We visited the zoo on a Sunday. It was moderately busy but not too bad. It had a variety of exhibits. Definitely could easily spend 2-4 hours here. Lots to see, lots of food and drink options. Tickets were $25 per person. We really enjoyed our afternoon. The bathrooms were clean, lines were short. We visited the botanical gardens in the back. Those are not worth seeing. Very basic, nothing special. Lots of walking to get to them… so I’d skip if we returned. Great place for family & kids or even just a date spot. My only complaint is the special exhibits close early, and earlier than they state. I wanted to ride a camel and see the giraffes up close and both closed “at 6” and actually closed at 5:30. So we missed that opportunity.

This is a beautiful spot to get outside and enjoy some fresh air! Whether you’re walking along the Congaree River or riding bikes, the path offers stunning views as it runs between the river and the canal. The towering trees and peaceful scenery make it a really enjoyable place to spend time. We visited in the evening and noticed it can get a bit busy with families, but there’s still plenty of space to spread out. There’s also a small workout area for adults if you want to add a little exercise to your walk, and bathrooms are conveniently located before you cross the bridge to the main path. It’s a well-maintained park with plenty to offer, and we’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a relaxing walk, bike ride, or just a quiet spot to enjoy nature.

Fabulous spot! Great gardens and lots of things for the kids. They have a water park there where kids can run around in the fountains and plenty of seating for the parents. Take a tram over to the zoo for free to see the Otters and sea lions!

Such a cute little park! Came here on a whim and had a nice little experience. The amphitheatre is a nice place to sit and view the river (I'm not sure if they have shows there or not as I just went on a random weekday). There are benches for sitting near the water if you want to get a closer view, and there's actually steps down directly to the water where I saw lots of people bringing down tubes to float down the river (seemed so nice, would love to try!). It was a lovely little summer break!

Ventured across the river and Found Free parking near by. I went to the roof top To check out the views and service was super friendly. She gave me some great recommendations and provided great service. I started with the Hugo on the rocks and enjoyed the pear flavor although I prefer real glass over plastic. The beet salad was the highlight of my meal. I enjoyed it throughly and it was so simple. The dressing doesn’t overpower the dish, instead I felt like it accentuated the flavors. The pistachios added a hint of sweetness snd a delightful crunch. I also had the whipped feta and I couldn’t decide if I enjoyed the bread or the cheese more. Delightful experience.

Terra was amazing. We had a large group and everyone raved about their meals. Meals we ordered and loved were the Steak Frites, Korean Short Rib Lettuce Wraps, and Chinese Braised Pork Belly. I got the Crispy Eggplant and it was phenomenal. It was actually crispy and not soggy. Desserts we chose were peanut butter pie with a lovely toasted marshmallow topping, a banana bread cake with ice cream and a cookie with Maker’s Mark ice cream. They had some very unusual ice cream flavors and dessert options. Several agreed they were all delicious, but the peanut butter pie was the best. The drink menu was also quite varied. The servers were exceptional and the atmosphere was comfortable yet elegant. If you’re in the Vista area of Columbia, you need to plan a meal at Terra. (I have no pics of the food. We all just dug in)

Easy-going diner with very friendly service and tasty staples. We came on a Saturday morning and got in quick despite the restaurant being full. The prices were extremely reasonable. The portion sizes were generous as well. We really enjoyed the fresh, hot, fluffy biscuits!

A Family-Friendly Gem: Columbiana Centre Columbiana Centre in Columbia, SC, is a refreshing find in an era of disappearing malls. This vibrant center offers nearly every type of store imaginable, alongside a great food court. What truly sets it apart are the fantastic family-friendly amenities: a Dave & Busters, a carousel, face painting, a cotton candy machine, and a free kids' play area. Even the bathrooms were spotless. As out-of-towners, my daughter and I were thrilled with this unexpected discovery. We'll definitely be back!

We come to Frankie's Fun Park every time we visit family, and my kids absolutely love it! They have a large selection of games, and while some machines don't always seem to work, there's still plenty to keep everyone entertained. The go-karts are by far my kids' favorite — they have a blast every time. No matter your age, there's always something fun to do here. It's a great spot for family fun!

Super fun experience for my birthday today! We did "The Cabin" and it was perfect - not too hard, but satisfying when we solved it! Thanks to Game Master Caitlyn for all her hints. Will definitely be back soon!

We went for New Years Eve 12/31/24. Parking was fairly easy to find. Entrance easy also. The christmas lights were beautiful. We also eatch the fireworks that evening. We strolled around and took plenty of pictures. We also stopped to purchase hot chocolate and items to make smores from a vendor on the premises. Sat down over a fire pit to make them was alot of fun. I would definitely recommend coming here.

