ONE Day in Columbia :( (Irmo, Hampton: house, neighborhoods, shop)

[eureka1]

Our overly ambitious roadtrip to North and South Carolina is leaving us with only ONE full day in Columbia and I just found out the State Fair wlll be going strong. I've searched the web for guided tours, walking tours etc and haven't come up with anything which would give us kind of an overview (first visit). Is there a driving route like the 49 mile drive in San Francisco that takes you by the major sights? I need to see the Capitol and USC but I'd like to see some neighborhoods too. For our one dinner would you recommend someplace in the Vista or something else? What effect will the Fair have? Will everything be so jammed we should postpone till next year's trip? Any advice appreciated! Waccamatt, can you help?

[mettler]

The Fair is on the far end of town, so you won't be affected by that unless you want to see the stadium. You are going to have a problem finding a route that is going to take you thru the major neighborhoods of Columbia. There are so many, and each is its own place.
The vista would be fine for dinner, and even a nice place to walk around at night. I don't know your age or whom you are traveling with - get a late dinner in the vista and then stroll around. There is a good Oyster bar on Park St that is fun, Ristorante Divino is good, and a personal favorite (just outside the vista) Hampton Street Vinyards.
It is tough to recommend a neighborhood. I am a big fan of downtown/Shandon/Rosewood etc, but Irmo is nice, NE with the gonzo shopping area is nice..it really depends on what you are looking for.

[jlboney]

As mentioned, it is hard to find a route that will take you through Neighborhoods here. It should not be hard to see the down town area, and the Vista, Rosewood, and 5 Points areas are all neat. Lots of shopping and dining. The Fair will be at the end of Rosewood Drive, so around the Fair on Rosewood and Assembly Street will likely be the only areas that are greatly affected by fair traffic.

[waccamatt]

There used to be a route called the tour of Columbia that took you through all of the nicest neighborhoods, but I can't recall seeing the signs recently. The Palmetto Trail runs through Columbia, but it is mostly a walking/biking trail as opposed to a driving trail. If you check out the website link in my profile I have photos of many neighborhoods. IF I get really ambitious maybe I'll map out a tour that would take you to the coolest 'hoods in town - no promises though.

[burr]

If you've got only a day, I would suggest visiting downtown area, with emphasis on Carolina campus / State House area, maybe FivePoints. For lunch and a break, get a sandwich from the delicious deli at the Vista Publix, go to the river and enjoy the trails. Very relaxing. The museam is at the river / Vista area, a brand new (almost done) baseball park (USC) is on the river, but to see Columbia in a day would be better from the 'net.

[eureka1]

Thank you all very much. I'm printing this out and taking it with us. We're keeping our plans a bit fluid in case of hurricanes so if we don't make it to Nag's Head, our backup plan would be more time in Columbia or checking out Congaree Park if the weather would allow. Getting excited!

[waccamatt]

The fall is a wonderful time to checkout Congaree National Park.

[eureka1]

Waccamatt,your website is awesome. I feel like we're already there. Will let you know how it goes. Leaving tomorrow a.m. Best,

[waccamatt]

Thanks Eureka, I hope you have a good time.