For a strong decade, Charleston has constantly been a thriving Southern hotspot with its European aesthetics, out-of-this-world delicacies, and random, but legendary, Bill Murray sightings.
Steeped in historical past, surrounded by lush nature, and with a burgeoning meals scene in its personal proper, South Carolina’s capital metropolis broke all-time tourism data in 2024.
Far past only a school soccer city, this under-hyped getaway boasts pristine lakes, down-home appeal, affordability throughout the board, and much much less crowds than Charleston — particularly come summer season when it is time to hit the seaside.
A file 1.3 million vacationers had a blast in Columbia final 12 months, and you’ll too!
‘No Cap’ In This Capital
While Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and quite a few islands have lengthy been South Carolina’s predominant attraction to vacationers, the capital metropolis of Columbia is getting its due.
In reality, Columbia’s Metropolitan Airport (CAE) shall be present process a makeover, including new facilities and extra flights to the already buzzing metropolis.
While one may nonetheless argue Columbia is a hidden gem within the shadows of aforementioned Charleston and Myrtle Beach, the charming historical past, sensational eating places, energetic school bars, and astounding nature outdoors intertwined out and in of town limits are largely what have drawn in a file variety of guests.
Whether or not it’s the State House marvel, James Beard-recognized eats, Saturday tailgates, old-timey inns, or the delights of Lake Murray, Columbia gives a surprisingly numerous expertise — it is no one-trick pony.
Lake Murray: Cool Down & Unwind In Columbia’s Summer Hotspot
Just west of Columbia lies Lake Murray, a sprawling century-old man-made reservoir that really has water (do not inform LA!).
The 50,000-acre lake is a large draw within the summertime for fishermen, boaters, and anybody trying to benefit from the sunny season. You can even take a dip within the clear waters, enterprise out on a kayak, or sit beachside, taking within the views with a chilly drink in hand.
One stunning ingredient to Lake Murray is what’s generally known as the Purple Martin Phenomenon — no less than 1 million birds roost on Bomb Island, making a spectacle that actually must be seen to be believed.
The flock is so enormous that native climate radars have malfunctioned because of the sheer dimension of Martins which can be often seen late June to early August.
An out-of-state customer from final summer season beloved her keep, saying, ‘We stayed every week in a lake home in July and beloved our keep. The water seemed to be fairly clear and well-kept in every single place. There had been a number of beachy sandy areas to drag as much as and relaxation or cool off.’
Speaking of stays, there actually is a variety of dreamy lakeside leases to select from. You’ll discover inns within the metropolis, however principally cabin leases round Lake Murray that you may guide on platforms like Airbnb, Booking, or HomeToGo.
Columbia’s Urban Delights
While town rallies round their beloved Gamecocks late summer season to winter, there’s way more to do and see than root for the large sport on Saturdays.
While Charleston is undeniably one among America’s prime foodie cities, Columbia boasts a lot of the identical southern residence cookin’ at such locations as D & D Country Cooking in addition to a pleasant mixture of highly-anticipated new eating places like The Bistreaux on Assembly, bringing the New Orleans flavors all of us like to Columbia.
You’ll additionally discover an array of intriguing museums like top-rated Columbia Museum of Art (reopening May 24), South Carolina State Museum showcasing the rise of South Carolina’s prominence, and Cayce Historical Museum, a lesser-known website with an enchanting Native American exhibit and solely $3 to enter.
Of course, downtown itself is a delight to discover, particularly Main Street. Here, you may discover classic retailers and sightly landmarks just like the Nickelodeon Theatre, or enterprise to The Vista, the place you may discover upscale inns and eating places, artwork galleries, and quick access to Congaree River for kayaking or having fun with a craft beer on a breezy patio at Columbia Craft Brewing Company.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.