The “Palmetto State” as it is known, was a founding state of the Confederate States of America that fought to own and keep slaves for their use. Although it has a shady past, South Carolina is a beautiful place with sandy beaches, rivers, deltas and mountainous regions in the Blue Ridge region. Its capital and largest city is Columbia.
The state also contains salt marshes and estuaries along with natural ports such as Charleston and Georgetown. This state has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Being a coastal state, it has its share or hurricanes, thunderstorms as well as tornadoes to a lesser extent.
Entry into the state is usually through the Charleston International Airport. This state may also be visited throughout the year.
The Riverfront Park in Columbia is a relaxing way to spend the day. Families can spend the time in the water or just strolling around the two and a half mile trail. There are many benches available for people to rest and to enjoy the breathtaking views throughout the park.
Congaree National Park (100 National Park Road, SC 29061) is a humongous, 22,000 acre wilderness which is like a dream for families who love outdoors activities. Across Cedar Creek, one can go canoeing along the 20 mile trail or go kayaking, camping or hiking in this park. Congaree Park is so rich in bio-diversity that just observing the different kinds of trees, flowers and small animals can be an enjoyable experience under the tallest tree canopy in the world.
Another adventure for the family is at EdVenture (211 Gervais St, SC 29201). This museum has nine exhibits which amaze our minds and re-wires our brains and thought processes. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we can see the interiors of an average ten year old body? Well, it is there, in this museum that also has other exhibits on display that boggles our imagination.
For the little visitors to South Carolina, we have the Nickelodeon Theater (937 Main St – SC 29201) which has a child size 77 seat theater which shows international and independent films. For the little cinema enthusiasts, a bucket of popcorn and a cold soda can help they enjoy all kinds of movies.
Go through the heart of Columbia while you experience the aches and pains of animals in the animal hospital and learn how to cook in the animal kitchen for our furry friends while learning what their favorite foods are and how to prepare them. The Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens conducts Adventure tours for the young and not-so-young alike. You may also venture along the trails into the African Plains or the Lemur Island. If you get tired of animals, take a stroll through the botanical gardens.
Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island are places you can visit with family for a few fun days in the Sun by the beach. Hilton Head is also known for its beautiful golf courses.
Charleston is known for its old antebellum homes and its beautiful beaches. It is the oldest city in the South and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the homes are open to the public. Horse-drawn carriages saunter past the pedestrians and shoppers. Many plantations are also open for the visitors to shed light on slavery as well as the Gullah culture of the Africans.
