Columbia, South Carolina Travel Guide
Hunter-Gatherer Brewhouse & Ale
Drip Coffee
The Gourmet Shop
Hotel Trunle
Drip Coffee
Sweet Cream Company
Hotel Trundle
Bourbon
Warmouth
Lula Drake
As a long time subscriber and Garden & Gun fan, I was elated when they reached out to collaborate on a romantic weekend getaway to Columbia, South Carolina.
Trey and I had never been, and were thrilled to escape for a few days and discover all this charming town had to offer.
Be sure to pick up your copy of Garden & Gun (Feb/March) issue to check out our stay in print. You can also see the article on their website… HERE! (Eek!)
We were so impressed with the historic town, and how much it’s been rejuvenated in the last few years. It was a super quick flight from Nashville (totally drivable as well!) If you are looking for a unique and fun getaway, you’ve found it!
STAY
This hotel was southern hospitality at it’s finest. We were greeted with our choice of sparkling rosé or local beer (CottonTown Brew Lab’s TropiCarolina.) From that first special touch to the time we checked out, no detail was missed.
The decor was so dreamy! It was quirky meets charming, in the best possible way. We loved having a kitchenette in our room and the exposed brick were beautiful. Don’t miss all the unique artwork and photography throughout the building.
SHOP
Devine Street and Saluda Avenue
There were tons of funky little locally owned and operated shops that we loved popping into. While we were going from shop to shop we stumbled upon the coolest coffee shop, Drip. They had a backroom with tons of records that you could play and they used the drip method to make your coffee. We listened to music while we waited, and took our coffee to go while we shopped.
EAT
This is renovated engine supply building from the late 1800s, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They serve up local, fresh ingredients with the menu changing daily. We absolutely loved the spin on southern classics, and the drinks were fabulous as well!
Local, hand crafted and small batched ice cream. The zucchini bread ice cream was one of my favorite things I’ve ever tasted! They had so many unique flavors, and it was the perfect spot for an afternoon sweet treat.
A Columbia staple. They are famous for their chicken salad, but we were really loving the mimosa kit (shocker, I know) and the charcuterie board with local cheeses. They also have lots of gifts, wines, cheeses and cigars to go.
This whiskey bar and Cajun-Creole restaurant located right next to the South Carolina Capital Building. They boast the biggest whiskey list in South Carolina. Since Trey’s family is from New Orleans, he is pretty picky with his cajun… this place held it’s own!
We had some amazing food, but the drinks were so spot on too. Order the “Heart of Darkness” drink. It comes out with smoke and is so cool and delicious!
DRINK
This might have just been the highlight of the trip. It really captures the charm that is Columbia. We sat with the owner as we sipped on organic, carefully curated wines and he explained the history of the place. The historic building had recently been renovated, but had formerly belonged to the gathering place’s namesake, Lula Drake, a woman who paved the way in the 1920s for female business owners. A trunk filled with her business cards and documents inspired the decor and logo of the wine shop.
This one could also totally go under, “Eats.” We had some late night bites. The truffled pasta dish with crème fraîche, black pepper, and lemon zest was out of this world. Yum! I still think about that meal!
Hunter-Gatherer Brewhouse & Ale
Columbia’s first microbrewery and pub made for a great place to stop and grab a beer. I loved the pale ale, and Trey loved the Golden Ale.
Head out to the cute patio with string lights and grab a fun drink! They had some great classic apps to bite on as well. We also loved their hot sauce! You can buy it and bring it home…highly recommend!
WHAT I PACKED
