Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia, which is located in the central part of South Carolina, was chosen as the state capital in 1786. It was the second planned community in the United States, and is set where the Congaree, Saluda, and Broad rivers meet. Along these rivers, you can walk the Three Rivers Greenway, stopping off at various parks as you go. (There are also off-path trails for bikers and runners.)

And there are several state parks to enjoy nearby. A short drive north of the city is Sesquicentennial State Park. And just more than 30 miles away, you'll find several others, including, to the north, Lake Wateree State Recreation Area, to the east, Poinsett State Park, and to the west Dreher Island State Recreation Area. And there are several more only a few miles more distant! Or if beaches (and golf) are your thing, Myrtle Beach is about 140 miles, or 225 kilometers, east.

Columbia's economy is varied, and includes government, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and corporate headquarters. The city is also home to Fort Jackson, the Army's largest and most active initial training institution.

If you're looking for arts, dining, and entertainment, you won't be disappointed in this mid-sized city. For example, head for The Congaree Vista, the community's former warehouse district, which now hosts commercial, residential, shopping, dining, and cultural venues, including more than 45 bars and restaurants, and 60 artists' galleries and specialty shops. And speaking of arts, you can spend your time off wandering through the Columbia Museum of Art, or taking in performances by groups such as the South Carolina Philharmonic, the Columbia City Ballet, the Columbia City Jazz Company, Trustus Theatre, or the South Carolina Shakespeare Company. And when you take in a show at the city's Town Theatre, you're sitting in the oldest community theater building in continuous use in the United States!

Looking for family fun? Head out to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, which is not only home to more than 2,000 animals, but to a beautiful 70-acre (28-hectare) botanical garden! How about a trip to the South Carolina State Museum to learn about art, science and technology, and cultural and natural history? And the younger ones will have a ball at the EdVenture Children's Museum.

How about festivals and fairs? Here are just two to consider: the South Carolina State Fair and St. Pat's in Five Points.

Imagine! All this, and great weather, too!

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