This article is presented in partnership with Visit Columbia.
The temperature is dropping (or, more accurately, yo-yoing), the daylight is shrinking and you’re probably more antsy than ever to get out of the house. Whether you’re trying to knock out your holiday shopping list in a weekend or looking for a self-care splurge, you can find all kinds of unique shops and boutiques, as well as favorite local flavors, in Columbia. And you can find it all safely.
Get Down with The District
The Downtown Community Improvement District — known locally as “The District” — is Columbia’s hub for the latest in food, fashion and the arts. Spanning 50 square blocks, it exists in part to provide a diverse, innovative and creative epicenter for more than 600 businesses, non-profits and government entities. And its immense range of stores and goods — including comic books, upscale consignment, specialty candy, spirit wear and so much more — are complemented by its array of restaurants that span from juicy burgers and fresh sushi to international treats and beyond. In The District, there’s literally something for everyone and if you haven’t found what you’re looking for, just look a little harder!
Hit the Mall
For a more traditional shopping and dining experience, including familiar department stores and fashion staples, check out one of Columbia’s shopping centers. The Columbia Mall, Shoppes at Stadium and Broadway Shops all offer a wide variety of stores and dining options, so you can find something for everyone on your list — and then some! When you get hungry, you can always hop on over to one of the shopping centers’ many restaurants for a quick bite.
Stay Safe
Please note, all visitors and residents of Columbia are required to wear masks in public places (WEAR – ordinance enforced). We also encourage maintaining a six-foot distance between people not from the same household (WATCH), as well as frequent and thorough hand washing and sanitizing (WASH).
