The arts are driving many good things happening in South Carolina’s Capital city. Downtown museums and theatres, live performance venues, a rush back to urban living in the middle of all the action, and a strong emphasis on sustainable, healthy lifestyles that include walking trails, farmers’ markets, bike rides and pocket parks.

Columbia isn’t experiencing the hyper growth of some major southern cities, and that’s a good thing. Careful, thoughtful planning is the order of the day. Along the way, visitors will find a million reasons to visit the Midlands for fun, recreation, education, shopping and fabulous dining.

Check it out – Main Street, with the new Mast General Store, Five Points, the Vista, Harbison, Lake Carolina and more. So much to do. So many ways to enjoy this seat of government, learning and fun!

First, find a good hotel in the middle of things. The Hilton Columbia Center is an excellent choice. Located in the heart of Columbia’s festive Congaree Vista, within walking distance of the University of South Carolina and vibrant Main Street. You will find the Ruth Chris hotel bar hoppin' and their chef specialties worthy of celebration.
 

Now comes decision time.

Museums? Consider the SC State Museum, housed in a huge old mill on the Congaree River. You’ll discover all about the state’s storied past, and learn about some of its stars, including a remarkable ironwork gate by Philip Simmons, an African-American artist, who was born in 1912 and still teaches young apprentices the art of ironwork. The museum is fun for all ages, and just next door to EdVenture, the South’s largest children’s museum that teaches and delights kids of all ages.

Downtown, the Columbia Museum of Art is filled with wonderful exhibits. A brand new custom Dale Chihuly art acquisition chandelier masterpiece in glass hangs in the atrium.

You can spend all day in these three museums (and enjoy their gift shops, as well). For those with a bent toward the military, the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is a must-visit. Located adjacent to the SC State Museum, it is the state’s oldest museum, filled with artifacts that will amaze and remind of the sacrifices made by the military and their families.

Of course, Fort Jackson is in Columbia, too, and is the largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center in the U.S. Army, training 50 percent of all Soldiers and 80 percent of the women entering the Army each year. Check the Website for special events and requirements to visit.

Lunchtime is an opportunity to rest and regroup, while sampling one of the Midlands excellent restaurants. Too many to mention here, we offer a small sampling, but be sure to note which ones serve lunch only, or dinner only.