Home Care In West Columbia, SC

One of the easiest national parks to reach, Congaree National Park sits just southeast of Columbia, South Carolina. The park is entered through the Harry Hampton Visitor Center via Bluff Road and a short network of rural access roads. All four towns featured here are located within a 60-minute drive of the main entrance and are selected for their practical role in trip planning. There are no services inside the park, which makes planning ahead essential. Each town provides a clear set of visitor services, such as lodging, restaurants, fuel, groceries, outdoor retail, guided activities, or public transportation, that support a smooth approach to the park. Together, these gateways allow visitors to plan ahead before entering Congaree’s old-growth floodplain forest and elevated boardwalk system.

West Columbia

Located directly across the Congaree River from downtown Columbia, West Columbia functions as one of the closest full-service bases for reaching Congaree National Park. Lodging options include Sleep Inn West Columbia-Columbia Airport, positioned along primary approach routes used by park visitors. Dining clusters along Meeting Street and Knox Abbott Drive provide dependable pre- or post-park meals at Café Strudel and Savage Craft Ale Works. Fuel and groceries are easy to arrange before heading into the park corridor, with Shell (24/7), Circle K (24/7), and Publix Supermarket at Gervais Place located close to I-77 and Bluff Road.

West Columbia also supports park-oriented trips through outfitters and guided services. Palmetto Outdoor operates locally and runs guided kayaking and canoe trips on Cedar Creek and the Congaree River, including shuttle-supported routes through old-growth floodplain forest. For equipment and clothing, Half-Moon Outfitters sells camping, hiking, and water sports gear, including established outdoor footwear and apparel brands. Drivers reach the park by following SC-48 (Bluff Road) southeast, then continuing onto South Cedar Creek Road and Old Bluff Road to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Visitors without a car can use COMET Route 47, which runs from the West Columbia-Columbia area to a stop near the visitor center.

Cayce

Set along the lower Congaree River corridor, Cayce works as a pared-down gateway for travelers who want efficient access without navigating a large commercial district. The drive to the park averages about 26 minutes, depending on traffic. Lodging near I-26 includes Masters Inn, positioned for quick departures toward Bluff Road. Dining options are many, with Steel Hands Brewing for drinks and D & D Country Cooking, an American restaurant known for simple and filling meals. Fuel stops are available at Exxon, while groceries can be picked up at Food Lion, allowing visitors to stock up before heading into the park corridor.

Transportation access remains Cayce’s main advantage. COMET Route 47 runs from Cayce and downtown Columbia to a stop near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, making it possible to reach the park without a car. Drivers follow SC-48 (Bluff Road) southeast, then continue onto South Cedar Creek Road and Old Bluff Road to reach the entrance. While outdoor retail options within Cayce are limited, several well-regarded outfitters operate nearby in Columbia, including Barron’s Outfitters, located about 5.7 miles away and offering gear for paddling, fishing, and backcountry use in and around Congaree.

Lexington

Lexington offers a larger commercial base than the closer-in gateways, making it a practical option for visitors who want more choices. The drive to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center typically takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Lodging is concentrated along U.S. Route 378, with dependable options such as Hampton Inn & Suites Lexington Columbia and Quality Inn Lexington- Horse Park. Restaurants cluster along the same corridor, including O’Hara’s Public House and Libby’s, which work well for a full meal before or after a park visit. Fuel is readily available at Shell and BP, while groceries can be picked up at Publix Super Market at Hendrix Crossing or Lidl, a lower-cost option for stocking up on trail food and supplies.

While Lexington itself focuses on core services, outdoor retail is close by. Mountain High Outfitters is located about 11 miles away in the Columbia area and carries camping, hiking, paddling, and footwear brands suited to Congaree’s terrain. Drivers typically leave Lexington via U.S. 378 toward Columbia, then connect to SC-48 (Bluff Road) before continuing onto South Cedar Creek Road and Old Bluff Road to reach the park entrance.

Camden

This town works best as a plan-ahead base for visitors who prefer to settle in before an early drive into the national park. The drive to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center typically takes about 42 minutes, keeping the town within a comfortable morning window. Lodging is concentrated along U.S. Route 521, with dependable options such as Comfort Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn, both positioned for efficient departures. Dining options are spread between the historic downtown and nearby corridors, with established stops including Sam Kendall’s and Camden House of Pizza, which provide pre- or post-park meals.