I ordered a double cheeseburger for my husband, and the varieties of toppings they had are awesome. I ordered hot dogs for me. they were nice and grilled with yummy toppings.

Absolutely amazing! Melissa opened the door as I was trying to come in with baby, bags and all. She got my tray and cup for me. Helped with food recommendations, as well! Was such a blessing! Really appreciated her!

When I say one of the best places to go in Columbia, I mean that. From the atmosphere to the food, and the service from the staff was Top Tier. This is definitely my new go to place. My wife enjoyed her birthday dinner and all of the drinks was superb 👌. Just know I'll always support especially if my favorite waiter "Mary" I think that was her name is there...Thanks again for a great experience.

Went here with my parents during Family Day after BCT graduation, one of the first stops off post in 10 weeks. The tacos were authentic, well-seasoned, and tasted fresh. Portions were fair, and the presentation was solid. My mom, who is from Mexico, really liked the food, which says a lot about the quality. The atmosphere was casual and comfortable, and service was straightforward with no issues. Prices matched the quality. After weeks of chow hall food, it felt like a proper meal. A good option in Columbia if you want authentic Mexican without anything gimmicky.

Spent the weekend of 3/22-3/23/2025 in Columbia SC. I attended the Lady Gamecocks 2025 NCAA Tournament second round game. The crowd was alive and cheering throughout. I paid $20.00 for parking in a nice size parking deck. The price of parking was a lot cheaper than expected. The ushers moved us all into the CLA in a reasonable amount of time. It wasn't hard finding my seats (section 112, row 20, seats 13-14). Indiana had a great game plan in the first half. The second half was a totally different story. Overall, it was a great game, and the ticket prices weren't outrageous, in my opinion. I can't comment on the food I had eaten before the game. This is a family environment, and the fans really support their Lady Gamecocks basketball team.

This live orchestra performance from the Boston Brass Band was an unforgettable evening of artistry, precision, and emotional depth. Whether you’re a long-time fan of classical music or a newcomer, it’s an experience that proves the timeless appeal of a live orchestral performance.

This was a very fun team building activity with my co-workers. "Who Stole Mona?" Team building is important to keep teams together solving problems together. This was so much fun. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We got out with 8 minutes left. What a thrill? I will be back.

After Kara Chamberlain Robinson posted about this place a few months ago, I saved it on my map to visit one day. Well I decided to take a trip to Columbia for the long weekend. I will say I'm glad I saved this on my map to visit, it was worth it. This market is much larger than I expected. The only issue was too many dogs. Someone allowed their dog to poop and NOT picked it up and everyone was stepping in it. This market would be better if they didn't allow dogs. I felt like I was at a dog market.

The Columbia Museum of Art is a cultural treasure in the heart of downtown, featuring an impressive collection spanning centuries and styles. The museum’s highlights include Renaissance masterpieces, modern works, and engaging rotating exhibits. The space itself is bright and inviting, with a beautiful sculpture garden for reflection. Perfect for art lovers and families alike, the museum also offers hands-on activities for kids and educational programs. Its central location makes it an ideal stop to explore Columbia’s vibrant art scene.

Food, service and atmosphere were all outstanding. Lobster roll and steak & eggs both really delicious. You can tell how much passion Chef Howard has for his craft with every bite. And our server Brandon was the icing on the cake. Love MOM!

Brunch at Hampton Street Vineyard was an experience we won’t soon forget. From the moment we arrived—just 15 minutes after making our reservation—we were met with warmth, efficiency, and a level of hospitality that immediately set the restaurant apart. The maître d' greeted us with a genuine smile, already aware of our airborne seafood allergy, and had thoughtfully arranged for us to be seated outside to ensure our comfort. Her attention to detail didn’t stop there—she also took the time to introduce us to our server and provide a thoughtful preview of what we could expect from our meal. Then came Anne, our server, who transformed what could have been a simple brunch into something extraordinary. She was the perfect combination of personable and professional, balancing attentiveness with a charismatic energy that made us feel like more than just guests—like we were truly being cared for. She guided us through the menu with insightful recommendations, and every suggestion she made was spot-on. The eggs were a revelation, with layers of flavor that unfolded with each bite, and when the maître d' returned to check in, we seized the opportunity to learn more about the spice blends and techniques that made our steaks so unforgettable. It was clear that every element of the meal had been carefully curated, and the result was nothing short of remarkable. Just when we thought the experience couldn’t get any better, dessert arrived—and we were proven gloriously wrong. Every dish was a masterpiece of flavor and presentation, but the brown butter tart with Chantilly cream was an undeniable standout. Rich, decadent, and perfectly balanced, it was the kind of dessert that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. Paired with their refreshing cranberry mimosas, it was the perfect indulgence, and we happily savored every moment. Beyond the exceptional food, what truly set Hampton Street Vineyard apart was the atmosphere—an inviting blend of elegance and Southern charm that made it impossible to rush through the meal. The hospitality extended by Kat, Gage, and Anne made us feel as if we were longtime regulars rather than first-time visitors, and by the time we finally tore ourselves away from the table, one thing was certain: we would be back. With food this extraordinary, service this impeccable, and an ambiance that makes you want to linger just a little longer, there’s no question—we’re already counting down the days until our next visit.

