those without access to a car, with a Walk Score of 35 out of 100, a Transit Score of 0 out of 100, and a Bike Score of 35 out of 100. While the city does have some public transportation options, such as buses and shuttles, the system may not be as comprehensive or efficient as in other cities, making it difficult for those who rely on public transportation to get around the city. Additionally, Finding parking in certain parts of Columbia can be challenging because the infrastructure may not be as developed or extensive as in other areas.

One potential drawback to living in Columbia is the risk of hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November. While Columbia is not located directly on the coast, it’s still vulnerable to the effects of hurricanes, such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, and power outages. In the past, the city has experienced damage from hurricanes and tropical storms, such as Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Tropical Storm Michael in 2018. While residents can take precautions to prepare for a hurricane, the risk of property damage and potential evacuation can be a concern for some.

Columbia might not have the beaches of Hilton Head or the rich, historic charm of Charleston, but it still has plenty to offer.

The Soda City is home to the state’s capital, the University of South Carolina, a tasty food scene and its own collection of historic sites. Often described as a big city with a small town feel, much of Columbia, particularly its downtown core, is extremely walkable, making it a regular gathering spot for various events and activities.

The nationwide publication Southern Living recently compiled a breakdown of what it considers the 20 best things to do in Columbia this year. Southern Living broke its list down by categories, including food, sporting events, culture and the outdoors.

Here are a few highlights from the list. For the full breakdown, click here.

Southern Living had several choices for the best foods and drinks to sample in Columbia. If you’re a coffee drinker, Southern Living suggested the best place to go is Drip in Five Points. Along with a healthy selection of drinks like espressos and matcha lattes, Drip offers quick breakfast and lunch options to grab on the go.

Southern Living also wrote that Columbia is no slouch when it comes to South Carolina barbecue and suggested Doc’s BBQ and Little Pigs Barbecue as two good options.

If you attend Columbia during football season, one of the best things you can do is attend a USC football game, Southern Living writes. The atmosphere of a Gamecocks night game at Williams-Brice Stadium is something to behold.

While strolling through Columbia’s Main Street on most days will offer plenty of places to shop and eat, Saturdays during the Soda City Market are the best, Southern Living writes. Each Saturday, Main Street is transformed into a lively street market filled with artists, food vendors and local farmers selling their latest produce.

Besides the market, one of the best things visitors to Columbia can do is schedule their visit around a festival, Southern Living adds. There’s the Rosewood Crawfish Festival in the spring, the Columbia Shrimp and Grits Fest in June and the South Carolina State Fair in the fall, just to name a few.

One of the best things about Columbia is, while it’s a bustling city, it’s near a wealth of outdoor splendor and activities. Southern Living suggests some of the best things to do include taking a boating or fishing trip on nearby Lake Murray or practice your golf swing on one of Columbia’s public courses, such as Oak Hills Golf Club and LinRick Golf Course.

And then there’s Congaree National Park, which is about 18 miles from downtown Columbia. The park features an old-growth bottomland hardwood forest and is filled with wildlife, from alligators to river otters. The park is also one of the few spots in the U.S. where visitors can watch a synchronous fireflies event each year —wherein countless male fireflies gather to put on a dazzling display in search for a mate.

This story was originally published August 7, 2023, 6:00 AM.