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Life Size Chess Players on Display at Airport

Columbia Metropolitan Airport has something that no other airport has! They are proud to be the home, for about 6 weeks, of six life-size chess pieces that are actual 3D replicas of a Renaissance chess set.

These “one of a kind” pieces were created by using new laser scanning technology, CNC machinery (Computer Numerical Controlled), 1” MDF composite wood, hand carving, and a labor of love. The pieces were created by Jim McGrew of McGrew Woodworking and David Jones, owner of Stee-Rike 3, Inc. Both gentlemen have traveled extensively in Europe and had seen similar pieces but not as large or life-size as these. The six pieces include a king (6’ 3” and 250 lbs.), queen, bishop, knight, rook, and pawn. The details of the pieces, such as facial features, have been hand-carved. They have also been hand-sanded and each piece has been burnished to a smooth finish to take on the look of marble.

They invite folks to come out and take a look at this unique display!

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Earn Extra Airline Miles When You Park at Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), Republic Parking System, and THANKS AGAIN have joined forces to offer airport travelers valuable rewards. The CAE Traveler Rewards Program enables travelers to automatically earn frequent flyer miles with five major airlines when they park at CAE. Consumer enrollment in the program is Free, Quick and Secure. Simply register any credit or debit card at www.thanksagain.com/CAE or register on your mobile phone by texting “CAE” to 20123.

“Republic Parking System welcomes the addition of the Thanks Again Traveler Loyalty Program as value added service to our parking operation at Columbia Metropolitan Airport,” said Jennifer Carroll, Regional manager – Southeast, Republic Parking System. To qualify to earn miles, a member must use a registered card to pay an $8.00 or greater parking fee, earning the member one airline mile for every $1 spent. These airline miles are above and beyond any miles that consumers may already earn on an affinity credit or debit reward cards they register in the CAE Traveler Rewards Program.

In addition, each qualifying CAE parking purchase counts toward special bonuses under the nationwide Thanks Again Traveler Loyalty Program. Members can earn up to 4 miles per dollar spent within the Thanks Again network. Each 90 days, members that spend at least $250 within the network can qualify for 500 bonus miles, those that spend $500 can receive 1500 miles, and those that spend $1000 can earn 4000 miles. See www.thanksagain.com/CAE for specific Terms and Conditions.

“We want to be a leader in consumer loyalty within the airport industry,” said Dan Mann, Columbia Metropolitan Airport’s Executive Director. “Thanks Again’s automated rewards platform makes it easy for our most frequent travelers to earn miles when they park at Columbia Metropolitan Airport.”

This program is managed by Republic Parking System in partnership with THANKS AGAIN.

Follow Columbia Metropolitan Airport on Twitter and Facebook.

Meet the Famously Hot T-Shirt Design Contest Winners and Finalists!

We appreciate all of our fans, friends and followers taking the time to enter and vote in our Famously Hot T-Shirt Design Contest, as well as our local celebrity judges for their votes and feedback on the designs. We had so many excellent submissions and the competition was tough. The top eight finalists were selected based on the number of votes received from the public during phase one of the contest, which also met the design and submission guidelines.

I think some of our local celebrity judges best sum it up with their comments:

"It's wonderful to see the contestants embrace the fun (and truthfulness) of Columbia's slogan, "Famously Hot, Surprisingly Cool". These designs show the creative spark that our city has glowing in it. Great job, everyone!" - Shani Gilchrist, Camille Maurice

"Fabulously hot designs! Columbia is full of talent!" - Cheryl Cooper, MidlandsBiz

"I love Columbia and I was glad to see so many great designs!" - Anne Postic, The Shop Tart

Congratulations to Katie McClung, winner of our Famously Hot T-Shirt Design Contest!

Katie will receive recognition on the lighted signage outside the Columbia Regional Visitors Center for one month, as well as recognition on our website, blog and social media sites. She will also receive a prize pack containing two passes to each of the following attractions: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, South Carolina State Museum, SC Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum, Historic Columbia Foundation, and Columbia Museum of Art, plus two River Runner Outdoor Center certificates for a kayak tour down the Columbia Canal, a waterproof cell phone pouch, a $50 gift certificate to be used at Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Café, Cellar on Greene or Solstice Kitchen and Wine Bar, and $100 gift certificate to be used at the Columbia Regional Visitors Center. She will also receive t-shirts for herself and ten (10) of her friends.

The winning design will be sold in the Columbia Regional Visitors Center, used as giveaways, and sold through our online store on t-shirts and potentially other items.

Congratulations to Tara Hatley, the runner up in our contest!

Tara's design will be sold through our online store on t-shirts and potentially other items. She will receive recognition on our website, blog and social media sites, plus t-shirts featuring her design for herself and five (5) of her friends.

Congratulations to Randy Staples, the second runner up in our contest!

Randy's design will be sold through our online store on t-shirts and potentially other items. He will receive recognition on our website, blog and social media sites, plus three (3) t-shirts featuring his design.

