West Columbia offers a lot for visitors. In July, it’s one of the hottest spots around. They come from all over to West Columbia to enjoy the cool flowing waters of the Congaree River.

“The four of us came here from Florida,” said Amy Butler. She and three friends were coming off the river at Riverwalk Park, Tuesday. She said she Googled “river tubing” and found a link to Palmetto Outdoor and planned her trip to West Columbia from there. 

“We’re going to walk up the street and try out a restaurant up there,” Butler said. “Ds Wings sounds like it may be what we’re looking for.” 

Butler was also complimentary of the City of West Columbia for providing such convenient and easy access to the river. 

“We don’t have this in Florida,” Butler said. “I love it.” 

Michael Mayo, Palmetto Outdoor owner, said the river tubers, like Butler and her friends, who stay in West Columbia and spend time after their three-hour river float are the kind of visitors he likes to see.

“The longer they stay after the tubing experience, the better it is for West Columbia,” Mayo said. “We want them to experience as much hospitality as possible while they’re here. And some of them may even move back here because they like it so much.”

George Bumm works at Michelin in Lexington and lives in West Columbia, within walking distance of Riverwalk. He had a couple days off and used his time to put his Kayak in the river.

“I’ve been here about four or five times,” Bumm said. “I’m learning to kayak and I want to start fishing in the river, too.” 

For Ashley Wetzel, tubing the river Tuesday was a bit of a family affair. 

“I’m from Pittsburgh,” Wetzel said. “I came here with my aunt who lives on Lake Murray. This is my first time on the river.” 

Wetzel’s Aunt is Christine Thornhill. She brought her three children and a family friend to float down the river. It’s her second visit to tube the river. The members of the party described the experience as cool, relaxing and refreshing.

Mark Barnes lives in West Columbia. He was with his friends Kate Reid, who lives in Greenville, and Hannah Douglas. The young professionals floated down the river for more than two hours, Tuesday. He lives close enough to Riverwalk to walk back home after the experience on the river.  

“It’s cool and refreshing,” Barnes said. “We really enjoyed it.”

River floating is not just fun for adults. “I floated down the river with my boyfriend and his kids,” said Ashley Madden of Columbia. She said one of the children is age five and it was his first trip down the river. “We’re teaching the children to enjoy the outdoors. And it’s an easy and calming trip for us adults, too.” 

For those who want to come to West Columbia, there are many great restaurants to try. There are also many wonderful hotels and places to shop. A list is below:

West Columbia restaurants:

• Grecian Gardens Restaurant – 2312 Sunset Blvd – 803-794-7552
• Cafe Strudel – 300 State St. – 803 – 926-5255
• West Columbia Fish Market – 529 N. 12th St. 803-851-1171
• Compton’s Kitchen – 1118 B Ave – 803 791-0750
• Breads and Such – 1220 C Ave. – (803) 851- 0566
• Buttercream Dreams – 1230 C Ave. – (803) 708-4485
• Hite’s BBQ – 240 Dreher Rd. – (803) 794-4120
• The Original Brunches – 2245 Leaphart Rd – (803) 791-7477
• Jimmy’s Mini Mart/Citgo – 812 Meeting St. – (803) 794-0090
• Maurice’s Piggie Park – 1600 Charleston Highway – 803-796-0220J
• Nick’s House of Pizza Restaurant- 1082 A Sunset Blvd – 803-794-9240
• DeLuccas 1720 Sunset Blvd. – 803- 926-5255
• Ariana’s Greek Restaurant – 1720 Sunset Blvd. – (803) 796-4430
• Lizard’s Thicket – 2234 Sunset Blvd. 803 – 794-0923
• True BBQ – 1237 D Ave – (803) 791-9950
• Jin Jin Chinese Restaurant – 469 Sunset Blvd. (803) 739-8888
• Chick-fil-A -2299 Augusta Rd. – (803) 939-1600
• Rush’s 2332 Sunset Blvd. – (803) 796-5034
• Breakfast at Ruiz – 116 State St. – 803 -550-9681

West Columbia Hotels

• Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Airport
• Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia West/Lexington
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Columbia West
• Hampton Inn and Suites 

West Columbia Gift Shops

• Eclectic House – 716 Meeting Street
• State Street Trading Company – 134 State Street
• Carolina Pottery – 2816 Augusta Road
• West Point Coins – 132 State Street
• Old Mill Antique Mall – 310 State Street
• 763 Antique Mall – 763 Meeting Street