It’s finally spooky season, and that means all the Halloween and horror movies are streaming! Do you prefer to snuggle up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and watch Hocus Pocus on repeat all October, or do you like to spice it up a little with spookier movies like Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th?
Here are a few activities you should check out when you visit South Carolina based on your favorite Halloween movie!
Edward Scissorhands
Nothing’s more fitting than having something sweet for brunch to celebrate such a sweet character! At Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli, you can get massive cinnamon rolls with unique flavors. But if you’re not feeling anything too sweet, there are plenty of breakfast sandwiches, soups and other options to choose from. Each meal also comes with a mini cinnamon roll!
In true Edward Scissorhands form, at Craft Axe Throwing, you and your friends can have a little healthy competition throwing axes. Added bonus: On Friday nights, the VIP section becomes a glow-in-the-dark throwing session!
If you have a green thumb, or if you don’t, you can spend a lovely afternoon at Gardener’s Outpost. Channel your inner Edward and find inspiration in taking care of plants, and maybe even take home one of their seasonal plants (like pumpkins).
Hair us out, sometimes you just can’t fit that hair appointment in your busy week! There are plenty of local salons where you can get a nice trim on an early Saturday afternoon.
Ghostbusters
If you’re a ghost-hunting fan, you should definitely go to Just Us Cafe for brunch. Because, I mean, who knows if it’s actually just us attending brunch? 👻
*note: Just Us Cafe is not actually haunted, we just make jokes from time to time.
80’s music, neon lights and a good time with friends? Yes, please! Late-night bowling is a Columbia favorite. Make sure to wear a Halloween costume!
If you’re going to hunt ghosts, you’ve got to be in peak shape. Walking or running Riverfront Park from start to finish is around five miles, so you’ll be ready to hunt ghosts at any time.
As a college student, it always feels like it’s time to get groceries, so it’s great to get them over the weekend. Just don’t forget the marshmallows!
Carrie
Let’s face it, school can get tiring, so make sure to fuel up with a good meal! Carolina Cafe has a great variety of breakfast and lunch sandwiches along with other meal options, many of which have a Carolina theme. Every time you visit, you will have something new to try!
Use your brain to solve puzzles and escape! Escapology has multiple themed escape room challenges, from murder mysteries to escaping a sabotaged WWII submarine or helping Scooby Doo and crew solve a disappearance. Make sure to book your event in advance!
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is one of the most popular attractions in Columbia. The zoo has a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions where you can learn about the variety of wonderful animals you can find both in Columbia and around the world.
I think you know why this is your suggested errand. But who doesn’t love freshly cleaned clothes?
Casper the Friendly Ghost
Crêpes & Croissants is a friendly brunch spot, just like the friendliest little ghost! Get your caffeine fix and fill up on some delicious crêpes and French pastries before heading off on your adventures!
Right on Main Street, watching a movie at the Nickelodeon Theater is a Gamecock favorite! Even better, this month they are showing plenty of Halloween classics!
Whether it’s football, corn hole or another fun sport, getting outdoors is a great way to spend time with friends in Columbia’s beautiful fall weather. You could even make it a decathlon competition with multiple activities!
While it doesn’t sound particularly entertaining, sometimes a busy week can leave you with a very messy room. So, put on your favorite spooky tunes and tidy up! And if you have time, maybe add some Halloween decorations, too!
Halloweentown:
The Gourmet shop is a local favorite. You can dine indoors or outside in the fall(ish) weather. They also have a lovely cookware shop and unique food that is so fun to explore!
*author’s note: The coffee is fantastic.
Halloweentown fans are normally HUGE Halloween fans, so it’s only natural that you have an advantage on a Halloween trivia night. Trivia events happen all over Columbia, so you're sure to find an event to test your Halloween knowledge.
Checking out the fall themed drinks, food and artistry at Soda City Market in the fall is the best thing to get you out of bed on a Saturday morning. Enjoy a good Pumpkin Spice Latte for us!
It’s not Halloween without the perfect costume! Whether you're sitting at the house watching a horror movie Halloween night, or you're attending your best friends Halloween party, everything is better in a costume!
The Nightmare Before Christmas:
Cafe Strudel is a lovely Columbia brunch spot with SO. MANY. OPTIONS. There are tons of unique menu items, such as cinnamon pancakes, fresh squeezed OJ and a breakfast burger.
Love a good fright? A haunted corn maze or hayride will do the trick! There are many corn mazes and hayride events near Columbia, like Clinton Sease Farm and Deceased Farm Haunted Attraction, so you can choose how scary you want your night to be!
Seeing people’s creativity when it comes to holiday displays is so much fun. Grab some friends, hop in the car and check out local Columbia residents’ Halloween decorations. Maybe even rank displays in categories, such as spookiest house or funniest display!
Jack Skellington tried to be giving, and so can we! Grab some donation items for Gamecock Pantry, our on-campus food bank, or another food drive in Columbia. You’ll help brighten someone’s day!