10 11 HEART OF THE PALMETTO STATE HARBISON STATE FOREST, COLUMBIA Find 18 miles of hiking and biking trails, plus free programming, just minutes from downtown. LITTLE MOUNTAIN UNLIMITED, LITTLE MOUNTAIN Explore quirky antiques and hidden treasures, then grab lunch at the on-site cafe. LAURA’S TEA ROOM, RIDGEWAY Enjoy a midday spot of tea with warm scones and Devonshire cream. TERROR FALLS HAUNTED FARM, GASTON Four spooky attractions bring seasonal thrills and chills. Columbia strikes a bold balance—capital city meets college-town cool, with a creative streak all its own. Explore preserved mansions, storied neighborhoods and important African American history sites with Historic Columbia tours, or soak up river views when you meander along the scenic West Columbia Riverwalk Park . Swing by the South Carolina State House for a free tour of its grand architecture and radiant stained glass, 10. Congaree National Park, Hopkins then toast the town with rooftop cocktails at Moxy Columbia Downtown . Then indulge in French fare and fine wine at Hampton Street Vineyard . The city hums with local pride at events like the Saturday morning Soda City Market , named #1 Farmers Market in the country by USA Today 's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. At the Cottontown Art Crawl (March 7), artists, vendors, musicians and food trucks take 11. South Carolina State House, Columbia over the streets. Don’t miss the Columbia International Festival (April 18–19), a colorful celebration of global cultures and cuisines. When the sun sets, The Vista district comes alive. Catch live music at Tin Roof , sip thoughtfully curated vintages at Lula Drake Wine Parlour or go wild with woodsy, elevated dishes like elk bolognese at The Hollow . 12. Columbia International Festival, Columbia 10 EMMA TRENT WITH CINEMATIC TECHNOLOGIES CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK, HOPKINS Experience towering trees, boardwalk trails, kayak routes and synchronous fireflies (May/June). 5 Unexpected DetoUrs 12 Columbia
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