Surrounded by outdoor oases, a city vibe and Southern charm await
CAPITAL CITY/LAKE MURRAY COUNTRY, SOUTH CAROLINA–MARCH 2019–More and more travelers are discovering the allure of historic small towns, vibrant state capitals and county seats. The area known as Capital City/Lake Murray Country is trending as an off the radar getaway for these reasons and more. Head to the middle of the Palmetto State, off I-77, I-20 and I-26, for stately architecture, the diverse intellectual vibe of a university town and an outdoors that’s right outside the door.
With three rivers intersecting the city, lush landscapes, wooded walking trails and exuberant gardens abound, along with kayaking and water sports. Throughout the area’s downtown districts, find wide tree-lined avenues with museums, galleries, music venues, theaters and shops, along with historic mansions and the former home of a slave who paid for her freedom.
Get close to nature and see how the river shaped commerce and the town at Riverfront Park & Historic Columbia Canal. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the canal was the world’s first hydroelectrically operated textile mill and is still in operation. Take an easy 2.5-mile hike or bike on the old towpath parallel to the Saluda River and the Columbia Canal. With great views of Broad River, the State Capitol and wildlife, the park offers plenty of benches and picnic tables and hosts Riverfest, Greekfest, concerts and other events.
Capital City’s energetic and eclectic Vista district, along the Congaree River, is a perfect place to begin a visit and overnight stay. Home to Riverfront Park, the Greek Revival State House and the premiere international Columbia Museum of Art, it’s one of Capital City/Lake Murray Country’s most vibrant arts, dining and entertainment districts. Vista was once a bustling cotton warehouse district and commercial railroad terminal, an area that has maintained its historic charm while embracing revitalization. While in the area, take a walking tour of Columbia’s Main Street which boasts architectural styles spanning three centuries that speak to the tastes, interests, and aspirations of persons living and working in South Carolina’s state capital. If your stay goes into the weekend, don’t miss Soda City on Main Street every Saturday morning as it hosts an array of vendors and of course, food! With over 45 restaurants and bars, 60 artists’ galleries and specialty shops, close to University of South Carolina and the city’s outdoor oases, Vista is the heart of the city.
Family-friendly attractions abound, including EdVenture, the largest children’s museum in the South. Its 40-foot-tall ambassador, Eddie, is the world’s largest 10-year-old “boy” that kids can climb inside to see the workings of the human body. Other interactive exhibits explore careers from farmers to firefighters and much more. At the South Carolina State Museum, explore the planetarium and observatory, as well as four floors of hands-on learning activities featuring history and STEM. Capital City/Lake Murray Country’s dining scene reflects the tastes of discerning foodies, as well as down-home locals and visiting families. Walking food tours offer a taste of downtown’s diverse history and cuisine and Soda City Market’s 150-vendor eclectic crafts and farmer’s market showcases foods and beverages from all over the world.
Several noted Charleston chefs and establishments have opened new locations in Columbia. Family-owned Hall’s Chophouse, winner of AAA Four Diamond awards, opened in Columbia’s Vista location in 2018 following the success of its Charleston and Greenville restaurants. It offers fine dining, live nightly entertainment and excellent service in a refined atmosphere. On the menu are wet and dry-aged USDA Prime and Choice beef, in addition to locally-sourced fish, poultry, vegetarian and gluten-free options. This Spring, Home Team BBQ, another well-established Charleston phenomenon, is opening a location in the Five Points district, a popular shopping destination. Although Home Team is known for its smoked meats and sides, it’s not your average barbecue joint. Craft cocktails, a wide bourbon and wine list and bar-style snacks take it up a notch.
To highlight all of the things to see and do within the region, Capital City/Lake Murray Country has created a Staycation Week promotion from June 21-30, 2019. Seven vacation packages are designed to appeal to a variety of interests. Each package comes with a 10 percent room discount at a choice of participating hotels, the option to purchase a Cool Pass–which includes admission to the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, EdVenture Children’s Museum and the SC State Museum–and a curated list of attractions and dining ideas.
The packages are Family Fun, Outdoor Adventure, Millennials, Lake Enthusiasts, Backroads and BBQ, Civil Rights/History and Special Needs. All booked packages will be entered to win a three-day vacation back to the region, plus $500 in cash. Be sure to visit the package pages to get an idea of just how many reasons there are to vacation in this delightful city. Visit StaycationWeekColumbiaSC.com and StaycationWeekLakeMurraySC.com to book a staycation.
Capital City/Lake Murray Country’s newest boutique hotel is extending the promotion with a 15 percent off 2019 Summer Staycation Offer during the entire months of June and July. Hotel Trundle is a 41-room luxury hotel with a deconstructed industrial modern vibe full of Art Deco and retro furnishings. Located in the heart of Columbia’s Main Street Historic District within the Vista neighborhood, the hotel is designed around three interconnected historic 1920s buildings, each with exposed brick, stamped tin ceiling tiles and custom wood trim. The owners of this luxury gem have fostered a network of talented local artists, craftspeople, restaurants and small businesses that work to showcase the area through experience packages. The hotel has a philosophy of locally-sourcing where possible, down to the furnishings and custom-made mattresses to the coffee, food and beverages. A complimentary craft beer or glass of wine is offered upon check-in.
Wander a little farther out to experience more of the outdoors staycation ideas in Capital City/Lake Murray Country. Just 15 minutes Northwest, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is home to more than 2,000 animals, including a life-size T-Rex replica. Waterfall Junction offers a 25-foot cascade for cooling off, while a 1,000-foot treetop zipline over the Saluda River provides thrills. Saluda Shoals Park provides 10 miles of trails, boat landings, canoe and kayak launches and a playground. Canoe, kayak, tube, bike rentals and a shuttle service make it convenient for visitors to enjoy the active outdoors. Harbison Forest, with 2,000 acres and 18 miles of canopied forest trails on Broad River, is one of the largest public green spaces inside the city limits in the eastern United States. Step back in time at the 12,000 Year History Park. Located in Cayce, the park is a unique historical site where the 1865 Civil War battle occurred. Onsite, researchers have discovered artifacts that were made or used 11,000 to 12,000 years ago. The makers of these artifacts utilized evolving technologies that eventually included making clay pots and chipped stone spears. Throughout the year, the park hosts special events including Nature Days, Civil War Encampments and Lantern Tours.
Take guided walking tours Saturdays in the spring and fall. Southeast of the Capital City, Congaree National Park provides wilderness and shoreline views of river otters, bobcats, deer, owls and wild boar along 25 miles of hiking trails, many of which are dog-friendly. Quell hunger pangs with these suggestions and rest easy with lodging options as plentiful as the fun. Check into a cozy cabin at Dreher Island State Park–a three-island outdoor wonderland that spans 12 miles of Lake Murray’s shore, www.LakeMurrayCountry.com. Stay in style at Aloft Columbia Harbison, a hip new hotel steps away from the shops at Columbiana Centre. Check into Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbia Harbison. Conveniently located just 10 minutes from downtown, this extended-stay hotel provides a tranquil home base away from the hustle and bustle, while still granting easy access to the Capital City’s greatest attractions. For additional lodging, visit, www.LakeMurrayCountry.com.