Visit State Parks and Riverbanks Zoo

Columbia’s History Exciting Attractions Conferences & Events Columbia Museums Universities Parks & Rivers Shopping in Columbia Golf Courses

The Capital of South Carolina and home of the University of South Carolina, Columbia is an exciting leisure destination punctuated by excellent shopping, exciting attractions, eclectic dining, outdoor recreation, a sophisticated cultural scene, an active arts community, spectator sports, a creative, college town atmosphere, top notch meeting and event facilities, and natural Southern hospitality.

From the beautiful homes of historic Columbia to the South Carolina State House to EdVenture Children’s Museum to the Riverbanks Zoo, the Columbia area is alive with interesting attractions, cultural landmarks, world class museums and galleries, performing arts and theater, state-of-the-art sports facilities, scenic lakes and parks, championship golf courses, and a variety of entertainment venues. Enjoy excellent dining from fine dining to locally owned eateries to lively cafes – live music, a comedy theater, dance clubs and seasonal outdoor concerts.

Columbia’s History

The Confederate Articles of Secession were signed in South Carolina’s Capital City, and in1865 much of the city was burned by Union troops. Columbia’s history is in beautifully preserved historic homes, State House walls that withstood cannon fire, a freed slave’s first home, a comprehensive museum tracing South Carolina’s important contributions, and a Confederate Relic Room with significant artifacts and flags. [Top]

Exciting Attractions in Columbia, SC . . .

Colonial Center – The largest arena in the state, the Colonial Center is the crown jewel of South Carolina with a seating capacity of 18,000 for basketball and 19,000 for events. The Colonial Center is the new home of men’s and women’s University of South Carolina Gamecocks basketball, and a wide variety of concerts, family shows, events and trade shows.Opened as the 4th–largest campus basketball facility in the Southeastern Conference, the Colonial presents exciting events, major sports like Gamecock basketball, NCAA Tournaments, NBA and NHL exhibition games, figure skating, world–class concerts, earth–shaking freestyle motocross, family shows and entertainment. The state–of–the–art facility also features plush seating, a technologically advanced sound system, a four–sided video scoreboard. Visit www.thecolonialcenter.com.

USC Williams–Brice Stadium – Home to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football team, Williams–Brice Stadium is one of the finest facilities in college football. South Carolina annually ranks among the top 12 in the nation in home attendance and Gamecock fans are among the most loyal in the country. Formerly Carolina Stadium, constructed in 1934, the stadium has a seating capacity of 80,250. Over the past five years, Carolina has sold out all of its home games prior to the beginning of the season.

Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens – Riverbanks Zoo is home to 2,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and a beautiful and inspiring botanical garden. The lush 170–acre site features dynamic natural habitat exhibits, scenic river views, spectacular valley overlooks and significant historic landmarks. For 30+ years, Riverbanks has provided the community with a place to connect with and learn about the world's wildlife and wild places. Twice awarded the Governor's Cup for South Carolina's Most Outstanding Tourist Attraction, Riverbanks is a favorite family destination. Visit www.riverbanks.org. [Top]

Theater South Carolina – Theatre South Carolina features guest artists from nationally prominent regional theatres. They specialize in big plays, big casts and big ideas. See USC’s Dept. of Theatre, Speech and Dance performances by professional–actors–in–training, backed by professional direction and design, in two modern theatres. Performances: Tues–Sat 8 pm; Sun 3 pm. Visit www. www.cla.sc.edu/thea

Columbia City Ballet – One of the strongest and most versatile ballet companies in the region and in the country, the Columbia City Ballet produces what critics have described as “some of the highest quality cultural entertainment in the Southeast.” The Ballet attracts audiences from all over the region and quality dancers from all over the country and world who have the opportunity to perform classical ballets as well as brilliant original productions such as Dracula, Beauty & the Beast and Don Juan. Founded in 1961, the Columbia City Ballet will present 22 full–length performances at the Koger Center this year.

South Carolina State House – Visit the South Carolina State House, one of Columbia’s and South Carolina’s most historic buildings. Construction began in 1855, withstood Sherman’s march on Columbia in 1865 and was completed in 1907. Today, six bronze stars mark the impact of shells from Union cannons. Open Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, and the first Sunday of each month 1 – 5 pm. Call 803–734–2430 for tours. [Top]

Carolina Center – Once home to the University of South Carolina’s basketball teams, the 48,000 square foot arena on the University of South Carolina campus is home to the Columbia Inferno Hockey Team and a variety of events, sports and concerts. The ice is usually kept on the floor from November through March. Known as the "Cockpit" in reference to the USC Gamecock, the Coliseum’s plush meeting and banquet room accommodates receptions for up to 125 guests. For upcoming events, call 803–251–6333 or visit http://coliseum.sc.edu.

