How I Go Columbia: Vista Guild’s Meredith Atkinson
Enjoying time in the Vista is not new for Meredith Atkinson.
Now it’s just something she’s making a living doing.
In August, Atkinson, a Columbia native and Clemson University graduate, became the executive director of the Vista Guild – a nonprofit, membership-based organization comprised of a variety of restaurants, hotels, businesses, galleries and homeowners in Columbia’s Vista.
She came to the Vista Guild from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, where she was responsible for the agency’s public relations and communications efforts and promoting South Carolina agribusiness and Certified South Carolina Grown. Previously, Atkinson served as the marketing director for Columbiana Centre and Augusta Mall with General Growth Properties, where she was in charge of mall events and advertising and promoting the malls’ restaurants and retail.
On Thursday, Nov. 19, Atkinson and Vista Guild members host Vista Lights – the Vista’s annual holiday street party featuring live music and performances, dancing and the lighting of the Christmas tree at Gervais and Lincoln streets. More than 60 galleries, shops and restaurants will open their doors to showcase holiday treasures this year, which marks the 30th anniversary of the event.
Vista Lights kicks off at 5 p.m. For more information, vistalightssc.com
EAT: We are so fortunate to live in Columbia, which has some of the best restaurants around. I have decided eating a good meal with friends and family is by far one of my favorite things to do. I couldn’t name all my favorites, but Motor Supply Co. never gets it wrong. I love the variety, and it’s such a special place in the Vista. Bourbon is fun on Main Street, and I love that I can wait there for a table across the street at The Oak Table.
PLAY: Our river is such an untapped resource of fun in Columbia. I love strolling along the Riverwalk with friends. I try to get out as much as I can and move. Barre3 Columbia is also my favorite place to play. I know that sounds funny, but I have the privilege to play every time I work out because I teach at barre3. The group of women I work with and get to lead through one of our killer 60-minute workouts are truly the strongest and most beautiful women I have ever met. We have a lot of fun.
DRINK: The first time I visited Kaminsky’s, it was like I was in a candy shop. Wine on draft? Yes, please. Kaminsky’s atmosphere is like no other. The service is incredible, and don’t get me started on the desserts. I also love a cold beer on a hot Columbia afternoon at Thirsty Fellow. The combination of good friends, pizza and a draft beer is the best recipe for happy hour.
SEE: The South Carolina State Museum is incredible. The planetarium is like nothing I have ever seen. How all of that works is beyond me, but to get to experience it is amazing. My husband and I recently had a day date in Columbia where we spent the afternoon at the museum and had appetizers and drinks in the Vista. It made for a perfect afternoon in our own city. What I am most looking forward to seeing is our 30th annual Vista Lights. The holidays are truly the most wonderful time of the year, and with all that Columbia has gone through, we need something to look forward to. This year at Vista Lights, our tree will be brighter, we will have even more entertainment and better specials and discounts to enjoy along the way. I can’t wait.
LISTEN: For a long time, every time we wanted to go to a concert, it meant we were heading out of town, but I love checking out whatever Music Farm has now. We’re so fortunate to have a venue of this size in Columbia now. It offers such a fun atmosphere.
This story was originally published November 17, 2015 at 3:28 PM.