Downtown Shopping District
by b1bob
Columbia's downtown has potential but lacks the money evident in Charlotte's uptown. There are plenty of vacant slots along Main Street. If the rich folks that live in Charlotte had set up shop here, the downtown would be more gleaming and vital than Charlotte is today, with all the shiny buildings plus the State House, the river, the parks, and deeper sense of history. Columbia still has old-fashioned five and dime stores that one would think would only exist in small rural towns- if even there.
CONGAREE SWAMP NATIONAL...
by scbelle
CONGAREE SWAMP NATIONAL MONUMENT
Hopkins, SC
Just head down Bluff Road (by Williams Brice Stadium) for a ways and you'll find this little gem, protected by the National Park Service. The heat in Columbia can be overbearing, so I would not suggest a visit in July or August unless you go in the early morning. By kayak or Canoe, however, it might be quite nice. This black water swamp is magical, romantic, an escape from the blacktop.
For more info, visit the National Park Service's website, which includes recreational links:
www.nps.gov/cosw/
Hampton-Preston House
by zrim
Built in 1818 by Ainsley Hall and purchased by Wade Hampton I in 1823 (father of Civil War general and South Carolina statesman Wade Hampton). Upon Hampton Sr.'s death (at the time he was purported to be the wealthiest man in AMerica) the home was inherited by his daughter, Caroline Preston. During the Civil War it was used as a headquarters for General Logan. Briefly it was put to use as the governor's mansion and then served a 25 year stint as a women's college.
The mansion was restored in 1969 and opened to the public in 1970. Tours are available Tuesday through Sunday.
columbia museum of art
by doug48
the columbia museum of art is located on main street in downtown columbia. the museum hosts traveling exhibitions of modern art and photography. see the attached web site for current exhibitions and times.
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