THE AVENUES
neighborhood
Just across the Congaree River from downtown Columbia and the University of South Carolina, you’ll find the small city of Cayce and the popular neighborhood known as The Avenues, home to tidy bungalows, brick and stone homes on well-kept lots.
The Avenues was mostly developed in the 1940s and ‘50s, when veterans returned from World War II and the Blossom Street bridge was built to connect Cayce to Columbia. It has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, as families and young professionals have crossed the river from Columbia, drawn to an established, charming neighborhood close to parks and the Cayce Riverwalk. Another selling point is the riverfront location, offering outdoor recreation possibilities from jogging to hiking to kayaking.
As part of the city of Cayce, The Avenues taps into the small-town feel while recent years have seen a growing arts and culture scene. The Soiree on State, a street arts and food festival, is in walking distance of the neighborhood, while new breweries, coffee shops and art galleries have opened near The Avenues.
THE AVENUES
neighborhood
Just across the Congaree River from downtown Columbia and the University of South Carolina, you’ll find the small city of Cayce and the popular neighborhood known as The Avenues, home to tidy bungalows, brick and stone homes on well-kept lots.
The Avenues was mostly developed in the 1940s and ‘50s, when veterans returned from World War II and the Blossom Street bridge was built to connect Cayce to Columbia. It has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, as families and young professionals have crossed the river from Columbia, drawn to an established, charming neighborhood close to parks and the Cayce Riverwalk. Another selling point is the riverfront location, offering outdoor recreation possibilities from jogging to hiking to kayaking.
As part of the city of Cayce, The Avenues taps into the small-town feel while recent years have seen a growing arts and culture scene. The Soiree on State, a street arts and food festival, is in walking distance of the neighborhood, while new breweries, coffee shops and art galleries have opened near The Avenues.
RECREATION & PARKS
The Avenues is within walking distance of the renowned Cayce Riverwalk, 12 miles of paved pathways and wooden boardwalks that hug the Congaree River. Walkers, runners, nature lovers and cyclists of all ages enjoy the shady walkway and views of the quick-moving river, birds and wildlife. Benches and picnic tables are located along the route, and parking and restrooms are available at the Riverwalk entrance.
Another popular spot for a walk or bike ride is the Timmerman Trail section of the riverwalk, a paved 3.5-mile wooded trail, just west of the 12th Avenue Extension on the outskirts of Cayce. The Congaree Heritage Preserve is a 627-acre preserve and features a 3-mile hiking trail loop.
Also in the neighborhood is Guignard Park on Knox Abbott, a shady spot with picnic areas and a children’s playground, and William J. Cayce Memorial Park, featuring baseball fields and a playground, on State Street. The nearby Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center is open to the public, and features 30 lighted courts, including a championship-sized stadium court and several other smaller courts for children. The fitness center includes a weight room, cardio training areas and workout machines.
what’s in a name
The Cayce family had lived in the area for generations before the town was incorporated. In the early 1900s, William J. Cayce opened a general store and locals began calling the area “Cayce Crossing.” When the town filed for incorporation in 1914, the name was chosen to honor the Cayce family.
FUN FACT
The streets in The Avenues originally were given names alphabetically, from Augusta to Poplar, but residents started referring to them by their first letter. The shorthand stuck, and most continue to be known by a single letter
RECREATION & PARKS
The Avenues is within walking distance of the renowned Cayce Riverwalk, 12 miles of paved pathways and wooden boardwalks that hug the Congaree River. Walkers, runners, nature lovers and cyclists of all ages enjoy the shady walkway and views of the quick-moving river, birds and wildlife. Benches and picnic tables are located along the route, and parking and restrooms are available at the Riverwalk entrance.
Another popular spot for a walk or bike ride is the Timmerman Trail section of the riverwalk, a paved 3.5-mile wooded trail, just west of the 12th Avenue Extension on the outskirts of Cayce. The Congaree Heritage Preserve is a 627-acre preserve and features a 3-mile hiking trail loop.
Also in the neighborhood is Guignard Park on Knox Abbott, a shady spot with picnic areas and a children’s playground, and William J. Cayce Memorial Park, featuring baseball fields and a playground, on State Street. The nearby Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center is open to the public, and features 30 lighted courts, including a championship-sized stadium court and several other smaller courts for children. The fitness center includes a weight room, cardio training areas and workout machines.
FUN FACT
The streets in The Avenues originally were given names alphabetically, from Augusta to Poplar, but residents started referring to them by their first letter. The shorthand stuck, and most continue to be known by a single letter
what’s in a name
The Cayce family had lived in the area for generations before the town was incorporated. In the early 1900s, William J. Cayce opened a general store and locals began calling the area “Cayce Crossing.” When the town filed for incorporation in 1914, the name was chosen to honor the Cayce family.
HOME STATS
Most homes in The Avenues Cayce were built in the mid 20th century. Many of the cozy bungalows and traditional brick ranch-style homes have been renovated in recent years as new residents have moved in to the neighborhood. The remodeled older homes retain the classic charm of hardwood floors and inviting front porches, but have updated amenities for 21st century living.
HOME STATS
Most homes in The Avenues Cayce were built in the mid 20th century. Many of the cozy bungalows and traditional brick ranch-style homes have been renovated in recent years as new residents have moved in to the neighborhood. The remodeled older homes retain the classic charm of hardwood floors and inviting front porches, but have updated amenities for 21st century living.
NEARBY
AMENITIES
NEED GROCERIES?
There are several grocery stores in Cayce, including a Food Lion in the Parkland Plaza shopping center on Knox Abbot Drive and a Walmart Neighborhood Market. Just across the river, there is a Publix on Gervais Street in Columbia’s Vista.
RESTAURANTS & MORE
Residents of The Avenues can walk or bike to some new locally owned coffee shops, breweries and restaurants such as Henry’s Restaurant and Bar on State Street and Steel Hands Brewing.
NEIGHBORHOODS SCHOOLS
Children who live in The Avenues attend Cayce Elementary, Cyril B. Busbee Middle and Brookland-Cayce High schools in Lexington School District Two.
Cayce also is home to East Point Academy, a public charter school that is the state’s first Chinese language immersion elementary school.
NEARBY
AMENITIES
RESTAURANTS & MORE
Residents of The Avenues can walk or bike to some new locally owned coffee shops, breweries and restaurants such as Henry’s Restaurant and Bar on State Street and Steel Hands Brewing.
NEIGHBORHOODS SCHOOLS
Children who live in The Avenues attend Cayce Elementary, Cyril B. Busbee Middle and Brookland-Cayce High schools in Lexington School District Two.
Cayce also is home to East Point Academy, a public charter school that is the state’s first Chinese language immersion elementary school.
NEED GROCERIES?
There are several grocery stores in Cayce, including a Food Lion in the Parkland Plaza shopping center on Knox Abbot Drive and a Walmart Neighborhood Market. Just across the river, there is a Publix on Gervais Street in Columbia’s Vista.
EXPLORE THE AREA
Cayce is located on the banks of the Congaree River, just west of Columbia via the Blossom Street bridge. The Avenues is bordered by Knox Abbott Drive, the main thoroughfare through the Lexington County town. The neighborhood is just 5 miles from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, and offers easy access to I-26 and I-77.
EXPLORE THE AREA
Cayce is located on the banks of the Congaree River, just west of Columbia via the Blossom Street bridge. The Avenues is bordered by Knox Abbott Drive, the main thoroughfare through the Lexington County town. The neighborhood is just 5 miles from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, and offers easy access to I-26 and I-77.