Fuel is readily available at Exxon and BP stations, while groceries can be picked up at Food Lion, allowing visitors to stock up before leaving town. For outdoor clothing and casual wear, Pee Dee Outfitters serves as a local retail stop, carrying well-known brands such as Patagonia and Columbia. Drivers typically head south toward the Columbia area, then connect with SC-48 (Bluff Road) before continuing onto South Cedar Creek Road and Old Bluff Road to reach the park entrance.

Within The Hour Of Congaree

Choosing the right base town makes a clear difference when planning a visit, especially when all options sit within a 60-minute drive. West Columbia offers the most direct approach, combining outfitter access, dining clusters, lodging, fuel, groceries, and public transit tied to the park entrance. Just south of the city core, Cayce provides a compact setup with lodging, fuel, groceries, local dining, and rare bus access to the visitor center. Lexington adds broader hotel, restaurant, grocery, fuel, and nearby outdoor retail options within a straightforward drive window. Farther north, Camden rounds out the list as a calm overnight base with dependable lodging, food, fuel, groceries, and clothing outfitting before an early park entry.

Here's where you can see the monks on their Walk for Peace on Sunday.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The group of Buddhist monks on a cross-country Walk for Peace has finally reached the Midlands counties of South Carolina. The monks began their walk in Fort Worth, Texas, on Oct. 26 and will end it in Washington, highlighting Buddhism's long tradition of activism for peace.

Along the way, the monks have amassed a huge social media following, with their Facebook page offering links to where you can find the group and how to support them on their journey.

The monks made an overnight rest on Friday at Tom’s Den in Lexington. Watch the livestream here.

On Saturday, they traveled through West Columbia and spoke before a massive crowd at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, where they were recognized with a City of Columbia Proclamation presented by Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, as well as a State of South Carolina Proclamation presented by Senator Deon Tedder.

On Sunday, the group will travel up Hwy 21 through Blythewood, stopping for lunch at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 9720 Wilson Boulevard, with visiting hours from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fairfield County Council Chair Clarence Gilbert and County Administrator Vic Carpenter will meet the monks at the county line around 4 p.m., and the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office will escort the group to the Ridgeway Recreation Center.

They will receive visitors from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., during which citizens can speak with the monks. After the visits, Fairfield County is hosting them for a night of rest at the recreation center, before they continue their journey the next morning.

So, how should you approach the monks? A representative of the group said there are a few guidelines to follow:

You can track the Walk for Peace in real time to see the monks' progress and anticipated stops for lunch and night rest, or check in on the Walk for Peace Facebook page for insights and updates on the day's journey.

The Buddhist monks traveling across South Carolina on a Walk for Peace will appear in downtown Columbia on Saturday afternoon.

At previous stops in South Carolina, the group of two dozen Buddhist monks have followed a familiar routine in interacting with their supporters.

But in a Facebook post Friday night, the monks said they would avoid having public visitation during their daily lunch stop before noon, due to limited parking at the undisclosed location.

Instead, the monks will participate in two “peace gatherings” on Saturday. One will gather on the West Columbia side of the Gervais Street bridge at 2 p.m. The group and supporters will then walk into Columbia to the south steps of the State House from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., according to local non-profit Be the Ones.

As part of the State House gathering, the monks will be presented with a city proclamation by Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and a state proclamation by state Sen. Deon Tedder.

The next overnight stop on the journey had not been confirmed Friday night. The live map of the journey can be seen on Walk for Peace website.

Since they set out Oct. 26, the Walk for Peace has become a social media sensation, partly based on the appeal of the monks’ rescue dog, Aloka the Peace Dog, who has traveled with them the entire way. Large crowds have gathered to greet the monks every stop of the way, and will doubtless do the same in South Carolina’s capital city.

On Friday night, visitor parking at Tom’s Den on Augusta Road just outside Lexington filled up shortly after 4 p.m., hours before the monks had actually arrived at their overnight stop.

The Walk for Peace entered South Carolina from Georgia on Monday, more than two months after the monks left from their home temple in Forth Worth, Texas. The monks have walked more than 1,500 of the 2,300 miles they intend to travel to Washington, D.C. So far, the group has traveled across six states and Columbia will be the fifth state capital the monks have visited.

