Blog
Explore Our Stompin’ Grounds

When it comes to finding Columbia’s hidden gems, nothing beats a local guide - and that’s where we come in. We’re here to take you on a journey in and around the Main Street District. We’ll share our favorite Soda City hotspots, the city’s best festivals, and not-to-be-missed attractions. Check back regularly for all the inside scoop on everything we love around here.

  • a group of flamingos

    The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has Grown!

    We featured The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden back in November to share the dazzling news of the million lights decking the animals’ home as part of the annual “Lights Before Christmas” display. And now, just as the buds bloom for the arrival of spring, we return to The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for more good news: The Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center has opened!

    Supporting the Zoo’s mission of conservation and education, the new aquarium and reptile center is designed to transport visitors out of their familiar surroundings to habitats that are homes to our fellow cold-blooded creatures and those in the water. Educational displays that attend the exhibits reinforce the impact of conservation efforts and explain how small actions to protect our ecosystems and wildlife can make a big difference. No one is too young or too old to learn and make a difference. Facility operators insist the intention is to invite guests to experience wildlife in an engaging way so as to understand our relationship to it and to accept responsibility to help. With that in mind, the center features conservation labs that showcase conservation work that was previously only experienced during behind-the-scenes tours. Plus, there’s a new desert biome highlighting arid habitats of the Western hemisphere, especially those in the arid southwest.

    According to the president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Tommy Stringfellow, “The new Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center is a major step toward achieving our mission to create meaningful connections, inspire action, and ultimately, make a lasting impact on conservation, not only in South Carolina but across the globe.”

    And it’s only the beginning! Spokespeople for the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens have said they’re already making progress in phase one of their vision for the future, “Bridge to the Wild,” which is suggested to fundamentally change the way visitors to the zoo experience wildlife and connect with nature. Part of a $32 million investment will include improvements to the white rhino habitat that opened in 2020 primarily to to update aging infrastructure. Beyond that, the zoo will also be adding new animal habitats like a primate forest on the banks of the lower Saluda River that will include an observation deck offering unparalleled views of orangutans and other primates. And mere steps away, a South Carolina nature preserve will be home to some of our region’s native and endangered species like American black bears, bald eagles, and red wolves. An enhanced tram system also will provide bird’s-eye views of the Saluda River and surrounding skyline. But, first things first; the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center runs during normal operating hours and will be included with the zoo’s general admission ticket and membership.

    As exciting as it may be, don’t just come for what’s new. The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden truly has something for everyone. From gorillas and koalas to penguins and sharks, plus formal gardens and natural woods, this Columbia landmark promises new discoveries around every corner. With more than 3,000 animals and 5,700 plants you can’t even see it all in a single visit. And it’s not only what you can see from behind a fence. Zoo operators and staff are proud to make their conservation efforts public; it’s incredible what the zoo has done to protect endangered species and then share it with guests by giving them an inside look at animal care so they can learn how to help.

    Oh, and one more thing to put on your calendar; check out the Breakfast with Bunny Eggstavaganza on Sunday, April 2nd that includes a tasty breakfast, early access to the Zoo, animal encounters, and more! For more details on this event, the latest goings on at the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center, regular zoo hours and ticket information, check out the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden website.

    We lovet it, and we’re sure you will, too. It’s all here, and it’s all just a short drive from Hotel Trundle, making it the perfect destination to get you and yours while you’re here. Ask about our “Life is a Zoo” package when you make your reservation.

    Read More

  • a boat on the water

    Plan Now for Spring Break in Columbia

    It can be tough planning months in advance, but once you’ve secured your plans, you’re guaranteed good times are ahead! So whether you’re looking to fill the whole week of Spring Break with a packed schedule of kid-friendly activities or you can only slip away for a three-day weekend, we’re sharing a list of easy-to-put-together activities that are sure to appeal to everyone in your group.

    Mix and match to create a Spring Break itinerary that’s just as affordable as it is fun.

    Palmetto Outdoors
    Book a guided canoe tour of Congaree National Park for a dose of adventure and relaxation all in one. Tours are about three hours. Kids must be 6 or older (and 50+ lbs unless you’re bringing your own lifejacket). Prefer to be on land? Palmetto Outdoors offers bikes to tour the Saluda Riverwalk for some waterside fun.

    Mad Platter
    Select from over 500 pieces of pottery to paint, try glass fusing, or make your own jewelry in a welcoming studio environment. Visit their website to plan your visit!

    Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
    With more than 2,000 animals, botanical gardens, as well as rides and activities, Riverbanks offers something for everyone in the family. Be one of the first to visit the brand new Darnell & Susan Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center, opening in March.

    South Carolina State Museum
    In addition to four floors of permanent exhibits featuring history, science, art, and technology, there’s a planetarium, 4-D theatre and observatory with rotating exhibits, too.

    EdVenture Children’s Museum
    Kids can climb through Eddie, a 40-foot-tall boy, explore a plane’s cockpit, and create something unique with Maker Works.

    Pimento Cheese Passport
    Pimento cheese is a local favorite, and Columbia has a knack for serving it in the most creative ways. Select from one of the restaurants on the Pimento Cheese Passport for a truly local dining experience.

    Reconstruction Era Trail
    Learn about post-Civil War challenges and triumphs of African Americans on eight trail stops throughout the Columbia region. Download the trail or pick up a copy at the Columbia SC Visitors Center.

    Transmission Arcade
    Show your kids the ropes on classic games like Ms. Pacman and Indiana Jones in a colorful setting serving fun finger foods. Folks under 21 are admitted before 7pm, but it’s 21+ after that. Alternatively, you can visit Bang Back Pinball Lounge to enjoy food, drink and 16 professionally maintained pinball machines.

    Soda City Market
    Come see where the locals go on Saturday mornings. Columbia's Main Street is filled with 150+ vendors selling fresh and prepared food, art, apparel, and artisanal crafts and more. Visit the market website for all the mouth-watering details.

    Boat Rentals – Lake Murray
    From pontoons to tri-toons to double- decker boats with a slide off the back, your family will love spending spring break in the sun on lovely Lake Murray. Better Boat and AquaFun Boat rentals are two great options.

    Columbia Fireflies Baseball
    Pitchers and catchers have returned to practice and that means baseball season is back! The Fireflies– a low-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals– kick off their season at home on Thursday April 6th. So check the calendar to see if they’re home when you come to visit!

    Saluda Shoals Park
    Spend the day outdoors enjoying trails, a two-acre dog park, Leo’s Landing Inclusive Playground and more. Spring hours: 7am-8pm.

    Dreher Island State Park
    Dreher Island State Park spans three islands, 348 acres and provides access to 12 miles of Lake Murray shoreline. Visitors will find recreational water activities, nature trails and some of the best striped and large-mouth bass fishing spots, all only 30 miles from Columbia. It has long been a popular location and launching spot for major, national fishing tournaments.

    Players Club
    Reserve a bay online, then get competitive on state-of-the-art golf simulators with real live courses and a virtual putting green (there’s a great menu, too!). Want more info? Visit the website.

    Columbia Museum of Art
    The Columbia Museum of Art is South Carolina's premier international art museum with extraordinary collections of European, American, Asian, and modern and contemporary fine and decorative art that span millennia. The museum also offers changing exhibitions, both organized innovatively in-house and borrowed from renowned museums, and educational programs that include group and public tours, lectures, films, classes, parties, and concerts.
    On display now, “Our Own Work, Our Own Way” celebrates 42 women artists from the 20th century who had connections to the South. On through May 21, 2023.


