Experience · Columbia

Arts & Eats Date Night in Downtown Columbia

Begin your evening with a casual drink to set the mood, then immerse yourselves in art and culture at the Columbia Museum of Art. Conclude your date with an upscale Southern dinner at Motor Supply Company Bistro, known for its rotating menu and intimate ambiance.

A 3.5-hour Midtown - Downtown evening plan for couples — Hendrix, Columbia Museum of Art, Motor Supply Company Bistro.

Duration: 3h 30m
Cost: $80–$150
Stops: 3 stops
Area: Midtown - Downtown
Walking: Moderate walking · Total 0.5-mile driving route
Best time: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Ideal for: Couples · Friends · Solo

Start Plan

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The plan

1Hendrix(45 min)→
2Columbia Museum of Art(1 hr 15 min)→
3Motor Supply Company Bistro(1 hr 30 min)

Why this plan works

Every stop sits in Midtown - Downtown, so the whole plan happens inside one neighborhood. Motor Supply Company Bistro is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Motor Supply Company Bistro — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples, friends, and solo who want a planned Columbia outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
45 min
Hendrix
Food & Drink · Midtown - Downtown
Industrial-style haunt with a rooftop bar specializing in creative small plates & hearty mains.
What to do — Arrive for an early evening drink. The rooftop offers a great atmosphere to chat and unwind before your main activity.
Scout Side Quest
Scan the rooftop view together and pick out the most mysterious window or architectural detail in sight.
0.1 mi · 3 min walk or 3 min drive
Then A very short walk down Main Street will bring you to the museum.
2
1h 15m
Columbia Museum of Art
Arts & Culture · Midtown - Downtown
Paintings & sculptures spanning thousands of years, displayed in a contemporary building.
What to do — Wander through the galleries at your own pace, focusing on any special exhibits or your favorite art periods. This is a great opportunity for conversation and shared discovery.
0.4 mi · 8 min walk or 4 min drive
Then A scenic walk through downtown will lead you to your dinner destination.
3
Optional 1h 30m
Motor Supply Company Bistro
Nightlife · Midtown - Downtown
Upscale American eatery with a daily changing menu, plus an outdoor sculpture garden.
What to do — Indulge in a delicious dinner, enjoying the unique ambiance and the daily specials. Don't forget to ask about their wine selection.

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The route

On the map

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Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Columbia itinerary for couples?: Yes. It's built for couples, friends, and solo and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Hendrix.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Columbia itinerary cost?: Roughly $80–$150 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 0.5 miles of walking in total.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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