This blog was written by Experience Columbia SC 2024 Ambassador David Laird. How does a Capital City 700 miles outside of New Orleans become the Mardi Gras center of the Carolinas? By keeping it funky and embracing the chaos. Each year on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday (the French translation of…
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No matter the season, Columbia, SC, is chockablock with indoor fun. With a healthy dose of culture, play and creativity, the city offers a mix of experiences that keep locals and savvy travelers alike entertained year-round. Indoor museums, hands-on workshops and playful experiences make it easy to…
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COME BACK SOON FOR 2026 INFORMATION Tis the season to deck the halls and light up Columbia SC with a roundup of the region’s tree lightings and lights displays. VISTA LIGHTS The Vista starts to shimmer a little extra during Vista Lights – a kickoff to the holiday season that highlights the…
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Maybe it’s the jolly window displays or the warm shop owners, but there’s just something special about holiday shopping in Columbia, SC. While there is no shortage of gift guides this time of year, you’re sure to stumble upon unique finds when you buy local this holiday season. So put down the…
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Check back soon for 2026 updates The temperatures have dropped, the tinsel is taking over the town, and peppermint is at the base of every coffee order – it’s holiday season in the heart of SC once again. Around here, the visions of sugarplums don’t have to just dance in your head, you can watch…
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Make no mistake about it, Columbia SC is a basketball town through and through. In the heart of SC, we celebrate basketball greatness. You'd be remiss not to see the statue of Hall of Fame Coach Dawn Staley located a few blocks from Colonial Life Arena on Senate Street. As you head into the game…
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Making plans to visit Columbia SC with teens, either for a college tour or a weekend away, just got easier with our teen-suggested list of favorite spots and activities. Theatre Enthusiast Check out the schedule for Broadway in Columbia, and plan your visit around one of the upcoming shows for the…
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Load up the car, it’s time to explore the Columbia SC public art. Whether it's rain or shine, we've got the art and culture around town. We’ve crafted a few public art tours of Columbia SC, so whether it's rain or shine, you can enjoy our local art scene. Learn more about each piece along the tour…
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If you’re looking to squeeze every minute out of your weekend trip or have a Sunday arrival for a business trip or conference in the Columbia area, check out these spots (just to name a few!) open for business on Sundays. Attractions : Columbia Museum of Art Historic Columbia (House Tours) SC…
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Locals and visitors alike know that the best way to cool off during the Columbia SC summers is out on the water. If you’re unfamiliar with the rivers that flow through downtown or the lakes that offer relief from a warm summer day, don’t worry. We've got everything you need to know before you dive…
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