The Region At A Glance
Richland County/Columbia
Looking for the perfect blend of business, fine or casual dining, the arts, shopping and history? Then look no further than Columbia. This metropolitan city has managed to strategically marry the things that people need and want in a city atmosphere while preserving the historical foundation on which it was built.
Long since being founded the capital of South Carolina in 1786 and enduring General Sherman’s wrath in 1865, Columbia has been making a name for itself for more reasons than being the political hub of the state. In recent years, it has undergone restoration and planned growth that has created beautiful landscaping, parks and converted what was once old into something new. The Congaree Vista has transformed into a hotspot for culture, dining and shopping and the nearby Five Points is always the place to be.
Visitors are sure to find plenty to keep themselves busy in the downtown for all ages. Meander through the 4 story SC State Museum for interactive history and learning and plan to take in the south’s largest children’s museum, the Edventure Children’s Museum for 67,000 square feet of fun.
Nod to history at the South Carolina State House, family competition is healthy when you compete to find all 6 of the stars marking where Sherman's artillery shells hit the State House.
You’ll quickly discover why Richland County was given the 2006 All-American City Award, a Nobel Prize for Civic Involvement.
Columbia is where the best of business meets! It is the newest place meeting planners are choosing for trade shows, conventions, conferences, banquets and galas. To schedule your next meeting, contact the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 264-4884 or visit columbiacvb.com.
Lexington County
From humble beginnings to a vibrant and flourishing community, Lexington County is ranked as the 6th fastest growing county in South Carolina. Yesteryear boasted large farms and few, but favorite, shopping and dining selections, today there are a multitude of options from high end shopping on Harbison Boulevard to more than 70 unique and multi-cultural restaurants in just the Town of Lexington.
While the large farms that once blanketed the county have long since given way to new development and growth, agriculture still remains big business in Lexington County. Predictably the county ranks Number 1 in cash receipts in the state in both agriculture and livestock each year. Residents recognize the contributions this massive industry has on the community and each year festivals like the Peach Festival in Gilbert and the Poultry Festival in Batesburg-Leesville educate the next generation on their important impact. Both festivals promise family fun, great food and entertainment.
Care to walk back in time? History is treasured at two museums in the county, the Lexington County Museum and the Cayce Historical Museum. Authenticity is key to these curators and the shear size of their preservation will both educate and astound children and adults alike.
When arriving in the midlands of South Carolina, many visitors first stop is Lexington County. The beautiful Columbia Metropolitan Airport is conveniently located in Lexington County and gives way to quick interstate access to all over the state, as the old adage goes, “location, location, location.” It appears to be the deciding factor for so many visitors contemplating relocating to the great state of South Carolina and the location of Lexington County often leads it to the top of potential new residents list. In 2007, the popular suburb Irmo ranked 12th on the list of “Most Affordable Cities” by Money Magazine and in the same publication the community of Seven Oaks ranked 98th on the list of “100 Best Places to Live in the United States.” Both Irmo and Seven Oaks are nestled in Lexington County.
Lake Murray draws the likes of thousands of users each day and while the popular waterway spans four counties, the vast majority of this “Jewel of South Carolina” lays claims in Lexington County. This recreational paradise provides some of the most scenic landscapes and picturesque sunsets you’ll ever experience. Whether you are passing through or spending a few days in and around the lake, take time to travel over the Lake Murray Dam. The 1.5 mile earthen dam covered 99 acres when it was completed in 1930 and today offers travelers a unique view of the Dam. Taking this trek or stopping at one of the convenient parks on either side of the Lake Murray Dam will offer the best vantage point of the 5 famous towers, landmarks associated with Lake Murray, these intake towers stand 223 feet tall. In 2003, South Carolina Electric and Gas (SCE&G) began a two year construction process on a Backup Dam, in 2006 SCE&G's accomplishment was honored with the prestigious American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) award. Take the short drive over the Lake Murray Dam, it is awe-inspiring.
