The USA city of Columbia is hot in every way
This city of Columbia is the capital of South Carolina and with a sub-tropical climate; it is hot, hot, hot. It’s also a hot and hip place to visit, with a throbbing downtown nightlife, shops, restaurants and hotels. They love to live life to the full, here in Columbia; a fact instanced by the city’s super-star arena which can accommodate approximately 15% of the city’s population. Fort Jackson, the US Army’s largest Early Training Centre, also contributes to the city’s social scene. At certain times of the year, dramatic weather in the forms of cyclones, tornadoes and torrential rain and hail storms; brings another dimension to the Columbia experience.
Stopover in Columbia’s up and coming downtown
Visitors to Columbia have extensive choices of accommodation ranging from luxurious five-star and budget hotels, through to apartments, bed and breakfast guesthouses and even camp sites. Bear in mind though; there’s no air conditioning in tents and the summer climate here can be ultra-hot, humid and sometimes disruptive. The downtown area is Columbia’s happening district and is much-favoured by tourists. Main Street, Devine Street, Five Points and Congaree Vista are among the high spots here. The South Carolina State House is an imposing feature and is certainly high on the list of places of interest to visit. A big plus is that this exciting downtown area is only six miles from Columbia Metropolitan Airport; the arrival points for many USA internal flights. If the airport location is crucial to your travel plans and you need a hotel that is in the close proximity; the Cayce and West Columbia areas are perfect choices. Hotels in the area around Marion Avenue are top of the list if you need one that is close to Fort Jackson.
Columbia’s dining secrets are unpeeled and revealed
All dining preferences are covered in Columbia SC, so you’ll easily find your menu preference in the city’s multitude of restaurants and hotels. If you’re looking for local specialities, then it’s time to loosen that skirt or trouser belt and tuck into some of the region’s favourites such as Collard Greens. This dish is found on menus in hotels and restaurants throughout the city of Columbia and is actually, quite a healthy option. It comprises cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and kale. These are deliciously combined with bacon and onions. Then there are hush puppies. You won’t be wearing these though because they are a further, but savoury, deep-fried accompaniment to your main dish. It is really when you hit the sweet course that any thoughts of diet are unceremoniously squeezed out of the window. Few can resist a good dollop of banana pudding. Apart from the banana itself, this hot concoction includes eggs, cream, sugar and pastry. That’s all that the diet conscious visitor needs to know and it’s irresistibly mouth-watering.
Enjoying Columbia’s Colonial High Life
Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina and as such, it is the centre for much of the entertainment, dining and general activities that the state of SC has to offer. Take the fabulous zoo for instance. The title; Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, belies the fact that approximately 2,000 animals enjoy an enviable lifestyle roaming around this 170-acre site. Neighbouring Lake Murray lures sailing and water sport enthusiasts and geographically between the Lake and Columbia itself, Saluda Shoals Park has activity treats galore for children and adults. You won’t want to miss out, either, on the world-famous star attractions that are regular features at the 18,000 capacity Colonial Life Arena. Today’s hotels in Columbia are more than delighted to ensure that visiting guests receive full detail on these and other tourist attractions. You can then max out on the shops, restaurants and sights that are on offer here. Columbia though, is all about history, so reminders of the city’s dramatic and crucial past are never far away. Some are contained within the perimeters of the Zoo.
Washington was nearly a capital name for Columbia
Columbia was the first city in America and the first one to be named after Christopher Columbus. The ensuing Columbian Exchange marked the links and exchanges between Europe and the newly discovered Americas. This was a world-shattering time because, unbelievably; prior to the Exchange, there was no coffee in Columbia, no pineapples in Hawaii and even no chocolate in Switzerland. In 1786 Columbia almost became known as Washington, but lost out by only a few votes. There is a Washington Street though and for some strange reason it was originally paved with wooden blocks which were washed away in heavy rain. It can certainly tip it down here in Columbia. The temperature can get tinder box hot here too. In the 1800s, all homes were obliged to have a bucket for every chimney and all males were expected to serve in one of Columbia’s five fire brigades. Columbia’s eventful history remains etched firmly in the overall appeal and character that it enjoys today.