Things To Do On a Date in Columbia SC

Fun Things to Do on a Date in Columbia SC!

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5 Great Dates | More Great Dates to Experience | Romantic Walks | Things to Do | Dining

5 Great Dates

1. Dating ABCs
This date is a simple yet extremely interesting and can be done anywhere! It consists of 26 activities on one date. Why 26? Because that's the number of letters in the alphabet! Take turns choosing an activity for each letter, and each one doesn't have to be an extravagant activity. For example, 'A' see some art at the Columbia Museum of Art, 'B' try a new beer at Liberty Tap Room & Grill, 'C' go canoeing on one of the rivers, 'D' dance in the park, 'E' eat some chicken wings at WG's and so on! This is a great way to experience new things together because you'll have to do the activity regardless, even if it wasn't your letter! Of course, there's always the option of including one 'pass' per alphabet.

2. A Taste of Sophistication
Wine tastings tend to seem on the more expensive end of dates but they can actually end up costing less than going to the movies! This is a great date at any stage in your relationship. The atmosphere gives you the opportunity to meet new people, socialize with friends and enjoy some great wines and food all in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Plus, wine can warm you up during these winter months. Sam's Fine Wine & Spirits has free tastings every weekend! Call 803-808-1830 for the weekly tasting schedule. Also, check out the Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens on April 23. Call 803-779-8717 for more information.

3. Date in the Sky
The colder months provide the most optimal time for hot air balloon rides. You may be thinking that it's too cold to go for a hot air balloon ride, but it's not for a couple of reasons. First of all, the heat from the burner will help to keep the basket and occupants warm. Secondly, the temperature differs only a degree or two where you'll be floating along and lastly, you're going with the wind in stead of against, making the wind chill factor non-existent. What a romantic way to spend the afternoon! Captain Telegram offers hot air balloon rides and has been doing so for 30 years. Safety first is his motto, so if the conditions aren't right, there will be no flight. Call 803-256-3737 to schedule a ride today!

4. Wrestling on Wheels
Have you ever seen a roller derby bout? Because you should! Instead of going to a sporting event you've both seen, experience the bone crushing bodacious babes of Columbia's Roller Derby teams! The Columbia QuadSquad and the Richland County Regulators will provide one exciting date with the most fast-paced and hard-hitting sport to ever take place on eight wheels. Visit richlandcountyregulators.com or columbiaquadsquad.com for a schedule of bouts.

5. A Cinderella Story
Whether you consider yourself to be a romantic or not, this date will surely make you seem so! Carriage rides are a great way to huddle next to each other on a chilly night., listen to the cloppity of the horse's hooves on the pavement, and see downtown Columbia from an entirely new perspective. Columbia Carriage Works can arrange a number of different horse-drawn carriage tours throughout the downtown Columbia area. Call 803-227-3833 to schedule a ride today!

Other Great Dates to Experience in Columbia, SC!

• Shopping for the Family
Holiday shopping is quite a task these days but now you can make it a learning experience, especially if you are early in the relationship. Head out to Harbison, Village at Sandhills or one of the other great places to shop in Columbia and spend an entire day getting your shopping done. It will amaze you what you can learn about your significant other and his/her family. Does he/she put a lot of thought into finding the perfect gift? Does he/she think a great gift is an expensive one? Are prices not a consideration when it comes to family? What about gifts for friends? Does he/she focus more on family's gifts or friend's gifts? How will you work together in large crowds? End the day over a nice dinner and rehash on the fun things that happened and that you experienced during the day.

• I Got Your Back
Paintball is a great way to get some fresh air, keep warm (because you'll be running around) and realize that you have each others backs. Triggertyme (429 Koon Store Rd) in Columbia offers 7 different fields to play and some great group specials. Make it a double, triple or quadruple date and see which pair works best together. Plus, being alone in the woods with each other with your adrenaline pumping makes for a truly exciting date! 803.786.4539.

• A Spicy Night
Salsa Dancing is know as one of the hottest dances around. Exit the cold and enter a world of spice at Salsa Cabana (2005 N Beltline Blvd # 11). Whether you want to just enjoy some great food and watch the hottest Latino dancers around or get up and dance, this is the perfect place to do either. Are you completely unfamiliar with Salsa Dancing? No worries because they offer lessons on Fridays at 7 and 8 pm. Isn't it time for a spicy night? 803.787.1052

• Skate Away Together
What better way to bring in the holiday season than with ice skating! Plex Indoor Sports (1019 Broadstone Road) offers public skate sessions every day. Bundle up, hold onto each other and see how you can handle the ice! 803.732.1900.

• Join the Pickin' Party
Every Friday night, Bill's Music Shop & Pickin' Parlor (710 Meeting Street) hosts a jam session where local bluegrass musicians gather to play, have fun and show off a bit. Come see how Columbia really parties! 7:30-midnight. 803.796.6477.

• Take the Next Step
With the sun shining brighter than ever, now is the time to switch up your routine, get in the sun and allow your endorphins to go into overdrive. "Hikes are great because...moving around and surveying the environment dissipates tension and gives you way more to talk about," notes one excursion operator. The Congaree National Park offers all kinds of guided walks and talks from the Tree Trek to the Owl Prowl. Check them out online for more information on what they have to offer. If you're looking for something more extreme like ATV trails, Horse trails or Mountain Bike trails, here is a link to all of the SC State Trails.

