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Posts Tagged ‘local food’

Strawberry Picking: Columbia, SC’s Berry U-Pick Farms

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Are you searching for u-pick strawberries near Columbia, SC? You have a lot of options when it comes to strawberry picking farms all throughout the Midlands! Columbia, SC has several nearby farms where you can pick your own delicious berries or just pick up a gallon or two of pre-picked berries.

Our list includes all the strawberry picking options in Columbia and the surrounding Midlands’ area. We’ll let you know what other farm activities might be happening and where you can find other fun things to do nearby. Enjoy the strawberry season in Columbia, SC!

Strawberry picking: Columbia, SC

Before You Go: Top Strawberry Picking Tips

  1. Strawberry patches, and as a result strawberry picking availability, are highly dependent on weather. Most farms won’t have regular hours. You’ll need to check their social media Facebook page or Instagram for picking availability.
  2. Wear sneakers or boots. Fields have ants. Ants bite. A strawberry patch is not the place for flip-flops.
  3. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and water bottles! That sun gets hot fast!
  4. Think about visiting a restroom before you get to the farm. You might have a porta-potty option at the farm, or there might not be an on-site restroom. No one wants to run away from their basket of freshly picked strawberries to try to find a potty.

Cottle Strawberry Farm

9560 Garners Ferry Road, Hopkins, SC 29061| 803.695.1714

One of the most popular places to pick strawberries near Columbia, Cottle Strawberry Farm offers both u-pick and pre-picked berries.

We visited Cottle Strawberry Farm, and you’ll find everything you need to know about this farm in our Cottle Strawberry Farm review.

This farm participates in the SC Agritourism Passport.

cottle strawberry farm agritour

Lever Farm

5057 SC Highway 34, Pomaria, SC | 803.321.5952

Lever Farms has both U-pick and pre-picked strawberries.

They do plan do be open for the 2024 season in early April, but as always, keep an eye on the Lever Farm Facebook page for conditions and availability before you go for spring break and after!

This farm also offers u-pick flowers!

James R. Sease Farms Inc. Strawberry Patch

3911 Augusta Hwy, Gilbert | 803.359.3276

James R. Sease Farms offers both u-pick and pre-picked strawberries.

U-Pick Gallon: $18
Pre-picked gallon: $20

You’ll also find this farm’s berries at farm stands located: Hwy 378 Lexington, Wingard’s Market on Hwy #6 Lexington, Four Oaks Farm on Hwy #1 Lexington, Taylor’s Produce on Augusta Hwy, Gilbert and Randall’s Produce on Hwy #1 Batesburg

Clinton Sease Farm

Clinton Sease Farm Strawberry Patch: 426 Olde Farm Road, Lexington

A popular farm for pumpkins and fall adventures, Clinton Sease Farm also offers spring strawberry picking! Note that the fun playgrounds are not open at this time, but keep your eyes peeled for their Pick and Play events planned for May!

Check the Clinton Sease Farm facebook page for strawberry field updates.

Lucas Ridge Farms Strawberries

7668 Edmund Highway, Pelion, SC

Get u-pick and pre-picked strawberries at Lucas Ridge Farms in Pelion, SC.

U-Pick: $15
Pre-picked: $18

Check the Lucas Ridge Farms Facebook page for hours and dates. For the 2024 season, they hope to open up to pickers in late March.

Cherry Place Farm

1950 Oakdale Road Rock Hill, SC

Cherry Place Farm is in York County, SC. It’s a little further from Columbia, but, besides picking strawberries you can also visit the on-site farm animals. That sounds like a pretty perfect day trip to us.

If you’re heading to York County, we have a few more ideas about things to do there to help you plan a spectacular day. Here’s our guide to York County things to do!

McCurley Farms

8839 Salley Road, North, SC

McCurley Farms has pre-picked strawberries for $18. They do not offer u-pick. But they do offer lots of other fruits and vegetables for purchase on the farm.

Want to pick more strawberries?

You have lots more options for strawberries in Greenville, the Upstate, and Western North Carolina. In fact, the strawberry season starts a couple of weeks later in the Upstate and WNC which means you can try a day trip to these farms if the strawberry patches near Columbia are picked-out.

Pick more strawberries in the Upstate

Strawberry Farms near Greenville, SC

What do you make with all your freshly-picked strawberries?

Farmers Markets in Columbia, SC

Love local food? Here’s where to find more!

Columbia’s Farmers Markets

Time for Brunch? Columbia, SC’s Premier Brunch Destinations

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Are you looking for a great brunch spot in Columbia, SC? Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Columbia has a variety of options to satisfy your brunch cravings. From classic breakfast fare to unique twists on traditional dishes, this guide is organized by location, making it easy for you to find the perfect brunch spot in your area.

Explore the brunch offerings in Downtown Columbia, Five Points, and West Columbia, and discover new favorites along the way.

Enjoy a delicious brunch in Columbia, SC

Brunch in Downtown Columbia & The Vista

Market on Main

A sophisticated brunch destination featuring truffle frites, alongside an array of salads, gourmet burgers, and breakfast-style sandwiches

Market on Main
1320 Main Street #150
Columbia, SC, 29201
803.722.4222 

My family loves going to Market on Main for brunch! It’s so fun to sit outside and listen to music while we dine. Some of my favorite dishes are their Truffle Frites, Griddled Banana Bread, Brunch Bowl and the Wagyu Burger! And I never leave without having one of their famous Bloody Mary’s! 

