CAPITAL CITY/LAKE MURRAY COUNTRY, SOUTH CAROLINA—JUNE 2022—Whether heading into summer vacation or planning an autumn getaway, Capital City/Lake Murray Country is a great choice for its long seasons of great weather and outdoor fun. From the emerald waters of Lake Murray to three flowing rivers running through Columbia, summer greens give way to fall color into November, so the vacation window of opportunity is wide open. Conveniently located off Interstates I-77, I-20 and I-26 in the central part of South Carolina, it’s a destination for water activities, outdoor exploring or hitting the farmers markets for in-season produce and pumpkin patches to come. Yet you don’t have to travel far for a foray into a manageably-sized city to mix in some big-name entertainment, concerts, museums and more. Following are suggestions that will please the whole family, from toddlers to seniors, from now through October.
Before exploring Columbia, recharge in nature with the multitude of outdoor opportunities this region offers. Sprawling across the four counties is Lake Murray, a sparkling jewel that is South Carolina’s biggest best-kept vacation secret, with 650 miles of shoreline and plenty of amenities and attractions for lazy and lively aquatic adventures, including Dreher Island State Park. Boating Magazine calls Lake Murray one of the country’s “Top 10 Boating Destinations and Places to Live,” yet it’s relatively uncrowded. The many forested coves shelter year-round and vacation homes and rentals, and delightful dining spots, marinas and landings are situated all around the lake. Visitors can bring their watercraft and gear or rent from outfitters. Here it’s possible to combine a lake vacation with visits to close-by small towns, farmers markets and the city culture and entertainment just 30 miles away in Columbia.
Any season is perfect for a lake vacation in Capital City/Lake Murray Country, but timing is everything for dazzling nature displays and fun festivals. Plan ahead to experience these unique events from now through fall.
From Mid-June to early August the skies over Lake Murray come to life as a million Purple Martins arrive to roost on Lunch Island, swooping and wheeling at sunset to the delight of lake-goers. Rent a boat and drive to the middle of the lake near the largest sanctuary in North America. For cruises showcasing the spectacular Purple Martin phenomenon, try Pontoon Rentals and Tours.
If golf is on the wish list, the Lake Murray region offers more than 20 public golf courses, many with modest greens fees and easier-to-get tee times. Cobblestone Park Golf Club, is named one of the best courses in South Carolina and is the home course of the University of South Carolina Gamecock’s golf team. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Murray from the greens at Timberlake Country Club. Other favorites are Lexington’s Golden Hills Golf & Country Club and Oak Hills Golf Club, named one of Golf Digest’s “Place to Play.” For military with ID, Fort Jackson Golf Club is considered by many as the finest golf operation the military has to offer.
Ready for city life? Head to South Carolina’s capital of Columbia to visit the award-winning EdVenture Children’s Museum, the largest in the South (211 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201; 803-779-3100). At the South Carolina State Museum, explore the planetarium and observatory, as well as four floors of hands-on history and STEM (301 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201; 803-898-4921). Don’t miss the nationally-acclaimed, 170-acre Riverbanks Zoo and Garden that even has a zip line canopy tour along the scenic Lower Saluda River (500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, South Carolina 29210; 803-779-8717). Rain or shine, play can be had at Frankie’s Fun Park, where all ages will find mini-golf, bumper boats, virtual reality adventure games, kart track racing, laser tag and arcade games (140 Parkridge Drive, Columbia, South Carolina 29212; 803-781-2342). Stars and Strikes serves up fun for all ages with bowling, arcade games and family friendly dining (800 Lake Murray Boulevard, Irmo, South Carolina 29063; 678-965-5707).
Upcoming Events
September
September 23-24, 2022
Irmo Community Park, 7507 Eastview Dr. Irmo, South Carolina 29063
Includes the biggest and longest running parade in the state of South Carolina, along with family fun, live bands and other performances, food, from crab legs to turkey legs, festival fare and all the goodness that is okra, fried to boiled. Free admission; individual fees apply for rides, amusements and food/drink.
October
Take a guided kayak swamp tour of the Congaree National Park in cooler weather. The three-hour tour by Palmetto Outdoors provides wilderness and shoreline views of river otters, bobcats, deer, owls and wild boar in this preserve only 30 minutes away from Columbia. With a guide, it’s easy to weave in and out of oxbows, discover labyrinthian channels and paddle past cypress knees.
October 12-23, 2022
1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, South Carolina 29201; 803-799-3387
A full lineup of traditional favorites and a variety of new rides, foods, entertainment, this fair has more than 90 food stands, from lava cakes and seafood to Greek salads and vegetarian fare, which is reason enough to visit. But of course there’s more: a circus, headliner bands, jugglers and magicians, flower, artist and artisan judging and way more. Sixty rides range from dare-you to kid-friendly to mild thrills for all, like the massive Ferris wheel, seating four to six guests in 36 climate-controlled gondolas. Organized in 1869, this non-profit showcases the state’s agricultural roots, celebrates artists and artisans, chefs, produce and livestock, and generates South Carolina student scholarships.
October 1, 2022
Historic Downtown Newberry, South Carolina 29108; 803-321-1015
Named one of the “Most Charming Small Towns in America” by the Travel Channel, Newberry celebrates its German heritage with cuisine, biergartens, arts and artisans, music and and family fun from traditional costume contests to classic cars. A Kindertown and puppet shows are a special treat for kids. Free admission.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Boo at the Zoo
October 20–30, 2022
500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, South Carolina 29210; 803-779-8717
Costumes are encouraged and little ones trick-or-treat through the zoo, go on a spooky safari and all ages can participate in many activities.
Blythewood Fall Festival Rodeo
October 28-29, 2022
Blythewood Community Park Arena
311 Blythewood Road (I-77 N at exit 27), Blythewood, South Carolina 29016
Organized by the International Professional Rodeo Association. Eight exciting events including Bull Riding, Bucking Broncs and Barrel Racing, plus the DOKO Mechanical Bull, axe throwing, vendors, award-winning patriotic entry, world-class cowboys, cowgirls and award-winning livestock.
If you go
At the end of the day, recharge in accommodations spanning cozy cabins and lovely waterfront rentals, www.LakeMurrayCountry.com. Stop by the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center in the historic Lorick Plantation House (2184 North Lake Drive, Columbia, South Carolina 29212; 803-781-5940) to discover hidden gems, trip ideas, dining and additional accommodations. Or, contact concierge@lakemurraycountry.com for personalized service.