Columbia, South Carolina opens its arms with a Black Travel Guide that showcases the city’s art, cuisine, and history. Local Black artisans, eateries, and artists proudly celebrate their heritage in the heart of this growing yet inviting U.S. capital.
Columbia emerges not just as a capital city but as a destination where travelers can connect with a unique blend of art, fashion, and history. Here are a few highlights from Columbia’s Black Travel Guide.
Columbia’s Foodie Experience
Foodies will delight in the flavors of West African fusion cuisine at Mimsy’s. This lively restaurant and jazz lounge is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle through food. The menu features various vegan options such as black bean burgers, vegan chicken strips, and tofu stir-fries. Mimsy’s is where to go when you want a fusion of African and American tastes.
For a taste of home, Esther’s Soul Food + Kitchen is Columbia’s only coffee and soul food fusion spot. The restaurant extends a warm welcome for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Whether you’re yearning for comforting recipes reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen or seeking a relaxed atmosphere with smooth jazz music, Esther’s promises a soulful dining experience.
Art & Culture
Visitors can embark on a poignant journey through Columbia’s history with the “Reconstructed: A Journey Through the Reconstruction Era” tour. It features significant stops like The Museum of The Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home.
Venture further into the city to Benedict College and discover the Carver Theatre, a historic gem built exclusively for the African-American community during the era of segregation.
On the east side of the South Carolina State House, the African American History Monument stands as a testament to the Black experience, tracing a compelling narrative from the slave trade through the Civil Rights Movement. Notably, it proudly holds the distinction of being the first monument of its kind on statehouse grounds in the United States.