    All of this and more is waiting for you here in Columbia. Book your tickets and reserve your stay at Hotel Trundle to make your Spring Break unforgettable.

    Read More

  • a person in a white dress dancing

    Start the Year by Celebrating the Arts

    You might not think an east coast city smaller than the likes of New York or Philadelphia would have such a robust arts scene, but we do! Columbia is rich with theatrical arts, painting and sculpture, dance, and music, you just have to know where to look.

    Our public art collection, as we’ll detail below, ranges from outdoor sculpture and makerspaces to murals and a techno-thrilling laser installation. And on stage, we’re proud to say we have our own professional dance troupe. City leaders agree, Columbia boasts an overwhelming amount of talent relative to its size, and since many artists were forced to stay inside the past two years, the creative industry has seen a boom of late. The city holds that every citizen should have access to creative culture so the scope of offerings is nothing short of incredible. Beyond the city’s professional and community performances, which also includes the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, the University of South Carolina’s departments of dance, theater, opera, music and art provide hundreds of opportunities each year to experience live performances and exhibitions, often at no charge.

    This month, we’ll aim the spotlight on dance and public art, and explore it’s background in the city as well as names of venues where you can go to experience this inspiring art for yourself.

    Columbia has not one, buy two professional ballet companies. In addition to performing beloved classics like Swan Lake and the Nutcracker, The Columbia City Ballet, in its 62 years, has premiered a number of ballets including Dracula: Ballet with a Bite, and Off the Wall and Onto the Stage, which brings to life the colorful paintings of South Carolina native Jonathan Green. The Columbia Classical Ballet launched the career of Brooklyn Mack, a star dancer with the Washington Ballet. Featuring dancers from six countries, the troupe is known for their community outreach, particularly LifeChance, which brings ballet stars from around the world to Columbia.

    See them perform at the Koger Center for the Arts right on Main Street.

    As for the city’s public art displays, Columbia boasts a surprisingly long history of making art accessible in its high-trafficked urban and green spaces. We’ve filled an abundance of walls, parks, courtyards and street corners with murals, and sculptures and fountains, including Blue Sky’s reflective Tunnelvision, a mesmerizing trompe l’oeil sunset that’s been repainted four times and Henry Moore’s primitive Upright Motive #8 which is tucked into a hidden recess on Boyd Plaza in front of the Columbia Museum of Art.

    Then again, much of Columbia’s public art is displayed indoors as well. But don’t expect to find generic convention center style art on the walls of Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Instead, the light-filled space is filled with abstract landscapes, montages, light-catching glass sculptures and paintings of local landmarks so realistic, at first glance, they could be photographs. Chosen for their unique representation of the region’s history, architecture, and natural resources, each of the more than 40 pieces were created by local artists, some of whom, like painter Jonathan Greene, have risen to national prominence. Another hidden gallery lies in our libraries. Visit any branch of Columbia’s award-winning, innovative Richland Library system and you’ll find a lot more than books. Specially-commissioned artwork on exhibition in each of the recently renovated branches—some of which are community efforts led by a featured artist—have transformed the library into a hub of artistic activity and conversation. And you don’t need a library card to visit!

    All of this and more is waiting for you here in Columbia. Book your tickets and make a weekend out of it by staying the night with us at Hotel Trundle.

    Read More

  • Pinocchio puppet

    Celebrate a Month of Entertainment!

    Did you know, if you spent a year in Columbia, you could take in a different live performance or art film just about every single day? Throw in a diverse public art collection, which ranges from outdoor sculpture and makers spaces to murals and a techno-thrilling laser installation, and you’ve got a city where art is both accessible and exciting. 

    City leaders agree, Columbia boasts an overwhelming amount of talent relative to its size. Since many artists were forced to stay inside the past two years, the creative industry has seen a boom of late, in everything from public art to theater. The city holds that every citizen should have access to creative culture so the scope of offerings is nothing short of incredible. Beyond the city’s professional and community performances, which also includes the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, the University of South Carolina’s departments of dance, theater, opera, music, and art provide hundreds of opportunities each year to experience live performances and exhibitions, often at no charge.

    This month, we’ll point the spotlight on theater, and explore its background in the city as well as names of venues where you can go to experience this inspiring art for yourself.

    Small stages. Big talent. That pretty much sums up the live theater scene in Columbia, which includes more than a dozen venues and companies. Trustus, an award-winning professional theater company, was founded in 1985 and each season, the Trustus Ensemble performs a variety of sophisticated and thought-provoking productions. Perhaps you recognize some of their most popular like Rock of Ages, Grey Gardens, and Black Super Hero Magic Mama, which was the winner of the 2016 Trustus Playwrights Festival.

    Town Theatre provides broadway quality live community theater with a focus on family-friendly content. It has nearly 100 years of history in Columbia with its building– constructed in 1924– as the oldest community theater building in continuous use in the country. Town Theater players have gone on to appear on Broadway, in feature films, and on network television programs.

    It takes years to master the skills necessary to bring marionettes to life, and you can watch them dance, walk and bend in the hands of puppeteers at the Columbia Marionette Theater. These talented artists make the marionettes seem almost human, but instead of keeping their trade tricks secret, love to share what they know with audience members backstage after the performance.

    Along the same lines, located in the Forest Acres neighborhood of Columbia, Columbia Children’s Theatre offers comedic, age-appropriate plays for children. The theater is known for adult programming as well; Late Night Date Night is a no-kids-allowed (and no holds-barred) performance event that takes place once during each production run. Performers rely on improv and include their fair share of innuendo to keep it fun for mature audiences and for performers who trust their craft and each other.

    Perhaps some of Midland’s most innovative programming takes place at the Harbison Theater at Midlands Technical College. Not only does the venue stage thought-provoking plays, musical events, dance performances, and readings, but, through the Performance Incubator program, directors, producers, writers, and choreographers are given a way to make a living through their art.

    All of this and more is waiting for you on stage here in Columbia. Book your tickets and make a weekend out of it by staying the night with us at Hotel Trundle. Next month, dance!

    Read More

  • a grandfather and a female child looking through zoo windows

    See the Zoo Light Up!

    It isn’t too early to start making plans for the holidays, especially to attend one event that, for many, becomes an annual tradition. That’s right, this month and next, families from far and wide are bringing the kids to the zoo, not to see the animals but the lights! Tell us more, you say? Gladly!

    Think about it; you probably string a few hundred lights on a pine tree in your home. Now imagine millions of lights lighting an entire, magical landscape. Sounds special, doesn’t it? We think so, and it’s why returning visitors to “Lights Before Christmas”-- many of whom are Columbia locals– call it a “must-see light show.” And many of those folks are buying their tickets as soon as they go on sale on November 1st. Indeed, for 35 sparkling years, beginning mid-November, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden hosts Columbia’s longest-running tradition, “Lights Before Christmas.”

    For a small fee of $15 per adult and $12 per child (those under 2 are free), guests get access to the awe-inspiring displays of twinkling trees and walkways, animations, and kiosks. Stroll through the brilliantly lit zoo featuring one million lights, discover giant illuminated animal lanterns, admire the 30-foot animated LED tree, and wander through a winter wonderland.

