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The Mill District is a great place to spend a summer day in Columbia! If you only have one day to spend exploring it, then here is an itinerary that makes good use of your time! (*Note: This itinerary includes a visit to the local spa. Before you head out for your Mill District adventure, take a look at The Beautique’s website to make an afternoon appointment.)

Granby Park

To start off the day, head to one of the best outdoor spots in Columbia, Granby Park. Granby Park is part of the Three Rivers Greenway and overlooks the Congaree River. Its urban forest setting provides a nice backdrop to soak up the summer sun and get some fresh air and shade near downtown Columbia. It’s also a great place to bring your family to have a picnic with some stunning views. With easy-to-access parking, bathroom facilities, and paved trails, this park is one of the best for visitors of all ages. Granby Park is located at 100 Catawba Circle.

701 CCA

After enjoying a morning walk at Granby Park, head to 701 Whaley located at 701 Whaley Street to check out the 701 Center for Contemporary Arts. This space is run by volunteers and features rotating works by established and emerging artists. The center also sponsors workshops, classes, and performances, so it is definitely a must-see. While you are at CCA, check out the Hallway Gallery, also located at 701 Whaley. The Hallway Gallery features exhibits by local artists. The current featured artist is Mary How but past artists have included Thomas Washington and Caroline Moore. 701 CCA is open Wednesday-Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Learn more about 701 CCA here.

Banh Mi Boys

Right across the street from 701 CCA at 625 Whaley Street is local restaurant Banh Mi Boys. Originally started in Louisiana, the owners decided to open up their first out-of-state location in Columbia. Banh Mi Boys are known for their great sandwiches and awesome K-Fries that feature Korean beef with a fried egg and spicy sauce. Yum! Banh Mi Boys are open Monday-Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Check out Banh Mi Boys’ complete menu here.

The Beautique

After lunch, you can circle back to 701 Whaley for your appointment at The Beautique. Located on the second floor, the treatment rooms are beautiful and inviting. The spa offers a wide range of services from eyebrow and lip waxing, to facials and laser hair removal, to name a few. They provide great service and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. The Beautique is open Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. (by appointment only). Learn more about all of the services The Beautique offers here.

Olympia Mill Village Museum

If spas aren’t your thing then head on over to the Olympia Mill Village Museum located right down the road from 701 Whaley at 1170 Olympia Avenue. The museum is divided into three separate areas that paint a picture of what life was like during the height of the mills’ production. The museum is open every Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is open by appointment during the weekdays. To learn more about the museum, click here.

Lyons General Store

Next, be sure to check out some of the great shops in the Mill District. One of the best stops is Lyons General Store located at 633 S. Assembly Street. Lyons features a rotation of some well-known national brands such as Hey Dudes and Local Boy Outfitters, but they also have some great merchandise that’s specific to the Columbia area. Lyons is open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Addam’s Gamecock Gear

Even though football season is still almost two months away, Gamecock merchandise is always popular. Addam’s Gamecock Gear at 152 S. Assembly Street has just what you need to show your support for USC’s Gamecocks. The store holds everything from clothing to accessories and even mugs. Addam’s Gamecock Gear is open daily.

J’s Corner

Of course, no day in the Mill District could be complete without stopping at J’s Corner. Located at the edge of the Mill District at 1015 Rosewood Drive, J’s Corner is a Columbia staple. They have some of the best burgers in the area as well as a delicious mac and cheese bar. It is a definite must-do to round out your day in the Mill District. J’s is open Monday-Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and closed on Sundays. Check out J’s Corner’s delicious menu here.

From great parks to fascinating art to delicious food, the Mill District has it all. So what are you waiting for? Come spend the day in this historic community. We think it’s Columbia’s best-kept secret. We can’t wait to see you here!