Lori's Guidebook
Boating, Skiing, wake boarding, and fishing
Lake Murray
Great way to relax and enjoy nature.
Exercise
Such a beautiful park with a play area for kids and a very nice boardwalk.
6 locals recommend
Virginia Hylton Park
111 Maiden LnSuch a beautiful park with a play area for kids and a very nice boardwalk.
1.7-mile out-and-back trail with a loop at the end and features bridges, educational kiosks and an outdoor learning center. The trail is located off North Lake Drive and Old Cherokee Road adjacent to the Exxon gas station. The parking area is in the gas station parking lot in the back right area—there are signs posted for the trail parking.
Fourteen Mile Creek Trail
1104 N Lake Dr1.7-mile out-and-back trail with a loop at the end and features bridges, educational kiosks and an outdoor learning center. The trail is located off North Lake Drive and Old Cherokee Road adjacent to the Exxon gas station. The parking area is in the gas station parking lot in the back right area—there are signs posted for the trail parking.
This beloved City of Columbia park provides a flat, easy-walking, paved trail that follows the old towpath of the Columbia Canal—which had a brief career in the 19th century, but became obsolete because of the railroads.
64 locals recommend
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
312 Laurel StThis beloved City of Columbia park provides a flat, easy-walking, paved trail that follows the old towpath of the Columbia Canal—which had a brief career in the 19th century, but became obsolete because of the railroads.
Entertainment
Check their schedule. They even have free concerts at times.
19 locals recommend
Icehouse Amphitheater
107 W Main StCheck their schedule. They even have free concerts at times.
Sightseeing
You can also enter through botanical gardens in West Columbia.
268 locals recommend
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
500 Wildlife PkwyYou can also enter through botanical gardens in West Columbia.
Children’s museum in Downtown Columbia, SC. Great indoor fun for the entire family.
121 locals recommend
EdVenture Children's Museum
211 Gervais StChildren’s museum in Downtown Columbia, SC. Great indoor fun for the entire family.
Has a splash pad and tubing in the summer. Also has Christmas lights in the winter. Check out their website for the activities all year long.
59 locals recommend
Saluda Shoals Park
5605 Bush River RdHas a splash pad and tubing in the summer. Also has Christmas lights in the winter. Check out their website for the activities all year long.
Great rainy day activity in downtown Columbia, SC.
125 locals recommend
South Carolina Military Museum
1 National Guard RdGreat rainy day activity in downtown Columbia, SC.
Columbia Museum of Art
1515 Main StWonderful museum and great for a rainy day activity.
Schedule a free tour of the State House which is home to the Governor's office, as well as the House and Senate chambers. Or just go for a walk around the outside to see the beautiful grounds.
104 locals recommend
South Carolina State House
1100 Gervais StSchedule a free tour of the State House which is home to the Governor's office, as well as the House and Senate chambers. Or just go for a walk around the outside to see the beautiful grounds.
Food scene
Cafe Strudel Lexington
309 S Lake DrGreat breakfast, brunch, lunch that is fresh and homemade.
Bubba's Biscuit Lexington
115 West Main StreetLunch/Dinner-check website for days open and times open.
Visit www.oldmillbrewpub.net for up to date food and draft menus.
10 locals recommend
Old Mill Brewpub
711 E Main StVisit www.oldmillbrewpub.net for up to date food and draft menus.
Private Property
220 W Main StUpscale Cajun food. Open for dinner only.
Papa Gio's Pizzeria at Cherokee Lakes Plaza
1965 Augusta HwyGreat Pizza, pasta, and salads at great prices.
They started with a pizza and Philly cheese steaks in mind, but the menu has expanded to include what the customers clamor for—lowcountry cooking and everything in between.
15 locals recommend
Libby's
116 W Main StThey started with a pizza and Philly cheese steaks in mind, but the menu has expanded to include what the customers clamor for—lowcountry cooking and everything in between.
Hudson's Smokehouse BBQ
4952 Sunset BlvdGreat place to try some SC BBQ.
Griffin Chophouse
924 E Main StGreat place for some premium steaks and meats.
O'Hara's Public House
131 E Main StIrish food and pub often has live music.
Driving range with great homemade food, live bands, and trivia night.
9 locals recommend
LJ's Par and Grille
381 Pilgrim Church RdDriving range with great homemade food, live bands, and trivia night.
A chill, contemporary eatery with sushi, hibachi meals & other Japanese fare, plus a full bar.
Ganbei Japanese Restaurant & Bar
5580 Sunset BoulevardA chill, contemporary eatery with sushi, hibachi meals & other Japanese fare, plus a full bar.
The best Sicilian and NY style pizza this side of the Hudson River! By the slice or whole.
Nicky's Pizzeria
102 East Main StreetThe best Sicilian and NY style pizza this side of the Hudson River! By the slice or whole.