    Special for the kids and for an additional fee, ride the Gingerbread Express and the Candy Cane Carousel before stopping by Santa’s Village to share what’s on your gift list! And when you feel like warming up, grab a spot by the Jingle Bell Bonfire to enjoy some s’mores and hot chocolate. A few local vendors will also be present to help you find the perfect gift for those tough-to-buy people on your list. You’ll find a schedule for this event on the zoo’s website, as well as a link to purchase tickets.

    Now, it’s worth mentioning, that while you may see a few night owls flying about under the lights, most of the animals will be “off exhibit” to catch some zzz’s. So if it’s animals you want to see, come back to the Zoo during the day! It’s an ideal setting for a holiday photo no matter when you visit, as it’s sure to bring out even the most stubborn inner child. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden truly has something for everyone; from gorillas and koalas to penguins and sharks, plus formal gardens and natural woods, this Columbia landmark promised new discoveries around every corner. And it’s not only what you can see from behind a fence. We’re proud of the Zoo’s efforts to save endangered species, and we want to share it with you by giving guests an inside look at animal care so they can learn how to help.

    It’s all here, and it’s all just a short drive from Hotel Trundle, making it the perfect destination to get you and yours in a festive and holiday spirit. Call us to plan your visit, today!

    Read More

  • park with leaves fallen because of fall season

    Seize the Season!

    We love summer days at the lake and finding solace in the shade of our national parkland, but we love the seasons more. And beyond the relief from the heat, autumn brings all kinds of fun to Columbia. We’ve listed a few of our fall favorites here so you can enjoy them when you come to visit, too.

    Whether you go for a hike along the Three Rivers Greenway trails or enjoy a stroll around the University of South Carolina’s campus, there’s no shortage of spots to see the changing leaves. The Greenway accommodates bikers, runners, and dog walkers. Perhaps one of the most unique ways to experience this change of seasons, however, is by taking a guided canoe tour of Congaree National Park. Find a tour group that suits your schedule and book your adventure. The deep oranges and reds are sure to inspire plenty of outdoor escapes this season and provide the perfect backdrop to your next IG post. Tag us @hoteltrundle to be featured on our website!

    If the heart of a home is the kitchen, then Columbia is the kitchen of South Carolina. In a state abounding with locally grown foods, you can be sure that our fall harvest is top-notch. This October, come and get the whole farm fresh experience at a Farm to Table Event Co. Harvest Dinner or pick up your own autumnal produce from the State Farmers Market or Soda City Market on Saturday mornings. Thirsty? Local breweries pour seasonal beers from the tap as a perfect accompaniment to your cozy fire pit or tailgate. Crowd favorites include the Pecan Brown Ale from Steel Hands Brewing and Hazelnut Brown Ale from River Rat Brewery.

    Join the locals, and ride the cool autumn wind that blows into town, and get out to seize the season! All manner of festivals and events in the coming months provide the perfect opportunity to breathe in the fresh, crisp air. For the thrill seekers in the group, mark your calendar for the SC State Fair where you can climb aboard every ride at the Midway. For the beer snobs in the group, there’s more than one Oktoberfest celebration ready to satisfy your seasonal cravings. And to all the spooky season lovers out there, boo! Welcome to Halloween parties galore, haunted farms, and even trick-or-treating at Riverbanks Zoo. If that’s not enough. Roll up your sleeves and head to the farm. Go ahead; try to name a more classic fall activity than visiting a pumpkin patch or corn maze. Whether you and your family are on the hunt for the perfect jack-o-lantern or keen to grab a photo for next month’s Thanksgiving card, Clinton Sease Farms is sure to deliver what you need. They even host a haunted farm night for those looking for a fall fright.

    For more details on any of the above-mentioned activities or destinations, give us a call or speak with our concierge. We’ll be happy to point you in the most spectacular or spookiest direction.

    Read More

  • people sharing a pizza with orange juice

    Taste Your Way Through Columbia

    Pack your bags for Columbia and come hungry! The five-star Columbia Food Tour is wowing first-time visitors to the city and lifetime residents alike. What’s the big surprise? We know what the capital city has to offer, but running up against the reputations of culinary hot spots like New York and Los Angeles, Columbia tends to get forgotten. But not for long! Come taste what our emerging downtown restaurants have to offer and we promise you’ll be back!

    Columbia Food Tours is the capital city’s first official food tour. Now in its eighth year, the two-and-a-half to three-hour tour guides hungry foodies on foot through Columbia’s happening downtown making memorable and delicious stops at five to seven of the best, locally-owned restaurants. The tour winds primarily along Columbia’s Main Street and is currently scheduled for most Saturdays beginning at 1:45 pm. Want to know where you’ll be eating? Whiskey-centric cocktail bar, Bourbon, might be a stop, with its Cajon-creole-inspired menu. The Grand on Main could be a stop, too. It’s a boutique bowling alley, restaurant, and bar perfect to have a little fun while you drink and dine. The Oliver Gospel or OG Roastery, meanwhile, is a charitable café that roasts its own coffee. Any profits go back into the community, and any extra time is devoted to job training in OG's neighborhood enrichment programs.

    Experience an immersive dining experience in the comfy lounge at The Main Course. With a massive screen and a selection of exciting games and it delivers a one-of-a-kind simulation that’s fun for golfers and non-golfers alike. Columbia’s historic firehouse is home to downtown favorite, Villa Tronco, where the kitchen plates traditional Italian fare and spins a delicious cheesy pizza. Once you’ve had your fill of fun, get serious with a wine tasting at Hampton Street Vineyard, Columbia’s premier destination for fine wine, French food, and warm hospitality since 1995. Pork and seafood are front and center at Smoked, where fine dining and a casual, downhome atmosphere meet for dinner. Where’s dessert, you ask? Could be wrapped up at The Strudel Shop.


    No promises for any of the above of course. We just named some local favorites and trust your tour guides will have you tasting the very best Columbia has to offer. Check Columbia Food Tour’s website to learn how you can purchase tickets for specific dates and taste your way through our city!

    Read More

  • man playing baseball with an uniform in a baseball field

    Catch the Fireflies at Segra Park

    You might think we’re suggesting running out at dusk with an empty glass jar to catch those magical summer fliers. But when you’re in Columbia, SC, and staying the night at Hotel Trundle, catching the Fireflies means scoring a ticket to watch them play baseball!


    The Columbia Fireflies are the only Minor League Baseball team to call South Carolina’s state capital home. The Fireflies are the Low-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and they play in the South Atlantic League against in-state rivals the Greenville Drive (Boston Red Sox affiliate) and the Charleston RiverDogs (Tampa Bay Rays affiliate). Located right in the heart of the developing BullStreet District, Segra Park is the charming ballpark where you can catch the Fireflies play ball most nights of the week, and as a guest at Hotel Trundle, it’s only a 5-minute drive away! Grab tickets for a $2 Tuesday game, a Thursday Thursday game with live music, Freebie Friday, or Sunday Funday, now through the beginning of September. But the stadium doesn’t sleep when baseball season ends; Segra Park’s maximum attendance is 15,000 making it the ideal venue for concerts, soccer, football, and a number of other live events.

    Back to the Fireflies, their name pays tribute to the synchronizing fireflies phenomenon that occurs at Congaree National Park each summer. (Maybe you should bring that glass jar after all! The team was established in 1995 as the Savannah Sand Gnats and relocated from Georgia after the 2015 season marking 2016 as the inaugural season of Columbia Fireflies Baseball in the capital city. The Fireflies are the first professional baseball team in Columbia since the Capital City Bombers moved to Greenville in 2005. Want a part of the action? You better hurry. The Fireflies play 70 home games over the course of the season and only a month remains. Check the team’s schedule on their website, as well as ticket purchasing and parking details. Make a day of it, and spend the night with us, at Hotel Trundle.

