How I Go Columbia: SCPRT’s Kim Jamieson

Kim Jamieson may be a Greenville native but she well knows Columbia’s – and the entire state’s – travel, leisure and tourism offerings.

After attending the University of South Carolina and getting a bachelor’s in public relations and her masters in mass communications, Jamieson has worked in public relations and marketing in Columbia for the past 10 years. But it was in her role as the director of communications for the Columbia CVB that her love for destination marketing and the travel industry blossomed.

That interest led to her current position as the public relations manager for the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. In that role, Jamieson is tasked with garnering media coverage of South Carolina’s travel and tourism offerings, helping to land coverage of the state in The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Better Homes & Gardens, Vogue, USA Today, and The Huffington Post, to name a few.

Away from the office, Jamieson enjoys hosting parties at her home, visiting her niece and nephew in Greenville, exercising, traveling and trying new restaurants throughout the state.

EAT: When I started my current role as the PR manager for the state’s tourism board, I also started a food Instagram account (@eatinsc) specifically to tout our amazing culinary scene. I love breakfast and brunches at Rise Gourmet Goods & Bakeshop, 116 Espresso & Wine Bar, Cafe Strudel and the Gourmet Shop. For lunch, I’m a big fan of tacos from Cantina 76 or pizza (white pie, with bacon, caramelized onions and feta) from Thirsty Fellow. Dinner in Columbia is a toss up between Hampton Street Vineyard, Mr. Friendly’s, Terra (my favorite), Motor Supply Co. Bistro, Il Giorgione, Southern Belly or Bourbon. My wild card is Real Mexico. Hole-in-the-wall Mexican is my love language.

And finally, because you can’t forget about the sweets, I love the cookies at IMMAC, the ice cream at Sweet Cream Co., the cronuts from my good friends at Spotted Salamander and the seared pound cake at Cellar on Greene.

DRINK: Anyone who knows me knows I do have a thing for Pinot Grigio. For summer, I also love a good Rosé – both of which I enjoy at Tazza Kitchen, The Oak Table or on Terra’s beautiful patio. If I’m not in the wine mood, I usually post up at the bar at Motor Supply and ask Josh to make something pretty so I can snap a picture of it, or I hang out with friends at River Rat Brewery.

PLAY: Contrary to popular belief, I really do enjoy the outdoors. Hiking or walking through Congaree National Park is one of my favorite things. I also have had a great time in a number of our area’s state parks – of which there are 47, by the way. Bringing it indoors, I’ve attended a number of fantastic performances at Trustus Theatre and also enjoy the exhibitions at Columbia Museum of Art.

LISTEN: I love attending concerts at Music Farm and Colonial Life Arena. I’ve seen some big acts that have come through Columbia and those events are always a great time. I also enjoy just sitting out at Five After Five in Five Points, as well as listening to the musical acts that come to any of our major festivals like St. Pat’s in Five Points, Rosewood Crawfish Festival and the Indie Grits Festival.

SEE: It’s been so much fun watching the Columbia Fireflies play. Outside of attending a baseball game in such a beautiful complex, as a tourism marketer, it’s really exciting to see such growth taking place throughout the city of Columbia. We live in a very special city with so, so much to offer. I enjoy seeing advancements being made to keep us nationally competitive and viewed as the premiere travel destination that we are.

This story was originally published August 3, 2016 at 12:01 AM.