Hi! We are visiting USC at the end of March, and I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for dinner and breakfast. I would prefer somewhere that we can walk to and places that are local. We are deciding between the Hampton Inn Downtown Historic District and the Hilton City Center (any recommendations???). We are taking the tour at 2 and will not arrive with much time before that as we are coming from Michigan. Does anyone have recommendations for fun things to do in the city after the tour? Thanks!
Also, does anyone know if there is an informational session as part of the tour?
The Hampton Inn should include breakfast but several options. Don’t know about Hilton. Both well located. If only walking, you are close to IHOP and Starbucks. Also on Gervais is LePeep which I think is a chain but one my D’s favorites. Also within block or so on Gervais is Wired Goat, a local coffee shop with food. For college feel, D’s favorite coffee/breakfast/lunch place is Cool Beans about a block from Horseshoe - D’s go-to study and drink coffee spot. Panera in Vista as well.
If you walk down mainstreet - further from your hotel but kind of on the way and fun to explore - Drip Coffee is local place for breakfast. For other meals, also on Main St is Cantina 76, good local mexican place. Local in Vista would be Blue Marlin, Motor Supply, Tsunami, M Vista, Liberty Tap Room, Takosushi, Cola’s. All these would be close by. There are also chains like Mellow Mushroom, Chipotle, 5 Guys, Panera in Vista.
If you are here on a Saturday, there is a rain or shine farmers market on main st called Soda City (Columbia often abbreviated as Cola). Tons of food options for lunch and to see Main Street that has been revitalized with much more downtown living (including apartments marketed to students).
As far as fun, will you have a car? If walking, Columbia museum of art on main st, hang out on Horseshoe, see if Gamecocks have a baseball game. I don’t know exact schedule but you could be here during NCAA Women’s tournament which will turn the vista into a real fun area! Check and make hotel reservations if you don’t have them!
With a car, Riverbanks Zoo, or go across to riverwalk. 5 Points for shopping and also good restaurants. Warning that outdoors could still be coated with yellow pine pollen although hope it’s gone by then.Check Columbia’s visitor’s center to see what specifically is going on - lot’s of festivals and stuff on river. For history, you have the state house,and State museum (with great new telescope/planetarium which will be exciting next year as this is one of best places to see full eclipse in August).
Have a great time.