The top eight finalists were so great that we may feature some additional designs in our online store! Check them out:

Things to do in and around Columbia, SC this Fourth of July weekend

Looking for Independence Day festivities? Get out your red, white and blue and experience the excitement with a sizzling South Carolina Fourth of July weekend, packed with activities in and around the capital city. We've compiled a list of top events and things to do this holiday weekend:

Famously Hot Luau at Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel
Say Aloha to the Sheraton on Saturday, July 3 to celebrate the Fourth with a Hawaiian luau starting at 6:00 pm. Enjoy a live DJ and full Hawaiian buffet served all night. Watch the fireworks from the Roof Top Bar, and even stay the night for a discounted rate with the Summer 99 Special!


View full calendar event.

4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray
This star spangled event will feature a boat parade, fireworks and live music. Spend Saturday, July 3 at the Lake Murray 4th of July Celebration, watching the Annual Boat Parade at noon, then visit Dreher Island State Park for a concert by the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra at Shelter 14 at 8:00 pm. Stay lakeside for the fireworks display at about 9:15 pm.

View full calendar event.

Fireworks Cruise on the Spirit of Lake Murray
View the Lake Murray fireworks on Saturday aboard the Spirit of Lake Murray on Saturday, July 3 and enjoy a night mingling on the water, complete with heavy hors d'oeuvres, a bar and live DJ. Limited seating is available, so make sure to reserve tickets if you're on board!


View full calendar event.

Fort Jackson's Torchlight Tattoo
Feeling patriotic? Venture out to Fort Jackson for a cannon salute to each state in the US, patriotic music by the 282nd Army "Victory" Band and a full 3o minute fireworks show at the Torchlight Tattoo on Saturday, July 3.


View full calendar event.

Columbia Blowfish v. Florence Baseball Game
What’s more American than baseball and hot dogs? Watch the Columbia Blowfish take on Florence at Capital City Stadium and enjoy an Independence Day fireworks show after the game. Game starts at 6:05 pm on Sunday, July 4.


View full calendar event.

Freedom Festival 2010 & Crafty Feast
Celebrate the fourth with a day full of fun and festivities at the Freedom Festival and Crafty Feast on Sunday. Richland County, the Boyscouts of America and Village at Sandhill will host a full day of live music, local crafters and artists, a bike display by Thunder Tower Harley-Davidson. a NASCAR simulator and helicopter and hot air balloon rides. Don't miss the Boy Scouts' patriotic program at 5:30 pm and a professional fireworks show at 9:30 pm.


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Balloons, Blues & Bar-B-Que
You don't want to miss the launching of the Midlands first ever Hot Air Balloon Festival at Blythewood Community Center! Festivities begin at 5:00 pm on Friday, July 2, with tethered Balloon Rides, great music by Fatback and the Grove Band, an outdoor movie (featuring "UP!"), Smoke Southern Barbeque, and the night will end with the hot air balloons glowing in the sky. Saturday, July 3 all of the balloons will launch at 6:30 am for a balloon race. The finale will be Saturday night at 7:00 pm with more beautiful glowing balloons in a mass ascension.


View full calendar event.

Corey Holcomb at the Comedy House Theatre
Looking for something different to do this Fourth of July weekend? Conjure up a few laughs at the Comedy House Theatre for an 8 pm show on the Fourth with comedian Corey Holcomb.


View full calendar event.

The Lexington County Peach Festival
You don't have to travel far for a full-out festival! Celebrate America's birthday and Lexington County's 52nd year with the annual Peach Festival featuring parades, pageants, food, fireworks and more at Gilbert Community Park in Gilbert, just outside of Columbia on Saturday, July 3. Visit the Lexington County Peach Festival site for details.


View full calendar event.

Newberry County Law Enforcement Officers Association's 20th Annual 4th of July Celebration
Head over to neighboring Newberry County for family fun at Newberry High School for the 20th Annual 4th of July Celebration from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, featuring free amusement rides for the kids, a skydiving exhibit, live music and a fireworks show on Sunday, July 4.

View full calendar event.

Jammin' July 4
This Sunday, July 4, take a short drive to the Jammin' July 4 at Dillon Park in Sumter for rides, food, drinks, live entertainment and, of course, fireworks. It's a quick trip from Columbia for a full day of excitement and fun!

View full calendar event.

Want to make a weekend out of it? Let the Roaming Gnome be your guide to a smashing hotel deal through our online Travelocity reservations system -- or book one of our featured weekend getaway packages on experiencecolumbia.com.

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Whether you're looking to kick back for some leisurely cruising on the lake, check out a dazzling fireworks display, or celebrate in the midst of all-day entertainment, the Columbia region has it all this Fourth of July!

To find out more about things to do in Columbia, SC and its surrounding areas, visit www.columbiacvb.com/calendar for a complete listing of events and activities. For up to the minute tips on things to see and do, keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter.

"Birdies" have nested in the Visitors Center for the month of June!

Another famously hot June is here in Columbia, SC. Flowers have bloomed and the birdies have flown in!

Columbia Regional Visitors Center has named Shayna Simoneaux “Local Artist of the Month” for June. Shayna is the creative mind and artistic hand behind the “Birdies” paintings, jewelry and gifts born in our famously hot city.

Shayna’s Birdies are the reflection of her innate creativity and colorful, optimistic imagination of the world around us, including Columbia. She cultivated her love for art and fashion in London, where she was born, raised and spent many years pursuing her career in fashion and public relations. Following her relocation to Columbia, Shayna developed a distinct artistic style with her “Birdie Paintings by Shayna” collection. Inspired to generate new avenues that ensure anyone could bring the spirit of the Birdie home with them led to founding “Birdies Jewelry & Gifts by Shayna,” an affordable and accessible way to adopt a little Birdie. Each painting and piece of jewelry is one-of-a-kind, 100% handmade and, of course, includes original illustrations by Shayna.

