Let Me Live Vicariously Through Your Fun Columbia Weekend

By Jillian Owens
November 1, 2013

It seems like every time I leave Columbia for the weekend, I end up missing out on all sorts of really fun stuff. This weekend is no exception! While I’ll be relaxing in the mountains up north, I want you to do me a favor. I want you to live the weekend I would be living if I was staying in town! Don’t worry. It’s going to be awesome!

We’ll start with Friday after work. You must must MUST swing by the Columbia Museum of Art for Arts & Draughts. Not only will you get to check out the Annie Lebowitz Pilgrimage Exhibit (You can even get a guided tour), you’ll also get to listen to a few up-and-coming local bands whilst imbibing on wine and beer. Afterwards, walk down to The Whig for a nightcap (If you haven’t had it, try the Magners Cider over ice). Don’t forget to get some cash from the bar so you can fully enjoy the best jukebox in Columbia.

When you get up Saturday morning, swing by Soda City Farmers Market for breakfast. You’ll have plenty of great food vendors to choose from, and there’s always fresh hot coffee too! Check out some awesome local art, and pick up some fresh local produce for next week (gotta look towards the future, my friend). After that, head on over to Cellar on Greene for their AhMazing Giant Wine Sale & Tasting (from 12-2). Here you can sample 30+ tasty wines. You’ll definitely find at least a few bottles you’ll want to give a good home.

Wow! We’re already into Saturday Afternoon! Where has the day gone? You’re going to need lunch after all that wine, so why don’t you soak up that booze with a tasty gourmet burger from Pawley’s Front Porch. It’s just a comfy walk from Cellar on Greene. With combinations like sauteed Vidalia onions, wild mushrooms and gruyere, you’re sure to find something that’s perfect for your palette!

I could easily pretend that all I would need now is a quick disco nap before heading out for a wild night, but let’s be realistic. The nap would definitely happen, but I’d probably end up cooking up some of my Soda City purchases, pairing it with with a bottle of wine from earlier in the afternoon, and watching netflix with a friend. It’s nothing to be ashamed of!

The weekend has really flown by! We’re already on Sunday! Sleep in, my friend. You’ve earned it. Then get up and have a tasty brunch at Cafe Strudel. I personally recommend the Hangover Hashbrowns and the Strudel. Cafe Strudel is conveniently close to the West Columbia Riverwalk. Take advantage of the cool, but not quite chilly weather and take a nice stroll.

However you choose to spend your weekend, I hope it’s a marvelous one! Cheers!

Jillian Owens is a writer, designer, and eco-fashion revolutionary. A Columbia SC transplant, she graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BFA in Theatre and English. When she’s not gallivanting about, she’s busy refashioning ugly thrift store duds into fashionable frocks at ReFashionista.net. Jillian has been featured on The Rachael Ray Show, Good Afternoon America, ABC Columbia, Jasper Magazine, Skirt, Columbia Metropolitan, The Free Times, Grist, and NYC’s Guest of a Guest. She also reviews local theater productions for Jasper Magazine and Onstage Columbia.