Lake Murray – Escape to beautiful and tranquil Lake Murray, South Carolina, for abundant water sports, inspirational sunsets and lazy, iced–tea–sipping summer days in the Midlands of South Carolina. Lake Murray is a 50,000–acre reservoir that offers 78 square miles of deep freshwater for boating, sailing, yachting, swimming, jet skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding, canoeing, and fishing. Enjoy canoeing through calm waters, navigating your sails through cutting winds, or leisurely cruising in your fishing boat on this jewel of Columbia. Enjoy a relaxing family vacation – casting your fishing lines for bass and striker, sailing, boating or water skiing on miles of deep blue water, or hiking and hunting along 649 miles of scenic shoreline. For pontoon, jet ski and sailboat rentals, call 866–SC JEWEL.

South Carolina Fair/Fairgrounds – Home of the South Carolina State Fair held annually in October, the South Carolina Fairgrounds hosts a variety of trade and public shows, meetings, and conventions. The South Carolina Fair – held October 11 – 22 – will features top entertainment, music, family shows, rides, tasty foods, art and crafts exhibits, contests and plenty of family fun. Visit www.scstatefair.org. [Top]

South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra – Founded more than 42 years ago, the South Carolina Philharmonic has is one of the leading orchestras in the southeast, offering a wide range of symphonic music from classical masterpieces to pops favorites. Find yourself at the Philharmonic and get lost in the music. Box office hours Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and concert Saturdays 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.scphilharmonic.com.

Koger Center – The Koger Center for the Arts is USC’s and Columbia’s performing arts center. The Koger Center for the Arts seat over 2,400 guests and offers two meeting rooms. Koger Center produces a performing arts series each year titled “Koger Presents” and is home to several local arts groups. Visit www.koger.sc.edu.

Fort Jackson – Encompassing 52,000 acres east of Columbia, Fort Jackson is the largest, most active Initial Entry Training Center in the US Army, providing training to 34% of new soldiers each year and 69% of women entering the Army. The fort includes 50 ranges, 1,000 buildings, and 41,000 soldiers who are trained each year. An additional 19,000 soldiers attend the Soldier Support Institute, Chaplain Center, Polygraph School and Drill Sergeant School. Several museums describe America’s military history and trace Fort Jackson’s contribution to America’s military power. More than 100,000 family members visit Columbia each year to attend Friday afternoon basic training graduation, a stirringly patriotic event that takes place 41 times during the year. Visit www.jackson.army.mil. [Top]

Governor’s Green – Built in 1830, Governor’s Green is a nine–acre complex consisting of the South Carolina Governor's Mansion, built in 1855, the Lace House and the Caldwell–Boyleston House. Visit www.scgovernorsmansion.org.

Nickelodeon Theater – The Columbia’s Film Society’s 77–seat Nickelodeon Theatre provides an intimate setting for international and independent cinema, and shows over 125 films each year. The Columbia Film Society/Nickelodeon Theater presents the Columbia Jewish Film Festival, African–American/International Film Festival, Native American Film Festival,Latin American Film Festival,and Southern Circuit Touring Filmmaker Series. Visit www.nickelodeon.org.

Challenger Learning Center – Challenger Learning Center is a living memorial to the heroes of the Challenger 51–L crew. It is an exciting hands–on simulated space science environment where students and educators work to solve real–life math, science and technology problems during a space flight simulation. Open Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4 pm. Tours available. Visit www.richlandone.org.

Broad River Blue Way –Experience 20 miles of scenic paddling from Peak to the Richland County River Center near I–20. You can hike and camp at Harbison State Forest, where you can get Blue Way maps and guides. [Top]

Columbia Metropolitan Airport – Located 10 miles from the hotel, Columbia Metropolitan Airport serves approximately 1.2 million passengers each year. You have your choice of 48 daily departures to 12 nonstop destinations. Airlines serving Columbia are: Atlantic Coast Airlines/Delta Connection, ASA/Delta Connection, COMAIR, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Express, and US Airways Express. Visit www.columbiaairport.com.

Frankie’s Fun Park – Columbia’s top destination for family action, Frankie’s Fun Park featuresa mega mix offun rides, , miniature golf, laser tag, batting cages, air bungee, an awesome arcade, go–karts, bumper boats, are part of our mega mix of fun. Frankie's Grill dishes out tasty food and drinks. Visit http://frankiesfunpark.com/columbia.