Her vivid artwork shouts creativity, optimism and pure bliss. Each piece in the collection is marked with the returning inventive and abstract Birdie in varied atmospheres and themes.

Come visit the Birdies’ new nesting spot for all of June at the Columbia Regional Visitors Center located on the upper level of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Hurry before they fly home!

Address
Columbia Regional Visitors Center
(Located on the upper level of Convention Center)
1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Contact Us
Phone: 803-545-0002
Fax: 803-545-0050
Toll-Free: 800-264-4884
Email: visit@columbiacvb.com

Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm - 5:00 pm

Riverbanks Hosts Rhythm and Blooms Music and Art in the Garden Every Thursday in May

Visit Riverbanks each Thursday evening in May for Rhythm and Blooms, a celebration of music and art in the Botanical Garden.

From 6 to 9 pm guests can listen to live music under the Rose Garden Pavilion and browse displays from local artists throughout the Garden. Tapas and drinks will be available for purchase on the Garden terrace.

“With everything in full bloom, the Botanical Garden is a spectacular place to spend a spring evening,” said Andy Cabe, Botanical Garden director.

Tickets are $5 for members, $7 for the general public and children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are on sale now at www.riverbanks.org.

May 6
Rhythms By: Corner House (Andy Hearn and Davey Mathias)

On May 6, Tony Avent, owner of Plants Delight Nursery and Juniper Level Botanical Garden, will host a lecture from 6 to 7:30pm. The topic is Landscaping in Drifts of One: A Focus on Plant Combinations. Avent will give residential design tips for avid gardeners who simply can’t pass up a new or unusual plant. Tickets for the lecture are $15 for Riverbanks members and Midlands Master Gardener Association members and $20 for general public. This ticket includes admission to Rhythm and Blooms.

May 13
Rhythms By: Papa String Band

May 20
Rhythms By: Palmetto Latin Jazz

May 27
Rhythms By: Jamie Beresford Trio


It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $9.75 for adults, $7.25 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for children 2 and under. Group rates and other discounts may apply. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717 or visit www.riverbanks.org.

Grand Opening of the NOMA Nature Trail in Earlewood Park

On Saturday, May 8, the Earlewood Community will celebrate the opening of the new NOMA (North Main) Nature Trail at Earlewood Park at 11:30 a.m. . The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the entrance to the trail located near the corner of Earlewood Drive and 1111 Parkside Drive.

There are four ways to enter the trail. Color-coded direction signs are located along each path entrance.

Earlewood Park includes an amphitheater, disc golf course, tennis courts, ball fields, and playground. Plans are underway for the NOMA Dog Park, a fenced area for the city's four-legged residents, and Parks and Recreation's new community and administration complex.

The City of Columbia has 56 city parks and green spaces, approximately 600 acres of city-maintanined park land, 16 city pools, spray pads and ponds, and nine city-maintained fountains.

City Pools and Splash Pad to Open Memorial Day Weekend

City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department summer swim season will begin May 29 – Memorial Day weekend with the opening of Maxcy Gregg and Greenview pools.

Greenview will be open Tuesday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The pool will be closed on Monday for routine maintenance. The seasonal phone number is 803-735-1602.

Maxcy Gregg hours will be open Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Maxcy Gregg will be closed on Friday’ for routine maintenance. The seasonal phone number is 803-733-8447.

The Drew Splash Pad will be open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and

Saturday 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. Proper swim wear is required.

Seasonal phone lines at Greenview and Maxcy Gregg will be activated on opening day of summer swim season.

Recreation Centers will be closed Monday, May 31.

Midland’s Plant and Flower Festival at the Columbia State Farmers Market

- the Plant and Flower Festival will be held at the Bluff Road site

With spring in the air and flowers starting to bloom, now is a great time to get out into the yard or garden armed with new plants and flowers from the Midland’s Plant and Flower Festival.

This annual event at the State Farmers Market located at 1001 Bluff Road in Columbia across from Williams-Brice Stadium will be held April 15-18. As always, admission and parking are free. The hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

This four-day Plant and Flower festival is a highlight of the spring as thousands of visitors from all over the region descend on the Farmers Market looking for numerous varieties of horticultural and agricultural products for their home gardens. Because of the wide variety of plants and lawn and garden décor for sale, visitors are encouraged to bring along a wagon or cart to carry their purchases. Please don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes!

“Every year we have a fantastic turnout and it seems there is always something for everyone,” said Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture.

This year there will be more than 75 exhibitors on hand selling a wide variety of plants needed to make any yard the envy of the neighborhood. In addition to plants, flowers and yard décor, there will also be a booth for Clemson Extension’s Master Gardeners to answer gardening questions. The Plant and Flower Festival is always a great place for the novice or veteran gardener. The festival will be held, rain or shine, in Shed 14 at the Farmers Market on Bluff Road.

For more information, call the Jackie Moore, festival coordinator at 803-734-2200.