Often referred to as the bedroom community of Columbia, Lexington maintains a small town charm hard to ignore and even more difficult to forget. Whether you are fishing on Lake Murray, wandering through Gibson Pond Park, or selecting fresh produce from a roadside market, Lexington County is contagious.
Lake Murray
Lake Murray wasn’t always the center of recreation for the four counties it touches (Richland, Lexington, Newberry & Saluda counties). Its primary purpose, when it was constructed in 1930, was to use the swift waters of the Saluda River to bring electricity to rural areas of the midlands of South Carolina. At the time, it was the largest power reservoir and the Dreher Shoals Dam was the largest earthen dam built for power purposes in the world.
Back then, not many would have guessed that Lake Murray would boom in recreational tourism, real estate and economic development. Countless boating, other water sports enthusiasts and fishermen make it to the lake every year and lakefront property once readily available, is now at a premium. Vacation homes and private residences are surrounding the shoreline from one end of the lake to the other. As the city’s suburbs have pushed north and west, more and more commuters are enduring the commute for the benefits of lake living.
Lake Murray attracts thousands each year to nationally sponsored fishing tournaments, including the FLW Tour, the National Bass Circuit, Bassmasters and the Fishers of Men tournaments, just to name a few. The lake and surrounding rivers are best known for four types of fish including striped bass, largemouth bass, bream and crappie.
The largest event held on Lake Murray is the Lake Murray July 4th Celebration. Voted a top 10 event by the Southeastern Tourism Society, it is no wonder it is a big tourist draw. The sky sparkles with fireworks launching from multiple locations around the lake.
Lake Murray is a boating paradise for all types of boaters. Whether its canoeing or kayaking in calm waters or rapids, navigating sails through cutting winds or leisurely cruising in a power or fishing boat, Lake Murray is the place to be!
Click here for additional information on Lake Murray~
Newberry County
Visiting a college town often leaves people thinking of powerhouse football games and hustling and bustling cities. Escape that feeling and find a community embracing its rich history while opening the door to culture, delicious cuisine, fantastic shopping and yes, even a top ranked college football team. Visiting Newberry provides a refreshing break for the soul.
Widely recognized for the unparalleled restoration project of the circa 1882 Newberry Opera House, this community opens its doors to visitors from all over the world for entertainment all year long. The entertainment line-up gets better with each year and the surrounding town continues to keep up with the standards adding more options for visitors to enjoy while staying in Newberry. There are plenty of gift shops, award winning restaurants, historic homes and ample antique store selections to fill your day and night.
Whether you are an avid flower fan or just a weekend gardener, you are sure to enjoy a visit to Carter & Holmes Orchid Greenhouses. This family run operation is the largest indoor orchid nursery open to the public east of the Mississippi. With 18 greenhouses you are sure to find the perfect souvenir.
Visiting this community that surrounds a Lutheran-supported, liberal arts school, founded in 1856 and appropriately named Newberry College, you appreciate that it was named among the Top 100 Best Small Towns in America.
Saluda County
Saluda County’s peaceful country charm will draw you in and the people will make you wish you could stay. A predominantly agriculture based economy, this up and coming county has six major highways converging on its county seat and is only a short drive from interstate access.
Agriculture is what Saluda County is known for both statewide and nationally. Its sweetest crop, is the South Carolina Peach! As part of “the Ridge” area of South Carolina (includes the south central counties of Aiken, Edgefield, Lexington, and Saluda), Saluda County is the leading peach growing county in the state. “The Ridge” derives its name from the range of sloping hills that transcend the area. Cold air seeks the lowest point, and the Ridge provides good drainage for the air which seeps into the valleys on either side.
It isn’t all farming in Saluda County these days. Several gift shops and country-style, fine dining options draw people to downtown Saluda and Ridge Spring. Men and women alike seek to tame the Russell Breeden designed Persimmon Hill Golf Club. Originally formed by local doctors and opening in 1963, this public course lays claims to South Carolina’s longest Par 5 on Hole 18 boasting 630 yards. It isn’t uncommon for folks from all over to fly into the Saluda Airport to experience the “Thrill on the Hill.”
