Only have a day? Here are 5 ways to spend 24 hours in Lexington County
One might expect the small town suburbia outside South Carolina’s capital city to be overlooked, passed over, left to the wayside.
But Lexington County stands on its own.
As a destination, Lexington County has much to offer in the way of shopping, eating and outdoor activities. It’s impossible to include all the fun to be had in a day, but here are some suggestions.
For the nature lover
You might think Lexington County is all about Lake Murray. Maybe there’s some truth to that.
You could easily spend a whole day on the lake, whether boating, paddling or swimming.
Pack a lunch and spend the day at one of the lake’s beaches, like the Lake Murray Public Park, which is open on weekdays from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., and on weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Or rent a boat and dock at one of the lake’s various waterfront restaurants, like The Rusty Anchor or Na’cho Margarita. Or try Big Tuna, which won The State’s poll for best Lake Murray restaurant.
Lexington County has plenty to enjoy on solid ground as well. There’s the scenic Lake Murray Dam path, which is several miles long and offers panoramic views. And the Old Mill Pond between East Main Street and South Lake Drive in Lexington offers a scenic route with easy access to restaurants and retail nearby.
Saluda Shoals Park, in the Irmo and Chapin area, is a 480-acre regional park. Its beauty alone would be enough, but is also features a tennis court, a disc golf course, a splash pad and more. The park is open all year, though hours vary depending on the season. Admission is $5 per car.
Whatever you do, and wherever you go, don’t miss a sunset. In South Carolina, they are beautiful anywhere you go, but why not have a front row seat on the Lake Murray Dam.
For the shopaholic
One of the Midlands’ biggest retail hubs is located on Harbison Boulevard on the border of Lexington and Richland County. Each year, it feels as though it gets even bigger.
It is home to the Columbiana Centre, an indoor mall with more than 100 stores, an expansive food court and even an antique carousel. Big name department stores, like JCPenny’s, Belk and Dillards reside there, along with specialty stores like Palmetto Moon and Pandora.
Harbison is also home to several square miles of strip mall shopping, featuring big name stores for clothing, crafting and groceries, and chain dining offerings, from hotpot to chicken salad.
There are plenty of places to shop local as well. A day could easily be spent shopping and dining on the town of Lexington’s Main Street district. Grab tacos at Barrio, or a slice at Nicky’s Pizzeria before browsing some attractive ateliers.
The Kindred Boutique, Craig Reagin Clothiers, Persnickety Shop and White Orchard Boutique sell clothing, while Tenfold Collective has jewelry offerings. The Palmetto Nook and 210 Shoppe + Studio are options for those looking for gifts, and Reuben Wade’s sells antiques.
And speaking of antiques, Lexington County is ripe with vintage stores, and some of the best antique shopping in the Columbia area can be done in West Columbia. Browsing the Old Mill Antique Mall on State Street could swallow up a whole afternoon on its own. Three Rivers Antiques and Feathered Nest, two other shops, are nearby.
For the foodie
For breakfast or, you can visit The Hangar Provisions, or popular cafes like Loveland Coffee. Terra in West Columbia has long been popular choice for dinner. A new restaurant in Cayce, George Robert’s Wine and Raw Bar, is also quickly gaining popularity.
If you have the chance, check out some food trucks posted up around the county. Weco Bottle and Biergarten hosts trucks nightly on a rotating basis. Independent trucks, like Guy’s Hotdogs and Taqueria El Jarocho Express, are also great spots.
For drinks, check out O’Hara’s Public House in Lexington, or Savage Craft Ale Works in West Columbia.
Wherever you go to wine and dine in Lexington County, you’ll nearly never go wrong.
For the families
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a favorite in the Midlands. Located on the Saluda River, it is considered one of the best zoos in the area, a 170-acre property home to 3,000 animals and a stunning botanical garden.
You could likely spend the whole day there too, but if you only have a few hours, popular attractions include the Sea Lion Landing, the Gorilla Base Camp and the Aquarium & Reptile Center. And don’t miss the giraffe feeding or the Saluda Skyride, where you’ll soar above the zoo to enjoy a view of the Saluda River.
Then you might spend the afternoon enjoying the county’s agritourism scene, which is part of a booming industry in South Carolina.
Berry Hill Farm offers blueberry picking for all ages when the fruits are ripe, usually between June and August. Right now, picking is open in the mornings and evenings, Monday through Saturday. The Farm 1780 has berry picking and flower picking on specific days.
If your family is up for more, Frankie’s Fun Park, an amusement park and arcade, is lots of fun. Rides, games, laser tag and go-karting means there is a little something for everything.
Or, check out what will be a massive entertainment center, WesCo Brew & Bowl in the Cayce and West Columbia area. With a grand opening weekend from June 26 through June 28, the new spot promises bowling, a large arcade, two full bars, billiards, a full food menu, more than 50 TVs for watching sports and a spacious outdoor patio with fire pits.
For those who want a little bit of everything
Stop by Piecewise Coffee Co., or Brickhouse Coffee, or one of the area’s many local coffee shops for an early morning pick-me-up before heading to the West Columbia Riverwalk.
There, rent a tube or a kayak, and make your way down the Congaree River.
Once you’ve dried off and if the timing is right, try some live entertainment. Chayz Lounge in West Columbia has live jazz. Bill’s Pickin’ Parlor offers live bluegrass and country performances, and dance lessons if you’re lucky. Lexington’s Icehouse Amphitheater often has popular events, including cover bands and other music.