Kelly J.

The Toasty Hot Spot

A family-owned brunch spot offering a variety of sandwiches and breakfast-style items.

The Toasty Hot Spot
1305 Lady Street
Columbia, SC, 29201
803.401.5501

smallSUGAR

A delightful brunch restaurant, offering a diverse menu including granola and yogurt bowls, tartines, bowls, and sandwiches.

smallSUGAR
709 Gervais Street 
Columbia, SC, 29201
803.722.7506

Crepes & Croissants

A French-style brunch restaurant with a selection of sweet and savory crepes, along with croissant sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.

Crepes & Croissants
1465 Sumter Street
Columbia, SC, 29201
803.462.4779

Motor Supply Company Bistro

Motor Supply Company Bistro offers a sustainable farm-to-table dining experience with house-butchered meats, locally sourced produce, and South Carolina seafood. Reservations are recommended.

Motor Supply Company Bistro
920 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC, 29201
803.256.6687

Sandwich Depot

Sandwich Depot lives up to their name, serving a variety of sandwiches with their breakfast and lunch, which are served all-day

Sandwich Depot
1211 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC, 29201
803.931.3997

Spotted Salamander Cafe and Catering

This restaurant offers Southern dishes featuring a rotating menu of seasonal and unique produce and meats, along with daily freshly baked treats.

Spotted Salamander Cafe and Catering
1531 Richland Street
Columbia, SC, 29201
803.556.2197

DiPrato’s

This Italian-style deli would fit right in up in NYC. They offer signature sandwiches, and a special brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. It includes all the traditional brunch favorites like pancakes and French Toast, plus eggs and dishes with a unique flare like the Monte Cristo French Toast Sandwich.

DiPrato’s
342 Pickens Street
Columbia, SC 29205
803.779.0606

 I like Di Prato’s because of all the classic southern staples they have on the menu. My favorite thing to order is the pimento cheese!

Patrick S.

Brunch in Five Points & Shandon

The Gourmet Shop

A classic Columbia brunch spot with outdoor seating and a variety of sandwiches, bakery items, lunch, and breakfast options.

The Gourmet Shop
724 Saluda Avenue
Columbia SC, 29205
803.799.3705

The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli

A charming spot with a wide variety of breakfast and lunch menu items, including an assortment of unique cinnamon roll flavors.

The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli
2617 Devine Street
Columbia, SC, 29223
803.465.4947

Rosewood Market

A food market with a deli featuring a diverse menu featuring daily specials, and a variety of brunch items, catering to all appetites and dietary preferences, 

Rosewood Market Deli
2803 Rosewood Drive
Columbia, SC, 29205
803.256.6410

Publico

A dog-friendly restaurant in Five Points offering fresh and local food made from scratch.

Publico
2013 Greene Street
Columbia, SC, 29205
803.661.9043

Henry’s Restaurant

Homey restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with brunch options. They also have a location in West Columbia!

Henry’s Restaurant
111 Sparkleberry Crossing, Suite 1
Columbia, SC, 29229
803.563.5674

Brunch in Irmo & West Columbia

Cafe Strudel

A popular spot for brunch with a creative menu featuring dishes like shrimp & grits and crab cakes.

Here’s our Kidding Around Review of Cafe Strudel.

Cafe Strudel
300 State Street
West Columbia, SC, 29169
803.794.6634

I love going to Cafe Strudel for brunch! I almost always order the “Hangover Hashbrowns”. And you can’t beat the self-service coffee bar or freshly squeezed orange juice! Along with the delicious menu, I also love the location. After brunch my family and I like to head over to the WeCo Riverwalk or to some of the antique shops and boutiques just around the corner.

Kayla S.
Brunch at Cafe Strudel

The Hideout in WeCo

A local café offering counter service, indoor, and outdoor seating serving cafe-style breakfast and lunch options

The Hideout in WeCo
118 State Street
West Columbia, SC, 29169
803.881.1044

The Original Brunches

A restaurant featuring traditional brunch-style foods, such as omelets, biscuits, and sandwiches.

The Original Brunches
2245 Leaphart Road
West Columbia, SC, 29169
803.791.7477

Compton’s Kitchen

A restaurant in West Columbia with special kid-friendly options, and all-day breakfast offerings.

Compton’s Kitchen
1118 B Avenue
West Columbia, SC, 29169
803.791.0750

The Bistreaux by Fleur de Licious

A Cajun & Creole-style restaurant offering classic New Orleans-style breakfast and lunch options, with special events throughout the year.

Fleur de Licious
2700 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC, 29210
803.205.1785

Chayz Lounge

An upscale “Jazz Bistro” with classic brunch selections, salads, and signature menu options.

Chayz Lounge
607 Meeting Street
West Columbia, SC, 29169
803.563.8375

Denny’s Classic Diner

Family friendly diner open 24 hours with good service, great food and retro vibe!

Denny’s Classic Diner
342 Harbison Blvd
Columbia, SC 29212
803.781.7422

When it comes to satisfying your brunch cravings in Columbia, you’ll have an abundance of choices to indulge in. But don’t just take our word for it! Check out each restaurant’s website for menus and hours, and then embark on your own culinary exploration.

Tell us! Have you tried any of these fantastic brunch spots? We’d love to hear about your experiences! Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below.

Columbia, SC Restaurants: where to eat out

The best restaurants in Columbia are right here.

The Premier Guide to Restaurants in Columbia, SC