Summer Field Guide to Columbia: Fun and games — and destruction — to chill you out

If the heat hasn’t turned you to vapors or a puddle yet, you’re probably searching for more cool ways to weather the season in Columbia. Welcome back to The State’s Summer Field Guide.

We’ve already shown you some of the best pet-friendly bars and restaurants in the city, as well as some of our favorite ways to get outside and get active – or cool off — during the summer months.

Now we’re taking you into town, where we’re highlighting some of the fun and unique businesses, experiences and places our city has to offer.

SC Riot Room

“Have you ever felt so stressed out that you wanted to smash something?” SC Riot Room asks on its website. If you just answered yes, then we recommend checking this business out.

At SC Riot Room, also known as a smash room or rage room, visitors release their frustrations and pent-up aggression by destroying nearly everything in sight: glassware, dishware, lamps, TVs and more. You can even bring in your own personal objects that are broken, old or unwanted and smash them as well.

Safety equipment and “different blunt end riot bashing objects” are included in the reservation. There are several safety measures in place such as closed-toe shoes and minimum age requirements.

SC Riot Room is located at 2243 Leaphart Road, West Columbia, S.C. 29169. For more information visit www.scriotroom.com or call (803) 586-6387.

Lake Murray Axe Throwing and Craft Axe Throwing

Ever played darts at the bar? This is a similar concept, but replaces the darts with axes. You know — those large blades you might’ve used to chop firewood. Yeah, those.

Axe throwing has become quite the craze, and Columbia has caught on. Craft Axe Throwing opened in Columbia back in 2018 and, later, a second location on Main Street in Lexington. And now residents of Irmo don’t have to drive as far to partake in the axing, since Lake Murray Axe Throwing opened earlier this year.

Regardless of which you go to, all three locations offer beer, good times and, of course, axe throwing.

Lake Murray Axe Throwing is located at 7949 Broad River Road, Suite 50, Irmo, S.C. 29063. For more information visit lakemurrayaxe.com or call (803) 708-5865.

Craft Axe Throwing is located at 700 Gervais St., Suite B2, Columbia, S.C. 29201 and at 101 East Main St., Lexington, S.C. 29072. For more information visit www.craftaxethrowing.com or call (803) 834-5020 for the Columbia location or (803) 977-0515 for Lexington. There are additional locations in Greenville and Spartanburg.

Selfie Mania

Selfie Mania is Columbia’s first selfie museum and photography studio and just recently opened. Selfie museums have become increasingly popular, popping up in larger cities first but now making their way to our own community.

These photography studios allow visitors to capture professional quality pictures — or selfies — with less hassle. Selfie Mania offers guests 15 uniquely staged sets for fun photo shoots with friends, professional headshots and more.

Selfie Mania is located at 7201 Two Notch Road, Columbia, S.C. 29223. For more information visit www.selfiemaniasc.com or email help@selfiemaniasc.com.

Immersion

Immersion is an art studio that “showcases a variety of interactive art room exhibits created by local… artists.” Interactive art galleries — that viewers are able to see, touch and sometimes smell, taste and hear — give visitors a completely different experience than traditional galleries. Here, you’re basically a part of the art.

At Immersion, you’re able to take interactive pictures, host parties and more.

Immersion is located at 1626 Main St., Columbia, S.C. 29201. For more information visit www.immersionsc.com or call (803) 392-3557.

Old-school gaming is making a comeback

Sometimes you just can’t beat the classics. If you’re looking for some nostalgic fun, we recommend these places.

Transmission Arcade

One of the many new additions to Main Street in recent years, Transmission Arcade offers guests a full bar, full menu and tons of classic games. You can play Star Wars and NBA Fastbreak pinball, as well as the original Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man games.

Transmission Arcade is located at 1712 Main St., Columbia, S.C. 29201. For more information visit www.transmissionarcade.com or call (803) 667-9140.

Bang Back Pinball Lounge

As a new addition to Five Points, Bang Back offers guests a wide variety of pinball machines ranging from classics like “Jurassic Park” and “Lord of the Rings” to new favorites such as “Stranger Things” alongside a full menu and bar.

Bang Back Pinball Lounge is located at 741 Saluda Ave., Columbia, S.C. 29205. For more information visit www.bangbackpinball.com or call (803) 834-4462.

Firefly Toys & Games

Firefly Toys & Games offers visitors a wide selection of old-school games and toys to choose from. This includes everything from Pokemon cards to board games to a variety of video games from various old-school consoles.

Firefly Toys & Games is located at 736C Saint Andrews Road, Columbia, S.C. 29210. For more information visit www.fireflytoysandgames.com or call (803) 996-3473.

Virtual Reality and Arcade at Dave & Buster’s

This one is more of a new-school-meets-old-school, but it needs to be included, regardless, seeing as Dave & Buster’s claims to offer the “ultimate arcade in Columbia.” The arcade offers a wide variety of games ranging from the old-school classics you love (such as skee ball and racing) to new, state-of-the-art virtual reality experiences that place you in the center of the action.

Dave and Buster’s is located at 100 Columbiana Circle #5, Columbia, S.C. 29212. For more information visit www.daveandbusters.com/vr-arcade-places/columbia or call (803) 576-4800.

This story was originally published July 29, 2021 at 9:25 AM.