Experience Columbia

Mast General Store Plans on Opening Columbia Store in 2011

Feb232010

History Comes Alive at Columbia's Longest Days this Saturday

Feb102010

Join the Greater Columbia Civil War Alliance on Saturday, February 13, as it traces General Sherman’s 1865 march to Columbia with a full day of activities including the re-enactment of Union cannons firing on the State House, Sherman’s March bus tours and a Civil War Expo.

Having successfully completed his march to the sea by capturing Savannah in December of 1864, Union Major General William Tecumseh Sherman planned his invasion of South Carolina. His target was Columbia, the state capital where the secession movement began and considered by Sherman's generals to the be a richer prize and more important capture than any city in the South. On January 30, 1865, Sherman's 65,000-man army launched the invasion moving ten to twelve miles a day, burning a swath sixty miles wide in grim determination readily viewed as retribution. An abundance of alcohol greeted the Union army as it entered Columbia on February 17, 1865. Vengeful attitude fueled by drunkenness culminated in the looting and burning of the city--an act described by a Union war correspondent as "the most monstrous barbarity of the barbarous march." Visit www.shermansmarch.com for a video documentary of first-hand accounts of Sherman's March to Columbia and the burning of the city.

In commemoration of General Sherman's March to the Sea through Columbia and the burning of the city, a full day of fun activities for all ages will begin with Union canon firing once again upon the South Carolina State House. Join the troops as a spectator on the West Columbia side of the Gervais Street Bridge on the left.

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, February 13, 2010

8:45 am - Union troops fire on the State House at the same time and location as on February 15, 1865 (the West Columbia side of the Gervais Street Bridge)

9:00 am - Civil War Expo (Atrium of the Columbia Mills Building which houses the South Carolina State Museum and the Confederate Relic room and Military Museum, 301 Gervais Street)

9:30 am - Congaree Creek Tour

9:30 am - Kilpatrick and the Burning of Lexington Tour

10:00 am & 3:00 pm - Living Historian Wade Hampton III performs

10:00 am - Medical Encampment at the top of every hour

10:30am - Artillery Demo every half hour

11:00 am & 2:00 pm - Living Historian Mary Boykin Chesnut performs:
Mary Boykin Chesnut, the daughter of a South Carolina governor and United States senator, was an enigma. Ardently against slavery, she was a passionate believer in states rights and a feminist who loved her husband. Part philosopher, political scientist and humorist, Mary is known today for her brilliant, shocking and poignant masterpiece that is a journal of the rise and fall of the Confederate States of America.

2:30 pm - Left Wing Tour

Civil War Expo:

9:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Atrium of the South Carolina State Museum
301 Gervais Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

The expo includes artifact displays, performances by living historians, Mary Boykin Chesnut and Wade Hampton, as well as period music and a medical encampment on the front lawn.

Bus Tours:

Tickets for the bus tours must be purchased IN ADVANCE and are $20 per person per tour. Bus tours leave from the parking lot of the South Carolina State Museum at 301 Gervais Street. To purchase by phone, please call Bri Jackson at 803.217.0071. Tickets may also be purchased by emailing Bri Jackson at gccwa@knappagency.com.

9:30am - 12:30pm - Bus Tour 1: Congaree Creek Tour

Includes first-hand accounts of Union soldiers, reporters and Columbia residents; visits original earthworks built for the Confederate defense, enter the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to walk along the Saluda River to see the remains of one of the largest textile mills of the early 1800s, see the bridge abutments of the Gervais Street and Saluda River Bridges that were burned by the Confederates and travel along the same streets that Union soldiers traveled as they entered Columbia.

Riverbanks Botanical Garden is one stop on the Congaree Creek bus tour that follows Sherman’s march through Lexington County and into Columbia. Those interested in participating in the bus tour that travels through the Botanical Garden should select the 9:30 am Congaree Creek tour. The three-hour tour will recall first hand accounts of Union soldiers, newspaper reporters and Columbia residents.

“Many people are unaware that Riverbanks is home to some of South Carolina’s most significant historical landmarks, and we are proud to share that rich history with the people in our community,” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Riverbanks has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. Structural remains dating back to the early 1800s can be found throughout the park. On Riverbanks’ grounds, bus tour participants will visit the Saluda Mill ruins and view the granite abutments of the burned State Road Bridge, which was destroyed during Sherman’s March in 1865.

The Saluda Mill, one of South Carolina’s oldest textile mills, was also set ablaze by Sherman and his troops. The ruins of the mill can be found along Riverbanks Botanical Garden’s River Trail.

In an effort to further educate the community about the historic significance of the Saluda Mills, an Interpretive Center was built adjacent to the mill site in 1999. Artifacts, descriptions and graphics are displayed in the center at Riverbanks.