South Carolina Hog Rally – Harley Davidson owners are heading back to the Columbia for the 2006 South Carolina State H.O.G. Rally, September 21 – 23. Join thousands of friendly Harley riders make new friends, and enjoy great rides at the foothills of miles and miles of beautiful mountain riding. Visit www.scstatehogrally.com. [Top]

Conferences & Events

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center – This dazzling 142,500 square foot convention and meeting facility was designed for success – from abundant exhibition and pre–function space to 10 beautifully equipped break out rooms. Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center features a 24,700 square–foot column–free exhibit hall, an exquisite 17,135 square–foot ballroom, 15145 square feet of meeting space, banquet and catering facilities, a well–appointed wine cellar, and a beautiful terraced garden. Visit www.columbiaconventioncenter.com

Columbia Conference Center – The Columbia Conference Center is a unique convention facility with 25,000 square feet of meeting space. It is located 10 miles north of Columbia between I–20, I–77, and I–26 connections so accessing the major highways are easy without fighting heavy traffic into Columbia. The center contains 12 meeting rooms with two large ballrooms. Meeting rooms include adjustable, luxury, executive chairs; oversized tables; plenty of complimentary parking; state–of–the–art lighting and audiovisual systems with microphones at each participant's desk; fast T–1 Internet connections in every training room; conference room with video conferencing; and business center with six computers for participants to check e–mails, fax, and copy. While outside caterers are welcome, we also include a full service catering service. www.columbiameetings.com [Top]

Columbia Museums

Columbia Museum of Art – The Columbia Museum of Art is South Carolina's premier international art museum with extraordinary collections of European and American fine and decorative art that span centuries. Founded in 1950, the museum opened its new building on Main Street in 1988 by transforming an urban department store into a sleek, light–filled space with 25 galleries. The collections include masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque, works by significant furniture and silver makers, and modern and contemporary art. See Sandro Botticelli's Nativity, Claude Monet's The Seine at Giverny, and art glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The museum offers changing exhibitions from renowned museums, tours, lectures, films and concerts. Visit the museum shop, art library, and art class studios. Saturdays are free. www.columbiamuseum.org.

South Carolina State Museum – Housed in the historic 1893 Columbia Mill textile building, the South Carolina State Museum tells the story of South Carolina through exciting exhibits and programs. Enjoy interconnected art, cultural history, natural history, science and technology displays. You will find history in our art, artistic beauty in our natural history and science, and history behind our technology. The history floor covers 14,000 years of the state’s cultural heritage. See objects from the oldest stone tools found in the Palmetto State to the first automobile mass–produced in South Carolina in the 1920s. Experience hands–on learning at Stringer Discovery Center. Visit www.museum.state.sc.us. [Top]

EdVenture Children’s Museum – The South's largest children's museum is the home of Eddie, the world's largest child, along with 300 exhibits to inspire children to experience the joy of learning. At EdVenture children can children talk to a skeleton, drive a real fire truck, anchor the news or visit another country. Open Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm; Sunday Noon – 5 pm. Open Mondays from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Visit www.edventure.org.

Fort Jackson Museum – The Fort Jackson Museum exhibits artifacts pertaining to the training of the individual soldier, with emphasis on basic training at Fort Jackson from 1917 to present.See a static display with an assortment of tactical vehicles. Visitors must show a picture ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

Columbia Fire Museum – The Columbia Fire Museum celebrates the rich history of South Carolina's largest fire department for over 200 years. Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm. Visit www.columbiasc.net/fire/fire2.htm. [Top]

Historic Columbia House Museums– History lives at Historic Columbia's House Museums.Decorated with period appropriate artifacts, the Robert Mills House,Hampton–Preston Mansion and Mann–Simons Cottage and the Woodrow Wilson Home (closed for renovation) are full of the spirit of days long gone. Discover Columbia’s charm and history through Historic Columbia’s daily tours. Explore historic houses and neighborhoods, churches, cemeteries and landmarks that comprised the first planned Capital. Visit www.historiccolumbia.org.

South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Museum – The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Museum – organized in 1895 to memorialize the service of South Carolinians who fought during the War Between the States – exhibits military and cultural artifacts from South Carolina's historical eras, from the Revolutionary War through Desert Storm, with an emphasis on South Carolina's Confederate Era. The Museum is housed in the World War Memorial Building, built in 1935 as a tribute to South Carolinians who fought in WWI. Visit www.state.sc.us/crr. [Top]

Columbia, SC Universities

University of South Carolina Columbia – Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina Columbia campus is alive with activity and historic beauty in an urban setting. From the Horseshoe, site of the original campus, to the new Strom Thurmond Wellness Center, the USC offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs through the doctoral level.

