Things To Do
Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden
Cecelia is a lifelong member, and David makes a point to visit zoos on all his travels, so we are big fans of the Conservation-minded Riverbanks Zoo. A 13 minute drive from Heyward Street, and you can visit with the otters, gorillas, lions, and koalas then venture across The Saluda River to the Botanical Gardens.
Columbia Museum of Art
Cecelia's first job in the arts was at Columbia Museum of Art and David has served on the Contemporaries Board. Not only is this a jewel of a collection in the South East, but there are constant fun events inspired by the collection. In the heart of The Main Street District, the museum is only 7 minutes from Heyward Street.
701 Center for Contemporary Art
Cecelia helped her mentor Harriett Green launch 701 Center for Contemporary Art and has since judged the Biennial. Not only is this a great Kunsthalle, but there are wonderful artists-in-residence from across the US and it's only a 4 minute drive from Heyward Street!
South Carolina State Museum
At the intersection of The University and The Vista, the State Museum is only 9 minutes from Heyward Street. Learn about the history of our state from neolithic to the present by day and enjoy the planetarium programs at night.
Riverfront Parks
We LOVE our Rivers! The Three Rivers Greenway offers multiple trails along the Saluda, Congaree, and Broad Rivers. Our Favorites are the Saluda Riverwalk at 650 Candi Lane, Columbia, SC and Cayce Entrance to The Congaree at 201 Naples Avenue, Cayce, SC. Both are within 10 minutes drive to Heyward Street and are peaceful with loads of wildlife to spot. There is a great historic park adjacent the Bierkeller Brewery and Canalside at 312 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC.
Congaree Swamp National Park
One of the largest Cypress Groves as well as annual firefly synchronized mating, Congaree Swamp is a massive and beautiful National Park 30 minutes from Heyward Street. Past Pecan Groves and Mr. Bunky's, you will see amazing flora and fauna here, and learn about Indigenous people's traditions and culture as well as see remnants from Colonial America and the Civil War.
Nickelodeon Theater
This art house theater is a historic anchor of the Main Street District and only 8 minutes from Heyward Street. Screenings shift weekly from student films, to classics, to main stream releases. We are current members and love the intimate setting with a full bar on offer.
Trustus Theater
We are current members of Trustus and if live theater is your thing, you'll want to check out Season 41's offerings as well as the cabaret nights. This intimate theater is just 8 minutes from Heyward Street in the heart of The Vista.
Fireflies - Major League Baseball
If Baseball is your thing, scoot over to the Historic Bull Street District and catch a game at Segra Park and then bop into Iron Hill Brewery or Publico Bull Street for a local toast and a bite.
Carolina Baseball
If you are in to college sports, Carolina's Baseball team ain't half bad. Founders Park is a fun stadium located along the Congaree River only 6 minutes from Heyward Street.
Player's Club
If you like swinging clubs but don't like bugs, enjoy the virtual courses at Players Club in the heart of Main Street District. Members only, but as one of the founders, David can get you in to enjoy a fun time, great cocktails, and delicious bites only 8 minutes from Heyward Street.
Fort Jackson Golf Club
A beautiful course on the largest Army training base in the United States, book a tee time only 21 minutes from Heyward Street. Make sure to visit the US Army Center of Military History and learn about the base's 108 year history.
Solina Golf Club
A classic Midlands course re-developed by the owner's of Player's Club, take a 26 minute drive out to compare with your virtual experience and have a bite to eat with Chef Joe and a brew by Peak Drift.
Hall's Chophouse
Halls is not only great for views of the capital and people watching, it's were we ran into one another in 2020 and kindled our romance. Enjoy dinner on the patio or cocktails at the bar of the Charleston staple only 7 minutes from Heyward Street.
The Hollow
Fresh game. Wild vegetables. Botanical cocktails. This new gem in the Vista serves a seasonal menu of North American food and is only 7 minutes from Heyward Street.
Smoked
Smoked is a Main Street Staple 7 minutes from Heyward Street. Great food, and fantastic bar. If you are into oysters, grab a cocktail and enjoy the raw bar, then explore the original Peak Drift Brewery before enjoying some live music on the patio.
Hampton Street Vineyard
Perfect for an elegant lunch or dinner, this Main Street District restaurant has a seasonally inspired menu led by Chef Jamie Pyatt. Only 7 minutes from Heyward Street, you can enjoy al fresco dining and take a stroll to The Columbia Museum of Art.
Motor Supply
Motor Supply is an OG bistrot in the Vista, only 8 minutes drive from Heyward Street. We love their locally inspired ingredients and seasonal menu for lunch or dinner.
Devine Cinamon Roll Deli
Only 4 minutes drive from Heyward Street, this is one of the best lunch spots in town in the super cute Devine District. Enjoy your complimentary cinnamon roll with sandwich and then bop over to Piecewise for a coffee and shop the Boutiques along the way.
Spotted Salamander
Top lunch spot in Columbia! With fresh and local ingredients serving up southern favorites, Spotted Salamander's original cafe is located a hop and a skip away from several Historic Columbia House Museums and Gardens. The 8 minute drive from Heyward will bring a new perspective on architecture, farming, and the history from Colonial America through to Restoration after a delicious lunch. There is a second cafe location on Main Street several blocks from CMA.
Di Prato's
Looking for an amazing brunch or deli-style lunch? Cruise 2 minutes down the hill from Heyward Street for some excellent faire and make sure to grab the outstanding pimento cheese with a side of house made garlic pita chips.
Gourmet Shop
Do you want a delicious and super elegant lunch with great people watching and only steps from cute boutiques in Five Points? Roll down Saluda 3 minutes from Heyward Street and grab a bite, peruse the kitchenware, and bring home a bottle of vino.
Hometeam BBQ
Another Charleston staple down in Five Points, the brisket is great and the patio is fun. If you want to mingle with the collegiate population, head 4 minutes from Heyward Street and enjoy the frozen cocktails.
Il Giorgione
Want a casual brick oven fired pizza or a bite of pasta? Head 4 minutes from Heyward to the Devine Street District and enjoy a lively meal.
Masa Mexican Street Food
An upscale take on Mexican street eats, this is a great new spot 4 minutes from Heyward Street to grab a bite for lunch or dinner.
Tacos Locos and Grill
This may be 14 minutes drive from Heyward, but these are the best tacos in town, with an outstanding lunch. We love it so much, we got engaged after having our anniversary dinner here. Drive on over to West Columbia for a bite and then explore the nearby Antique stores or Cayce River Walk.
Cock N' Bull Pub
Welcome to our neighborhood pub. Owned by a fellow Scotsman, the food is outstanding, the crowd is salty, and there is always something on... a game, karaoke, trivia, lots of low key fun to be had. And only a 2 minute drive from Heyward Street!
Experience Columbia
If you are interested in scoping out local festivals, concerts, games, and fun activities, check out Experience Columbia's monthly calendar, things to do, events, and food & drink pages.