Scrumptious eats pop up in creative ways with fresh markets, tasty meals on wheels and food festivals
Think outside the sit-down menu and take the taste buds on an unscripted tour of Capital City/Lake Murray Country, conveniently located off of Interstates I-77, I-20, and I-26 in South Carolina. Plan your easy getaway around one of the many unique fresh markets sure to enliven the palate, roll into a foodie fantasy with stops at hip food trucks that dot Columbia’s downtown and mark your calendar for one of the many delectable food festivals. No matter where you dine, a mouth-watering experience awaits.
Downtown Columbia becomes an appetizing oasis every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Soda City Market. This bustling rain or shine event offers a variety of internationally inspired cuisines. Sample everything from Columbian arepas, Belgian waffles, empanadas and gourmet doughnuts to local barbecue. Hydrate with a healthy and colorful beverage at the juice bar or sip on local craft brew suds. While you’re there, peruse fresh produce, meats and creative wares from local artisans, LakeMurrayCountry.com.
Open every day of the week, The South Carolina State Farmer’s Market, located in West Columbia, offers fresh produce, art and gorgeous blooms. Tasty food trucks are always nearby serving quick and delicious bites as you peruse farm-to-table items, Agriculture.SC.Gov.
Take in more local beauty at Carter and Holmes Orchids. This prized gem is just three miles from downtown Newberry. Schedule a guided tour of the greenhouses and even purchase a prized plant as a keepsake from your trip, www.CarterandHolmes.com.
Quell hunger pangs with crave-worthy offerings from food trucks throughout Columbia. Indulge south of the border cravings at Tacos Nayarit and Las Palmas Taco Truck. Splurge on crispy fried goodness at the 2 Fat 2 Fly Stuffed Chicken Wings truck. Try smoky brisket and other finger-lickin’ fixins’ at Bone-In BBQ. Get your dog fix at The Wurst Wagen and the Haute Dog Lady. Can’t make up your mind? Hunt down Scott Benny’s, which dishes out cuisines from around the world, such as jerk chicken, lasagna and fajitas. Satisfy the sweet tooth with a trip to The Belgian Waffle Truck or Kona Ice of Columbia. Track down mobile food finds at RoamingHunger.com.
Indulge the senses in Capital City/Lake Murray Country’s newest culinary hot spot–downtown Lexington. This quaint area of town is quickly turning into a dining mecca, with new restaurants lining its historic streets. Step into Alodia’s Cucina Italiana (101 West Main Street, Lexington, SC) and step back in time to Old Italy, with a menu featuring the owner’s handed-down family cookbook, where homemade sauces and Abruzzo Pastas set the tone. Bohdi Thai Dining (126 East Main Street, Lexington, SC) offers exotic world-class cuisines that are authentic, fresh and presented in a “Modern Thai” style. Enjoy classics like Shrimp Pad Thai or try something innovative like the Basil-crusted Pork-chop over carrot puree, pepper jam and Panang curry. Grab a table at Café Strudel (309 South Lake Drive, Lexington, SC) for a fun and flavorful dining experience. Famous for their breakfast dish, Hangover Hashbrowns, this local favorite is also open for lunch and dinner with entrees like a Stuffed Burger and Duck Grilled Cheese. Get a delicious and healthy bite at Poke Bros. (5225 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington, SC). This Hawaiian fare is like sushi in a bowl, where cubed raw fish is served over rice and topped with a variety of crisp and tasty ingredients.
No matter the season, Capital City/Lake Murray Country satisfies culinary curiosities with a variety of foodie festivals. The annual Spring Oyster Roast in March features, beer, wine, food and all of the oysters you can eat. Calling all taco lovers! In April, The South Carolina Taco Festival showcases more than 25 taco vendors, along with a frozen margarita bar and tequila sampling tent. Also in April, the Columbia Food and Wine Festival in Five Points offers chef showdowns, live music, cooking demos and wine offerings alongside delicious plates from the best restaurants in the city. Venture to nearby Newberry for Newberry Pork in the Park each April. This Southern Barbecue Network-sanctioned event serves up scrumptious eats from the very best grill masters across the Southeast, in addition to live music and kid-friendly activities. Each June find out who really crafts the best shrimp and grits in Columbia, with the Shrimp and Grits Festival and, in the fall, save the date for the October Gervais Street Bridge Dinner, an annual seated sunset supper on the Columbia region’s most iconic landmark. LakeMurrayCountry.com.
Let your sense of adventure guide you through Capital City/Lake Murray Country, where chefs of all kinds serve up experiences to remember.