Things To Do

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Riverbanks Zoo is one of the highlights of Columbia. Several of our friends (especially those with kids) are there weekly. The Botanical Gardens also make for a great location to walk and enjoy the flowers and plant life. They also just renovated the aquarium and reptile house earlier this year.

Columbia Museum of Art

South Carolina State Museum

Our State Museum has several floors and a planetarium. There's an Edventure Museum for kids in the same parking lot as well. The State Museum also has $1 general admission on the first Sunday of the month.

Soda City Market

A great pedestrian market on Saturday mornings, where you can find local artists, farmers, and food. You can often find Mary Catherine here, working as a vendor alongside her mom. And if you come late enough, Austin may have crawled out of bed to join them.

Saluda Riverwalk

This was both where we had our first walk together and where we got engaged!

Escapology Escape Rooms Columbia (Vista)

We went on a double date here and had a blast. We did the Mansion Murder room, and Austin has also done the Mayday room with his office. We recommend a group of at least 4 adults/teens, but they have a Scooby Doo one that younger children may enjoy too.

Cool Beans Coffee Co

We went here on our first date. It snowed!

Drip Coffee

This is near Mary Catherine's studio and she often stops in. She recommends the london fog.

Cantina 76

A great local spot near the venues. We've not been here together, can you believe it?! But we both go frequently with friends and family.

Halls Chophouse Columbia

We celebrated our engagement here. It's among the pricier options, but worth it if you want a first-class dining experience.

Burger Tavern 77

We went here on our first lunch/dining date. It's a great burger joint.

Church of the Apostles Columbia

If you're looking for a church to attend on Sunday, CotA has been Austin's home for over a decade. He recommends everyone go at least once to experience the liturgy passed down from the earliest English churches. And while it may be "high church", you can still wear jeans and a t-shirt and fit right in (he certainly has on occasion). Just be sure to grab a bulletin, as the service involves the congregation a lot (and no, you don't have to kneel, even if everyone else does).

Midtown Fellowship Church: Downtown Columbia, SC

If you're looking for a church to attend on Sunday, Midtown Fellowship has been Mary Catherine's home for nine years. Different than Austin's church, Midtown is contemporary. The band leads us in worship and the gospel is shared every Sunday. We hope you feel welcomed and encouraged if you decide to visit.