Timeline
10:00
Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
Arrive at Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens right when it opens at 10:00. This is the quietest time to explore the authentic furnishings and hear the history of one of the few remaining antebellum houses in Columbia.
11:15
Walk 11 minutes to Sound Bites Eatery for a casual lunch. They serve food from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and 11:30 to 14:30 on weekends, making it a perfect spot for a mid-morning meal before heading out.
12:00
Finish your afternoon with a walk to Finlay Park. It is Columbia's largest and most visited park, offering a peaceful 14-acre green space to relax in the heart of downtown.
Local tip
The mansion is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 15:00 and Sunday from 13:00 to 16:00. Arriving at opening time ensures you have the building to yourself. Sound Bites Eatery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, so plan your lunch day accordingly.
Check before you go
- Hampton-Preston Mansion hours: Tu-Sa 10:00-15:00; Su 13:00-16:00.
- Sound Bites Eatery hours: Mo-Th 10:00-18:00; Fr 10:00-15:00; Sa,Su 11:30-14:30.
- Finlay Park is open during daylight hours.
Worth knowing
- Sound Bites Eatery is open at 11:15 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Columbia (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).