• Let's Go Fly a Kite
Yes, I mean that literally. Pick up a $10 kite from Target (or a less expensive one from the Dollar store) and head to Finlay Park. With the large field, packed play structure, calming pond and beautiful fountain, you'll fit right in! Use this experience to find out more about your date. Does s/he have a sense of humor? A short temper? An outrageous competitive side? Or an absolute love for fun...no matter what you're doing? “It’s so fun seeing how people react to their success (or lack thereof) with a kite, and if it gets caught in a tree, who cares?!” said Katherin Scott, a dating coach.

• Jazz It or Rock It Up a Little
Columbia is a hot spot for live music, especially during the Summer months. The Rhythm on the River Concert Series, Music at Sandhill and Finlay Park Sizzlin Summer Concert Series bring a wide variety of musical talent to Columbia. “There’s great energy [at a concert]. You’re sitting closer than you would if you just had dinner together, and since it’s at night, everyone looks better.” says Rorri Green, relationship consultant and president of Get the Girl. In addition, "the music gives you your own personal soundtrack as you two talk quietly about everything imaginable—and it offers a pleasant distraction when the conversation naturally lulls."

• Let Your Hair Down
The best part of living in Columbia is that we are within a simple drive to the mountains, beach and horse country. Rent a motorcycle from Thunder Tower Harley-Davidson, let your hair blow in the wind and enjoy the luxury of changing the scene for the night. Use the mini road trip and fun of city hopping as the date and eat cheap once you've reached your destination!

• Float Away
The Summer is here and we have so much water around us. Rent a tube, raft, kayak or canoe from Palmetto Outdoors and spend a leisurely afternoon floating down the river. Allowing nature to guide your date will let you relax and truly enjoy each other's company. Or, take on some rapids and see how well you work and communicate as a team.

• Experience the World Together with a Fork (or chopstix!)
Share the experience and excitement of trying foods from around the world! On www.hugerstreet.com you will find information on Japanese, Mexican, Greek, Vietnamese, Mediterranean and American restaurants. Choose several places--try the first for drinks and appetizers, another for your entrees and then go someplace else for dessert! You'll love the food...and love sharing it! To get more information about restaurants in Columbia SC, visit our dining page.

• Rhythm on the River
Head to the Riverwalk in the afternoon, park by the bridge off Meeting Street in West Columbia and enjoy walking hand-in-hand along a nicely paved trail that meanders the west bank of the rock-strewn beautiful Congaree River. Make your own rhythm on the river...or stick around Saturday evenings (6-9 pm; April 25th-June 27th) as couples gather at the Riverwalk Amphitheater in West Columbia for some very cool outdoor concerts. The best part is that the concerts are free of charge, courtesy of the West Metro Chamber of Commerce. Groove to jazz, country, rock and more! www.myspace.com/rhythmontheriversc.

• Lake Murray Skippered Cruises
Relax on a romantic sunset sail or come for a daysail to see more of the lake. Bring your picnic and be ready for life at a sail's pace! Your skipper can do all the work or you can take over the controls...with the skipper's supervision of course! Call 803-317-9070 to schedule your cruise or to get more information!

• What's Your Impression?
Visit the Columbia Museum of Art and see the current exhibit. Ask your date how s/he feels about each piece An experience in art appreciation can do wonders for cultivating relationships as you learn what each of you like and dislike! Columbia Museum of Art

• Gettin' Down and Dirty
30 minutes north of Columbia lies Carolina Adventure World, where you can rent an ATV or bring your own bike and travel over 100 miles of nature trails past babbling brooks, streams, waterfalls and even beside a beaver pond. The Blue Sky Zip Line allows you to glide over forests, stream beds and off cliffs! This is an awesome experience for those who are into intensive dating. www.carolinaadventureworld.net

Romantic Walks

• Saluda Shoals Park is a premier, environmentally sensitive riverfront park that invites visitors to experience the treasures of the Saluda River through exceptional educational, recreational and cultural opportunities. Paved and unpaved trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding are open.

• If you have a few hours to spend with your loved one then head to Congaree National Monument where you can walk the 2.5 mile Boardwalk Trail, with a free self-guiding brochure provided at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. There are wooden numbers on the boardwalk rails which coincide with numbers in the brochure, and explain to you some of the history and natural ecology of the park. Take in the primeval forested floodplain and experience the extraordinarily diverse plant and animal life and walk among the towering trees.

• The Botanical Gardens at the Riverbanks Zoo provides 70 acres of unparalleled beauty! Enjoy formal gardens where something blooms each day of the year, or enjoy a riverside woodlands walk, hand-in-hand. Natural river views and valley overlooks along the Garden's Woodlands Walk and River Trail add to a scenic path to historic ruins from the 1800s, the site of South Carolina's first water-powered textile mill. A river overlook is at the bottom of the paved hillside path, where rapids and very wild river scenery can be appreciated.