9:30am - 12:30pm - Bus Tour 2: Kilpatrick and the Burning of Lexington Tour

The tour will trace the route of Union calvary General Judson Kilpatrick and his calvary corps as it rode into Lexington, SC in mid February 1865. The tour will enter south of Lexington and visit some of the sites of the Union occupation of Lexington. The sites include: the John Meetze House, circa-1850, which is now the Caughman-Harmon Funeral Home; the Hendrix-Callison House, circa-1830, where Kilpatrick questioned a youth wearing a Confederate uniform during the occupation; the Lemuel Boozer house, circa-1828, home of Lexington's Unionist mayor whose son was shot for his Unionist leanings. The tour will visit local cemeteries and other little known sites related to the burning of Lexington. The tour will end at the Lexington County Museum and visit the John Fox House. Mr. Fox was strung up by the neck by Union soldiers three times from a beam in this house, as they wanted Mr. Fox to reveal the location of hidden silver and valuables.

2:30pm - 5:30pm - Sherman's Left Wing Tour

Travels to the southern boundary of Lexington County, where the Union army entered; visits skirmish sites along the North Edisto River and makes stops at Jeffcoat's, Horsey's and Gunter's Bridges, where dismounted Confederate cavalry and artillery disputed the Union army's crossing the river. local re-enactors will make these skirmishes come alive.

About:

The Greater Columbia Civil War Alliance sponsors the annual event that commemorates General Sherman's March to Columbia and the burning of the city of Columbia. February 13, 2010 will mark the 5th annual Columbia's Longest Days and promises a day of activities for all ages.

The Greater Columbia Civil War Alliance is composed of a number of historic preservation associations. The alliance is dedicated to the promotion of civil war history in the Greater Columbia area. The organizations involved include:

Historic Columbia Foundation, Riverbanks Zoo, South Carolina State Museum, River Alliance, SC Department of Archives & History, SC Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum, Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, Cayce Museum, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the Order of the Confederate Rose (Mary A. Hunt Chapter 13).

Columbia Episode of Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" Airs February 15

Feb102010

Pawleys Front Porch to be Featured on Food Network

Pawleys Front Porch will be spotlighted on the hit Food Network show, “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” on Monday, February 15. The show, hosted by Guy Fieri, filmed a segment in late October at the Five Points restaurant and showcased their unique and innovative burgers created by their trained chef, Kyle Taylor.

In celebration of the premier, Pawleys Front Porch will hold a party open to the public at the restaurant located at 827 Harden Street in Columbia, SC. There will be give-a-ways, great drink specials and even a Guy Fieri look-alike contest! Chef Kyle Taylor will also feature a special slider (mini-burger) version of the three burgers that will be featured on the show: the Caw Caw Creek, Sullivan’s and the Fripp Island burgers. Try what Guy tried!

The festivities will begin at 7:30 pm and the winner of the Guy Fieri look-alike contest will be announced after the show airs at 10:00 pm.

“All of us here at Pawleys have worked real hard for the past year and are really excited to be featured on the show,” said Chef Kyle Taylor. “We’ve got a great burger: the best in the city.”

Columbia's Famously Hot Initiative Recognized with Prestigious Award at SC Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel

Feb32010

Members from the brand team accepted the award on Tuesday at the awards luncheon during the conference. (L to R) Back: Bill Ellen, Lora Prill, Chad Prosser, John Durst, Libby Gober, Miriam Atria; Front: Douglas OFlaherty, Mandi Engram, Kelly Barbrey, Ric Luber, Tommy Stringfellow

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 the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and the Columbia Regional Sports Council. The mission of the Midlands Authority is to strengthen the area’s economy by marketing and selling Columbia, 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.

Here's video from the awards luncheon -- sorry it's a little shaky -- I was trying to take pictures and video at the same time!

Social Media Release
http://pitch.pe/44998

Meet Riverbanks Zoo's Newest Addition, Baby Oliver the Koala

Jan212010

Koala Knockabout Has a New Addition
Riverbanks Zoo Introduces New Joey

Celebrate 2010 with Free Fridays at the Zoo through February

Jan52010

Winter Fest Comes to the State Museum

Dec12009

Parents wondering what to do with the kids when school is out for the winter holidays need look no further than Winter Fest, the South Carolina State Museum’s annual holiday tradition.

Now in its third year, Winter Fest, a two-week long celebration of the winter season, kicks off Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and runs until Sunday, Jan. 3. “On Dec. 19 at noon, our guests will enjoy musical selections from Tchaikovsky’s immortal ‘Nutcracker Suite’ played by the Lake Murray Chamber Orchestra,” said State Museum Director of Programs and Education Meika Samuel. “Plus, we’ll have seasonal crafts and Winter Star Lab portable planetarium shows for exploring the winter sky.”

