• The Columbia Museum of Art- With paintings from the Italian Renaissance, bronze sculptures, works by 18^th European and American artists, glass pieces by Louis Comfort, textiles and many other beautiful artwork, this is a great place for art lovers and aspiring artist.
• Edventure Children’s Museum-Does you little one always have touch everything? Does your school-aged child think learning is boring? Then spend some time here at Edventure, where learning is fun. The exhibits actually encourage hands-on/interactive learning. Children can climb a giant spider web, meet Eddie-a 40 foot sculpture of a child, see a talking skeleton in the Body Works gallery, and explore real fire trucks as well as many other exhibits sure to show that learning really is fun!
• Fort Jackson Museum- This has been an Army Training Center since 1917. While here you can learn about the weaponry, training, actions and more of the U. S. Army. The exhibits and displays showcase equipment like tanks, helicopters, half-trucks along with the story of the Army both past and present.
• Hampton-Preston Mansion and Garden- Love stepping back in time without leaving the present? Then take some time to visit the restored 1818 house, which once served as the Union Army Headquarters, 2 different and a convent. Today, guests can see antiques furniture, the family silver, the family gallery, crystal and dinnerware. Be sure you take some time to roam the gardens area as well.
• Riverbanks Zoological Park and Botanical Gardens- Whether its watching the animals in the aquarium, the amazement of the beautiful colors of the tropical fish, hearing the roar of the lions and tigers or laughing at the antics of the ostriches you don’t want to overlook the fun and adventure of the Riverbanks Zoo. While there, flower lovers will want to take some time to check out the 70 acre flower garden.
• The Congaree National Park- The Park is a sanctuary for and abundance of birds and wildlife as well as the site of giant hardwoods and towering pines. In fact, it is known for being the home of one of the tallest trees in the eastern United States. Guests can enjoy picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, bird watching, ranger led walks and an assortment of educational excursions.

Columbia, South Carolina has many other great places for you to visit. So the next time you are in the area, make some time to enjoy this delightful Southern city.

1. La Belle Amie Vineyard (Little River) – Sample the wines, taste gourmet foods and shop for unique and elegant gifts to commemorate your beach visit.
2. Brookgreen Gardens (Murrells Inlet) – Here you can see over 500 figurative sculptures located throughout 10 gardens, listen to the gurgling fountains in the accent pools, or go on a tour to learn about the flora and fauna.
3. Hopsewee Plantation (Georgetown)-A Low Country plantation home which has been around since the 1740s. It is furnished in 18^th and 19^th century antiques; on the grounds are 2 of the original slave cabins.
4. Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon Chapin Art Museum (Myrtle Beach)- This 1924 beach house now displays contemporary visual art, regional artwork, historical maps as well as offering a fine arts resource library.
5. Rice Museum (Georgetown) – One of the early leading crops in South Carolina was rice. Here you will find maps, artifacts, dioramas and other displays that tell the story. Nearby is the Brown’s Ferry Vessel, which is the oldest boat in North America.

Other great Myrtle Beach attractions and activities are the Georgetown Lighthouse, the Children’s Museum of SC, the Hobcaw Barony Visitor Center or taking some of the local tours.

J. Slagell

While there, you will find an assortment of activities sure to delight abilities and interest of all ages.  There is the outdoor fun of Adventure Falls Miniature Golf with its choice of 2 courses designed to delight the youngest of “golfers”, the fantastic fishing to be found at the Surfside Pier, and rapid water activity at the Wild Water and Wheels Water Park. For indoor fun visit the Paradise Skate Center with its skating rink, game room, and snack shop, the Surfside Bowling Alley and, especially for those who love music, the Legends in Concert celebrity impersonator shows. At Legends, you can see acts that rival those seen in Vegas, Branson, or Atlantic City.

So, when planning your next family getaway, why not consider the pleasure of Surfside Beach? It’s charm and smoke –free environment make it the perfect place to get a deep breath of fresh air.

The ideal girl’s getaway in the Low Country would have to include doing (or not) all the things that having men and children often prevents. You know, a rejuvenating afternoon at the spa—perhaps the Kiawah Island the Spa at the Sanctuary, the Daufuskie Island Resort & Breathe Spa  or the Spa at Palmetto Bluff, followed by shopping at Tanger Outlet Malls with dinner at Plums where on the weekends you can enjoy live music and great food.

If your group enjoys time spent in the great outdoors, then head to the cabins at Santee State Park and take a Fisheagle Tour or go on a boat trip on the Sparkleberry Swamp. Nearby is Bella Grace Day Spa where you can be pampered after a long day of exploration. Or perhaps you prefer the Pendleton District. Here you will find an abundance of cascading waterfalls, mountain bike trails that meander through the South Carolina Foothills Scenic Highway and historic bed and breakfast retreats sure to soothe the busiest guest.

If it is city adventures you crave, then book a suite at one of the fine hotels in Greenville, Charleston or Columbia. You will find an assortment of museums, art galleries, and, of course, shopping venues sure to inspire and delight. From drama productions to musicals and sporting events to luxurious spa treatments, South Carolina’s cities are sure to have something that appeals to everyone in your group.

Ah…a girl’s getaway…so much to do (or not) and so little time. When are you planning to visit?

J. Slagell

As South Carolina’s second oldest city, Beaufort (est. 1711), has seen its share of battles and military occupation ranging from that of the British who founded it to attacks by the Native Americans who originally lived there as well as Spanish threats. In addition, it was a center of liberation efforts for newly freed slaves during the Civil War and throughout the Reconstruction Era. With this colorful history, a visit to Beaufort offers many opportunities to step back in time through the buildings and locations such as the Penn Center.  For an opportunity to see many of the antebellum home of Beaufort, be sure to take wither the Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Fall Tour of Homes or the St. Helena’s Spring Tour of Homes.

Not only is Beaufort, South Carolina a favorite for many tourist, but it has also become one frequented by Hollywood. It is here that major motion pictures The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, Forrest Gump, Something to Talk About and G. I. Jane were filmed; also the town is host to the Beaufort International Film Festival held the first week of March. The town is also the setting for Lawrence Hill’s book, Someone Knows My Name.

 In Beaufort, SC, you will find friendly residents, fine restaurants, quaint shops, and quiet shorelines that are certain to enchant you as you explore this delightfully renowned Southern town. So, if you will be in the South Carolina Low Country, be sure to make time to spend visiting this well-loved area.

Janet Slagell