Indie Grits Returns to Columbia for 4th Annual Southern Film Fest

Columbia will put its Southern hospitality to good use as it welcomes back the Indie Grits Film Fest for its fourth anniversary Wednesday, April 14 – Sunday, April 18. As a juried film fest dedicated to showcasing Southern-influenced films, this year’s Indie Grits boasts 52 films from 49 filmmakers, as well as fun, interactive events for the public.

Run by the Nickelodeon Theatre, South Carolina’s only nonprofit art house movie theatre, Indie Grits events will be held in many buildings and venues on Main Street. Catch film screenings at the Nick and the newly renovated Fox Theatre for a glimpse of the Nick’s future location. Over 1,000 people attended last year’s Indie Grits, and the fourth annual event is expected to be even bigger.

Not an independent film connoisseur? Don’t worry, and don’t miss out! Indie Grits has a film or event for everyone. With short films, documentaries and feature films on everything from drag queens to double dates to cowboys to rockers, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes.

Here is a preview of some of the Indie Grits exclusives:

• Passenger Pigeons, a film by North Carolinian Martha Stevens, just won a top award at SXSW
• Film screenings from University of South Carolina’s Moving Image Research collection
• A children’s event for the debut of Lunch Money’s music videos
• Works in Progress filmmaker workshop: discover how two filmmakers go through the creative and editing processes
• Sovereign Screens: an interactive screening of experimental films with a DJ at the Tapp’s building

Festival passes, which grant entry to every event and VIP party, are $100, all-movie passes are $50 and individual program tickets are $7. To be a part of the film fest, visit www.indiegrits.com for the full Indie Grits schedule, to purchase tickets and follow the IG blog.

Written by guest blogger, Jacque Riley, Founder and CEO of Riley Communications, LLC.

Columbia Museum of Art presents Jason Ajemian concert on April 6

In partnership with Ross Taylor, the Museum welcomes Jason Ajemeian from Chicago for a concert of creative improvised and experimental music based in rock and jazz.



Acoustic bassist Jason Ajemian is one of the members of the underground music scene in Chicago, playing a variety of creative improvised, noise, and experimental music based in rock and jazz. Ajemian also vocalizes and utilizes electronics.

- Tickets are $8 / $5 for members and students.
- To purchase tickets, visit columbiamuseum.org.

WHEN:
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. / Concert starts at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Columbia Museum of Art
Lorick Auditorium and Bank of America Garden Terrace
1515 Main Street

Columbia City Council Proclaims March 26th as Google Day In the City of Columbia: Famously Hot. Surprisingly Fast.

For Immediate Release
March 25, 2010
Contact: Public Relations, Marketing & Media Department at (803) 545-3020


Imagine sitting in a rural health clinic, streaming three-dimensional medical imaging over the web, and discussing a unique condition with a specialist in New York; or downloading a high-definition, full-length feature film in less than five minutes; or collaborating with classmates around the world while watching live 3D video of a university lecture. Universal, ultra high-speed Internet access will make all this, and more possible. Google has urged the FCC to look at new and creative ways to get there in its National Broadband Plan – and now they are announcing an experiment of their own.

Google is planning to build, and test ultra-high speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations across the country. They will deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today with 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections.

How Can You Help?
• Nominate Columbia, SC by March 26th:
http://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi

• Become a Facebook Fan:
http://www.facebook.com/googlecolumbiasc

• Upload your Video Nominations:
http://www.youtube.com/googlecolumbiasc

• Use our twitter hashtag: #surprisinglyfast

More information about Google Fiber

###

Win a Famously Hot Getaway this Weekend

Mast General Store Plans on Opening Columbia Store in 2011

The Leadership Team and Employee Owners of the Mast General Store are proud to announce the opening of the Mast Store’s newest “old” location in Summer 2011. The historic Lourie's Building on Main Street, built in 1884, will soon be home to the North Carolina-based retailer, which started in 1883 in the rural community of Valle Crucis.

“Our team is now focusing its attention on the needed historic restorations, the floor plan to create our fixturing, and developing our product and staffing mix for Columbia,” said Fred Martin, vice president of operations for Mast Store.

“We appreciate the many people who helped provide information and showed us the many attractive assets in Columbia,” continued Martin. “Amy Stone, retail recruitment specialist, and Matt Kennell of City Center Partnership were particularly helpful.”

Others who provided assistance include the Mayor’s office, the City Council, Jim Gambrell and the City Manager’s team, Tom and Jeff Prioreschi of Capitol Places, and Richland County.

“We have been overwhelmed by well wishers and supporters from the Greater Columbia area. These words of encouragement are reinforcing our decision to join the long-time merchants and those embracing new opportunities on Main Street. The downtown area is the heart and soul of the community,” said Martin, “and it is great to see Columbia revitalizing its historic stature.”

The Mast General Store is a family of stores located in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Each building is historic in nature and is located along a “main street.” Merchandise lining the shelves of this employee-owned retailer includes men’s and women’s traditional clothing, comfortable footwear, cast iron cookware, stoneground grits and jellies, rocking chairs, outdoor and travel gear, and over 500 different varieties of old-fashioned candy.

For more information, visit MastStore.com.

The History of The Mast General Store

The Mast General Store was built in 1882 and opened in 1883 by Henry Taylor.

In 1897 half interest in the store was sold to W. W. Mast, part of a pioneer family which settled in the valley. The store was known as the Taylor and Mast General Store until 1913, when Mr. Mast bought out Mr. Taylor’s interest in the store.