• USC's Horseshoe is the ideal place for an afternoon picnic with the one you love! Enjoy the tranquil scenery as you walk hand-in-hand, discovering the unique architecture of historic buildings and museums. Serene surroundings capture you and your sweetheart's breath as you take in lovely gardens and paved walkways.

• Harbison Lake takes you through well shaded trails, passing by backyards of homes, encircling two small lakes, and passing through a wilderness wildlife habitat. A variety of birds and animals live in this area, especially near the lakes where you will see large numbers of ducks and geese.

• Riverfront Park & Historic Columbia Canal This is a great place to walk on its 2.5 mile trail, much of it is paved. Historic buildings, lookout points and resting benches make this park an interesting and relaxing way to enjoy the Broad River. The entrance is located at the foot of Laurel Street off Huger Street.

• Harbison State Forest features 18 miles of trails designed for walking, jogging, hiking and bicycling and range from moderately easy to difficult.

• Cayce Riverwalk Extension. Bridges, boardwalks, overlooks, bank fishing, and 1.5 miles of lighted central paths accommodate all levels of physical access including baby carriages and wheelchairs. The main entrance is off Axtell Drive, however bicycle and pedestrian access is provided from Knox Abbott Drive as well as State Street.

• West Columbia Riverwalk. In addition to its lighted paths which follow the river, this section of the Three Rivers Greenway also features an amphitheater for concerts and events, picnic tables and restrooms. Parking lot is on the west side of the Gervais Street bridge.

• Granby Park boasts 24 acres at the end of Catawba Street off Huger Street with wonderful views of the river. Bridges, boardwalks, overlooks, and a half mile of lighted central paths to accommodate all levels of physical access including baby carriages and wheelchairs.

• Since opening in 1991, Finlay Park has become one of the most popular parks in Columbia. A prominent feature of the park is the manmade waterfall and stream that cascades down the landscaped terraces ending in the park lake. Visitors can view the entire park from porch-type swings located at the top of the park. Finlay Park also features walking paths and a large expanses of lawn for spreading blankets and enjoying a picnic. Concerts, festivals and other events are often held here. Finlay Park is located at 930 Laurel Street.

• With over 10 walking trails in Lexington County and over 30 in Richland County, there's sure to be one that will appeal to your style.

• Memorial Park is another great place at which to take a stroll. The serenity and respect emulating from all visitors creates a very peaceful way to reflect. Memorial Park is dedicated to the memory of those who have fought and died in service of their country. Winding paths, benches, and flowering bushes, are featured at this 7-acre park.

Things To Do

• Take the pressure off a first date and have some real fun. Frankie's Fun Park offers go carts, bumper boats, a rock climbing wall, miniature golf, laser tag, an arcade, batting cages, a fun house and a drop zone.

• Southern Pottery Workcenter and Gallery offers all kinds of classes including handbuilding, wheelthtowing and kids summer classes.

• The Art Elements has a special Ladies Night every Thursday from 6-9pm. Come in, relax, bring a friend, a drink, socialize and paint!

• The Visual Art Center has everything from classes and shows to specials events.

• Looking for a great way to wow that special someone? Columbia Carriage Works offers nighttime carriage rides in the Vista every weekend. Carriage rides present a tour of the beautiful Congaree Vista area, at the rate of $10 per person for every half hour. If you would like to make the evening extra special, roses, champagne or other surprises can be arranged.

• Check out who's performing at the Comedy House. Hilarious performances are every weekend as well as throughout the week and the food is no joke either.

• Vista Ballroom offers an open floor night every Friday night (unless otherwise noted) for two hours. Instructors are available to answer any questions and help perfect your dancing. Also offered are Ballroom, Shag, Salsa, Swing, Argentine Tango, Adult Ballet, HipHop and Jazz Classes.

• Let's go to the movies!! Search by the movie you want to see, the time you want to go or by the theater you want to go to.

• Three Fountains Recreation offers late night skating, video games and other fun things to do.

• West Columbia Riverwalk has a concert every Saturday from April 24-June 6.

• Lanier Sailing Academy offers sunset or special event sails for only $20 per person at Lake Murray.

Dining

• Lexington Arms in Lexington has a wide variety of items to suit any and everyone! Some of our menu items include Mushrooms with Crabmeat Stuffing, Slipper Lobster, Prime Rib, Beef Claudis, Fettucini Primavera, Rack of Lamb, Beef Stroganoff, Jaeger Schnitzel, Sandwiches, Salads, Desserts, Cocktails, Spirits, Wine and much much more!

• If you're planning on outdoing yourself this time, make some reservations at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. It's pricey but totally worth it.

• Japanese Steakhouses are always fun to eat at! Check out Sumo.

• Eating sushi might enlighten you on your date more than you think. Tsunami has 2 locations and Inakaya is all-around yummy! Plus, Inakaya sits right next door to Tsubaki, Columbia's only authentic Karaoke Bar...make it a 2 part date!

• Looking for something a little more specific for dinner? Like American, BBQ, Dessert, Fine Dining, Indian, Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Mexican, Pizza, Seafood, or a Steakhouse?