    Read More

  • image of green art

    Step into the Shadow of Monet

    Now through September 4th, you can experience Claude Monet’s paintings like never before in a special exhibit at the Columbia Museum of Art, “In the Shadow of Monet: Giverny and American Impressionism” The work is free with admission to the museum, and a mere two minutes away on Main Street Columbia in Hotel Trundle’s urban backyard.

    “Immerse yourself in a world of nature and light on a guided tour that explores the work of American Impressionists and their experiences in France,” the description goes. But it’s only one experience sure to inspire those who visit the CMA. Open six days a week, the museum offers a welcomed, air-conditioned reprieve, showcasing art from all over the world dating back 5,000 years and filling more than two dozen galleries. Monet’s work appears within the Kress Collection, which has earned national regard as a center for the appreciation of the Old European Masters. With a guided tour through the collection, available from 1 pm to 2 pm daily (except Monday), you’ll gain a unique opportunity to learn details down to the finest brush strokes from CMA’s resident art historians. But paintings certainly aren't the museum’s only treasure. A calendar full of events including artist demonstrations, projects for kids, concerts, and tours make every visit fresh and fun. Plus, the building itself is a work of art; its architects lifted its neoclassical foundation with surprising, more modern accents. Also on special display this summer through October 2nd is Amada McCavour’s hovering installations of bright little stars. Come see for yourself, make a day of it, and stay the night with us! For more information about the Impressionist guided tour or other exhibits and events, visit the museum website.

    Read More

  • bird flying over the ocean

    Birding isn’t for the Birds!

    Last month we made a splash in Lake Murray, and explored all there was to do in and on the water. This moth, we’ll sneak over to the quieter side of the lake to Dreher Island State Park, where swimming and kayaking can play second fiddle to birding.

    Take a hike along short nature paths or find a comfy spot to sit along the shoreline and get quiet; what do you hear? Could it be a loon cooing? Or is it the sound of an osprey diving for its dinner? These specimens are but two of so many varieties of birds that call Lake Murray and its islands home. Each summer, tens of thousands of Purple Martins—a pretty, iridescent species of swallow—roost on nearby Bomb Island. This former training site for World War II B-25 bombers, is not only the largest Purple Martin sanctuary in North America but also the oldest. It serves as a resting spot for the birds as they prepare to make their way to South America for the winter. The phenomenon begins at sunset when the fiery sky comes alive with the birds, who swoop, flutter and caw as they search the air for insects. The show continues until it gets dark and the birds settle into their nests for the night. Want to experience this and other bird sightings for yourself? Private charters, naturalist-led bird-watching tours, and rental boats make it easy for practiced and novice birders alike to take it all in. Spot a grebe or a swallow, a cormorant or a tern, or even a bald eagle. They’re all here for the viewing. Speak with our concierge to learn your way to Lake Murray and for information about booking a birding tour during your stay.

    Read More

  • get wet at lake murray

    Get Wet at Lake Murray

    May is a month to get out on the water, or in it! And Columbia’s Lake Murray is the perfect playground to get wet. The capital city’s 650 miles of scalloped shoreline make Lake Murray a grand oasis easily accessible for a day trip or weekend getaway.

    More than the obvious boating and fishing opportunities, there’s paddling, paddleboarding, and sailing on Lake Murray. Off the water, or around it, there’s birdwatching, cycling, and hiking to enjoy, too. But you don’t have to keep your head above water. This time of year, it’s warm enough to add swimming, water skiing, kneeboarding, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and even scuba diving to the list.
    Take interstate 26 to the Lexiton side of the Lake Murray Dam to find a beach for swimming or to the Irmo side for picnicking and paddling. There’s a launch pad bobbing just a few inches below the surface of the water to help any stand-up paddleboarders or kayakers climb aboard without tipping over. Walk across the dam to go between the two sites and feel the power of the water beneath your feet.

    If you don’t have a boat or paddleboard, you can rent one from Better Boat Rental or Aqua Fun Boat Rentals and Tours. Prefer to stay dry and enjoy the view with the grass bene? Consider spending a day at Dreher Island State Park. Whatever you choose, you can fuel up at lakeside restaurants like Rusty Anchor, Catfish Johnny's, and Liberty on the Lake. Each one has a sprawling deck, often featuring live music so you can relax away the evening before returning for the night to Hotel Trundle. We look forward to your call to reserve your room and the opportunity to help you plan your visit to Lake Murray.

    Read More

  • congaree national park

    Experience South Carolina’s One and Only National Park

    Congaree National Park spans 26,000 acres of lush, towering forestland that in its infancy, provided safe shelter for slaves from nearby plantations, and today enchants visitors with its natural wisdom and awe-inspiring canapies.

    Congaree National Park is South Carolina’s only National Park and the largest intact tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the U.S. The park contains some of the tallest trees in Eastern North America with one of the highest canopies in the world. Whether you feel like a relaxing stroll through the undergrowth or an all-day backpacking excursion, Congaree invites your intrepid footsteps. One way to venture into the greenery is by following the Boardwalk, a nearly two-and-a-half mile loop that winds through stands of bald cypress trees. Plenty of wildlife will surely be watching you, even if you don’t spot them. Feeling courageous, hop off, but within view of the boardwalk and hike a section of the Sims Trail. For more of a challenge, pack your bag and hike any of about 25 miles worth of marked trails.
    If you’d rather see the park by water, paddle your way around a marked canoe and kayak trail. At just under seven miles, the trail follows much of Cedar Creek as it twists and turns through the park’s northwestern sector. Don’t expect it to be smooth sailing all the time; downed trees, rambling vines, and animal life can present surprise obstacles. Join a group paddle, if you’d like a park ranger to lead your way and share local perspectives about the park as you follow along.
    Interested in learning more? Just ask! Our friendly concierge at Hotel Trundle is there to ensure you make the most of your stay in Columbia. And a visit to Congaree National Park is a stop you can’t afford to miss

    Read More

  • Three Rivers Greenway

    Get Outdoors and Follow the Three Rivers Greenway

    Right in the heart of Columbia, two rivers, the Saluda and Broad, merge to form the Congaree. Its banks are lush with parkland–including the state’s only national park– and countless opportunities for adventure. This month, we’re featuring the Three Rivers Greenway and its 15.5 miles of trails–some of which begin right nextdoor to Hotel Trundle.

    Explore the Three Rivers Greenway and you’ll see some of the most beautiful parts of the Columbia region. All trails are accessible to walkers, joggers, boarders or bicyclists. Don’t have your own? You can rent one from Blue Bike. The latest part of the Greenway was built along the Saluda River and runs behind the Riverbanks Zoo. Some of the trailways in Cayce, meanwhile, include the 12,000 Year History Trail documenting the area’s legacy of continuous human occupation. Want to explore a quiet island where the three rivers meet? Cross the bridge and enjoy soon-to-open Boyd Island Sanctuary. Looking for a map? The River Alliance has you covered. There are two amphitheaters along the Greenway, too, with scheduled through fall.
    Come see what nature has to offer!

    Read More

  • girl shopping through clothing rack

    Shop Til You Drop at NoMa!

    Save up to spend your cash at Columbus’ favorite fun and funky artisan market happening every Friday night at the NoMa Warehouse.

