Columbia
Around Columbia
Photo: Akhenaton06 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Metro area · South Carolina · 870k people
Columbia
Locals say The Midlands · “Soda City”, “Cola”
The Midlands' beating heart, where history and hospitality flow.
GarnetBlack
Welcome to the Midlands! Whether you're here for the Gamecocks, the river, or the friendly folks, you'll find a warm Southern vibe. Grab some sweet tea and explore the Vista, the riverwalk, and everything in between.
Clubs for Columbia
No clubs for Columbia yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Columbia. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Columbia. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- University of South Carolina Horseshoe Historic green at the heart of USC.
- Congaree Riverwalk Riverside path with views of the city and wildlife.
- Lake Murray Dam Scenic overlook and popular fishing spot.
- Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Major zoo and botanical garden along the river.
- Columbia Museum of Art Art museum with European and American collections.
- Williams-Brice Stadium Home of the Gamecocks football team.
- Outdoors Kayak or paddleboard on the Congaree
- Outdoors Hike the trails at Harbison State Forest
- With kids Visit Riverbanks Zoo
- With kids Explore EdVenture Children's Museum
- Evenings Bar-hop in the Vista
- Evenings Catch live music in Five Points
- Locals love Riverfront parks
- Locals love Lake houses
Through the year
- S.C. State Fair October Classic state fair with rides, food, and exhibits.
- Soda City Market Every Saturday Weekly farmers and artisan market on Main Street.
- First Thursday on Main First Thursday monthly Monthly gallery night and street festival in the Vista.
- Columbia Open Studios April Self-guided tour of local artists' studios.
- Famously Hot New Year's Eve December 31 Downtown celebration with music and fireworks.
Columbia has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Spring and fall are the best times to be outdoors. Best: Spring and fall are the best times to be outdoors, with mild temps and lower humidity.
Talk like a local
- “Soda City”
- Nickname for Columbia.
- “The Vista”
- Downtown entertainment district.
- “Five Points”
- Historic neighborhood near USC.
- “The Horseshoe”
- USC's historic campus green.
Getaways
- Orangeburg Small city with the Edisto Memorial Gardens.
- Newberry Historic downtown and Lake Murray access.
- Sumter Home to Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
- Augusta Riverwalk and the Masters golf tournament.
Local flavour
Teams
- South Carolina Gamecocks NCAA Division I
- Columbia Fireflies MiLB (Carolina League)
Eat and drink
- Mustard-based barbecue Midlands style, often served with pulled pork
- Pimento cheese Southern staple, common at gatherings and restaurants
- Sweet tea Iced tea sweetened, ubiquitous in the South
- Boiled peanuts Roadside snack, boiled in brine
Where people go
- State capitol grounds The South Carolina State House with its copper dome
- College campus (USC Horseshoe) Historic heart of the University of South Carolina
- Riverwalk along the Congaree Scenic trail and park along the river
- Lake Murray Large reservoir popular for boating and fishing
- Historic districts (Vista, Five Points) Neighbourhoods with shops, dining, and nightlife
Heritage and traditions
Columbia and the Midlands are proud of their Southern hospitality, historic capital city charm, and the vibrant college-town energy of USC, along with a deep love for Gamecock football and mustard-based barbecue.
This time of year in Columbia
- Gamecock football tailgating Fall Fall Saturdays at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Say it like a local: “fixin' to” — about to
Festivals
- St. Patrick's Day in Five Points March Lively street festival with music, food, and green beer.
- Greek Festival May Greek Orthodox Church event with food, dancing, and traditions.
- Columbia International Festival January Showcases global cultures with exhibits, performances, and food.
- Latin American Festival September Celebrates Latin American heritage with music, dance, and cuisine.
- Jubilee Festival of Heritage February Honors African American history and culture with performances and exhibits.
- Rosewood Crawfish Festival April Louisiana-style crawfish boil and live music in the neighborhood.
Landmarks with a story
- Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Built in 1846, a Gothic Revival landmark.
- First Baptist Church Site of the South Carolina Secession Convention in 1860.
- Robert Mills House Designed by the architect of the Washington Monument, a National Historic Landmark.
- Hampton-Preston Mansion Antebellum house with gardens and architecture.
- Mann-Simons Site Preserves the story of a free African American family in the 19th century.
- Fort Jackson Established in 1917, a major U.S. Army training center.
Food traditions
- Hash and rice A Midlands BBQ staple, made from slow-cooked pork offal served over rice, often as a side.
- Chicken bog A one-pot chicken and rice dish with sausage, a Midlands comfort food.
- Sunday dinner after church Fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens are common family meals.
Music and arts
- Columbia City Jazz Professional dance company.
- South Carolina Philharmonic Regional orchestra.
- Indie rock scene Bands like Hootie & the Blowfish emerged from USC.
- Vista arts district Galleries and studios.
A little history
- 1786 Columbia founded as state capital
- 1801 University of South Carolina established
- 1865 Columbia burned during the Civil War
- 1917 Fort Jackson established
- 1920s Lake Murray created by damming the Saluda River
Rivalries
- USC vs. Clemson The Palmetto Bowl football rivalry.
- Columbia Fireflies vs. Greenville Drive Minor league baseball rivalry.
- Irmo vs. Dutch Fork High school football rivalry in the Midlands.
- Game day Tailgating at Williams-Brice Stadium
- Game day Cockaboose tailgating
- Outdoors Float the Saluda River
- Outdoors Hike at Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve
- With kids Columbia Marionette Theatre
- With kids Columbia Fireflies baseball games
The Midlands speak with a Southern accent, often drawing out vowels and using phrases like 'y'all' and 'fixin' to'. You'll hear 'coke' for any soft drink and 'supper' for the evening meal.
Only here
- The 'Famously Hot' nickname for Columbia, referencing its hot summers and spirited vibe.
- The 'Soda City' nickname, from the Soda City Market held every Saturday.
- Brass stars on the State House walls mark where cannonballs struck during the Civil War.
- The 'Cockaboose' tradition: tailgating from converted railroad cabooses parked near Williams-Brice Stadium.
New here? A few tips
- Get used to the heat and humidity in summer; stay hydrated.
- Learn to say 'y'all' and 'bless your heart' to fit in.
- Try the mustard-based BBQ and hash and rice at a local joint.
- Know that 'Soda City' is the nickname for Columbia; the Soda City Market is on Saturdays.
- Traffic on I-26 and I-20 can be heavy during rush hour; plan accordingly.
Make this page better
Know a place, a festival, a word locals use, or something here that's wrong? Suggest it; someone at Popchat checks every one.
Sign in and join a club here to suggest.
Part of Columbia area
Nearby
Every areaOrangeburgSouth CarolinaWhere peaches and Bulldogs grow.NewberrySouth CarolinaA quiet place with a big heart.SumterSouth CarolinaWhere Southern spirit takes flightBishopvilleSouth CarolinaWhere the cotton grows tall and the pace is slow.ManningSouth CarolinaWhere the pines meet the waterBarnwellSouth CarolinaWhere the pines meet the Salkehatchie.AugustaGeorgiaA river town with a green heartGreenwoodSouth CarolinaLakeside living, peach-sweet days.
Columbia, SC. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.