Hi furr-iends, Sally again!
Mom and dad decided they needed a break from writing blogs - something about their paws being tired, so they’re letting me fill in on this one. Which, is really a smart move on their part, because who better to write a dog-friendly guide to Columbia, South Carolina than ME?
We only had a few short days here, but we did and saw a lot. This city is paw-fect for furry friends, and I can’t wait to come back!
Here are some of my favorite things we did and some of my favorite places:
SODA CITY FARMERS MARKET
The farmers markets back in our hometown aren’t dog-friendly, so imagine my excitement when I found out that I could come to this one! My joy was through the moon! Little did we know just how epic this one is - it’s next level compared to the farmers markets at home!
Soda City Farmers Market is fun for the whole family, with everything from food and drink vendors, to local musicians, entertainers, artists, designers, and more. (They have over 150 vendors every week!) I made tons of four-legged friends, and I even got to try some local and artisan grain-free treats… what a dream! Soda City Farmers Market is open every Saturday, year-round, from 9am-1pm.
Sally loves all the new friends at the Soda City Farmers Market!
smallSUGAR
My paw-rents are big coffee drinkers. (Every once and awhile they let me lick the whipped cream, but that’s about as close to trying it as I’ve gotten.) Anyway, they LOVED smallSugar for coffee and breakfast, and I loved the fact that their cozy patio welcomed dogs. Even though I didn’t get to try them, their baked goods looked delicious, as well as their tartines!
Delicious treats at Small Sugar!
COLUMBIA CANAL AND RIVERFRONT PARK
Going for a walk is always the highlight of my day, and the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park was most definitely my favorite walking trail in Columbia. Not only is it beautiful, there are turtles and beavers in and around the river, too! (I would’ve chased them if I hadn’t been leashed.) It’s a great place to sightsee, get some exercise, and maybe even take a family picture or two!
RIVER RAT BREWERY
Don’t be fooled by the name - there aren’t any rats here. (Believe me, I looked.) River Rat Brewery is easily my top choice for an afternoon cold one - beers for my folks, water for me. I love their big, grassy yard for people watching and relaxing in the shade. And my dad said it was his favorite beer he had in Columbia!
Here’s Sally begging for some beer…
PUBLICO KITCHEN + TAP
Now, if I had to pick ONE place to go in all of Columbia, it would be here. Publico Kitchen + Tap is basically my version of heaven. (My paw-rents loved it too, but that’s beside the point.) They have an entire menu just for dogs - and it’s a thousand times better than that Costco kibble I eat every day! Their grassy backyard patio area is great for families with pets, I’d come back to Columbia just to eat here!
Sally’s feast of ground turkey and other goodies…
GRADUATE COLUMBIA
My paw-rents were immediately obsessed with Graduate Columbia because of its colorful decor, and I was immediately obsessed because they gave me a Bark Box upon arrival! (The BEST!) I stay at a lot of dog friendly hotels with my folks, and Graduate hotels are always so accommodating. This one was of no exception, I felt so welcomed and loved by the staff and guests. I didn’t want to leave!
Did I miss a dog-friendly Columbia hot spot? Leave a comment and let me know, as I’m looking for a good excuse to go back. I was made for the South.