    NoMa Flea describes itself as a marketplace for creators, curators, tastemakers, storytellers, artists, craftspeople, and collectors with a goal of creating a fun, social shopping experience where shoppers and sellers can connect and have a great time together. So come and see what it’s all about! From six until nine every Friday night from January 28th through December 16th, you and your friends can wander through the colorful isles of vendors and their wares. The market features eight anchor vendors and at least 10 rotating, pop-up vendors each week featuring hand-dipped candles, clothing, artwork, plants, housewares, glass designs and more. Expect to find vintage items, collectibles, and antiques, too. The NoMa Warehouse hosts workshops, classes, and live music, as well as pop up shops during the week. Book your stay with us and check out their calendar of events to schedule your visit!

    Read More

  • tiger chinese year

    New Year, New Deal!

    Come and take advantage of our “ferocious” new year’s discount. No, you haven’t missed it; this new year is the Year of the Tiger and our promotion runs all month long.

    The Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is celebrated on Tuesday, February 1st on the second new moon after the Winter Solstice. 2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger, and in Feng Shui that means a year to take action. According to the Chinese Zodiac that dates back 2000 years to the Qin Dynasty, the tiger signifies ambition, competitive spirit, impulsiveness and communication. By contrast, the Year of the Rat (2020) was about survival, and the Year of the Ox (2021) was about pragmatism. This year, we’re invited to reignite our enthusiasm, practice generosity, and believe in social progress. So take a leap, make a change, and embrace adventure! Why not make your first big move a trip to Columbia and Hotel Trundle? Reserve your stay with us and receive $22 dollars off as long as you book by January 31st. Want to add a little something extra? Consider taking advantage of one of our special packages like The Life is a Zoo package to see Columbia’s very own Amur tigers at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. Don’t wait–book today!

    Read More

  • istock 980808944

    Winter Wedding Tips for Your South Carolina Wedding

    Getting snow in South Carolina is the best thing ever! If you’re here because you set a winter wedding date in South Carolina, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some winter wedding tips for your South Carolina wedding.

    Winter’s here, and there are many wonderful things about this season: the chilly weather, warm bonfires, drinking hot cocoa, and snow. Getting snow in South Carolina is the best thing ever! Winter’s also a great time of year to have a wedding. Winter weddings are stunning. If you’re here because you set a winter wedding date in South Carolina, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some winter wedding tips for your South Carolina wedding.

    First of all, you want to make sure you choose the right venue. An indoor wedding can be elegant and comfortable in the winter. And we recommend having your wedding photography done at the best boutique hotel in South Carolina, Hotel Trundle. This luxury hotel is guaranteed to give you the perfect winter wedding vibes for your photos. You might prefer an outdoor winter wedding like these here filled with snow. If you do, keep in mind that snow isn’t guaranteed in South Carolina. No matter what you decide, make sure you choose your wedding venue in advance.

    Secondly, choose your color palette. From invitations to dinnerware, bridal party outfits to the dress, making sure you know what colors to choose is very important. You can find beautiful winter wedding color palette ideas here. Third, you’ll want to sit down with your fiance and decide who you’re going to invite. You would be surprised how quickly your guest list grows and how expensive weddings can get. So, make sure you set a guest limit and choose wisely.

    Fourth, you need to plan accommodations for guests that are traveling to come to your wedding. Booking your wedding guests at Hotel Trundle will guarantee that your guests will be comfortable during their stay. Your wedding guests will be so grateful! Hotel Trundle is also great for bridal parties and your honeymoon. Last but not least, do not let yourself get stressed. The final winter wedding tip is for you to enjoy planning your wedding. Don’t overthink it, and don’t let it overwhelm you. Instead, do things in good timing, check them off your list, stay calm, and have fun. Your day will be special and beautiful no matter what.

    Read More

  • flamingos in lights

    Get in the Holiday Spirit at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

    Experience Columbia’s longest-running holiday tradition and dazzle your senses at the Lights Before Christmas display at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.

    On select days through December, see millions of twinkling lights strung across the magical landscape of the zoo. Whether it’s your first time visiting the area or you’re a holiday regular in Columbia, we insist you make these lights display a central component to your winter holiday tradition. With the purchase of your entrance into the zoo and gardens, you’ll be invited to wander through a seemingly endless maze of brilliant lights and giant animated displays. With so many inspiring photo opportunities, you’ll have a hard time choosing just one as the backdrop for your family photo. As you saunter through the sparkles, grab a gooey s’more at the Jingle Bell Bonfire or warm your hands with the sweet decadence of a hot chocolate. But whatever you do, be good; Santa Claus will be there, too! ‘Tis the season to be in Columbia! Buy your tickets online today.

    Read More

  • mom and kid watching christmas lights

    Christmas Activities for Kids in Columbia, SC

    Kids are full of energy and need lots of entertainment. Each year, the different seasons bring fun activities for kids to enjoy. And now that the holidays are almost here, there are tons of Christmas activities for kids right here in Columbia, SC that your family will love.

    Kids are full of energy and need lots of entertainment. Each year, the different seasons bring fun activities for kids to enjoy. And now that the holidays are almost here, there are tons of Christmas activities for kids right here in Columbia, SC that your family will love.

    One of the first places you need to take your kids to is Riverbanks Zoo & Garden to see Lights Before Christmas. They do this every year, and it’s spectacular! Your family will enjoy this animal-filled Christmas activity. Another local festive event you need to drive your kiddos through is the Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park. Here you’ll find millions of twinkling lights, colorful displays, and animated lights for over 3 miles! The next Christmas activity that your kids are guaranteed to love is Sundaes with Santa at the Holiday Market by Junior League of Columbia. They can indulge in arts and crafts, photos with Santa, and ice cream. You can’t go wrong with Santa and ice cream! Then, you should start a new family tradition of watching all the fun on the streets during Columbia’s Carolina Carillion Holiday Parade. The streets of downtown Columbia get filled with different floats, marching bands, dancers, and Santa Claus!   

    Lastly, if your family loves Christmas movies, you need to check out Holly Jolly Hollywood at The Nickelodeon Theatre. During the month of December, they show classic Christmas movies the entire family can enjoy. If you prefer a movie night in, you can watch your kid’s favorite Christmas movie right here at Hotel Trundle! The Movie Night In Package is a fun family experience in Columbia’s “unique boutique” hotel. Enjoy drinks, popcorn, candy, and a movie in a luxurious hotel suite that your kids will surely love! Now, you can plan a fun Christmas vacation at Hotel Trundle where you can do countless local Christmas activities, experience luxury travel, and create endless memories with your family.

    Read More

  • woman in museum

    Columbia Museum of Art

    A mere two minutes away, in Hotel Trundle’s urban backyard, is one of the capital city’s favorite tourist destinations. So while you’re staying with us, we can’t recommend highly enough that you go.

    A mere two minutes away, in Hotel Trundle’s urban backyard, is one of the capital city’s favorite tourist destinations. So while you’re staying with us, we can’t recommend highly enough that you go. 

    Art history lovers, rejoice! Our neighbor, the Columbia Museum of Art, is open six days a week with art from all over the world dating back 5,000 years and filling more than two dozen galleries. Special from amongst the group, the Kress Collection has earned national regard as a center for the appreciation of the Old European Masters. But paintings certainly aren't the museum’s only treasure. A calendar full of events including artist demonstrations, projects for kids, concerts, and tours make every visit fresh and fun. Plus, the building itself is a work of art; its architects lifted its neoclassical foundation with surprising, more modern accents. Special exhibits currently on display include 30 Americans, a tribute to contemporary black artists up until January 17th, and Hindsight 20/20, an exposé of five photographers’ perspective on the last year during the pandemic. Hindsight 20/20 runs through November 21st. For more information, visit the museum website!

