Out of town guests for the holidays? Here are some things to see and do
It only takes so long to open presents and eat a holiday meal.
And that means a lot of time in between to go stir-crazy if you have out-of-town visitors staying with you over the holidays.
No need to panic. We’ve put together a few itineraries around Columbia for guests of all ages. Be sure to confirm holiday hours.
Children and teens
Eat: Original Pancake House is an all-day dining option for the whole family. Children will be amazed by the fancy juicing machine that makes fresh-squeezed orange juice. The restaurant also features a dizzying array of pancakes, waffles, omelets and more. 4840 Forest Drive, in Trenholm Plaza. (803) 782-6742; www.originalpancakehousencsc.com
Play: Main Street ICE, in Boyd Plaza at Main and Hampton streets, is a popular option both for skating and people-watching. Take a stroll along Main when you’re finished, and take in the state Christmas tree at the State House. Prices range from $5 to $10, depending on day and age of participants. 1515 Main St. www.columbiaparksandrecreationfoundation.org/mainstreetice
Do: Mad Platter ceramics painting studio allows kids to express their creativity in a fun and memorable way. Pick out pottery to paint from more than 500 pieces in stock. Pottery prices range from $3 to $85, with studio fees of $4 for children, $6 for adults. 3101 Millwood Ave. Closed Thursday, Dec. 24, through Saturday, Dec. 26. (803) 771-8080; www.mymadplatter.com
Young adults
Eat: Get a bite to eat, a cold one and perhaps watch a soccer game at The British Bulldog Pub. The British Bulldog also offers a Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with items from a traditional English breakfast. 1220 Bower Parkway. (803) 227-8918; www.thebritishbulldogpub.com
Play: Dreher Shoals Dam near Lexington along S.C. 6 features one of the best walks in the Midlands. A pathway along the dam is perfect for runners, joggers and walkers who want to spend time in the great outdoors. The distance is 1.7 miles each way, which offers views of Lake Murray and downtown Columbia about 11 miles away. www.lakemurray-sc.com/damwalk.html
Do: Explore up-and-coming breweries aboard the Columbia Brew Bus. The bus takes customers on a tour of three different breweries – ConQuest, River Rat and Swamp Cabbage. Sample different styles of beer and tour the facilities. Tour prices around $45. Pick up and drop off at Liberty Tap Room, 828 Gervais St., in the Vista. (727) 871-8150; www.columbiabrewbus.com
Parents and grandparents
Eat: Start off perusing the variety of local beer at Craft and Draft, 2706 Devine St., or sit and have a pint at the bar. If you’re hungry, take a stroll to one of several restaurants along Devine Street, among them Eggs Up Grill, Cantina 76, Za’s Pizza and Devine Foods. (803) 764-2575; www.craftanddraftbeer.com
Play: Explore some of Columbia’s best local vendors at Soda City Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays on the 1500 block of Main Street downtown. You’ll find a range of items, from boiled peanuts to barbecue, clothes, local cheeses and more. www.sodacitysc.com
Do: Enjoy an amazing display of holiday lights without ever leaving the car. Saluda Shoals Park features a 2-mile loop of more than 400 animated light displays through New Year’s Eve. Holiday Lights also features activities for children, a laser light show and more. $15 for cars. 5605 Bush River Road. (803) 731-5208, www.icrc.net/holiday-lights