Madison KAYLEE & Carl EDWARD
Things To Do
Columbia
Columbia is such a fun city! Just big enough to have fun things to do and just small enough to not be overwhelmed. Both Carl and Madi grew up here and it feels like home. Columbia is split into 3 areas. The Vista, Main Street, and 5 Points. - Vista: With over 45 restaurants and bars, 60 artists’ galleries and specialty shops, and a diverse mix of businesses and services, the Congaree Vista offers an array of choices all in one convenient location. - Main Street: Enjoy art, live entertainment, cultural events, shopping, and some of the greatest foodie hotspots in the heart of the Capital City. It is right off of where our venue is! - Five Points: Five Points carries a charm and quirkiness that you won't soon forget. Browse boutiques, go way back with vinyl, and find your new favorite craft beer - you’ll find out why Five Points has been a hangout for more than 100 years.
Soda City Market
Soda City Market is a producer-only market — vendors must make or grow their own products (including out of season/exotic fruits and vegetables, antiques, and vintage items) held every Saturday morning on Main Street. Everything sold at the market is unique, hand crafted, and produced in the Southeast. The market fields an average of 150 vendors per week, and over 400 unique vendors throughout the year! You'll find great vendors, fun entertainment, and fantastic food! Madi recommends Mary's arepas and Carl recommends the Belgian Waffle Truck!
The Riverwalk
The Cayce / West Columbia Riverwalk opens the Congaree River for walking, jogging, bicycling, and just gazing at the natural beauty. Its path accommodates all levels of physical access including baby carriages and wheelchairs. Carl and Madi lived across the river during her time in grad school and frequented the riverwalk countless times!
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Arguable the best zoo ever! One of South Carolina's most popular attraction featuring numerous animal exhibits and beautiful botanical gardens. Madi's favorite exhibit is the aquarium and Carl loves the tigers.
Brunch/breakfast Eats
We loveeee a good brunch/breakfast spot. Some of our favorite spots for brunch include: Gourmet Shop, Cinnamon Roll Deli, and Market on Main. Must gets are: Chicken Salad and Tomato Bisque at Gourmet Shop, The Big Max at Cinnamon Roll Deli, and the Spicy Bacon Egg and Cheese at MOM. We also love smallSugar for more of a grab and go option! Their pastries are to die for!! Our favorite coffee shop is Drip in 5 points, with the best honey habanero latte. Carolina Cafe has the best bagels in Cola!
Lunch Eats
Grouchos is a Columbia staple, where you have to order the STP! Other great places for lunch are Di Pratos, Palmetto Pig BBQ, Home Team BBQ, Cantina 76, Enzos, Publico, and Gourmet Shop.
Dinner Eats
We have lots! of favorite spots for dinner in Columbia. Hampton Street Vineyard (french bistro), Mr. Friendly's (elevated southern), and City Grit (wine bar) are great for a nice sit down dinner. Menkoi Ramen House has the best spicy ramen around! Persis Biryani (while a little farther out) has Madi's favorite Indian food. We also love Cantina 76, which is right near the venue!
Bars and Breweries
We love to go out in Cola! Some of our favorite breweries include: Savage Craft and Steel Hands. Hendrix and Bourbon are great for a cocktail, with Hendrix having a rooftop view of the city. For late night, we love Jake's, Salty Nut Cafe, Art Bar, and Jack Brown's.