    Read More

  • Hand with bags of Christmas Shopping

    Best Places to Shop for Christmas Gifts in Columbia, SC

    Christmas is right around the corner, and one of the most fun parts of the season is shopping for your loved ones.

    Christmas is right around the corner, and one of the most fun parts of the season is shopping for your loved ones. However, shopping for Christmas gifts can be more time-consuming and less fun if you don’t know the best places to go. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the best places to shop for Christmas gifts in Columbia, SC. One of these awesome local shopping spots to visit is the Columbiana Centre, which is a shopping mall filled with a variety of stores to choose from. You’ll also find different restaurants for when the shopping hunger hits. You really can’t go wrong shopping here. Now, if you’re looking for really unique gifts, you can take a quick drive from Hotel Trundle and visit the Spring Valley Antique Mall. Here you’ll find treasures filled with history that you can give to someone you love, who appreciates the beautiful and antique. 

    But if you’re looking for a combination of a shopping mall and unique gifts, you have to check out this last place. We’ve saved the best for last! Just walking distance from Hotel Trundle, you can visit the Soda City Market on Main Street and shop from about 150 different vendors! Every Saturday morning from 9-11 am, you’ll find handcrafted items, clothes, home decor, and many more awesome gifts. Plus, you can indulge in a delicious meal from a variety of places serving great food for the busy Christmas shopper. And while you’re out and about Christmas shopping, make sure to take a peek at our city guide to see all the other fun places to visit while you’re here. And if you happen to get stuck trying to pick the perfect gift for your loved ones, no worries! Give them a gift certificate for a weekend getaway at Hotel Trundle so they can experience luxury travel in Columbia’s one-of-a-kind boutique hotel. Trust us, they won’t be disappointed. Now you know the best places to shop for Christmas gifts in Columbia so you can find the perfect gifts for your friends and family. Either way, stay safe this holiday season, and happy shopping!

    Read More

  • istock 531043933

    Millions of Lights Inspire Thousands of Smiles Before Christmas

    It may seem a bit premature to be talking about Christmas in Autumn, but trust us when we say this event is worth planning ahead for.

    It may seem a bit premature to be talking about Christmas in Autumn, but trust us when we say this event is worth planning ahead for.
    If you think about it, you may string a few hundred lights on a pine tree. Now imagine millions for lights, lighting an entire landscape. Sounds special, doesn’t it? Returning visitors, many of whom are Columbia locals, call it a “must-see light show,” and they buy their tickets as soon as they go on sale November 1st. Indeed, every year, beginning mid-November, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden hosts Columbia’s longest-running tradition, “Lights Before Christmas.” For the small fee, guests have access to the awe-inspiring twinkling displays of lights and animations, all in an ideal setting for a holiday photo that will bring out even the most stubborn inner- child. Bring the whole family and grab s’mores and hot chocolate to warm-up by the Jingle Bell Bonfire or visit with Santa Claus. Local vendors will also be present to help you find the perfect gift for those tough-to-buy people on your list. It’s just a short drive from Hotel Trundle and is the perfect destination to get you and yours in the holiday spirit.

    Read More

  • south carolina state capitol building

    Celebrate History in Columbia’s Business Center 

    Columbia defies the capital city cliche, “All work and no play” by embracing the storied pasts of its business and judicial centers and welcoming visitors to celebrate its history.

    Columbia defies the capital city cliche, “All work and no play” by embracing the storied pasts of its business and judicial centers and welcoming visitors to celebrate its history.

    As the capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is the proud home of a number of culturally and architecturally significant historical sites. But the star of the show is located less than a mile from Hotel Trundle. Located at 1100 Gervais St, the South Carolina State House boasts a photo-worthy exterior with impressive grounds and a colonnade topped by a large copper dome. The building itself was constructed, in large part, with blue granite, the official state stone, and marble. On two sides of the building, six bronze stars mark the spots where cannonballs, launched by Union forces, struck the State House during the Civil War. Inside you’d find the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor, as well as the chambers of the South Carolina State Senate and House of Representatives. Visitors are welcome to attend guided or self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round with scheduled exceptions while the legislature is in session between January and May. Visit the website for more information.

    Read More

  • TRUNDLE Home Homepage 01 10 HERO

    A Look Into Our Historic Building’s Story

    We’ve gotten so comfortable so quickly that it sometimes can be easy to forget Hotel Trundle is a pretty new thing. Long before we were calling downtown Columbia “home” and long before we were making friends and sharing memories, there was another generation who literally built the foundation to make this all happen.

    We’ve gotten so comfortable so quickly that it sometimes can be easy to forget Hotel Trundle is a pretty new thing. Long before we were calling downtown Columbia “home” and long before we were making friends and sharing memories, there was another generation who literally built the foundation to make this all happen.

    Let us set the scene. It’s the 1940s and three separate storefronts—Western Auto, Powell Furniture and the Rose Talbert—line Taylor Street just west of its intersection with Sumter Street. Step through what is now our lobby today and you’re in the Western Auto, which resided in the area for 45 years and was recently restored to its original glory after the aluminium slipcover removal in 2016.

    Taking it back almost a century, the Powell Furniture building is a nostalgic example of 20th-century architecture, which went through a few different paint colors but remained largely untouched otherwise. Rounding out our trifecta of historic goodness is the Rose Talbert building—a true brick beauty. Much like her long-standing neighbor, the Western Auto Building, this structure also experienced a cover up at some point throughout her illustrious life, but was restored back down to showcase the trademark stucco.

    When you visit Hotel Trundle today, you’ll see plenty of new life—modern amenities, progressive art, craft beverages and more. But, we’ll always invite you to look beyond the surface as we tell you the stories that sit right before the surface.

    Read More

  • garden fountain

    Step Back In Time At The Historic Robert Mills House

    Only at Hotel Trundle can you step out for a quick stroll and find yourself back in time almost 200 years—but that’s exactly what we love so much about Columbia.

    Only at Hotel Trundle can you step out for a quick stroll and find yourself back in time almost 200 years—but that’s exactly what we love so much about Columbia. Located a few blocks down from our front doors on the east side of Bull Street is one of our favorite past-meets-present masterpieces: The Robert Mills House and Gardens.

    Built in 1823 by South Carolina native Robert Mills, who eventually went on to create the iconic Washington Monument, this landmark is one of just five National Historic Landmarks in the city. Standing out from the downtown landscape with its red-brick exterior, towering ivory pillars and manicured greenery, the captivating structure is home to more than meets the eye.

    Evolving beyond its original purpose as an estate for a wealthy merchant family, followed by a campus for religious study, each room inside now offers insight into 19th-century decorative art—all within the exquisite and idiosyncratic design pioneered by Mills.

    Be sure to find some time to take a guided tour, which begins at the gift shop on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 1 p.m., as well as admire the building’s rich heritage from the lawn and gardens—a relatively new addition from the restoration process in 1960.

    To learn more, visit the Historic Columbia website here.

    Read More

  • friends at food truck window

    First Thursdays on Main Street

    Need plans for a Thursday night? We've got you covered. Head on down to First Thursdays to experience the local art, culture, music, and community that makes Columbia so great! 

