Columbia Shines with Ken Walker’s Vlogs and Hidden Gems
Columbia, South Carolina, has been buzzing with excitement thanks to its very own social media influencer and real estate guru, Ken Walker. If you haven’t come across his vibrant food reviews and local adventures on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, you’re missing out! With over 60,000 followers on Instagram and a whopping 650,000 likes on TikTok, Walker’s energy and ability to spotlight Columbia’s hidden treasures make him a beloved figure in the Midlands.
From Hot Dogs to Social Media Stardom
But let’s take a moment to rewind a bit. Before Ken became a household name online, he had quite the journey. Starting off as a hot dog stand owner, he later transitioned into the food truck scene with a delicious seafood menu. His unique jerk teriyaki pineapple sandwich, humorously dubbed “The Pineapple Express,” won a national contest, marking the beginning of his culinary recognition.
Not one to stop there, Ken went on to make culinary history by winning the Guinness World Record for the most expensive crab cake in 2019. What was the price tag for that, you ask? A jaw-dropping $310! The cake, packed with king and lump crab meat and dusted in platinum, later landed him a spot on “Guy’s Grocery Games,” paving the way for more TV appearances that expanded his culinary fame.
A Shift to Real Estate and Vlogging
However, after years in the food industry, Ken felt a change was in order. “I was really good at selling things so I tried real estate,” Walker shared. Utilizing TikTok for marketing, he not only caught the attention of potential buyers but also earned a case study with the app, leading to his appearance on HGTV’s “House Hunters.”
But what really sparked his passion for showcasing Columbia was a friendly bet. He started recording his adventures because a friend claimed he couldn’t find a hidden gem in the city that she hadn’t heard of. Guess what? He proved her wrong with his find, Molto Vino, launching his series of videos that capture the heart and soul of Columbia’s vibrant local businesses.
Celebrating Columbia’s Hidden Treasures
Now, Ken not only highlights fantastic eateries in Columbia but also showcases around 320 festivals throughout the year. “Our festivals here are underrated,” he remarked while recalling how his friends from Atlanta are often surprised by the variety of events each weekend. He believes Columbia has so much to offer, and he is committed to unearthing its hidden treasures through his engaging content.
One of the things that struck him the most is how many locals take the city for granted. “Coming from Atlanta, I see all the opportunities here; y’all just don’t see it because you live it every day,” Ken explained. It’s this perspective that drives him to shine a light on what Columbia has to offer, whether it’s exploring local businesses or celebrating the city’s festivals.
Feedback and Fun
Ken enjoys engaging with his audience, often receiving positive comments about businesses and events he features. “I almost always get positive feedback,” he said. Yet, he humorously noted that every so often, someone yells about their dislike for Columbia, to which he responds with a grin, “Calm down, sir, you’re still helping my engagement!”
Whether he’s posting his content under the handle @kenwalkershow on TikTok or @kenwalkertherealtor on Instagram, Walker is on a mission to make sure everyone knows that there’s so much more to Columbia than meets the eye. “People can explore Columbia because trust me, they haven’t seen it all,” he urges, and he’s here to help them discover the wonderful experiences waiting right around the corner!
As Columbia continues to grow and thrive, influencers like Ken Walker are not just benefiting from sharing their love for the city; they’re also playing a pivotal role in changing perceptions and inviting others to join in on the adventure.