From the Savannah River, the Walk for Peace has spent a week going across McCormick, Edgefield and Saluda counties before the trek passed through Lexington on Friday. After visiting Columbia, the monks will turn north on their way to the nation’s capital, passing through Rock Hill on the way into North Carolina early next week.

Times, locations for Monks’ visit to Columbia

South Carolina nonprofit Be the Ones is partnering with Walk for Peace to host two events Saturday afternoon, one in West Columbia and the other at the S.C. Statehouse in Columbia.

The first event is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10 on the West Columbia side of the Gervais Street Bridge.

Between 3 and 4 p.m., the monks and Aloka will gather at the S.C. Statehouse (110 Gervais St.). The monks will be recognized with proclamations from Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and state Sen. Deon Tedder, D-Charleston.

“We believe peace starts locally, with how we show up for one another, listen, and act with care and compassion,” Cate Mayer, Be the Ones founder and executive director, said in a press release. “We’re grateful to work in coordination with the Walk for Peace team to help create meaningful spaces for reflection, connection, and shared commitment here in Columbia and across South Carolina.”

When greeting the monks, there are a few things to keep in mind:

According to the Abhayagiri Monastery, the most common way to greet a Buddhist monk is with the añjali. This is when you press your palms together in font of your chest.

“It is a gesture of respect that can be used as a greeting, a goodbye, a thank-you or when speaking with one of the monastics,” the monastery advised.

The monks stopped in Edgefield County Jan. 7 where they were greeted by a few hundred supporters and one protestor, whom they gifted a flower and bottle of water, according to reporting from The Aiken Standard.

Looking for the next new restaurant hitting Cola’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Columbia — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the culinary curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.

The much anticipated food hall opened with nine restaurants, including Cocobowlz, Bull and Bread, Bessie’s Burgers & More, Gyromania Grille Express, Big Easy Seafood, Smoke It Up Express, Bahn Sai, Los Chicanos Jr., Kiki’s Chicken & Waffles, and Remedy.

Grab classic Chinese dishes for takeout or dine in.

The restaurant opened in the former Yamato spot on Columbiana Drive, bringing hibachi back to the building.

Try Cuban classics like the ropa vieja and churrasco, plus sandwiches and sides.

The shop makes fresh doughnuts daily, from classic glazed to a hot chocolate doughnut.

Hava Smoothie Cafe, 914 N. Lake Dr., Ste. A1, Lexington

Try a smoothie or bowl for a quick, lighter stop.

Rock N Pizza, 471-1 Town Center Place (Village at Sandhill)

A slice-or-whole-pie spot with specialty pizzas and build-your-own orders.

The new stylish wine bar opened one block from the State House in a developing area downtown.

This Soda City Market vendor opened a brick-and-mortar to grab ropa vieja or a Cuban sandwich all week.

Grab it by the slice or a whole pie at this spot with Big Apple-style ‘za.

The Greenville-based roaster opened a 3,400-sqft flagship café with a bakery, upstairs lounge, and a private “library” space.

Paninis and café-style lunch options for fast takeout.

Located across the street from The Township Auditorium, this is a smaller version of one of their typical spots that’s great for takeout or a cozy sit-down meal.

The locally run taproom from a Pennsylvania-based brewery is opening with 24 craft beers and pub bites.

The Yard, 1626 Main St.A Main Street sports bar and grill with big-game screens, drinks, and bar food.

This bar and grill has barbecue, hearty sandwiches, and some international spice influences.

Brunch favorite expanded to Elgin, bringing shrimp & grits, French toast, and more.

The downtown expansion of the local favorite is open in the former Pizza Hut location next to Greek Boys.

Five Points got a fresh taco + margarita bar from the Saluda’s crew, adding some late-night energy to the strip.

USC students who live in Gateway 737 now have a spot for espresso drinks, brewed coffee, and study breaks.

Lexington’s newest Mexican spot leans into seafood with shrimp and octopus towers, as well as plenty of quick lunch specials.

, 1211 Taylor St., Columbia | Hawaiian–Japanese fusion

This casual downtown lunch spot serves poke bowls, k?lua pork, and surf vibes.

Vedha Indian Cafe, 5076 Sunset Blvd., Lexington | Indian Expect classic Indian dishes like biryani, butter chicken, and dosas, plus plenty of vegetarian-friendly options.

The new café at Sola Station pours honey matcha lattes and chill frozen brews.

