Columbia, South Carolina: A Hidden Gem Revealed Through the Lens of Ken Walker
When you think of Columbia, South Carolina, you might picture a sleepy town with not much to offer. But wait! Enter Ken Walker, a local social media influencer and realtor, who is on a mission to showcase the city’s hidden treasures. With a friendly and engaging approach, Walker’s journey from humble hot dog stand owner to a reputable chef and now social media star is a tale that’s inspiring and oh-so-relatable.
The Rise of Ken Walker
Strolling around with his vlog camera and trendy Meta AI RayBans, Walker has turned Columbia into his personal playground. He boasts over 60,000 Instagram followers and more than 650,000 likes on TikTok, but his path to internet fame has been anything but traditional. Starting out as a hot dog cart owner, Walker’s culinary passion led him to own a successful food truck and restaurant in town.
“I began my career with nothing but a hot dog cart,” Walker recalls with a laugh. But it didn’t stop there. He made headlines with his food, winning a nationwide contest for his inventive jerk teriyaki pineapple sandwich affectionately named “The Pineapple Express.” The success only pushed him further, leading him to create the most expensive crab cake in the world—coated in platinum leaf—earning him a spot in the Guinness World Records.
A Shift in Focus
Despite his culinary success, Walker began feeling worn out. “I had been in food my whole life,” he says. “I was really good at selling things, so I shifted my focus to real estate.” With a knack for digital marketing, he harnessed the power of TikTok to promote his real estate business, which lead him to a feature on HGTV’s “House Hunters.”
However, his heart remained tied to food and all the great spots in Columbia. What started as a wager with a friend turned into a local exploration that took off in 2022. Walker aimed to find hidden local eateries that his lifelong Columbia resident friend had never heard of. He unearthed Molto Vino and decided to document his culinary adventures on social media.
Creating Buzz Around Columbia
Fast forward to today, and Walker isn’t just reviewing food; he’s become the “face of Columbia” on platforms like TikTok (@kenwalkershow) and Instagram (@kenwalkertherealtor). His energetic videos showcase not only local eateries, but the many exciting festivals and hidden gems that Columbia has to offer.
He’s amazed at how many locals overlook the opportunities right in their own backyard. “People often say Columbia is boring, but once you dig deeper, you realize there’s so much happening here,” Walker explains. Columbia hosts around 320 festivals each year. “Every weekend, there’s an event, a festival, or a new restaurant to explore!”
Connecting with the Community
As he continues to spotlight everything that makes Columbia unique, Walker finds joy in the messages he receives from the community. “I often hear from people who grew up here but had never heard of the places or events I showcase,” he shares, smiling. “Even when I get the occasional negative comment, it’s all good—those haters help my engagement!”
The affordability of Columbia compared to other cities, like Atlanta, is also a big selling point for Walker. With rental prices nearly $200 lower in Columbia, he believes this is one of the many reasons people should consider calling this city home.
Making a Mark
Walker’s remarkable journey proves that with a little creativity and a willingness to explore, you can find beauty and excitement in the places you least expect. Today, he represents not just the culinary scene of Columbia but also its rich culture and lively festivals. His goal of uncovering the wonders of this city shows that perhaps home is where the heart—and the best crab cakes—are.
It seems that Ken Walker is just getting started. “There’s way more to show people,” he beams, ready to explore more of what Columbia has to offer. “Trust me, you haven’t seen it all!”
