How I Go Columbia: Richard Burts, Vista Guild president

Richard Burts, 51, is the owner of event venue 701 Whaley and was recently elected to a one-year term as the president of the Congaree Vista Guild. He lives in downtown Columbia, near Five Points.

Eat: Burts is, unsurprisingly, fond of many Vista restaurants. He frequents establishments including Liberty Tap Room, Sakitumi, Pearlz Oyster Bar, Motor Suppy Company and M Vista, “just to name a few.”

“I like to bounce around,” Burts said. “Now that I’m president, I’ll be in and out of all the restaurants pretty frequently.”

Drink: When a caffeine craving hits, Burts goes to an old standby: Starbucks. The national chain has locations in the Vista and in Five Points, close to work and home. When it’s time for happy hour or the night out, Burts often switches from table to bar at some of his favorite restaurants.

Burts likes a glass of red wine or “a simple beer” when he goes out for a night at Liberty Tap Room, Pearlz or Sakitumi.

Play: Burts’ business, 701 Whaley, is a popular venue for events including parties, fundraisers and weddings. He likes to pop in on them when he’s off the clock once in a while to make sure everything’s running smoothly.

701 Whaley also contains the 701 Center for Contemporary Art, which has a gallery and hosts artists-in-residence. Burts likes to visit the gallery and take in the art.

See: Burts likes to bring visitors to the Capital City all around its three major downtown neighborhoods: the Vista, Main Street and Five Points.

“They have a lot to offer,” he said. “There are great spots all around.”

Amanda C. Coyne

This story was originally published February 3, 2015 at 5:09 PM with the headline "How I Go Columbia: Richard Burts, Vista Guild president."