Also dropping by on Dec. 19 will be Santa, the “right jolly old elf” himself, who will make the first of four appearances at Winter Fest that day. He’ll be back to spread holiday cheer on Dec. 21, 22 and 23.

Winter Fest continues Sunday, Dec. 20 with a special holiday concert by gospel singers Levitical Praise at 3 p.m.

Other highlights of Winter Fest include “Shortest Day, Longest Night,” a day of programs on the winter solstice, Monday, Dec. 21, said Samuel. The day’s activities include winter solstice crafts, winter Star Labs and a musical performance by Generation of Darlington High School.

On Tuesday, Dec. 22, museum guests will learn more about winter holidays around the world with multicultural displays and performances.

Wednesday, Dec. 23, children and their parents can celebrate the winter school break with Dinosaur Day at the State Museum. Families can enjoy dinosaur crafts and two showings of the popular hit movie “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs,” at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Additional showings of “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” can be seen on Saturday, Dec. 26 and Thursday, Dec. 31.

“Also during Winter Fest, amateur photographers whose Christmas wish is to learn how to take photos like a professional can learn the basic rules that accomplished photographers follow to produce beautiful photos,” Samuel said. “Five star Canon master photographer Manuel Gaetan will lead a photo seminar Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 1:30 p.m.”

The Museum will present winter Star Lab programs all during Winter Fest. These 30- minute portable planetarium shows ($3 per person) focus on seasons, constellations and moon phases. Star Labs will be presented Dec. 19, 21-23, 26, 28-31, and Jan. 1-2.

In addition, local potter Paul Moore will give pottery-making demonstrations on a treadle potter’s wheel on Wednesday, Dec. 23, Wednesday, Dec. 30 and Thursday,

Dec. 31.

“Seasonal crafts and special holiday movies will be offered every day from

Dec. 19 through Jan. 3,” said Samuel. “Plus, we’ll offer a selection of short seasonal films every day at 2 p.m. with a marathon of four movies on Wednesday, Dec. 30. It’s a sleigh full of activities that we hope people will want to return to several times.”

Unless otherwise noted, events are free with membership or admission. Winter Fest continues through Sunday, Jan. 3. For more information and a full schedule of events, call (803) 898-4952 or visit www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org.

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Five Points Holiday Party

Dec12009

Holiday Happenings with Historic Columbia

Dec12009

Candlelight and Carriage Tours

Friday, December 4

5:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m.

Robert Mills House, 1616 Blanding Street

The Robert Mills House will be open for lantern tours for one evening only. Costumed guides will lead tours and provide engaging stories of 19^th- century holiday preparations for guests. After the lantern tour, visitors can tour the Robert Mills Historic Garden District on a horse-drawn carriage. The carriage ride will provide riders with views of decorated homes and information about the architecture and history of the neighborhood. Lantern Tours are $10, $5 for children and free for members. Carriage rides are $5 per person. Call 803.252.1770, ext. 24 for reservations or email reservations@historiccolumbia.org. Visit www.HistoricColumbia.org for more information.

Scout Day: Historic Holiday

Saturday, December 5

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts are invited to tour three house museums and learn how families in Columbia celebrated the holidays during the 19^th century. Participants will make a holiday craft, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and visit with a Victorian Santa. Call 803.252.1770, ext. 24 for reservations or email reservations@historiccolumbia.org. Admission is $8 per child, $5 per adult.

Choir Showcase and Free Tours

Saturday, December 5

Noon – 4 p.m.

Local elementary schools will perform holiday music live at the Robert Mills House. As a gift to the community, Historic Columbia Foundation will offer complimentary tours of historic houses. For more information, call 803.252.1770, ext. 33 or visit www.HistoricColumbia.org.

Historic Columbia Foundation Brings Classic Holidays to Visitors

Dec12009

Decorated Houses, Lantern Tours, and Programs Provide Economical Family Entertainment through the Holidays

November 20, 2009 – January 3, 2010

Columbia’s Historic House Museums

COLUMBIA, SC – Families and tourists can enjoy affordable holiday activities with the Historic Columbia Foundation from now through January 3 as the organization hosts a classic holiday experience with decorated house tours, carriage rides, a Victorian Santa, hands-on crafts, and live music.

Visitors can participate in a variety of holiday events in an historic setting, which includes three of Columbia’s historic house museums decorated for 19^th-and 20^th-century holiday entertaining.