W. W. and his family stocked all of the items their neighbors might need - from plows to cloth and "Cradles to Caskets," which led to the popular saying, "If you can't buy it here, you don't need it."

In addition to being the community gathering place, the store served many other needs over the years. It provided an office for Dr. Perry, one of Watauga County's first doctors. Wildcrafters brought their roots and herbs in exchange for store credit. In the aftermath of the '40 Flood, mourners gathered there to honor the memory of their lost loved ones.

The Mast family sold the store in 1973 to an Atlanta doctor and an Appalachian State University professor. Around this time, the site was named to the National Register of Historic Places as one of the finest remaining examples of an old country general store.

In November of 1977, the doors were closed, presumably for the winter season, with hopes of reopening in April of 1978. However, plans did not pan out. Many Valle Crucis residents banded together in an effort to save the old store; Exxon even helped with the drive to preserve the landmark.

John and Faye Cooper purchased the Mast Store and reopened it in June of 1980. Since that time the store has regained its reputation as "the store that had everything." The Valle Crucis Post Office reopened in October of 1980, thus giving the Valle back its identity.

The operation has expanded in much that same manner as when W. W. Mast was operating the establishment. In keeping with tradition, each location has its own unique history, preserving the rich heritage of each community.

The Annex was opened in 1982. Built in 1909, the Annex is located just two tenths of a mile from the Original Store in Valle Crucis. This location was once a competing store.

Old Boone Mercantile was opened in 1988; the downtown Boone building was constructed in 1913 and 1917. Its retail history includes The People’s Bank, a five and dime, a restaurant, one of the first area radio stations and Hunt’s Department Store.

Little Red Schoolhouse, built in 1907, was opened in 1989. This building housed Valle Crucis Academy, with grades one through twelve. The Coopers purchased this building and moved it to its present location.

The Waynesville store was opened in 1991; it was constructed in the 1930s and was an upscale clothier called "The Toggery." It consists of two levels and a mezzanine beautifully adorned with a pressed-tin ceiling.

The Hendersonville location was opened in August 1995. Since its 1905 construction, it has housed a variety of retailers including the Maxwell Fancy Grocery Store, Freeze Drug Store, Potts 5¢ & 10¢, and a ladies' dress shop. Other occupants included Woodmen of the World, a benevolent secret society which held its meetings in the store in the 1920s.

The Asheville store joined the Mast Store family in 1999, and has been a retail landmark in downtown since the mid 40s when it was built by Fain's.

The first location outside North Carolina is located on Main Street in Greenville, SC and opened in March 2003. A retail landmark in downtown since the late 1800s, it is probably best known as the "old Meyers-Arnold," a locally-owned retailer which carried everything from housewares and lingerie to men's shoes and linens. After Meyers-Arnold closed its downtown location, several other retailers including a public market featuring several vignettes and small shops occupied the building.

The latest "old" location, which opened in August of 2006, is in Knoxville, TN downtown on Gay Street. This building was constructed in 1898 after the "Million Dollar Fire" in 1897 and was home to the McNulty Grocery and Dry Goods Co. Other occupants include M. M. Newcomer's Department Store, Knox Dry Goods and White Grocery store.

History Comes Alive at Columbia's Longest Days this Saturday

Join the Greater Columbia Civil War Alliance on Saturday, February 13, as it traces General Sherman’s 1865 march to Columbia with a full day of activities including the re-enactment of Union cannons firing on the State House, Sherman’s March bus tours and a Civil War Expo.

Having successfully completed his march to the sea by capturing Savannah in December of 1864, Union Major General William Tecumseh Sherman planned his invasion of South Carolina. His target was Columbia, the state capital where the secession movement began and considered by Sherman's generals to the be a richer prize and more important capture than any city in the South. On January 30, 1865, Sherman's 65,000-man army launched the invasion moving ten to twelve miles a day, burning a swath sixty miles wide in grim determination readily viewed as retribution. An abundance of alcohol greeted the Union army as it entered Columbia on February 17, 1865. Vengeful attitude fueled by drunkenness culminated in the looting and burning of the city--an act described by a Union war correspondent as "the most monstrous barbarity of the barbarous march." Visit www.shermansmarch.com for a video documentary of first-hand accounts of Sherman's March to Columbia and the burning of the city.

In commemoration of General Sherman's March to the Sea through Columbia and the burning of the city, a full day of fun activities for all ages will begin with Union canon firing once again upon the South Carolina State House. Join the troops as a spectator on the West Columbia side of the Gervais Street Bridge on the left.

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, February 13, 2010

8:45 am - Union troops fire on the State House at the same time and location as on February 15, 1865 (the West Columbia side of the Gervais Street Bridge)

9:00 am - Civil War Expo (Atrium of the Columbia Mills Building which houses the South Carolina State Museum and the Confederate Relic room and Military Museum, 301 Gervais Street)

9:30 am - Congaree Creek Tour

9:30 am - Kilpatrick and the Burning of Lexington Tour

10:00 am & 3:00 pm - Living Historian Wade Hampton III performs

10:00 am - Medical Encampment at the top of every hour

10:30am - Artillery Demo every half hour

11:00 am & 2:00 pm - Living Historian Mary Boykin Chesnut performs:
Mary Boykin Chesnut, the daughter of a South Carolina governor and United States senator, was an enigma. Ardently against slavery, she was a passionate believer in states rights and a feminist who loved her husband. Part philosopher, political scientist and humorist, Mary is known today for her brilliant, shocking and poignant masterpiece that is a journal of the rise and fall of the Confederate States of America.

