The last time we traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, as a family, my youngest son was just a baby, crawling through the playful exhibits of the city’s Edventure Children’s Museum, and the two older boys still held my hand while we crossed the streets downtown.

This past year, we traveled to Columbia with extended family in a new season of life: for a campus tour of the University of South Carolina for my high school senior son. It was a few days’ getaway trip that was a combined bittersweet feeling for me for the future that lies ahead, excitement for his future that lies ahead, and a reminder of all the wonderful things and places to see and do in our state capital.

TO DO
• The State House, 1100 Gervais St.
A must-visit while in Columbia is South Carolina’s State House. Step foot into the history that whispers throughout the hallways of this magnificent building, the state’s second state house (the first was in Charleston), that boasts a Classical Revival architectural style and dates back to the 1850s. This is where the state government’s General Assembly meets to pass laws, and you can tour both the House of Representatives and Senate rooms. But there’s more to this historic building itself; the grounds and Capitol Complex are also home to many works of art, monuments, and plaques, so don’t miss out on these after your tour. Free guided tours are available Monday through Saturday every hour on the half-hour from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Walk-in tours are also welcomed. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit Southcarolinastatehouse.com.

• Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Parkway
Riverbanks Zoo has been putting smiles on families’ faces since 1974, and a visit to the zoo should be on your itinerary, too, while you’re here in Columbia. More than 3,000 animals representing 400 species from around the world live at Riverbanks, from reptiles, fish, and invertebrates to birds and mammals, including the magnificent Western Lowland Gorilla. But the zoo is more than animal exhibits; there are also rides and attractions, interactive exhibits, animal demos, and a lovely layout of Botanical Gardens. For more information and tickets, visit Riverbanks.org. 

• Riverfront Park, 312 Laurel St.
Another fun, free to-do is a visit to the city’s Riverfront Park. Open since 1983 for recreational usage, the park was built around Columbia’s original waterworks and hydroelectric plant, the oldest operating one in the state, and the world’s first electrically operated textile mill. Riverfront Park is about 167 acres, featuring a two-and-a-half-mile walking trail that offers views of the Congaree River and waterworks running into the canal below. Pack a picnic lunch, take a deep breath of fresh air, and enjoy Mother Nature in the city.

• University of South Carolina Campus, 800 Sumter St.
Don’t forget that Columbia is not only our state’s capital, but it also doubles as a college town, as home to the University of South Carolina. Founded in 1801, the university boasts a big, beautiful campus, impressive academic pedigree, and some of the best sports teams in the SEC. If you happen to be in town when South Carolina is playing at home, it’s worth buying tickets to take in a baseball, basketball, or football game.

• South Carolina State Fair, 1200 Rosewood Drive
Every year in October, South Carolina is celebrated at the annual state fair, which we had the chance to experience on our visit last fall. Spread out near the South Carolina campus, the state fair is packed with plenty of things to do—and if you go on the weekend, plan to stand in long lines. The fairgrounds are lined with rides for all ages and thrill-seekers; food, drink, and souvenir vendors; face painters; plus, a full warehouse of livestock and produce exhibits, and petting zoos. You can easily spend half a day here!

FOOD & DRINK
• Blue Marlin, 1200 Lincoln St.
This Columbia landmark restaurant is known for its delicious blend of Cajun and Creole cuisine, such as the Award-Winning Blue Marlin Shrimp & Grits, their signature dish with Adluh stone-ground grits topped with sauteed creek shrimp, andouille sausage, and Tasso gravy. Try the classic Charleston Crab Cakes served with sweet onion remoulade, fire-roasted corn salsa, Savannah red rice, and sauteed green beans or any of the fried seafood specialties. 

• Saluda’s Restaurant, 751 Saluda Ave.
This upscale spot in Five Points has been serving fine dining memories for more than 20 years at the site of an old VFW officers club. Expect elevated classic dishes that pull in French and Italian influences, with a Southern twist. Dishes are based on fresh, seasonal ingredients, like the Seared Sea Scallops with Carolina Gold rice, bourbon-baked Sea Island peas, tomato jam, and truffle crema. They’re also known to mix a mean cocktail, such as the Blade and Bow “Forbidden” Sour, a smooth mix of Blade and Bow bourbon, pomegranate liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and agave.

• Market on Main, 1320 Main St.
Located on the ground floor of The Meridian Building, Market on Main (or MOM), is a hot spot hangout indoors or on their airy terrace for brunch, lunch, dinner (or cocktails). The locally owned restaurant keeps things creative, with Brunch options like the Canadian Bacon Melt (smoked and brown sugar-cured Duroc pork loin, smoked gouda, and honey Dijon sauce on griddled jalapeno cornbread), the MOM Burger lunch offering with truffle fries, and a dinner of a Japanese Ginger Pork Chop (a 10-ounce Heritage Farms Cheshire pork, honey-soy glaze, blistered beans, and rice noodles).

• Flight Deck Restaurant, 109 Old Chapin Road, Lexington
This unique diner-like restaurant is located on the outskirts of Columbia in Lexington within The Shoppes at Flight Deck. As you can imagine, the décor is an aviation theme, and there is a huge arcade area to keep the kiddos entertained. There’s nothing frou-frou about the menu, but the food is good and there is a lot to choose from! Try one of the Blue Plate Specials, like the best-selling pot roast with your choice of two sides (French fries, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, fried okra, collards, and much more).

SHOPPING
• Miss Cocky, 1450 Main St.
I fell in love with this cute boutique on Main Street on our last visit to Columbia because my son wanted a South Carolina collared shirt, and he found the perfect one here. Yes, the store name is Miss Cocky, but there is a small section of men’s apparel as well – in addition to the wall-to-wall women’s apparel, accessories, gifts, and knick knacks. I will definitely be fashion-forward for game day!

• Soda City Market, 
1300-1700 Blocks of Main St.
Every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., this producer-only market (vendors must either make or grow their goods) takes over a handful of blocks on Main Street in Columbia. (The name Soda City comes from the abbreviated nickname of Columbia, Cola.) Expect between 200 and 400 vendors each week selling handcrafted, homemade products, plus live performances, cultural entertainment, and more.