    Need plans for a Thursday night? We've got you covered. Head on down to First Thursdays to experience the local art, culture, music, and community that makes Columbia so great! Just think — a collection of entertainment and interactive experiences set against the backdrop of Main Street in downtown Columbia. From the 1200 block down to the 1700 block, First Thursday-goers will enjoy a taste of retailer shops and art galleries that stay open late to keep the good vibes going. A few of our monthly stops include Cantina 76, Columbia Museum of Art, and Hampton Street Vineyard. There is also a complimentary shuttle (thanks to the City Center Partnership’s Yellow Shirts). Service runs free until 11 p.m., making it easy to hop around town. See the full list of local destinations here and mark the first Thursday of the month down on your calendar. We'll see you soon! 

    Read More

  • Riverbanks Zoo Giraffe

    Welcome to the Wild Side of Columbia

    While we love being in South Carolina’s concrete jungle, where art, culture and history blend together to create a continually evolving ecosystem, there’s nothing quite like spending some time away in awe of natural wildlife.

    As animal lovers ourselves (you won’t need to look much further than our symbolic unicorn logo), we’re lucky to have our home so close to one of our city's best treasures—Riverbanks Zoo. Home to about 2,000 mammals, birds, reptiles and ocean life that cover over 350 species, a single day spent here spans countless miles of discovery. Think tigers, zebras, babirusas, koalas, kangaroos and wallabies to start.

    Sectioned into geographic regions, which span Africa, Asia, Australia and America, as well as an Aquatic Reptile Complex, Conversation Outpost, Farm and Birdhouse, visitors can embark on a tour through virtually every destination on the planet before stopping by the Riverbanks Botanical Garden—home to 70 acres of blooming flora with over 4,200 species of native and exotic plants.

    If you’re ready to venture out, our “Life Is A Zoo” package, which includes discounted entry and $10 of zoo money to feed the animals, plus the option to add a locally-crafted charcuterie grazing box for $60, is your ticket to the wild side of Columbia—just minutes from Hotel Trundle’s front doors.

    Read More

  • st patricks day celebrationsjpg

    Shamrock Shimmy Your Way To The Village

    Proudly serving as Columbia’s original village neighborhood, Five Points is a buzzing commercial hotspot with mom and pop shops that have been accommodating customers since 1915. On March 21st, the luck of the Irish will make its way back to the 38th Annual St. Pat's in Five Points, and you don’t want to miss out on the best St. Patrick’s Day festival in the Southeast.

    Start your morning bright and early at 7:30 am getting lost in the Irish ambiance on the Get to the Green 10K. The 5K starts at 8 am with the 1-Mile Family Fun Run right behind. Registration is online and all participants get free entry into the festival! The fun begins when the gates officially opening at 9 am with the start of the St. Pat’s Parade down Saluda Avenue. Afterward, head to the Pot O’ Gold area for rides, magic, and inflatable activity centers. As you satisfy your tastebuds with one of the food vendors, enjoy live music from local and upcoming bands, prepping the crowd for big-name closers including SHAED and Band of Horses. Head online NOW to purchase your tickets!

     

    Read More

  • child detective

    Mystery, Space, Lasers: The SCSM Has It All!

    Columbia has brought you here for a string of meetings and conferences, but now that all your work is done, you’re ready for some fun. Gather up the family and head to The South Carolina State Museum for an exciting new, limited, interactive experience: The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes. 

    Columbia has brought you here for a string of meetings and conferences, but now that all your work is done, you’re ready for some fun. Gather up the family and head to The South Carolina State Museum for an exciting new, limited, interactive experience: The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes. Guests will have the chance to learn the method behind how Holmes solved mysteries and even get to solve a mystery of their own! Enjoy over 100 historical artifacts including original manuscripts. Hollywood buffs can enjoy viewing actual props that are on display from the current Sherlock Holmes movies. Tickets can now be purchased online. Aside from this exhibition, throughout February, there is a list of events at the SCSM including Amor Under The Stars on Valentine's Day, where guests can enjoy the planetarium show and night-sky observing. Then, starting on February 21st and running through March, Friday Night Laser Lights is back! Enjoy the 55-foot dome and laser planetarium shows varying from Led Zeppelin to Dave Matthews Band to Prince and Pink Floyd. Schedule times and tickets can be found online. There's something for everyone at the South Carolina State Museum!

    Read More

  • wicked witch

    A Wicked Week In Columbia

    The Wicked Witch of the West is back, and this time has made her way to Columbia. Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked! Join Elphaba and Glinda at the Koger Center for the Arts starting January 22nd, for a total of 24 performances through February 9th, 2020. 

    The Wicked Witch of the West is back, and this time has made her way to Columbia. Broadway in Columbia presents Wicked! Join Elphaba and Glinda at the Koger Center for the Arts starting January 22nd, for a total of 24 performances through February 9th, 2020. 

    This untold story of the Witches of Oz starts way before Dorthy left Kansas. The production started in 2003 and has since been nominated for at least one award every year, winning 33 out of 64 nominations across the board. This popular Broadway show will capture your heart with eight popular numbers you can sing-along to throughout the acts. Can’t make it to a showing of Wicked but still want to scratch that itch for the arts? The Koger Center has a full list of shows and dates online, including this month’s Beethoven & Blue Jeans, presented by the South Carolina Philharmonic. All ticket sales are final with no refunds or exchanges. Make your accommodations for Wicked now, as seats will sell out quickly!

    Read More

  • couple drinking coffee strolling through holiday market

    Lights Before Christmas, A Columbia Tradition You Can’t Miss!

    One of Columbia’s longest-running holiday traditions returns for another year. The Lights Before Christmas display at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a coveted light show featuring over a million twinkling lights across the beautiful landscape of the zoo. If you are new to the area or specifically here for a holiday in Columbia, this is a pivotal component of the local holiday tradition. 

    One of Columbia’s longest-running holiday traditions returns for another year. The Lights Before Christmas display at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a coveted light show featuring over a million twinkling lights across the beautiful landscape of the zoo. If you are new to the area or specifically here for a holiday in Columbia, this is a pivotal component of the local holiday tradition. 

    With the purchase of your entrance into the zoo and gardens, guests are welcome to wander through a seemingly endless display of lights and animations. There will so many dazzling sights to see, you’ll have a hard time picking just one as the backdrop for your family photo op! Families, couples and the lone traveler will all find plenty of joy perusing this festive display. Grab a gooey s’more at the Jingle Bell Bonfire. Keep your hands warm with the sweet decadence of a hot chocolate. Or, tell the big man exactly what’s on your wishlist at a meet and greet with Santa Claus. In addition to this, guests may enjoy their pick of seasonal delights, brought to the zoo by our proud local vendors. ‘Tis the season to be in Columbia!

    Read More

  • oysters seafood

    Aw Shucks! It’s Time for Some Southern-Style Seafood

    Our guests are in for a real treat when they stay with us this November. Saturday the 16th kicks off the 23rd annual South Carolina Oyster Festival.

    Our guests are in for a real treat when they stay with us this November. Saturday the 16th kicks off the 23rd annual South Carolina Oyster Festival. The incredible seafood roast brings the community together to indulge in over 10,000 pounds of expertly-roasted oysters, brought to you by Pearlz Oyster Bar. Each serving of super fresh oysters sells for only $10 and is available to locals and visitors alike. If oysters aren’t your jam, not to worry. Downtown will be flooded with various food stalls, local vendors, ice-cold drinks, live entertainment, arts, and businesses—there aren’t enough hours in the day to experience it all! 