A sunny Cardinal Crossing café pouring espresso drinks, teas, and honey lattes, complete with a pet-friendly patio.

, 5594 Sunset Blvd., Lexington | Asian fusion

Plates of hibachi chicken and shrimp meet baskets of wings and Southern sides in this quick-service Lexington spot.

Northeast Columbia’s newest ice cream shop scoops more than 25 flavors with unlimited toppings in a playful, cow-themed space.

16 Handles, 4840 Forest Dr., Suite 19, Forest Acres | Frozen yogurt + ice cream

The NYC-based self-serve yogurt and ice cream shop — offering 16 rotating flavors (including vegan options) and a toppings bar — will hold its grand opening on Saturday, June 28 at Trenholm Plaza. The first 100 guests get free fro?yo, and there’ll be half-price treats midday.

The Champagne Restaurant & Lounge, 902 Gervais St. | Modern American + global cuisine

Opened in the historic Seaboard Railroad Station in the Vista, this upscale dining and lounge venue serves modern American cuisine in a space with a private dining room + outdoor patio.

Eatery 117, 117 Spears Creek Church Rd., Elgin | Breakfast + brunch

The new café serves loaded grits, classic breakfast plates, fresh salads, and espresso drinks.

This no-frills burger joint brings hand-pattied burgers with crowd-pleasers like the Mr. Knozit burger with pimento cheese. Don’t miss the double?fried, hand?cut fries — crispy, fresh, and perfect alongside your burger.

Ember, 101 W. Main St., Lexington | Steakhouse

The downtown Lexington steakhouse features hand?cut aged steaks, sustainably sourced seafood, house?made pastas, a signature wood?ember grill, along with a curated wine list.

A Soda City Market favorite turned brick-and-mortar, JJ’s Place now serves fresh-baked sweets while keeping its Saturday market presence.

Mel’s Dairy Bar, 3239 Forest Dr., Forest Acres | Fast casual

Now open in the former Zesto’s, Mel’s brings a classic counter-service vibe with burgers, fries, and soft-serve cones. Just look at this double burger going viral on Reddit.

Thai Delicacies, 1213 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia | Thai + Burmese street food

Taking over the former Olde Country Buffet, this spot serves up an eclectic lineup of Thai and Burmese favorites — from papaya salad and pad Thai to poke bowls, khao soi, mochi ice cream, and mango sticky rice.

Now open in the Don Luigi location, Enzo’s new spot blends deli vibes with Italian market options.

Bibimbox + Kumo Kumo Café, 275 Park Terrace Dr., Suite #800 | Korean

This two-in-one concept brings Korean comfort food and playful sweets to Harbison. Order up spicy tteokbokki and crispy wings, then head to Kumo Kumo inside for matcha desserts and specialty drinks.

Sumo Sushi & Hibachi Grill, 1100 Dutch Fork Rd., Irmo | Japanese + hibachi

This second area location serves up sizzling hibachi plates, sushi rolls, and deep-fried specialties, including the fan-favorite Godzilla roll.

If you’re a fan of crispy chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and plenty of saucy condiment options, this one’s for you.

Taking over the former Barrio Tacos space, this new spot brings sizzling fajitas, queso-topped burritos, and a full bar.

Try the birria tacos or go for the al pastor — both come highly recommended.

Shark Tank–featured grilled dough cone ice cream shop opening its first Columbia location downtown.

Coastal Crust, The Lawn at BullStreet District | Wood-fired pizza | Projected opening: Late 2025

The SC-based pizzeria chain will open in the revitalized Williams Building, the centerpiece of The Lawn — a new community plaza in BullStreet. The pizzeria is planned for the historic façade space opening directly onto the green lawn.

Mother’s Oysters + Pies, Shoppes at Flight Deck, Lexington | Raw bar + pizza | Projected opening: September

This Riviera-inspired spot will offer a rotating raw bar, Neapolitan-style pizzas, pasta, and wine.

Moltó Vino, 128 State St., West Columbia | Self-serve wine bar

Dreaming of 24/7 wine on tap? This membership-based spot features wall-to-wall wine machines and stylish vibes.

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, 2151 Boyce St., BullStreet District | Seafood | Projected opening: TBD

Set to open across from Segra Park, this NC-based chain brings oysters, seafood baskets, and beach-town vibes.

The coastal-inspired oyster and seafood spot will open in the former Pecknel Music Co. building.