Up In Smoke: A Vape Shop in Columbia's Five Points

What Up In Smoke offers and where to find it

Up In Smoke is a vape shop located in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, the historic commercial district near the University of South Carolina campus. The shop carries vaping devices, e-liquids, and related accessories. Five Points itself is known for its mix of independent retailers, restaurants, and bars that draw both students and longtime residents.

The neighborhood sits roughly between Harden Street and Devine Street, a walkable area where you can browse multiple shops in an afternoon. If you're coming from campus or downtown Columbia, Five Points is accessible by car or a short bus ride on COMET (Columbia's public transit system).

Like other vape shops in South Carolina, Up In Smoke operates under state regulations that require age verification at the point of sale. Staff can answer questions about device types, nicotine strengths, and flavor options during your visit.

Key Takeaways

• Up In Smoke is a vape retailer in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, near the University of South Carolina.
• The shop stocks vaping devices, e-liquids, and accessories, with staff available to discuss product options.
• Five Points is a walkable commercial area where you can combine a visit to Up In Smoke with dining or browsing nearby shops.
• South Carolina law requires age verification for all vaping product purchases, regardless of which shop you visit.

Five Points as a shopping and dining destination

Five Points has been a gathering place in Columbia since the early 1900s, and it remains one of the city's most active retail corridors. The neighborhood is home to independent bookstores, vintage clothing shops, coffee roasters, and restaurants ranging from casual to upscale. Many businesses here have operated for decades, creating a sense of continuity alongside newer ventures.

The area's character comes partly from its proximity to campus life and partly from its role as a neighborhood commercial hub for surrounding residential blocks. You'll find foot traffic throughout the day and into the evening, especially on weekends. Parking is available on surrounding streets and in small lots, though it can fill during peak hours.

If you're planning a visit to Up In Smoke, you might combine it with a meal at one of the neighborhood's established restaurants or a stop at a nearby coffee shop. The walkability of Five Points makes it easy to spend an hour or more exploring the area.

Understanding vaping products and device types

Vape shops typically stock several categories of devices. Pod systems are compact, often resembling USB drives or small rectangles, and use pre-filled or refillable pods. Vape pens are larger and pen-shaped, with a tank you fill yourself. Box mods are larger still, offering more customization and longer battery life. Each type has different learning curves and maintenance requirements.

E-liquids come in varying nicotine strengths, measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). Nicotine salts, a newer formulation, allow for higher nicotine concentrations in smaller devices. Freebase nicotine, the older standard, is used in larger devices. Flavors range from fruit and dessert profiles to tobacco and menthol.

Staff at vape shops can explain the differences between these options and help you understand what each type requires in terms of maintenance, charging, and refilling. If you're new to vaping, asking questions about device complexity and upkeep is a normal part of the shopping process.

South Carolina regulations for vape purchases

South Carolina law sets the minimum age for purchasing vaping products at 18 years old. Retailers are required to verify age at the point of sale using a valid government-issued ID. This applies to all vaping devices and e-liquids, regardless of nicotine content.

The state does not restrict the sale of flavored e-liquids or specific device types the way some other states do, though federal regulations do apply. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale of flavored cartridges for certain devices, though other flavored products remain available.

If you have questions about what products are legal to purchase in South Carolina, staff at Up In Smoke or other local vape shops can clarify current regulations. Laws do change, so it's worth confirming details at the time of your visit.

How to get to Five Points from different parts of Columbia

From downtown Columbia, Five Points is about two miles north. If you're driving, take Main Street or Assembly Street north; both connect to the Five Points area. Parking is street-level or in small lots near individual shops. During busy times, you may need to circle or park a block away and walk.

If you're using COMET, several bus routes serve Five Points. The system's website and mobile app show real-time schedules and route maps. A trip from downtown or campus typically takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on the route and time of day.

From the University of South Carolina campus, Five Points is a short walk or bus ride. Many students and staff visit the neighborhood regularly, so it's well-connected to campus life.

What to expect when visiting a vape shop

When you enter a vape shop, staff will typically greet you and ask whether you're looking for something specific or browsing. If you're new to vaping, let them know—most shops expect questions and can walk you through device types, nicotine levels, and flavor categories. Bring your ID, as you'll need to show it before making any purchase.

Vape shops often display devices and e-liquids on shelves or behind counters. You can usually ask to hold or examine products before deciding. Staff can explain how to use a device, how often you'll need to replace parts, and what accessories you might need (like charging cables or replacement coils).

Prices vary depending on the device type and brand. Entry-level pod systems typically cost less than larger box mods. E-liquids are usually sold in bottles ranging from 15 milliliters to 120 milliliters, with prices varying by brand and nicotine strength. Asking about pricing upfront helps you budget for your purchase.

Other vape shops and retailers in the Columbia area

Up In Smoke is one of several vape retailers in Columbia. Other shops operate in different neighborhoods and shopping areas throughout the city, each with their own inventory and staff expertise. If you're comparing options, visiting a few shops can help you find one that matches your preferences for product selection, pricing, and customer service.

Some vape shops specialize in particular brands or device types, while others carry a broad range. Reading online reviews or calling ahead can give you a sense of what each shop stocks and whether they have what you're looking for in inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my ID to buy vaping products?

Yes. South Carolina law requires age verification for all vaping purchases, and retailers must see a valid government-issued ID. You'll need to show it at the point of sale, even if you appear older than 18.

What's the difference between a pod system and a box mod?

Pod systems are smaller, simpler, and more portable—they use pre-filled or refillable pods and are easier for beginners. Box mods are larger, offer more customization options, and typically have longer battery life, but they require more maintenance and learning. Staff at Up In Smoke can help you decide which fits your needs.

Can I return or exchange a vaping device if I change my mind?

Return and exchange policies vary by shop. Some retailers accept returns within a certain timeframe if the product is unused, while others have stricter policies. Ask about the return policy before you purchase, or call Up In Smoke directly to confirm their specific terms.

Are all flavored e-liquids legal to buy in South Carolina?

Most are, but federal regulations do restrict certain flavored products. For example, flavored cartridges for some devices are banned, though bottled e-liquids in most flavors remain available. Staff can tell you which products are currently legal to purchase.

What should I know before visiting Five Points for the first time?

Five Points is a walkable neighborhood with street parking and small lots. Bring cash or a card, wear comfortable shoes if you plan to browse multiple shops, and allow extra time if you're visiting during peak hours on weekends. The area has restaurants and coffee shops, so you can easily spend a few hours there.