    Buy your tickets ahead of time through the event page or at the door for $10. Visit the page here for full details and to purchase your tickets. We hope you have one shell of a good time!

    Read More

  • halloween cocktails

    Golfing Ghouls Boos in the Zoo!

    Columbia is home to a vibrant local community, and no time of year is more precious than the fall and winter holiday months when the community comes out in full swing to bring delightful events and festive celebrations to the community. Visitors will have no problem finding something to do this Halloween during their stay with us. 

    Columbia is home to a vibrant local community and no time of year is more precious than the fall and winter holiday months when the community comes out in full swing to bring delightful events and festive celebrations to the community. Visitors will have no problem finding something to do this Halloween during their stay with us. 

    For instance, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will host their annual Boo in the Zoo celebration from October 18th to the 30th with trick-or-treating, a dance party, spooky-themed strolls, and much more. 

    Looking for a more adults-only event? Check out the spooktacular party happening at Top Golf on October 31st. The private event will feature a live DJ, costume prizes, and tempting drink specials. To learn more about what’s happening in Columbia this October, visit the Experience Columbia Site.

    Read More

  • woman holding shopping bags

    Enjoy Great Shopping In Columbia

    Columbia, South Carolina is home to plentiful shopping options, from artsy villages to luxurious districts, where guests can find unique items and signature Southern hospitality. 

    Columbia, South Carolina is home to plentiful shopping options, from artsy villages to luxurious districts, where guests can find unique items and signature Southern hospitality. 

    Visit Devine Street for chic shops, bridal boutiques and amazing dining options. The perfect destination to really treat yourself to something special. 

    Discover hand-crafted treasures at Five Points. The art village is popular among nearby USC students and is home to contemporary art galleries, barbershops, and excellent happy hour specials. 

    Explore high-end retail and antiques at the Vista. Boasting all-levels of restaurants, art galleries, and national retail shops, this is a great place to find a little bit of everything, whether dining out with family or hunting for an antique treasure. 

    For more information on shopping in Columbia, check out the city’s visitor site here

     

    Read More

  • trapeze artist

    Experience the Performance of a Lifetime During Your Stay

    From earth-defying acrobatics to dazzling costumes to heart-wrenching stories, no performance is ever quite as amazing as a Cirque du Soleil performance.

    From earth-defying acrobatics to dazzling costumes to heart-wrenching stories, no performance is ever quite as amazing as a Cirque du Soleil performance. Now’s your chance to experience it for yourself! The renowned performance group is bringing its newest show, Corteo, to Columbia this July with seven shows to choose from. This is a can’t-miss opportunity for visitors staying with us mid-July. The show will be held at the Colonial Life Arena, located just a mile from our hotel starting on July 10th. Visit the arena’s website here for dates and to purchase tickets. Grab a bite to eat before the show at the nearby Blue Marlin for some Carolina cooking or Mellow Mushroom for a specialty pizza pie. 

    Read More

  • grilled shrimp

    Experience Southern Cooking at Its Finest

    The Shrimp & Grits Fest in Columbia is a can’t-miss tradition brimming with good Carolina cooking that’ll make it hard to leave this southern haven. 

    It might be surprising to discover that some of the best seafood dishes in The South aren’t found along the coast. The Shrimp & Grits Fest in Columbia is a can’t-miss tradition brimming with good Carolina cooking that’ll make it hard to leave this southern haven. The event takes place on Saturday, June 15th at the downtown Hilton Doubletree. Indulge in unlimited samples of shrimp and grits from the area’s best restaurants as they compete for the title of “Columbia’s Best Shrimp & Grits”. Live music and entertainment will accompany your journey through the unique interpretations of this traditional Southern dish. The event starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. To learn more information and purchase your tickets, visit the event website here.

    Read More

  • wedding dinner table setting

    Blushing Brides, Check Out The Annual Metropolitan Bridal Expo

    Whether you’re planning to walk down the aisle soon or you plan someone else’s walk, the Metropolitan Bridal Expo is a great source of inspiration. 

    Whether you’re planning to walk down the aisle soon or you plan someone else’s walk, the Metropolitan Bridal Expo is a great source of inspiration and services to help you keep up with modern trends and create an incredible wedding. The event will take place at the Columbia Convention Center on May 19th, starting at 1:00 p.m. and feature the best event vendors in the area. With so many businesses in one centralized location, it’s the most efficient way for brides and planners to get connected with the right vendors and services for their dream wedding. Tickets are available on the event's website here.

    Own a local business that caters to weddings and special events? This is the perfect place to showcase your best work and attract new business. You can register here on the event site.

    Read More

  • red wine cheers

    Get Excited for The Columbia Food and Wine Festival

    Who doesn’t enjoy a good glass of vino and mouth-watering bites? For the 2019 year, Free Times and the Five Point Foundation will support this delicious 3-day event.

    Who doesn’t enjoy a good glass of vino and mouth-watering bites? For the 2019 year, Free Times and the Five Point Foundation will support this delicious 3-day event. Each day will support a different event, including a five-course meal kick-off, expanded Soda City Market, brunch, wine-making seminars and the finale Food and Wine Festival. The concluding fest will feature wines and other alcoholic drinks, foods from over 50 local restaurants, a farmers market, and live entertainment. If you’re not careful, you’ll be just as “full-bodied” as a glass of Merlot by the end of the festivities.  

    The beauty of this weekend adventure is your ability to customize your experience. Buy tickets to just Sunday’s festival, or for real fans, buy tickets to every one of the seven distinct events throughout the weekend. For full details and to purchase your tickets, click here to explore the event website.

    Read More

  • concert

    Winter Jam is Coming to Columbia

    Next Friday night, the Colonial Life Arena is welcoming over 10 artists to the stage to jam out with us.

    Next Friday night, the Colonial Life Arena is welcoming over 10 artists to the stage to jam out with us. Guests can anticipate performances by Danny Gokey, Mandisa, Hollyn and much more. There will also be a pre-jam party featuring artists such as Manic Drive and Adam Agee. Located just a mile from our establishment, it’s the perfect way to conclude a Friday night.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the official site, where you can get a full list of performers and details on parking. Looking for somewhere to unwind before the concert? We love grabbing a glass of wine at the Lula Drake Wine Parlour or a craft beer in the special ambiance of Vino Garage. We can’t wait!

    Read More

  • fountainatparkincolumbia

    Much to Do in Columbia This Valentine’s Day

    This Valentine’s Day, Columbia has much to offer visiting lovebirds. Get a local history lesson and gaze at the stars at Amore Under The Stars at The South Carolina State Museum. 

    This Valentine’s Day, Columbia has much to offer visiting lovebirds. Get a local history lesson and gaze at the stars at Amore Under The Stars at The South Carolina State Museum. A champagne bar and live DJ top off the romantic event. Or, if local arts are more your style, check out Valentine’s on Main this year. Each Valentine’s Day, the main street comes alive with good cooking, live jazz music, and drinks. Is it just us, or can you already feel the love brewing in the air?!

    Tickets are available for couples and solo players, which include an appetizer, entrees, dessert, and drinks. Whatever you do this Valentine’s Day, it’s sure to be a lovely time when you’re staying with us. If you’re still in town for the weekend, be sure to check out the World Beer Festival of Columbia on Saturday, February 16th. As the name suggests, patrons will get the chance to sample international, domestic and local brews. A must-see for any beer fanatic!

    Read More