2:30 pm - Left Wing Tour

Civil War Expo:

9:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Atrium of the South Carolina State Museum
301 Gervais Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

The expo includes artifact displays, performances by living historians, Mary Boykin Chesnut and Wade Hampton, as well as period music and a medical encampment on the front lawn.

Bus Tours:

Tickets for the bus tours must be purchased IN ADVANCE and are $20 per person per tour. Bus tours leave from the parking lot of the South Carolina State Museum at 301 Gervais Street. To purchase by phone, please call Bri Jackson at 803.217.0071. Tickets may also be purchased by emailing Bri Jackson at gccwa@knappagency.com.

9:30am - 12:30pm - Bus Tour 1: Congaree Creek Tour

Includes first-hand accounts of Union soldiers, reporters and Columbia residents; visits original earthworks built for the Confederate defense, enter the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to walk along the Saluda River to see the remains of one of the largest textile mills of the early 1800s, see the bridge abutments of the Gervais Street and Saluda River Bridges that were burned by the Confederates and travel along the same streets that Union soldiers traveled as they entered Columbia.

Riverbanks Botanical Garden is one stop on the Congaree Creek bus tour that follows Sherman’s march through Lexington County and into Columbia. Those interested in participating in the bus tour that travels through the Botanical Garden should select the 9:30 am Congaree Creek tour. The three-hour tour will recall first hand accounts of Union soldiers, newspaper reporters and Columbia residents.

“Many people are unaware that Riverbanks is home to some of South Carolina’s most significant historical landmarks, and we are proud to share that rich history with the people in our community,” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Riverbanks has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. Structural remains dating back to the early 1800s can be found throughout the park. On Riverbanks’ grounds, bus tour participants will visit the Saluda Mill ruins and view the granite abutments of the burned State Road Bridge, which was destroyed during Sherman’s March in 1865.

The Saluda Mill, one of South Carolina’s oldest textile mills, was also set ablaze by Sherman and his troops. The ruins of the mill can be found along Riverbanks Botanical Garden’s River Trail.

In an effort to further educate the community about the historic significance of the Saluda Mills, an Interpretive Center was built adjacent to the mill site in 1999. Artifacts, descriptions and graphics are displayed in the center at Riverbanks.

9:30am - 12:30pm - Bus Tour 2: Kilpatrick and the Burning of Lexington Tour

The tour will trace the route of Union calvary General Judson Kilpatrick and his calvary corps as it rode into Lexington, SC in mid February 1865. The tour will enter south of Lexington and visit some of the sites of the Union occupation of Lexington. The sites include: the John Meetze House, circa-1850, which is now the Caughman-Harmon Funeral Home; the Hendrix-Callison House, circa-1830, where Kilpatrick questioned a youth wearing a Confederate uniform during the occupation; the Lemuel Boozer house, circa-1828, home of Lexington's Unionist mayor whose son was shot for his Unionist leanings. The tour will visit local cemeteries and other little known sites related to the burning of Lexington. The tour will end at the Lexington County Museum and visit the John Fox House. Mr. Fox was strung up by the neck by Union soldiers three times from a beam in this house, as they wanted Mr. Fox to reveal the location of hidden silver and valuables.

2:30pm - 5:30pm - Sherman's Left Wing Tour

Travels to the southern boundary of Lexington County, where the Union army entered; visits skirmish sites along the North Edisto River and makes stops at Jeffcoat's, Horsey's and Gunter's Bridges, where dismounted Confederate cavalry and artillery disputed the Union army's crossing the river. local re-enactors will make these skirmishes come alive.

About:

The Greater Columbia Civil War Alliance sponsors the annual event that commemorates General Sherman's March to Columbia and the burning of the city of Columbia. February 13, 2010 will mark the 5th annual Columbia's Longest Days and promises a day of activities for all ages.

The Greater Columbia Civil War Alliance is composed of a number of historic preservation associations. The alliance is dedicated to the promotion of civil war history in the Greater Columbia area. The organizations involved include:

Historic Columbia Foundation, Riverbanks Zoo, South Carolina State Museum, River Alliance, SC Department of Archives & History, SC Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum, Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, Cayce Museum, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the Order of the Confederate Rose (Mary A. Hunt Chapter 13).

Columbia Episode of Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" Airs February 15

Pawleys Front Porch to be Featured on Food Network

Pawleys Front Porch will be spotlighted on the hit Food Network show, “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” on Monday, February 15. The show, hosted by Guy Fieri, filmed a segment in late October at the Five Points restaurant and showcased their unique and innovative burgers created by their trained chef, Kyle Taylor.

In celebration of the premier, Pawleys Front Porch will hold a party open to the public at the restaurant located at 827 Harden Street in Columbia, SC. There will be give-a-ways, great drink specials and even a Guy Fieri look-alike contest! Chef Kyle Taylor will also feature a special slider (mini-burger) version of the three burgers that will be featured on the show: the Caw Caw Creek, Sullivan’s and the Fripp Island burgers. Try what Guy tried!

