Explore the Best of Columbia, SCs Outdoors: Lively, Historic, Artistic, Diverse, Charming and Green

Columbia is a city full of vibrant energy. It has a rich history that is reflected in its architecture and museums. The arts scene is dynamic with theaters showcasing plays and music performances regularly. And for those who love green spaces, there are plenty to choose from the local parks to the Congaree National Park.

One park that stands out from the rest is Riverfront Park (312 Laurel Street), which gives visitors stunning views of the Congaree River as they walk along its trails. It also boasts numerous historical landmarks such as an old hydroelectric plant converted into an event space and interpretative exhibits about early settlers.

For those wanting a more immersive experience with nature, head over to Harbison State Forest (5600 Broad River Road). Here you can hike one of their many trails or paddle down one of their waterways where beavers have built lodges among submerged trees. Keep your eyes peeled too because whitetailed deer are known to roam in these parts.

And if its art youre after whilst exploring outdoors then check out The Vista Arts District neighborhood where painted murals bring color onto older brick buildings(701 Whaley St). While walking through this area dont miss stopping by Boyd Plaza at Columbia Museum of Art(1515 Main St)to see an immense public artwork named Blue Sky at Eye Level created by artist Adrian Smith . These outdoor installations highlight how deeply engrained creativity resides all around us in our wildlife habitat .

Finally no trip to South Carolina would be complete without trying some southern cuisine! For foodies looking for culinaryfocused experiences during their outdoor exploration visit Soda City Market (1500 Main Street) on Saturdays which offers locally produced foods from folks like A Local Food Truck ; indulge in traditional boiled peanuts from vendors; try fresh farmtotable meals; and sip on locally sourced coffees from artisans like Drip.

Columbia, SC is a diverse city that truly celebrates the natural world. You can experience history, art, delicious food and nature all in one go. So why not take an excursion to find out more about its Southern charms?

Scientific Facts: The Congaree National Park features final oldgrowth floodplain forest with towering trees (npr.org). Wildfire can help preserve this ecosystem because they remove dead wood which would otherwise pile up posing a fire hazard (nationalgeographic.com). Loblolly pines are the most common tree found in Harbison State Forest(earthobservatory.nasa.gov) Twitter handles include @HarbisonStateForest ,@ColumbiaMuseumArt,@SodaCitySC.

Websites:

www.nps.gov/congaree

https://southcarolinaparks.com/harbisonstateforest

https://www.columbiamuseum.org/exhibitions/blueskyeyelevel