Let’s map out your day’s itinerary for a visit to lovely Forest Acres in Columbia. This thriving community has it all — beautiful historic buildings, quaint parks, cutting-edge restaurants, and a variety of high-end stores and galleries.
There is more than enough activity for one day, so we’ll narrow it down with a few recommendations.
Brunch
Head over to the bustling Trenholm Plaza for a sweet and savory brunch at Tazza Kitchen. Surrounded by a buzzing shopping area, this welcoming restaurant offers both in-house and patio seating; we recommend placing a reservation! The atmosphere and menu allow for a full family affair (including children who will love the Kids Menu) while also making a true culinary impression. Try one of their mouth-watering brick oven pizzas such as the Breakfast Pizza which features béchamel, bacon, caramelized onion, mozzarella, grana padano, and fried eggs. Or you might venture into the menu’s bowl category, which includes the famous Baja Bowl and Hash Bowl. And you can never go wrong with the classic Crab Cake Benedict!
Partager
This upscale gallery showcases a plethora of masterful artists, antiquarians, and retailers. You’re sure to find a perfect gift for all of your friends and family, and most certainly something for yourself! A decade-long dream of founder and Columbia native Leslie A. Frances, Partager features booth after booth brimming with beauty and luxury. Leslie’s years of experience in the financial industry and in home renovations, as well as world travel, have propelled her on this entrepreneurial venture that adds so much appeal to the Forest Lake community. https://www.partagergalleryandgifts.com/
Forest Lake Gardens
An oasis of South Carolinian flora and fauna, Forest Lake Gardens is your one-stop shop for all of your landscaping needs. Browse through aisles of all your favorite plant varieties – tropicals, indoor plants, azaleas, geraniums, and more! They carry seasonal plants and produce and are a destination for many who love tradition: They have fresh produce in summer, pumpkins and gords during the fall, rows of Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands during the winter, and budding florals in the spring.
Kudzu Bakery
By mid-afternoon, you may be hankering for a snack. Check out Kudzu Bakery and Market on Forest Drive! Its original locations are in Georgetown and Litchfield Beach, but owners Kristi Gibbs and Kim McMurry foresaw the enthusiastic welcome a business like Kudzu could have in Forest Acres — their instincts have proven true! They have maintained the true Kudzu brand with its top-notch standards and variety of classic flavors. This is your one-stop shop for fresh breads, pastries, and desserts. You could even find everything you need to take home for dinner — grits entrees, quiches, poppyseed chicken, lasagna ladyfingers, biscuits, and so much more! Be the “hostess with the mostess” at your next dinner party courtesy of Kudzu.
This is only a drop in the bucket of all that this community has to offer! From perusing high-end clothing and home goods to enjoying the picturesque outdoors of the Midlands, Forest Acres has it all and deserves a spot on your list of day trip adventures.
Written By Rebecca Jenkins