COLUMBIA, S.C. (November 2, 2012) - The South Carolina State House, located in the heart of downtown Columbia, will now offer capital tours the first Saturday of each month. Kicking off this Saturday, November 3, self-guided and guided tours will be offered every hour on the half hour, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding at 3:30 p.m. (No tours will take place from 12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m.).

Lead by State House guest relations volunteers, these free tours will begin with a 15 minute video highlighting the history and architecture of the building, before providing guests a closer look inside the seat of South Carolina's government.

"Opening the doors of the State House on the weekend was an initiative we felt very strongly should be in place for locals and visitors to the Columbia region," said President and CEO, Ric Luber. "We worked closely with state government to show our support for one of the most popular attractions to be accessible on the weekends."

No reservations are required of guests interested in taking a tour, during the week or now on the weekends, but the State House does recommend calling ahead for groups larger than 10. Tour guests are asked to enter on the Sumter Street side of the State House.

For additional information about the South Carolina State House tours, to see tour schedules during legislative sessions or to schedule a group tour, please visit scstatehouse.gov. To find even more events and things to do in Columbia, visit columbiacvb.com.

About the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism:
The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is a private, not-for-profit corporation funded primarily by revenue generated by visitors through accommodations taxes and is the parent organization of Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and Columbia Regional Sports Council. The mission of the Midlands Authority is to strengthen the area's economy by marketing and selling of the entire Columbia region, its accommodations, restaurants, facilities and attractions as a destination for meetings, conventions, tradeshows, special events and leisure travel. For more information, please visit columbiacvb.com.

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