First Thursday on Main

First Thursday on Main of June 2023 in Columbia, SC was filled with amusement! Each month, this is a celebration of art, music, food, local businesses and so much more that the city has to offer!

We stopped for a snack and coffee at Sound Bites Eatery at 1425 Sumter Street where I munched on the most delectable avocado toast of my life. We are talking fresh avocado, goat cheese spread, peppadews, chopped pistachios, micro greens, evoo, salt and pepper on a multi grain bread!

This is also one of the Jasper Galleries where the fantastic artwork of Steven White was on display which features cultural icons and immortalized figures. The use of negative and positive space in his work creates striking images!

Then we stopped at Smoked at 1643 Main St for its patio party.

This restaurant houses a microbrewery for Peak Drift Brewing. On First Thursdays, a new brew is revealed on the charming patio out back.

This restaurant has such beautiful decor inside too with multiple seating areas and vibes.

Then we stopped at the rooftop bar of Hendrix at 1649 Main St for a local craft brew.

Next it was time to walk of some of the beer drinking so we popped into the historic Pastor's Study to view the beautiful artwork of Maya Smith who was present to talk about her art.

The rustic finishes in this building created a perfect backdrop for the artwork.

This site is a venue for intimate events.

Walking down Main Street, there are multiple spots to enjoy live music.

The Columbia Museum of Art is free on First Thursdays. A great opportunity to pop in and see the latest rotating exhibits. Bullets and Bandaids was showing. A somber, powerful example of artists portraying the stories of those directly affected by war.

Here is In Our Minds, Hearts and Actions by Susan Lenz. This tells the story of Ana, a Ukranian who has been helping out in Ukraine and in the US any way she can as the war continues to ravage her home country.

My favorite part of the evening was seeing Flat Out Strangers. These guys play gypsy jazz which is one of my favorite styles of music to listen to when passing the work day. It is so lively and cheerful!

I would recommend locals in the Midlands check out a First Thursday on Main for an added connection to where you live. We find it draws us into businesses we never visited before. Hearing and seeing local artists makes it even more special!

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val