The Congaree National Park is nature's stunning canvas replete with emerald expanses, babbling rivulets, and captivating animal life. Known to be one of the largest hardwood forests in the United States, the national park spans over 26,546 acres (10,742 hectares). It's a rich terrain, quenched by the confluence of rivers Congaree and Wateree, shaded with towering Point Loblolly Pines and lush American Elms. The verdant landscape is teeming with deer, dogs, armadillos, and otters while turtles, bowfins, and catfish revel in the waters making the place a delight for wildlife enthusiasts. The Cedar Creek which cuts through the park is a popular destination for canoeing and the winding trails beckon hikers all year around.
Columbia Canal is the only canal remaining of the canals built in 1824. The Riverfront Park includes this National historic Place which is now a hydroelectric power plant. Opened in 1983, the park is spread across 167 acres (64.75 hectares) on a land in between the canal, Broad River and Congaree River. This straight-lined park features walking trails, biking trails, an amphitheater, outdoor gym, picnic spots, birding sites, fishing zones and hiking paths. It also hosts annual festivals and concerts.
Nestled in Congaree Vista, Trustus Theatre is an award-winning performance arts venue. It features two intimate performance spaces, the Thigpen Mainstage Theatre and Richard and Debbie Cohn Side Door Theatre, which can accommodate 134 and 50 guests respectively. Trustus Theatre hosts engaging shows both from Broadway and elsewhere. Enjoy a play or musical from the comfort of a swiveling rocking chair while snacking on popcorn. You won't be disappointed by what the Trustus Theatre puts on.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is considered to be among the best attractions not only in Columbia but also South Carolina. Established in 1974, this award winning place is nestled by the Saluda River and is spread across 170 acres (69 hectares). With over 2000 animals including over 350 species of mammals, reptiles, fish and birds from across the globe, the zoo is divided into none zones. The African Plains is like the savanna in Africa and features ostriches and zebras. See amphibians, fish, reptiles and more at the Aquarium Reptile Complex (ARC). Get fascinated by the red-necked Wallaby, lorikeets and Koala at the Australian Animals. Ndoki Forest gives a glimpse of an African forest. Their bird habitats will delight you with exotic and beautiful avian species. Get awed as you see African lions and Siberian tigers. Check out their themed botanical gardens which are equally engaging. Get spellbound as you stroll through these gardens that changes as per the season and will please your eye with amazing blooms.
Opened in 1934 as the Carolina Stadium, Williams-Brice Stadium is the home ground of the South Carolina Gamecocks. The athletic venue has hosted numerous events since 1934, including a legendary Gamecocks-Clemson game in 2003. Apart from hosting football and other sporting events, Williams-Brice Stadium has hosted several memorable cultural events and concerts, notably a speech given by Pope John Paul during his visit to the University of South Carolina campus in 1987. Keep an eye out for upcoming events as you'll want any excuse to visit the world-class stadium.
Hampton-Preston Mansion is touted as one of the most ancient landmarks of the city. This palatial mansion was home to two influential and elite families: the Prestons and Hamptons. The furniture and displays in the house speak volumes about the rich and lavish lifestyles of its past occupants. Converted into a museum, it showcases collectibles, artifacts, ceramics, and other objects that are arranged in chronological order. Temporary exhibits are also based on interesting themes like Victorian Mourning Clothing or Gothic Fashions that take us back to the bygone era. The grounds of this property are available for private events and are one of the most coveted event venues of Columbia.
Puppetry is an art that has few stages worldwide. Columbia Marionette Theatre is among the esteemed few in the nation that has carved a niche with their puppeteering acts. Opened in 1988, it was the brainchild of Allie Scollon and her son, John. Today John helms the theater along with his wife. You will find puppets that are as small as a few inches to life-sized ones. The theatrics of these dolls will make you forget that they are manoeuvred by experienced puppeteers. Get enthralled as they serenade you with their antics. All the marionettes are made in-house, including the props. You can also buy these puppets from their store on-site. Let your kids squeal with joy, watch in wonder as these stringed dolls take centerstage.
If you are an indie or art cinema enthusiast, then The Nickelodeon Theatre will certainly pique your interest. Established in 1979, it is a part of the Columbia Film Society, a not for profit organization. The art house theater showcases foreign movies, alternative films and curated series. Set in a former art deco movie theater since 2012, you can enjoy a dialogue before or after a screening with like-minded people. It is also the home of the acclaimed, Indie Grits Film Festival.
Town Theatre is a historic theater built in the early 19th Century and located in the heart of downtown Columbia. The theater has a rustic and ancient charm to it and is host to a variety of plays, musicals and other shows performed by local and extremely talented artists. The theater is small and cozy and has excellent acoustics, ensuring there's not a bad seat in the house. The staff is always friendly and welcoming too. A visit to this theater is a great experience and is a must when in the city.
Columbia Canal is the only canal remaining of the canals built in 1824. The Riverfront Park includes this National historic Place which is now a hydroelectric power plant. Opened in 1983, the park is spread across 167 acres (64.75 hectares) on a land in between the canal, Broad River and Congaree River. This straight-lined park features walking trails, biking trails, an amphitheater, outdoor gym, picnic spots, birding sites, fishing zones and hiking paths. It also hosts annual festivals and concerts.
Nestled in Congaree Vista, Trustus Theatre is an award-winning performance arts venue. It features two intimate performance spaces, the Thigpen Mainstage Theatre and Richard and Debbie Cohn Side Door Theatre, which can accommodate 134 and 50 guests respectively. Trustus Theatre hosts engaging shows both from Broadway and elsewhere. Enjoy a play or musical from the comfort of a swiveling rocking chair while snacking on popcorn. You won't be disappointed by what the Trustus Theatre puts on.
South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Museum is a must for history aficionados. Narrating details of the state's history, this is one of the oldest museums of the region hosting series of exhibitions throughout the year. The Main Gallery, The Cistern Gallery and the Malvina Gist Gallery are the significant sections of the museum. Permanent exhibits at the museum include artifacts, photographs and other memorabilia from World War I, Civil War, World War II and global fight on terrorism.