Itineraries Day Trip Itineraries

There's Nothing Like Newberry

Start the Newberry day trip with a cup of coffee from Half Full Coffee and Wine located on Main Street in Newberry.

Then, head to Carter & Holmes Orchid Nursery, a quick drive from Main Street.  Carter & Holmes offers nursery tours as well as shopping for the perfect orchid.  The nursery begin in the late 1940’s and today ships orchids to hobbyists and commercial growers throughout the United States and to many countries around the world.

Stop in the Newberry Opera House for a sneak peak or to book a seat for an upcoming show. The Newberry Opera House has been the heart of Newberry County since the late 1800’s. It has become known as the entertainment center of the Midlands and has hosted thousands of performances from Grammy winners to internationally renowned performers to regional and local acts.

Hungry for lunch?  Enjoy a delicious meal at Figaro the Dining Room, just steps from the Opera House.  Figaro’s describes their food as fine dining with an eclectic southern twist. Menu highlights include the bacon-wrapped scallops and crispy fried green tomatoes.  And, ask the waiter to tell you the story behind the wine vault!

Spend the afternoon shopping and antiquing on Main Street or head to Enoree River Winery to wind down with a wine slushy.  This intimate winery serves local, hand-crafted wines and guests can relax outdoors on the covered porch overlooking the vineyard.  And, while you’re there, take home a few bottles to enjoy another day and to remember your stay!

Recreation and Relaxation in West Columbia and Cayce

You’ll get to experience a day filled with recreation and relaxation in West Columbia and Cayce.  Before arriving, schedule a tubing adventure down the river with Palmetto Outdoor.  They’ll provide you with your own tube and will take you to the perfect access spot to get on the water.

If you don’t want to get wet, spend the morning on the West Columbia/Cayce Riverwalk. Spanning 12 miles, the riverwalk overlooks the beautiful Congaree River and is a popular spot for walking, jogging, bicycling, bird-watching, picnicking and taking in the natural beauty of the riverfront.

After tubing, you’ll be hungry for lunch and Savage Craft Ale Works is the spot to go.  Savage Craft is a historic landmark and a tap room offering pints, cocktails, a full menu, live music and great views from their rooftop.

After lunch, visit the many shops located along Meeting and State Street.  The ladies love the variety of antique stores in this district.

For happy hour, grab a cocktail at Black Rooster.  Their  roof top bar has quite the view that overlooks the river and downtown Columbia.  And, if you’re staying for dinner, make reservations at Al’s Upstairs or Terra.  You’re going to be hungry after your adventure on the river.

Golf and Good Times in Blythewood

Blythewood, a suburb of Columbia, is located off I-77 and is home to three gorgeous golf courses. Cobblestone Golf Park, Columbia Country Club and Windemere Golf Course are open for visitor play.  Since these courses are in close proximity to each other, it would be easy to play 9 rounds at one course in the morning and head to another course in the afternoon.

In between golf, grab lunch at McNulty’s Tap room or Doko Smoke BBQ.  Local, Tony Crout, is the pitmaster at Doko Smoke and has won awards for his mouth watering barbeque and sides.

Another unique spot is the Purple Tuteur Farm, located off Langford Road in Blythewood.  The farm is an urban all natural cut flower farm offering flower subscriptions and u-pick blooms. You’ll want to bring home a souvenir and a bouquet of flowers is perfect!

Saluda's Scenic Backroads

Saluda is a picture-perfect rural agricultural town known for egg, dairy and peach production. So, while you’re there spend the morning at Daylily Depot picking and sampling whatever is in season.

Treat yourself to lunch at Juniper in Ridge Spring, where Chef Brandon Velie incorporates the bounty of the area in memorable meals that have attracted national culinary raves.

In downtown Saluda, explore the Saluda County Historical Museum, the restored Art Deco-style Saluda Theatre and the pre-Revolutionary Bonham House, the birthplace of an Alamo hero, and the 1802 Marsh-Johnson House, all listed on the National Register.

Book a tee time at Permisson Hill Golf Club where the greens are great and it’s not crowded. The course was designed by golf architect Russell Breeden and it began serving the South Carolina golf community in 1962.

In the evening, in southeastern Saluda County near the Aiken County line is Monetta, home of the beloved Monetta Drive-In. “The Big Mo” has been attracting families for 70 years and is now experiencing a revival with double features on three screens. This is an experience you’ll never forget!

Lexington is Lovely

If you are a sucker for a lovely brunch, head to Momma Rabbit’s Nibbles and Sips or Cafe’ Strudel in Lexington for an unbelievable brunch.  At Momma Rabbit’s, try the Bunny Tails, a hand-spun danish or the Lox Ness Muenster, a crisp flatbread topped with cream cheese, Muenster cheese, smoked salmon and capers.  At Cafe’ Strudel, you won’t want to leave without sampling the Famous Hangover Hashbrowns, loaded with onions, banana peppers, tomatoes, cheese and two eggs your way.

If it’s Saturday, stop by the market at the Icehouse Amphitheater for fresh foods and produce, original arts and crafts from local artists and food truck fare. Check the calendar for touring bands and movie events held at the Amphitheater.

If weather permits, get out on Lake Murray!  Rent a boat from Lake Murray Boat Rentals or Better Boating at Southshore Marina.  If you want to stay inside, go to Craft-Axe Throwing located on Main Street in Lexington.  Axe throwing is great because anyone can plan and anyone can win!

If you’re a history buff, spend the afternoon stepping back in time at the Lexington County Museum. The Lexington County Museum is made up of 36 historic houses and outbuildings. It showcases the Colonial and Antebellum period of Lexington County history, with a particular focus on the Swiss and German heritage of Lexington.

For dinner, there’s lots of options.  Alodia’s Cucina Italiana, Bodhi Thai Dining and O’Hara’s Public House are all locally owned restaurants that offer great service and delicious dishes.

Head Into Irmo

Head to Irmo, which is situated on the banks of Lake Murray.  Get moving with a cup of coffee from Loveland Coffee, a local brick and mortar coffee cafe that is located in the heart of Irmo. The “Bullet Proof” coffee is highly recommended!

Pick up a picnic lunch from Mathias Sandwich Shop (since 1946) and head to the Irmo Community Park or Saluda Shoals Park to explore and enjoy lunch in the shade.

After exploring the parks, head to Craft and Draft in the Irmo Village Shopping Center to sample a beer or a pint.

And, for dinner, you’ll love anything on the menu at Bistro on the Boulevard or get in on the action at Stars & Strikes Entertainment Center to bowl and play games.