Soda City Secrets: The Ultimate Neighborhood & Foodie Guide
Discover Columbia, SC with Power Haus Women | Curated by Hannah Norman
Why Columbia, South Carolina?
If you're craving a city with Southern charm, a strong creative pulse, and plenty of spots to sip, shop, and savor—Columbia, South Carolina, is calling your name. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local looking to see your city through a new lens, this guide is your go-to for experiencing Columbia's coolest corners and hottest spots. From artsy hideaways and soulful eats to small businesses that are changing the game, here’s your curated list of where to go, what to do, and how to fully immerse yourself in Columbia’s amazing downtown lifestyle.
Neighborhoods To Explore
Different neighborhoods and towns around Columbia offer something for everyone. Here’s a quick tour:
Elmwood + Cottontown:: One of the most historic neighborhoods in downtown Columbia. Known as “Columbia’s Front Porch”.
Forest Acres: A huge area of Columbia with homes in all price points.
Shandon: Offers quaint, walkable charm to The Divine District for shopping and restaurants.
West Columbia: : An artistic hub with streets filled with small businesses, riverfront parks and historic homes.
Cayce: The brewery hub in Columbia, known for a busy state street, new restaurants and the up and coming neighborhood of The Avenues.
Lake Murray: One of the largest man-made lakes in the country, known for the fresh water fishing, gorgeous sunrise & sunset views, boating and affordable home prices. .
Lexington:: A popular family destination with top rated schools, lake murray views, quaint main street area with restaurants, boutique shopping and an amphithere.
Chapin: Another popular destination for those seeking a traditional family town. Top rated schools, access to Lake Murray and up and coming downtown area.
Irmo: The busiest of the suburban areas of Columbia, but the most conveniently located to shopping, national restaurants, and big box-stores such as Costco, Sams, Homegoods, etc.
Hannah’s Columbia Bucket List
Don’t leave without checking off these must-do’s:
Eat at a waterfront restaurant on Lake Murray – Enjoy fresh flavors and scenic views while dining lakeside at one of Lake Murray’s beloved waterfront restaurants.
Visit the Soda City Market on Main Street – Every Saturday, Main Street comes alive with local vendors, food trucks, and music at Columbia’s vibrant Soda City Market.
Go to a Fireflies game at Segra Park – Catch a Columbia Fireflies baseball game under the lights and experience the magic of Minor League fun.
Spend a Saturday in South Carolina at Williams Brice Stadium – Feel the electric energy of Gamecock Nation on a football Saturday at Williams Brice Stadium.
Watch the Purple Martins at Bomb Island on Lake Murray – Witness a jaw-dropping natural spectacle as thousands of Purple Martins swirl through the sky at sunset over Bomb Island.
Visit one of the top rated zoos in the country—Riverbanks Zoo & Garden – Explore exotic animals, lush gardens, and family fun at the award-winning Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.
Bring your pup to Yappy Hour @ Jakes Bar + Grill – Unwind with drinks and your dog during the ever-popular Yappy Hour at Jake’s Bar + Grill.
Visit Riverfront Park at Sunset – Take in a golden-hour view at Riverfront Park, where walking trails meet peaceful riverside scenes.
Float the Congaree, Broad, or Saluda River – Beat the heat with a relaxing float down one of Columbia’s scenic rivers—nature therapy at its finest.
Visit the South Carolina State House – Walk the historic grounds and take in the beauty and significance of the South Carolina State House in downtown Columbia.
Local Favorites (POIs You’ll Want to Know)
Restaurants: Liberty on the Lake, Black Rooster, Smoked, Terra, Cafe Strudel, The Gourmet Shop, Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli.
Coffee Shops: Indah Coffee, Azalea Coffee Bar, Piecewise Coffee Co.
Markets: Soda City Market (Saturdays on Main Street).
Outdoor Activities: Sunset at Riverfront Park, Float the Congaree/Broad/Saluda River, Walk the Riverwalk, Explore The Vista, Kayak on Lake Murray.
Wildlife & Nature: Watch Purple Martins at Bomb Island, Visit Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.
Sports & Events: Gamecock football at Williams-Brice Stadium, Catch a Columbia Fireflies game at Segra Park.
Dog-Friendly: Yappy Hour at Jake’s Bar + Grill, Market on Main, Breweries
Arts & Culture: Columbia Museum of Art, The Nick (Nickelodeon Theatre), Stormwater Studios, South Carolina State House.
Places to Stay: Hotel Trundle, Graduate Columbia.
More Than a Visit—A Community
AT PHW, our goal is more than just highlighting Columbia’s hotspots. We aim to connect you to the heart of the destination and its vibrant communities! Whether you're planning to make Columbia your home or just exploring, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to dive into the history and culture of Columbia, SC? Get your copy by commenting “GUIDE” below or REQUEST A COPY HERE!
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At Power Haus Women, we’re a national network of female real estate advisors committed to making your city exploration or relocation both seamless and enjoyable. Our detailed destination guides are designed to be your personal resource for discovering everything a city has to offer, curated by our Market Partner’s who work and play in these destinations!
From local history and architecture to top neighborhoods, bucket list items, shopping, fitness, and dining, our guides help you make the most of your new locale.
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