Tours of Decorated Historic Houses

now– January 3, 2010

Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

1616 Blanding Street

Visitors can take guided tours of decorated house museums including the Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion, and Mann-Simons Cottage. All tours offer a glimpse into the lives of three different families and what it may have been like to entertain and prepare for the holidays in late 19^th -and early 20^th -century Columbia. Visitors can view detailed greenery and faux food throughout each house.

Admission is $6 (single adult admission), $3 (ages 6-17), and free (5 and under). Reservations are required for group tours or to take a special 90-minute, three-house tour. Call 803.252.1770, ext. 24. Visit www.HistoricColumbia.org for more information.

Meet me at Crafty Feast December 12

Nov302009

Celebrate the season at the sixth annual Harborside Lights

Nov302009

Jingle All the Way to Columbia

Nov292009

Columbia Attractions and Restaurants Honor Veterans with FREE Admission & FREE Meals

Nov92009

Pumpkin Smash at Riverbanks Zoo | Saturday, November 7, 2009

Nov32009

Second Annual Italian Festival: One-Day Passport to Italy | November 7, 2009

Nov32009

Evolution: 21st Century Songbook presents the next Great American Songbook at the Columbia Museum of Art

Nov32009

Columbia has been selected as 1 of only 43 cities to host Torch Relay. Have you registered?

Oct212009

Spend a “Spooky Sleepover” Night at the State Museum

Oct122009

Sleepovers are always fun, but kids ages 5 to 12 and their parents will get a special thrill spending the night at the South Carolina State Museum at its “Spooky Sleepover” Friday, Oct. 23 to Saturday morning, Oct. 24.

Beginning with the 6:30 check-in, family fun thrills will begin as campers enjoy snacks. At 7 p.m., the museum will show the fun film “Night at the Museum II: Battle of the Smithsonian,” starring Ben Stiller. Next up is a special treat being presented for the first time: campers will go on a “mystery” scavenger hunt, in which a new artifact has been stolen and must be recovered.

“The hunt will cover three of the museum’s floors and will be conducted by flashlight to add to the fun,” said Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lee. “At some of the stops, characters from our exhibits will ‘come alive’ to help hunters with the clues to their searches.”

Exhibit characters, or “residents,” will include a paleontologist, an astronomer, a paleo Indian, a Revolutionary War soldier and more, said Lee.

Prizes will be awarded to all those solving the mystery.

“Not only that,” said Lee, “but we’ll also have a special appearance by the museum’s resident ghost, Bubba.”

As an added option, “Boo Bags” packed with ghoulish delights will be available for purchase.

Cost of the evening, which includes snacks both Friday night and Saturday morning, is $25 per child, $20 per adult. Cost for State Museum members is $20 per child, $15 per adult.

Families may register through Oct. 19 by calling (803) 898-4999 or e-mailing campin@scmuseum.org. More information can be found on the museum’s Web site, www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org.

Riverbanks Annual Halloween Spook-tacular Serves up a Surprisingly Cool Treat

Oct122009

Famously Hot Riverbanks ZOOfari Giveaway

Oct22009

South Carolina vs. SC State | Famously Hot Facebook Giveaway

Oct22009

Scarecrows in the Garden Exhibit Showcases Local Talent

Sep292009

October 1 - October 31

Robert Mills House & Garden

1616, Blanding Street

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Historic Columbia Foundation will host its second annual Scarecrows in the Garden Exhibit, October 1 – 31 at the historic Robert Mills House & Garden, 1616 Blanding Street. The exhibit will showcase local talent from schools, businesses, families, and organizations.

Visitors can stroll through the gardens on the grounds of the historic Robert Mills House to find Sneaky Steve, Historic Columbia Foundation’s missing scarecrow; participate in a scavenger hunt; and select their favorite scarecrow. The free exhibit is open to the public on Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

For information on entering a scarecrow, please email aposner@historiccolumbia.org or call 803.252.1770, ext. 24. For more information on the exhibit and activities, visit www.HistoricColumbia.org.

Other Scarecrows in the Garden activities include:

Scarecrows in the Garden Open House and Member Event

Thursday, October 1, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Robert Mills House & Garden

Visitors can enjoy appetizers, beverages, and brews while viewing a variety of creative scarecrows in our garden. The reception will feature Halloween activities, shopping, and local celebrities who will cast their votes for the best scarecrow display. Admission is $10. Free for children 12 and under. Members are free. Become a member or bring a friend to join and enter drawing for prizes. Reservations are required. Admission is free for contest participants.

FREE Admission to Columbia Museum of Art, Lexington County Museum or SC State Museum Tomorrow

Sep252009

South Carolina vs. Ole Miss | Famously Hot Facebook Football Ticket Giveaway

Sep232009