The festivities will begin at 7:30 pm and the winner of the Guy Fieri look-alike contest will be announced after the show airs at 10:00 pm.

“All of us here at Pawleys have worked real hard for the past year and are really excited to be featured on the show,” said Chef Kyle Taylor. “We’ve got a great burger: the best in the city.”

Columbia's Famously Hot Initiative Recognized with Prestigious Award at SC Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel

Members from the brand team accepted the award on Tuesday at the awards luncheon during the conference. (L to R) Back: Bill Ellen, Lora Prill, Chad Prosser, John Durst, Libby Gober, Miriam Atria; Front: Douglas OFlaherty, Mandi Engram, Kelly Barbrey, Ric Luber, Tommy Stringfellow

Meet Riverbanks Zoo's Newest Addition, Baby Oliver the Koala

Koala Knockabout Has a New Addition
Riverbanks Zoo Introduces New Joey



On your next trip to Riverbanks make sure you stop by Koala Knockabout – you might catch a glimpse of Oliver, the Zoo’s newest resident, a joey (or baby koala).

While koalas have a teddy bear-like appearance, they are not a bear at all. Koalas are marsupials, similar to kangaroos; the females have a pouch where they carry their young during development.

Oliver was born in late April 2009 to parents Lottie and Jimmy. The newborn spent nearly seven months developing in his mother’s pouch before the keepers even caught a peek at him.

“The keepers observed movement in Lottie’s pouch in July, but it wasn’t until late October that they got the first look at Oliver’s face,” said John Davis, curator of mammals at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

When a koala is born it is about the size of a jellybean. It travels through the birth canal to the pouch where it nurses for several months without making a public appearance. As a joey grows, it may stick an arm, leg or even its head out of the pouch for short periods of time before it feels confident enough to come completely out of the pouch.

Now, too large for Lottie’s pouch, Oliver spends most of his day perched on mom’s back or tucked around her stomach.

Lottie, Oliver’s mother, came to Riverbanks from Australia in 2003, as a result of a sister-state relationship formed between South Carolina and Queensland, Australia. Jimmy, Oliver’s father, came to Riverbanks in December of 2008 from the Los Angeles Zoo.

Oliver will remain at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for the next several months while he continues to grow, clinging to the back of his mother. Once he reaches about 12 months, he will be considered mature and weaned from his mother. Ultimately, Oliver will be transferred to another zoo based on breeding recommendations from the Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Oliver is the first offspring for Jimmy and the third for Lottie.


It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $9.75 for adults, $7.25 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for children 2 and under. Group rates and other discounts may apply. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717 or visit www.riverbanks.org.

Celebrate 2010 with Free Fridays at the Zoo through February

Start the New Year with a FREE visit to the Zoo. Riverbanks’ Free Fridays program kicked off last Friday, January 1, and continues through February 26. Each Friday during the months of January and February residents of Richland and Lexington counties will receive free admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

“The Free Fridays program is a way for Riverbanks to show our appreciation for the continued support by the residents of Richland and Lexington counties,” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Riverbanks is a special purpose district and receives funding each year from the taxpayers of Richland and Lexington counties. To qualify for free admission, Richland and Lexington county residents will be asked to show proof of residency with a valid ID or a copy of their property tax statement. All other visitors will be charged regular admission. There is no limit to the number of Fridays Richland and Lexington county residents can visit during the promotion – they can come one Friday or all nine.

Riverbanks’ winter hours are 9am to 5pm daily. January and February make for a great time to visit the Zoo because many of the animals are most active during the cooler winter months. There are also several indoor exhibits where guests can step in from the cold. These exhibits include the Birdhouse at Riverbanks, Aquarium Reptile Complex, Gorilla Base Camp and Koala Knockabout.


It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $9.75 for adults, $7.25 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for children 2 and under. Group rates and other discounts may apply. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717 or visit www.riverbanks.org.

Winter Fest Comes to the State Museum

Parents wondering what to do with the kids when school is out for the winter holidays need look no further than Winter Fest, the South Carolina State Museum’s annual holiday tradition.

Now in its third year, Winter Fest, a two-week long celebration of the winter season, kicks off Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and runs until Sunday, Jan. 3. “On Dec. 19 at noon, our guests will enjoy musical selections from Tchaikovsky’s immortal ‘Nutcracker Suite’ played by the Lake Murray Chamber Orchestra,” said State Museum Director of Programs and Education Meika Samuel. “Plus, we’ll have seasonal crafts and Winter Star Lab portable planetarium shows for exploring the winter sky.”

Also dropping by on Dec. 19 will be Santa, the “right jolly old elf” himself, who will make the first of four appearances at Winter Fest that day. He’ll be back to spread holiday cheer on Dec. 21, 22 and 23.

Winter Fest continues Sunday, Dec. 20 with a special holiday concert by gospel singers Levitical Praise at 3 p.m.

Other highlights of Winter Fest include “Shortest Day, Longest Night,” a day of programs on the winter solstice, Monday, Dec. 21, said Samuel. The day’s activities include winter solstice crafts, winter Star Labs and a musical performance by Generation of Darlington High School.

On Tuesday, Dec. 22, museum guests will learn more about winter holidays around the world with multicultural displays and performances.

