Southern culture in a capital city

As the second largest city in South Carolina, this historic capital is not only home to the State House but has become a thriving nexus for government, business, and industry. Discover wide avenues full of hanging flower baskets and the Hampton-Preston mansion and Gardens, dating back to the early 1800s. Love history? The Governor’s Mansion has been home to more than 30 U.S. governors over the years and displays silver, china, historical paintings, and furniture that illustrate South Carolina’s rich heritage.

Columbia is also known for its theater community. For modern works, catch a show at the cutting edge Trustus Theatre, which performs exciting works from Broadway. If you love the classics, visit Town Theatre—the oldest operating theatre in the country. The city also has three ballet companies: the Columbia City Ballet, the Columbia Classical Ballet, and Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet. Music lovers: there’s something for you too. The 18,000-seat Colonial Life Arena, the largest in the state, showcases unique artists, bands, and performers.

This mid-size Southern city also has quite the international food scene in the Five Points neighborhood and beyond. Try everything from Taiwanese bubble tea at JJ’s Tea House to a pimento cheese sandwich at Café Strudel. Asian food lovers will discover unique options in cuisine from China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and more.

Think you’ve tried your share of ice cream? Think again. The Sweet Cream Company on Main Street uses unique ingredients, such as the herbs cardamom and rosemary, to add distinct flavors to their wide range of organic ice cream, cookie sandwiches, and cakes.

Grace and beauty come alive at the Robert Mills House and Gardens, a historic house dating from 1823 and designed by Robert Mills, the first architect born and trained within the United States. Gorgeous gates mark its entrance, inviting visitors to discover what lies beyond its impressive doors.

The Riverbank Zoo and Garden offers more than its name suggests: it is also an aquarium, a water park, and home to more than 2,000 animals in natural landscapes and habitats. Its botanical garden contains over 4,300 species of native and exotic plants. A footbridge linking the zoo and garden offers a wooded trail and views of historic ruins of the Saluda River Factory, dating back to the 1800s. Adrenaline lovers can take the zip line over the Saluda River and glide 75 feet above the water on the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s Canopy tour.

The Congaree, Saluda, and Broads Rivers also make Columbia an outdoor recreation destination. Go fly fishing for trout or paddle through whitewater or cycle, skate, or run alongside the water’s edge while enjoying Columbia’s skyline. Three-mile guided canoe and kayak trips are among the other exciting activities for adventurers and explorers.

After an active day, the State Farmers Market awaits you. Farm fresh produce is readily available in South Carolina during the peak seasons of April through October. To sample specialties and enjoy a cup of coffee while you shop, try the Chapin Downtown Farmers Market. Looking for year-round produce? Soda City, Columbia’s Main Street market, is open every Saturday morning, rain or shine! Enjoy a mix of local food and shops and meet the business owners—many of whom, in true southern fashion, are families that started their business together.

The Congaree Vista is vital in Columbia’s development, as the technology and manufacturing industries continue to grow in the city. Located along the Congaree River, the Congaree Vista serves as Columbia’s center of activity and was originally a warehouse district filled with textile mills and railroad stations. The Vista is also conveniently located near the downtown business district, making it easy to network and navigate in the city. The Vista offers 45 restaurants and more than 60 artists’ galleries and shops.

A Top 100 Places for Business and Careers and for Job Growth (Forbes, 2016), Columbia also has major industries in health care, education, and defense. Its business-friendly climate provides a space for growth, with Fred Anderson Toyota of Columbia, Palmetto Citizens, and CPI Security as top, large-sized employers in the area. Affordable living, a relaxed lifestyle, and a location close to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport also make this city commuter-friendly.