Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Columbia

"If you want to learn more about the history, culture and nature of the state, no visit to town can ever be complete without stopping by the superb South Carolina State Museum. Set on the banks of the Congaree River, it has a huge array of interesting artifacts and interactive exhibits for you to peruse. First opened in 1894, it is now the largest museum in the state with its galleries containing around 70,000 objects in total."

"The South Carolina State Museum, located in Columbia is the largest museum in the Southeastern United States. Positioned on an old shipping canal on the Congaree River that dates back to pre-Civil War times, the museum is widely recognized as a resource for South Carolina history and lifestyle. The museum opened October 29, 1988 and is housed in what it calls its largest artifact, the former Columbia Mills Building."

"South Carolina State Museum is known for being the state’s largest history museum, containing four exhibitions and over 70,000 artifacts, this museum goes over a ton of the state’s history. This is a great museum to take the kids for them to have fun, learn and explore. This museum is the perfect museum to explore some history of the state with the whole family."

"Expansive and historic, Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park is so vast that you can spend an entire day and barely scratch the surface of this popular Columbia spot. Originally the city of Columbia’s waterworks, this 167-acre park contains popular and scenic jogging and walking trails that sport beautiful views of the river. Visitors can also explore the old parts of the now-defunct water plan."

"Columbia’s cultural center has matured rapidly in the 20 years since it moved to Main Street. With 22,000 square feet of gallery space, the CMA has a custom-made Chihuly chandelier hanging at its main entrance and has hosted impressive traveling exhibits, including ones by Henri Matisse, Imogen Cunningham, and Salvador Dali. The permanent collection shows a timeline of American and European history from antiquity to modern times."

"Abundant with immaculate paintings and sculptures, a museum date through Columbia Museum of Art is always guaranteed success. Founded in 1950, Columbia Museum of Art is home to internationally renowned art pieces, some of which come from ancient Meditteranean times and showcases early Greek culture. Recently, the museum also opened galleries that feature modern artists such as Andy Warhol and Van Gogh."

"A great place to spend a blistering summer's day, Saluda Shoals Park is situated on the banks of the Saluda River and has a variety of diversions for kids and other intrepid explorers. Within the 270-acre park's forested confines are paved and unpaved paths for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding, a canoe/kayak launch area, sweet fishing spots, and picnic facilities with barbecue grills. There's also Saluda Splash, a touch-activated water playground that kids will never want to leave."

"Saluda Shoals Park gives Columbia-area residents the chance to explore and experience a natural, environmentally sensitive riverfront park. The 400-acre park offers many adventures worth exploring, including an 11,000-square-foot Environmental Education Center and Exhibit Hall; hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails; picnic shelters; and much more. Of course, the best offering on a hot summer day is Saluda Splash, an interactive water playground that children love."

"There are many appealing amenities at the Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, South Carolina. Its launching docks accommodate canoes, kayaks, rowboats and light, single-motor watercraft. The park also has a large gazebo and a huge event pavilion."

"This is one of the Columbian night spots that closes a bit earlier but is worth the early visit. Grill Marks Definitely served the largest portions of American food you will find on the strip. It offers plenty of unique hamburger selections and serves some mind blowing milkshakes."

"Just a stone’s throw from Terra, Al’s has been dishing up skyline scenes and Italian viands like pappardelle bolognese and eggplant parmigiana since 1979. Tucked away on the second level of an unassuming brick building, this hidden gem makes you feel warm and cozy like your favorite sweater."

"The view from the second floor of this West Columbia restaurant will take your breath away. The main dining room features a wall of large windows overlooking the Congaree River and downtown Columbia. You won't find a more romantic setting to drink in the lights of the city."

"-Window seat requests are not guaranteed on the weekends or holidays-Please, no children under 5 years old on the weekends.-Private dining rooms available, please call 803-920-9406"

"Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (100 Columbiana Circle Suite 1024)"

"Every cool city needs a great bagel shop - it's in the handbook, look it up. From pumpernickel and poppy seed to covered with smoked salmon, Carolina Cafe is here to slice, toast and cover your carb addiction in cream cheese (or peanut butter, if you're into that). Try the blueberry bagel with honey butter + report back."

"Pizza, Calzones, Hoagies and Salads coupled with a full bar. We've got 24 beers on draft and 80+ in the bottle!"

"A post shared by Mike Wine-Guy (@mike_wine_guy) on Jan 16, 2017 at 8:01am PST. This restaurant has an upscale classy design but as soon as you walk in, you’ll notice that there is also a laid back relaxing tone in the air. They also have Karaoke nights so you can be your own superstar."

"I love their wings and Philly cheese steaks and their fried shrimp and scallops. Their prices are very reasonable also."

"Savor every moment of your morning with ooey-gooey bacon and brie croissants, fluffy Belgian waffles covered in pools of butter and all the bubbles your heart desires at The Gourmet Shop in Five Points. One of the most beloved brunch spots in Columbia, the Gourmet Shop doubles as a specialty foods market—where you can buy freshly baked bread, locally sourced preserves and honey + to-go containers of the shop’s famous chicken salad and pimento cheese. Artisan cheeses, fine wines, quality confections and professional cookware line the market shelves, so you can get some shopping done while you anticipate your mimosa kit."

"This place has it all.Wine shop, cafe, cooking store, and (my favorite) amazing purveyor of fine cheeses. Dennis and Linda Hiltner owned and operated this gem in the heart of Five Points for 40 years – until selling to current owner Amy Beth Franks in 2019. And you can’t call yourself a Soda Citizen unless you’ve at least tried their famous chicken salad."

"The Gourmet Shop in Columbia’s Five Points District is #BrunchGoals, #AestheticGoals—all the goals, really. The food is simple, yet elegant. The atmosphere is relaxed, yet welcoming."