Photo credit: Beth Blackwell
Are you visiting Columbia, South Carolina, for the weekend or on TDY to Fort Jackson? Fort Jackson offers several on-post entertainment options. And Columbia, a 27-minute drive from Fort Jackson, is the bustling capital of the state with plenty of things to do for the whole family. It also happens to be home of the University of South Carolina and the Gamecocks. This provides the city with a college-town atmosphere that is rich with history and urban vibrancy.
When you are on Fort Jackson, there are a variety of on-post activities to choose from. These options provide great opportunities for you to make friends and memories within the army community. Enjoy a myriad of activities at the on-post golf club, bowling alley, putt-putt greens, MWR for bingo, movie theater, or water park. Palmetto Falls is the on-post waterpark that offers summertime weekday and weekend access to the military, their families, and their guests. It is open to the public during weekdays. If you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, head to the Officers’ Club, NCO Club and Magruder’s Club & Pub. These are convenient on-post gathering locations on any day.
If you’re looking to grab a quick bite to eat, Fort Jackson’s Post Exchange has a number of fast food options, including Cinnabon, Taco Bell, Burger King, Manchu Wok, Popeye’s Chicken, Strike Zone Snack Bar, Subway, and Pizza Hut. While you’re at the Post Exchange, take time to shop around. In addition to a huge selection of clothing, shoes, and electronics, there are a number of specialty stores as well: hair and nail salons, pharmacy, optical shop, and optometry clinic.
After enjoying all that being on post has to offer, head off post to explore the neighborhood! During the summer, floating down the Congaree and Saluda Rivers is a main attraction in Columbia. Palmetto Outdoor provides guided river and walking tours. If you love the outdoors, a walk along the Palmetto Trail, the Three Rivers Greenway, or the Riverwalk can be very refreshing. Congaree National Park is known for its amazing biodiversity and is the largest intact expanse of old growth, bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. These trees are absolutely enormous.
If you prefer to take it easy, head to the Soda City Market. It features dozens of farmers, food vendors, and artisans from around Columbia every Saturday morning on Main Street. Check out Five Points and Hootie and the Blowfish Blvd. for boutique stores, dining, and nightlife. For bigger shopping options, visit these two malls located around Fort Jackson: Columbia Place and Columbiana Centre.
Here are other notable attractions near Fort Jackson for the entire family to enjoy or for a date night:
South Carolina State Museum (collections highlighting the State’s art, natural history, science & technology, and cultural history)
701 Center for Contemporary Art (a visual art center that promotes contemporary art, the creative process, and the role of art and artists in the community)
EdVenture Children’s Museum (offers wide range of exhibits and activities geared towards children)
The African American History Monument (12 beautiful panels representing the historical experience of South Carolina’s African-Americans)
The Challenger Learning Center (aeronautics and space-themed educational program)
The University of South Carolina (lots of great college sporting events to see, lovely campus)
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (home to over 2,000 animals from around the world)
Harbison State Forest (2,137 acres of beautiful forestland)
Columbia Disc Golf Club (free, try to get the Frisbee in the basket)
Columbia Food Tours (walking food tour through downtown Columbia)
The Big Mo (an old-fashioned drive-in movie theatre, about 35 minutes from Columbia)
The Nickelodeon (local movie theatre, great for indie film lovers)
The Comedy House (local comedy and show venue)
Columbia has a robust dining scene with plenty of restaurant options for delicious Southern cuisine. Try Cola’s if you are craving some shrimp and grits or pulled pork BBQ. For a farm-to-table dining experience, visit Motor Supply Co. Bistro. Gervais Street in downtown Columbia has a number of restaurants that are good for date nights, as well as a vibrant bar scene. For comfort food, try local favorites such as Cantina 76 (amazing tacos!) or Burger Tavern 77. Here are a few other dining options near Fort Jackson and in Columbia:
River Rat Brewery (local brewery with tap room hours Wednesday through Sunday)
Blue Marlin Steaks and Seafood (surf and turf with a blend of African, West Indian, and Caribbean flavors)
2108 State Bar and Grill (classic American and Southern favorites)
Terra (locally grown, seasonal produce, handpicked meat and ingredients, good seafood)
Harper’s (casual dining and American-style cuisine)
Ross Trattoria Italia (elegant but casual Italian with locally sourced ingredients)
Sato Japanese Steak & Seafood House (popular Hibachi grill-style restaurant)
Pawley’s Front Porch (best burger in town; as seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives TV show)
DiPrato’s Delicatessen (good place for lunch, delicious pimento cheese)
Hunter Gatherer (great beer and food, live jazz every Thursday night)
Lastly, for military families and guests visiting Columbia, staying on-post offers huge advantages for keeping your work and life balanced. At Fort Jackson, there are a couple of convenient on-post army lodgings available, including the Fort Jackson Inn, Dozier Hall & Palmetto, and Magruder Transient Area. The hotels’ amenities include:
Free continental breakfast
Weekly dinner socials
Free wireless and wired high-speed Internet
On-site guest self-laundry facilities
For more information about other on-post hotels located on army installations nationwide, visit: IHG.com/ArmyHotels.