Wednesday, Dec. 23, children and their parents can celebrate the winter school break with Dinosaur Day at the State Museum. Families can enjoy dinosaur crafts and two showings of the popular hit movie “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs,” at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Additional showings of “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” can be seen on Saturday, Dec. 26 and Thursday, Dec. 31.

“Also during Winter Fest, amateur photographers whose Christmas wish is to learn how to take photos like a professional can learn the basic rules that accomplished photographers follow to produce beautiful photos,” Samuel said. “Five star Canon master photographer Manuel Gaetan will lead a photo seminar Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 1:30 p.m.”

The Museum will present winter Star Lab programs all during Winter Fest. These 30- minute portable planetarium shows ($3 per person) focus on seasons, constellations and moon phases. Star Labs will be presented Dec. 19, 21-23, 26, 28-31, and Jan. 1-2.

In addition, local potter Paul Moore will give pottery-making demonstrations on a treadle potter’s wheel on Wednesday, Dec. 23, Wednesday, Dec. 30 and Thursday,

Dec. 31.

“Seasonal crafts and special holiday movies will be offered every day from

Dec. 19 through Jan. 3,” said Samuel. “Plus, we’ll offer a selection of short seasonal films every day at 2 p.m. with a marathon of four movies on Wednesday, Dec. 30. It’s a sleigh full of activities that we hope people will want to return to several times.”

Unless otherwise noted, events are free with membership or admission. Winter Fest continues through Sunday, Jan. 3. For more information and a full schedule of events, call (803) 898-4952 or visit www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org.

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Five Points Holiday Party

Holiday Happenings with Historic Columbia

Candlelight and Carriage Tours

Friday, December 4

5:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m.

Robert Mills House, 1616 Blanding Street

The Robert Mills House will be open for lantern tours for one evening only. Costumed guides will lead tours and provide engaging stories of 19^th- century holiday preparations for guests. After the lantern tour, visitors can tour the Robert Mills Historic Garden District on a horse-drawn carriage. The carriage ride will provide riders with views of decorated homes and information about the architecture and history of the neighborhood. Lantern Tours are $10, $5 for children and free for members. Carriage rides are $5 per person. Call 803.252.1770, ext. 24 for reservations or email reservations@historiccolumbia.org. Visit www.HistoricColumbia.org for more information.

Scout Day: Historic Holiday

Saturday, December 5

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts are invited to tour three house museums and learn how families in Columbia celebrated the holidays during the 19^th century. Participants will make a holiday craft, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and visit with a Victorian Santa. Call 803.252.1770, ext. 24 for reservations or email reservations@historiccolumbia.org. Admission is $8 per child, $5 per adult.

Choir Showcase and Free Tours

Saturday, December 5

Noon – 4 p.m.

Local elementary schools will perform holiday music live at the Robert Mills House. As a gift to the community, Historic Columbia Foundation will offer complimentary tours of historic houses. For more information, call 803.252.1770, ext. 33 or visit www.HistoricColumbia.org.

Historic Columbia Foundation Brings Classic Holidays to Visitors

Decorated Houses, Lantern Tours, and Programs Provide Economical Family Entertainment through the Holidays

November 20, 2009 – January 3, 2010

Columbia’s Historic House Museums

COLUMBIA, SC – Families and tourists can enjoy affordable holiday activities with the Historic Columbia Foundation from now through January 3 as the organization hosts a classic holiday experience with decorated house tours, carriage rides, a Victorian Santa, hands-on crafts, and live music.

Visitors can participate in a variety of holiday events in an historic setting, which includes three of Columbia’s historic house museums decorated for 19^th-and 20^th-century holiday entertaining.

Tours of Decorated Historic Houses

now– January 3, 2010

Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

1616 Blanding Street

Visitors can take guided tours of decorated house museums including the Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion, and Mann-Simons Cottage. All tours offer a glimpse into the lives of three different families and what it may have been like to entertain and prepare for the holidays in late 19^th -and early 20^th -century Columbia. Visitors can view detailed greenery and faux food throughout each house.

Admission is $6 (single adult admission), $3 (ages 6-17), and free (5 and under). Reservations are required for group tours or to take a special 90-minute, three-house tour. Call 803.252.1770, ext. 24. Visit www.HistoricColumbia.org for more information.

Meet me at Crafty Feast December 12

Tired of shopping for gifts at chain stores? Then join us on December 12 at the historic Tapp’s building in downtown Columbia for something different. Shop independent!

Over 35 vendors from the Southeast will be participating in Columbia’s independent craft fair. These crafters focus on experimental, nonh-traditional and unique handmade or repurposed crafts. Vendors are coming from Columbia, Asheville, Charleston, Charlotte and other cities to bring their original jewelry, bags, clothes, funky children’s items and more. For a list of vendors, please visit the website at www.craftyfeast.com/vendors

Come for the day, shop for some indie crafts, listen to some music by Chris Wenner, watch live art from izms of art, eat some snacks, and have your kids create some crafts. Admission is Free!

‘Meet me at Crafty Feast’ will take place on December 12 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm at the Tapp’s building on the corner of Main and Blanding. See you there!

Crafty Feast is sponsored in part by the City of Columbia and the City Center Partnership.

For further information on Crafty Feast please contact:

Debi Schadel
803-348-8861
CraftyFeast@gmail.com
www.craftyfeast.com