Columbia |
| Tuesday, 05 February 2008 00:00 |
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Columbia – Southern pearl. Think historical buildings along scenic streets, students seeking shade under palm trees during lecture breaks, business men sipping coffee in the downtown cafés – that is Columbia
, population 123,000, on the Congaree river shore. Columbia is South Carolina’s capital and its biggest city. Naturally it has the state’s largest university, educating 27,000 students, who do not live on an isolated campus, but mingle with the regular town folks, mixing up the scene a little. Columbia was one of the first planned cities stateside, which gave it its characteristic chess board design. Some might consider this slightly charmless, but it surely makes for easy orientation and a convenient drive through town. At least you do not have to navigate your rental car through confusing, narrow streets. Getting into the holiday mood is made quite easy in Finlay Park where you can dip your hands into the cool water of the Finlay Park fountain and take in the Columbia skyline. After a relaxing rest you should check out downtown, stroll past the old houses from the days of our founding fathers, past impressive churches reaching into the sky, to the Carolina Statehouse, the capital’s capitol, glistering white against the sun. Once you have admired the architecture and maybe have taken a tour you can rest in one of numerous downtown cafés. Those interested in architecture should visit the districts Arsenal Hill and Elmwood Park where colonial homes are perfectly preserved and give a good picture of the house design during the founding days of the United States. Those who prefer some excitement will enjoy the Congaree River shores where you can indulge in numerous aquatic activities. You can rent canoes and kayaks or learn to water ski. After all, Columbia is known to be one of the best places in the country for friends of water sports. If you are curious about southern flair and the famous Dixie hospitality Columbia is just the place to go. You will experience a modern, booming city, sometimes hectic, sometimes slow, but always friendly, welcoming travelers and conveying a holiday feeling. And if you wish to escape the city’s buzz, rent a car and get out of the city. Scenic green areas like the Congaree National Park, the vast Riverbanks Zoo and plenty of sleepy little towns make for a great day trip. |
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