The overnight oats are amazing!! I could literally eat them for every meal. 10/10 highly recommend. The chai latte is always so good. The atmosphere is so relaxing. It’s just all around a good vibe. Such a great start to the day.

Dined here for our anniversary dinner on Friday night. Our server for the evening was Greg and he was exceptional! He shared his favorites on the menu as well as the specials of the day. We started with appetizers and had the pear salad and also the shrimp and grit cake. Both were plentiful and beautifully presented. For our entrees we chose the Mahi & shrimp from the menu and the halibut & shrimp from the specials of the day. Both dishes were perfectly cooked, especially the shrimp, and the portions were also plentiful. We really appreciated that Greg was extremely accommodating when we asked for some slight changes in a few of our menu choices. He was attentive during the meal and really made our anniversary dining experience special. Thank you, Greg and Cola, for a great evening!

I thought this was a great museum and a great price point. It was only $13 for adults, $33 if you did the extra Disney exhibit. The exhibits were interesting and ranged from early history to war-time era. I really enjoyed the visiting Disney exhibit. It was really neat to see all the costumes from different films.

The park is beautifully landscaped, quiet and clean.

Took my 5 year old on Thursday and we had a blast! We hadn’t been in almost two years so it was exciting seeing all the new things they added as well as the classics ! The news room was honestly her favorite, she loved pretending to tell her news report, the animal clinic was amazing as well! I absolutely would recommend this place as somewhere different to take your kid/kiddos it’s educational and fun at the same time! We will be back again soon!🥰

This was a great tour! David our tour guide was awesome! He was so inviting and friendly and had a wonderful knowledge base of the football stadium and its traditions. The tour is free and lasts about 45-1hr. You get to see plenty of stuff (I’m not giving away all the secrets) but you won’t be disappointed. Make sure you sign up and get your free tickets in advance. That way you have them. The parking lot is easy to get in and out of. Make sure to add this to the list!

Lula Drake wine parlour is the best bar you’ll find in South Carolina. As soon as you walk in the staff welcomes you with open arms. Shoutout Jess the bartender, very assertive and accommodating. The dark chocolate terrine cake is out of this world. The bar is beautiful and the ambiance inside is original and pristine. Really a great vibe for the city of Columbia.

Greeted by the sweet gentleman who valet parked our car. Walked into a fantastic old building with so much charm. High ceilings and exposed brick. I believe it was a machine shop with a hotel next store at one time. Had a charming table in the middle of the restaurant with cozy vibes. Our server Devin was kind and personable with a great overall knowledge of the menu. We shared fresh burrata with melon and a pickle cheese board. Outstanding with so much flavor. Being a vegetarian I had a pasta dish with cream and fresh vegetables which included zucchini, squash and tomatoes. My guests each had shrimp and grits. The grits are farmed from NC and the shrimp was the perfect size and full of flavor. Yes a spoon was also provided to lap it all up. The cocktails were delicious as well as a lovely bottle of red wine - Sangiovese- from Italy. Crème brûlée in a generous-sized ramekin was our dessert choice which was outstanding. Truly a special dining experience celebrating my son’s birthday. We will be back. A little gem in a sweet little city. Thank you!

The Blue Marlin in Columbia, SC is an absolute gem. The crab cake entrée was perfectly seasoned and full of flavor, one of the best I’ve ever had. The Southern Candied Pecan Salad was just as impressive, fresh and balanced with just the right touch of sweetness. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a great meal. Highly recommend for anyone looking for delicious Southern-inspired seafood and a welcoming dining experience.

I ordered the two piece breast meal. My food came out quickly even though it was right in the middle of dinner rush. The chicken was fantastic! Crispy delicious skin and tender and juicy on the inside. Crispy french fries and coleslaw came as my sides. Both of those were great too! I look forward to visiting again 😀