Facinating stories, Historic Quirks & Local Trivia you Might Not know About 12 Unforgettable Spots around Columbia
1.
Sally the Salamander - a Journey Through Downtown
Sally’s a bronze salamander hiding all over downtown Columbia — spotting her is a fun, free scavenger hunt that’s perfect for exploring the city on foot.
Fun Facts
Sally is Columbia’s unofficial mascot, and the tour was created to encourage kids (and adults!) to explore the city’s landmarks.
The tour was inspired by a real discovery — a rare species of salamander found in the Congaree Swamp. It’s a creative way Columbia encourages downtown exploration and local learning.
2.
The Historic Train Station on Lincoln Street
The station is now home to the Blue Marlin restaurant and other businesses, but still carries the look of a classic depot.
Fun Facts
This building was originally Columbia’s Seaboard Air Line Railway Station, built in 1903 — it once welcomed trains from across the Southeast.
3.
Soda City's Open-Air Market and Historic Downtown Streets
The downtown blocks are lined with art, murals, historical buildings, and local shops. Every Saturday year-round from 9 AM – 1 PM The Soda City Market takes place.
Inspired by traditional European street markets, it offers a diverse array of products, including fresh produce, handmade crafts, and international cuisine.
Fun Facts
Gervais Street is one of the city’s oldest roads and part of Columbia’s original 1786 grid layout — making it one of the earliest planned cities in the U.S.
4.
The South Carolina State House Grounds
The Capitol’s manicured lawns, monuments, and iconic dome make it one of the prettiest walks in the city.
Fun Facts
Six bronze stars mark cannonball strikes from General Sherman’s siege in 1865 during the Civil War — they’re still visible on the building today.
The dome is cast iron, not copper, which gives it a darker color than many U.S. capitol buildings. The statue of George Washington on the grounds lost part of its walking cane during Union shelling — and it’s never been repaired.
5.
The Columbia Museum of Art Garden
The museum itself was closed when we visited, but the outdoor seating area made a great coffee stop.
Fun Facts
The Columbia Museum of Art holds works from artists like Monet, Botticelli, and Warhol — and its building was once a department store.
Before its current location, the museum shared space with the local public library. Its relocation and expansion helped launch the revitalization of Main Street in the early 2000s.
6.
Coffee and Cocktails at the Sheraton Hotel
Housed in a former bank, the Sheraton offered a gorgeous mix of marble, vaults, and a rooftop view.
Fun Facts
This building was originally the Palmetto Building, built in 1913 — and it was South Carolina’s first skyscraper.
When completed in 1913, it was the tallest building in South Carolina and one of the tallest in the Southeast. Its original elevators were manually operated and the building housed Columbia’s first rooftop restaurant.
7.
Tapas and Drinks at Bourbon on Main Street
A cozy, Southern-chic spot known for small plates and a deep whiskey list.
Fun Facts
Bourbon is located in a pre-Civil War era building just a block from the State House — giving it extra historic flavor.
Its historic building originally served as a dry goods store in the 1800s. The bar features reclaimed wood and antique accents that reflect the structure’s original period.
8.
Browse Through the Arcade Building
Tucked between Main and Washington Streets, this indoor walkway is lined with shops, restaurants, and vintage charm — a peaceful spot to wander, grab a coffee, or browse books.
Fun Facts
Built in 1912, the Arcade was Columbia’s first indoor shopping center. Inspired by Italian arcades, it features skylights, decorative tile floors, and Renaissance Revival details.
In the 1970s, its basement hosted “Down Under Columbia,” a series of bars and restaurants meant to rival Underground Atlanta.
9.
Congaree National Park
An easy escape from the city into towering forests and serene wetlands.
Fun Facts
Congaree National Park protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States.
Some of the loblolly pines in Congaree grow over 160 feet tall — among the tallest trees in the eastern U.S. The park floods seasonally, which nourishes the soil and helps maintain biodiversity.
10.
Walk the Grounds of the University of South Carolina
Stroll through USC’s picturesque campus, with its brick paths, historic buildings, and grand oak trees — peaceful, green, and full of character.
Fun Facts
The heart of USC’s campus, known as the Horseshoe, dates back to 1805. During the Civil War, one of its buildings served as a Confederate hospital. Today, it’s a National Historic District and one of the oldest parts of the university still in use.
The Thomas Cooper Library holds an extensive collection of Hemingway’s letters, manuscripts, and personal items — a literary treasure trove for researchers and fans.
The school’s mascot is the Gamecock — and it comes with a battle cry.
The Gamecock was chosen to reflect the fighting spirit of Revolutionary War hero Thomas Sumter, who was nicknamed “The Carolina Gamecock.”
11.
The South Carolina State Museum
Explore exhibits that cover not just South Carolina’s history, but how the state has responded to change — from innovation and industry to art and communication.
Fun Facts
The museum is housed in a former textile mill built in 1894 and features a planetarium, observatory, and 4D theater.
Built in 1894, the Columbia Mills Building was the first completely electric textile mill in the world.
The observatory includes a historic Alvan Clark telescope.
This refracting telescope, built in the early 1900s, was fully restored and sits under a rotating dome used for public stargazing events.
12.
Stopped by Columbia Craft Brewery
Great local beer, casual vibes, and a patio perfect for relaxing.
Fun Facts
Columbia Craft opened in 2017, transforming a former mid-century car dealership into a vibrant brewery. Their journey began as a family homebrewing hobby, evolving into a cornerstone of Columbia’s craft beer scene.
MACROECONOMICS Lager: A standout in their lineup, this lager earned a Gold Medal for Contemporary American-Style Lager at the 2023 World Beer Cup, showcasing their commitment to quality and innovation.
Experimental Brews: Columbia Craft is known for pushing the boundaries with unique flavors, such as their Alien Hat v.2, a sour ale infused with strawberry and guava, offering a crisp, acidic finish.
Test Your Knowledge!
Columbia, SC Quiz
A fun, fast-paced quiz to test and see what you can recall about the fun facts above! Try quick mode for a fast challenge or take the full quiz to see how much you really know!
