Columbia, SC

Columbia is both South Carolina's state capital and the state's largest city. With a population of approximately 116,000 as of the wooo U.S. Census, Columbia attracts many new residents every year, thanks to its Downtown revitalization, new business opportunities and prime location. Located in the Midlands region of South Carolina, Columbia is just 13 miles from the state's geographic center. Columbia's climate is typical of the Southeastern United States: mild winters and hot, humid summers.

Columbia has been named one of the 30 "America's Most Livable Communities" by the Washington-based, nonprofit Partners for Livable Communities.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Columbia's technology, manufacturing and healthcare sectors have been affected by economic up's and down's but the city does have several stable employers, including Fort Jackson military base, the University of South Carolina and state and local government. Some of the largest private employers include utility SCANA Corporation and hospital operator Palmetto Health.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Some key neighborhoods include:

• Downtown: Government and corporate offices in the historic center of the city, plus Congaree Vista, a riverfront warehouse district reborn as a dining and shopping area.
• Old Shandon: Well-kept homes dating back to the late 1800s.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Richland/Lexington County Cultural Council organizes and supports artists and cultural events in the greater Columbia area, with several programs in place to encourage artistic development, including:

• The Art in Business Program, which produces artist exhibitions in local businesses.
• The Art in Public Places Program, which has contributed 22 permanent statues in the area.
• The Artist Residency Program, which partners local students with professional artists.

Other opportunities to experience local and regional culture include:

• Congaree Vista, formerly an industrial district along the Congaree River, now features historic buildings housing art galleries and several retail and dining destinations. Congaree Vista is part of a recent revitalization project that has brought new life to Downtown.
• The Five Points District, located around Main Street, has become a popular hotspot for locals and visitors. It offers a variety of shops, restaurants, parks and nightlife. The city's popular St. Patrick's Day Festival is held here.
• The Town Theatre is the oldest community theater in the United States. Constructed in 1924 and renovated in 1993, the theater encourages community involvement in every aspect of its productions.
• Other local theaters are the Trustus Theatre, the Nickelodeon Theatre, and the Workshop Theatre of South Carolina. The South Carolina Shakespeare Company, headquartered in Columbia, performs classical works across South Carolina.

FOR VISITORS

Columbia's central location, as well as its history, makes it a popular destination for visitors and tourists. Local attractions include:

• Riverbanks Zoo and Garden: This attraction consists of a zoo, an aquarium and a botanical garden. Located along the Saluda River, the botanical garden covers 70 acres and features more than 4,000 species of plants.
• South Carolina State Museum: The museum features art, history and science displays about South Carolina.
• Columbia Museum of Art: South Carolina's largest, fine-arts museum offers a variety of American and European art, as well as traveling exhibits.
• South Carolina State House: Built in 1855, the State House is known for its Greek-style architecture and landmark copper dome. It is also notable for having survived the Civil War; General Sherman's troops set fire to much of the city of Columbia, but the partially constructed state house was spared.
• EdVenture Children's Museum: This new, state-of-the-art, children's museum features 67,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits and a 200-seat theater. Families enjoy the early childhood and after-school programs that focus on enhancing children's learning experiences.

FAMILY FUN

With its location between the mountains and the beach, Columbia offers a range of activities geared toward outdoor enthusiasts.

• With three easily accessible rivers, kayaking and canoeing are popular activities, and local outfitters and guides are available for hire.
• The many parks spread across the city offer recreational opportunities, including hiking, bicycle riding and fishing.
• Sesquicentennial State Park is a popular outdoor destination.
• Plex Indoor Sports complex offers indoor turf fields, a roller rink and an indoor skate park.

EVENTS

• St. Patrick's Day Festival: A Columbia favorite, it features live bands, art and a variety of food and drinks.
• South Carolina State Fair: Every fall people from across South Carolina trek to Columbia for rides, performers, and local food and crafts vendors.
• Riverfest Celebration: Occurring every spring, it includes all-day entertainment, food and fireworks.
• Main Street Jazz: Beginning in the spring, Main Street comes to life with entertaining music and fine dining.

Other events include the Columbia Festival of Arts, Vista Lights and Earth Day.

EDUCATION

Columbia is home to several institutions of higher learning:

• University of South Carolina enrolls more than 25,000 students and offers 300 degree programs. Students, alumni and fans fill the 80,000-seat Williams-Brice Stadium every fall to watch the Gamecocks play football.
• Allen University, Benedict College and Columbia International University are other notable schools.

LOCAL MEDIA

Television stations in Columbia include:

• WIS-TV (NBC)
• WLTX-TV (CBS)
• WOLO-TV (ABC)
• WACH-TV (FOX)
• WZRB-TV (CW)

There are several print media outlets in Columbia, including:

• TheSouth Carolina State: Founded in 1891 and purchased by the McClatchy Company in 2006, the State is the largest newspaper in South Carolina, with a circulation of more than 100,000 copies.

• The Columbia Star: A local newspaper founded in 1963 with a circulation of around 10,000 copies.

• The Daily Gamecock: The student-run newspaper of the University of South Carolina.

• The Columbia Free Times: A free, alternative news weekly with a circulation of almost 35,000 copies.