Home to more than 200 years of educational tradition, USC’s flagship campus offers 350 degree programs through 15 degree granting colleges and schools. U.S. News & World Report ranked USC's University 101 program tops in "Programs that Really Work,” and the Moore School of Business is ranked No. 1 in the country for its undergraduate international business program. The USC Gamecocks boast successful football and basketball teams, and the most loyal fans in college athletics. Visit www.sc.edu. [Top]

Allen University – Founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Allen University is the first institution of higher education in South Carolina founded by African Americans for the express purpose of educating African Americans. It is a Christian Liberal Arts institution of higher education and has a distinguished history, rich in the tradition of promoting spiritual growth and preparing men and women to become productive leaders in an ever–changing society. Five buildings situated around the Columbia campus green are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit www.allenuniversity.edu.

Benedict College – Benedict College was founded in 1870 on an 80–acre plantation in Columbia, South Carolina by the American Baptist Home Mission Society. This new school was established for the then recently emancipated peo­ple of African descent. A branch of the NAACP was founded at Benedict in 1937. Five buildings on the campus are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit www.benedict.edu. [Top]

Columbia Parks & Rivers

Capital City/Lake Murray Country Rivers – This region is one of the few areas in the world lucky enough to have three rivers converging for ultimate water adventure. Cutting through the heart of this region, the Saluda River and the Broad River meet in a rush of rapids, and merge together to form the tranquil Congaree. The beauty along the banks of these rivers is astounding, combining a unique eco–system of wetlands, grasslands forests and swamps.

Congaree Swamp National Park – Know for biological diversity and record–size trees, Congaree Swamp National Park features six hiking trails with a boardwalk over the swamp to Weston Lake. Enjoy fishing, canoeing and camping. Highlights include fishing bluffs where you can cast a line for largemouth and striped bass and many freshwater fish along Cedar Creek and the Congaree River. Park activities include backpacking, camping, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, guided nature walks, endless wildlife viewing. Call (803) 776–4396. [Top]

Dreher Island State Park – This 348 acre island on Lake Murray offers lakeside camping, picnicking, fishing, swimming, nature trails and five lake front villas for rent. Enjoy 12 miles of shoreline with a variety of outdoor water recreation opportunities. Park amenities include 112 campsites, gas docks, shelters, picnic areas, launching ramps,and boat slips. The park consists of three islands linked to the mainland by a causeway and two bridges.Call (803) 364–4152.

Saluda Shoals Park – Saluda Shoals Park along the Saluda River offers hiking, picnicking, fishing, horseback riding and access to the Saluda River. You can rent canoes, kayaks, tubes or go on guided trips. Call (803) 731–5208.

Palmetto Trails – Imagine more than 425 miles of bicycling and walking paths through towns big and small, beside lakes and across mountain ridges featuring the natural beauty and local color of South Carolina communities. Conceived in 1994 and slated for completion by 2010, South Carolina's Palmetto Trail is the state's largest bicycle and pedestrian project and will eventually run from the Mountains to the Sea. Visit www.palmettoconservation.org. [Top]

Finlay Park – The site of many fun festivals, this 14–acre park in Columbia boasts a scenic lake, a waterfall and a playground. Enjoy free concerts every Saturday evening, June through August. Phone (803) 733–8691.

Harbison State Forest – This wooded area in Columbia encompasses 2,177 acres of forestland along the Broad River with more than 16 miles of roads, trails and streams. Call (803) 896–8890.

Cayce Riverwalk Park – Open daily from dawn till dusk, the 1.5 mile river walk in its natural setting, provides beautiful views of the Congaree River, West Columbia and Columbia. The park offers bridges, boardwalks, overlooks, bank fishing, parking and restrooms. The 1.5 miles of lighted 8–foot–wide concrete paths are a great place for biking, inline skating and walking your dog. [Top]

Shopping in Columbia

A shopper’s paradise, Columbia is a treasure trove of first–class shopping malls, markets, boutiques, antique stores, and unique shopping districts like Doors of Devine, Congaree Vista, Five Points, and Newberry's historic downtown

Columbia Place – A total shopping experience, Columbia Place features more than 100 fabulous department and specialty stores, eateries, a Cinema 8, a food court, and a kids' play area. Columbia’s largest mall features favorite such as Rich’s, JC Penny, Dillards, Sears, Gap, American Eagle, Eddie Bauer, Gadzooks, Limited Too, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret, and The Disney Store. Call (800) 699–2857 or visit www.shopcolumbiaplace.com. [Top]

Columbiana Centre – Belk, Dillard's, Parisian, Sears, Ann Taylor Loft, Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, Chico's, Hollisters, Williams–Sonoma and Coldwater Creek are a few reasons to shop at Columbiana Centre. A wide variety of specialty stores, two fine dining restaurants, specialty foods, a 420 seat food court, and an antique carousel make Columbiana a unique shopping experience in Columbia. Call (803) 732–MALL or visit www.columbianacentre.com.

