Copyright Charleston Post and Courier
Columbia comes alive in the fall. The weather cools down just enough, fall events like Famously Hot Pride, Jam Room Music Festival, the S.C. State Fair and West Columbia’s Fall Back Festival fill up Midlands residents’ social calendars. But for most of us, football is king. For seven Saturdays a year, Columbia transforms into a garnet and black hub of school spirit, Gamecock camaraderie and good ole fashioned fun. Here’s how to make the most of a football weekend in Columbia, from Friday to Sunday: Friday Depending on when kick-off is scheduled at Williams-Brice Stadium, you might want to take it easy Friday night. I recommend staying in The Vista, where plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops and nightlife options await within walking distance. For happy hour, Pearlz Oyster Bar and COA offer craft-made cocktails and nice atmospheres. Both restaurants offer happy hour deals on food and drink. For dinner, head to The Hollow, where the game-forward restaurant serves up innovative bites like Elk Bolognese and Bison Short Rib. A whimsical cocktail menu offers alcoholic, THC-infused and non-alcoholic options. If you’re looking for something not as wild, try their pumpkin ravioli. The Dragon Room is a great place for an after-dinner cocktail or snack. The late-night bar is popular with food and beverage industry folks, and the Asian fusion joint always offers something fun to try — the Temaki Crunchwrap takes a Taco Bell classic and gives it a poke twist. For those looking to keep the night going, Art Bar is a locals haunt with eclectic decor and a reliable music lineup. Or, you can head up the hill to Main Street for a bit of dancing at Prohibition or live music at The Joint. Saturday The big day. Whether you’re tailgating or just going to watch the Gamecocks, it’s always best to have a plan. A shuttle bus picks up passengers on Sumter Street near the University of South Carolina’s Horseshoe, offering frequent transportation between the heart of downtown and the hub of USC tailgating: the Fairgrounds. If you’re bringing your own car, lots like Gamecock Park and the Fairgrounds allow you to book your spot in advance, but there are plenty of private lots you can drive up to day of, including the former State Newspaper building and Lyon’s General Store on Rosewood Drive. Don’t feel like making your own party? Head to J’s Corner, a storied pump station turned gameday hub at the corner of Rosewood and Bluff roads. The restaurant and bar has lots of outdoor space — including cornhole and space for kids to play — while being a 10 minute walk to the stadium. Peeble’s Sports Pub on Rosewood Drive is also a short walk from Williams-Brice Stadium. Gamecocks playing away? The best spot to watch an away game is at Market on Main, an elevated sports bar with a huge outdoor patio and mammoth projector screen. In between plays and commercials, a DJ or musician is typically playing tunes to keep the atmosphere lively. Other spots to watch football in Columbia include Five Points favorites Jake’s Sports Bar and Grill and Home Team BBQ, Cayce’s Steel Hands Brewing, Devine Street’s Publick House and West Columbia’s D’s Wings. If the game is over and you’re craving a bit of late-night eats, head to Bar None in Five Points, Beezer’s near USC’s Horseshoe or Main Street’s The Grand, where you can also take on your friends in a bowling match. Sunday While football is the main event, there’s still lots to explore in Columbia. Sundays are a great time to check out the outdoor and cultural attractions in Soda City, including the Columbia Museum of Art, the Five Points shopping district and the riverwalk trails that offer free access to the three rivers that converge in the heart of the Midlands. For breakfast, head to smallSUGAR in the Vista for delectable pastries and coffee drinks, or wait for brunch and head to one of the city’s many offerings. My picks are usually DiPrato’s near the USC campus or the Gourmet Shop in Five Points.