Five Points – Five Points is a village of diverse neighbors and the heart of Columbia culture for college students, young professionals, families, and senior citizens. Five Points offers eclectic boutiques, casual sidewalk bistros and cafés, fine dining, and active night spots, all within this walk–able district. Browse through a nationally known artist’s gallery or explore an antique shop. Visit www.fivepointscolumbia.com. [Top]

Richland Mall – In the heart of Columbia, Richland Mall offers an enjoyable shopping experience with a unique collection of shops, boutiques, department stores, dining restaurants and a food court. Richland Mall features great stores like Belk, Parisian, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, The TGI Friday's and Regal Cinemas. Call (803) 738–2995.

Congaree Vista – Located between Assembly Street and the Congaree River, stores along the Historic Congaree Vista area feature fine arts, upscale antiques, and many unique restaurants. There is always something happening in Columbia’s premier arts and entertainment district. A variety of college and professional sports and outdoor events fill the calendar, in addition to cultural offerings including theater, ballet, philharmonic concerts, lectures, and exhibitions. The Vista’s signature events, November’s Vista Lights and Artista Vista, held each spring, draw thousands from across South Carolina. Both events celebrate the artists, studios, and art galleries that gave birth to the Vista revitalization three decades ago. Call (803) 988–8040.

Doors of Devine – Located in the historic Shandon area, Columbia'sDevine Street offers a variety of upscale specialty shopping, dining, entertainment and businesses in a community environment. Stroll along this shady tree–lined street for unique shopping, dining and art. Browse a variety of clothing, home furnishings, gift shops, art galleries, antiques, restaurants, a bakery, travel agencies, florists, and hair salons – all within 10 blocks. Enjoy several restaurants serving everything from gourmet entrees to deli sandwiches, or check out the live entertainment in the evenings. Call (803) 799–7405. [Top]

Dutch Square Mall – South Carolina’s first and favorite mall, Dutch Square Mall features 51 stores, including Belk, Burlington Coat Factory, Office Depot, Dress Barn, over 40 specialty stores, a food court, and AMC Dutch Square 14 – voted best theater according to readers of “The State” newspaper. Dutch Square Center is the first enclosed mall built in the state of South Carolina. Call (803) 772–3864 or visit www.dutchsquare.com.

State Farmer’s Market – Fresh fruits and vegetables arrive daily at the largest produce market in the Southeast. Located across the street from the University of South Carolina's Williams–Brice Football Stadium, the Farmer’s Maket is open Mon. – Sat. 6 am – 9 pm.

Downtown Newberry – Anchored by the Newberry Opera House, downtown Newberry – just an hour away – offers an array of stores, fine shops, art, entertainment, and businesses. Call (803) 276–0513. [Top]

Columbia, SC Golf Courses

Northwoods Golf Course – This championship, par 72 golf course has held two PGA Tour events, plus the annual City Tournament in 1993 and 1994. The course's signature hole is #14, a 313–yard, par 4, featuring the famous Pete Dye railroad ties bordering a lake alongside a well–bunkered green. Visit http://www.thegolfcourses.net/golfcourses/SC/8667.htm

Oak Hills Golf Club – Situated on 160 acres of gently rolling hills and nestled among thousands of oak trees, pines and picturesque dogwoods, Oak Hills offers a challenge for golfers of all levels. From the moment you enter the elegant, beautifully landscaped brick entrance to the challenge of the championship golf course and the comfortable luxury of 5,000 sq. ft. of club facilities, you’re sure to enjoy the Oak Hills experience. Visit www.oakhillsgolf.com.

LinRick Golf Course – LinRick is a par 73 championship golf course in Columbia. The last four finishing holes are difficult, consisting of a double dogleg fairway to the left and requiring an approach shot over the water that guards the front of its green. Water hazards come into play on eight holes. Visit http://www.thegolfcourses.net/golfcourses/SC/8666.htm

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