WELCOME GAMECOCKS!
The Out-ofState Guide
to Gamecock
Country
Student Success Center
University of South Carolina
Dear Out-of-State Student,
Welcome to South Carolina! We are so pleased to have you share your undergraduate experience here
with us. Your time here will not only be a great experience, but you will find yourself being
exposed to so many new and exciting things.
Columbia, South Carolina and the University of South Carolina is a great place filled with limitless
opportunities for you to explore our great university, but also our city and state! If you are from the northern,
western or midwestern states, the southern experience is one you are sure to enjoy. The great weather, great
food and the southern hospitality makes you feel right at home.
It’s important to get involved! Take advantage of all the activities and opportunities available to you here. We
have exciting programs and services available just for out-of-state students like you! The University of South
Carolina is your new home away from home, so make your time here exciting and worthwhile.
The purpose of this guide is to get you started on your journey and adjustment as well as provide you
with the basic essentials you need to make a successful transition into USC. We wish you all the best and
congratulate you on your decision to attend the University of South Carolina. Have a great semester.
Go Gamecocks!
Sincerely,
Paul S. Millard
Coordinator of Transfer & Special Student Population Services
Student Success Center
Thomas Cooper Library
Twitter:
803-777-4163
[email protected]
@UofSCOutofState
1
Table of Contents
Transportation
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
3: General Driving Directions
4: Airports
5: Columbia Charlotte Shuttle & Rideshare
6: Highways & Greyhound
7: USC Parking Services
8: The Carolina Shuttle & APO Escort
Service
pg 9: Evening Shuttle & Daily Shuttle Routes
pg 10: Shuttle Routes & Parking Garages Map
pg 11: USC Fun Facts
The Essentials
pg 12: Auto Care, Banks, Hospitals, Pharmacies,
& Student Health Services
pg 13: South Carolina Facts
Campus Resources
pg 14: Student Success Center
pg 15-16: Office of the Registrar
pg 17: Southern Food
Recreation
pg 18: Congaree Vista, Five Points, West Vista,
& Main Street/Downtown Columbia
pg 19: Village at Sandhill, Forest Acres, &
Harbison
pg 20: Southern Attire
Arts & Culture
pg 21: Columbia Museum of Art & Colonial
Life Arena
pg 22: SC State Museum, Koger Center, &
Nickelodeon Theater
pg 23: SC State House
Sports & Outdoors
pg 23: Congaree National Park
pg 24: Sesquicentennial State Park & Harbison
State Forest
pg 25: West Columbia Riverwalk & Cayce
Riverwalk
pg 26: Lake Murray
2
General Driving Directions
Transportation
To Bush River Road: Take Blossom St. west to Huger. Turn right onto Huger and follow to I-126 westbound.
Take the exit to Colonial Life Blvd and then turn right onto Bush River Road to reach Dutch Square Mall,
Burlington Coat Factory, and Dutch Square Cinema.
To Forest Drive Area: Take Sumter St. north to Taylor St. Turn right onto Taylor St. Follow Taylor east through
Allen University and Benedict College. Taylor becomes Forest Drive. Richland Mall is at the intersection of
Forest Drive and Beltline. Continue on Forest Drive to find Piggly Wiggly, Trenholm Plaza, Publix, Books
a Million, Stein Mart, Fresh Market, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Hobby Lobby, several fast food chains and other
specialty shops.
To Harbison Boulevard: Take Blossom St. west to Huger St. Turn right onto Huger and follow to I-126
westbound, which becomes I-26 (Spartanburg). Take Exit 103 onto Harbison Boulevard and follow road
around curve to Lowe’s, Home Depot, Columbiana Centre, Pier One, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Circuit City, Bed,
Bath & Beyond, Sam’s Club, Carmike Cinemas, and Columbiana Grande.
To Two Notch Road: Take Sumter St. north to Gervais St. Turn right onto Gervais, then left onto Bull St. Bull
St. becomes I-277. Take exit I-20 East (Florence), then take Exit #74 off I-20 onto Two Notch Rd. Turn right
to go to Lowe’s, Pier One, Best Buy, Columbia Place Mall, and Phoenix Theatres. Take a left to find Target and
Home Depot.
3
Airports
Students who fly home have the options of three midsize airports in the state of South Carolina and one
major airport in Charlotte, NC.
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE): CAE is the largest airport in the City of Columbia and annually
serves more than 1.2 million passengers. The airlines that fly from Columbia are American Eagle Airlines,
Delta Air Lines, United Air Lines, and US Airways.
The Greenville Spartanburg International Airport: GSP is the second busiest airport in the state of South
Carolina and serves more than 1.75 million passengers. The airlines that fly from GSP are Allegiant, American
Eagle Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways.
The Charleston International Airport: CHS is the busiest airport in the state of South Carolina and serves
over 2 million passengers annually. The airlines that fly from CHS are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines,
Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways, and Jet Blue.
The Charlotte-Douglas International Airport: The major airport located close to Columbia is the CharlotteDouglas International Airport (CLT). Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is the sixth busiest airport in the
world offering more than 140 nonstop destinations around the globe. CLT is US Airways’ largest hub and the
second largest airport on the East Coast. All other major airlines are also represented at this airport.
4
Student Success Center
University of South Carolina
Columbia Charlotte & Rideshare
UsingRideshare
The Columbia Charlotte Shuttle provides door-toterminal passenger transportation between USC
and the Charlotte Airport. The fares for adults
are $49 and children (12 and younger) are $25.
Fares are per person and each way. To make a
reservation call 803-783-5123 or toll free at 866284-3018. If you reach their voicemail, please leave
a message. To visit their webpage please visit www.
ColumbiaCharlotteShuttle.com. You can also email
them at [email protected].
To use the USC affiliated Rideshare, please follow
this link: https://offcampushousing.sc.edu and use
your username & password to log in.
1
Once you have logged in, select “Message Boards”.
2
3
Once you have selected Message Boards, select Rideshare.
4
You can either type your destination into the search box
and select “Go” …. or you can select “Add New Post”.
5
If you selected “Add New Post” please fill out the required
fields with as a much detailed information as you can.
You want to make sure you include:
1. Your destination
2. How much you are willing to pay or contribute to
gas funds
3. Your contact information (email and/or cell phone
number)
4. The date in which you need the ride
5. Location of pick up & drop off
6. Whether or not you need a return ride to get back
to campus
7. And lastly, make sure you click SAVE.
5
If you experience any technical difficulties, please contact
the Office of Off-Campus Student Services by either calling
(803) 777-3366 or emailing [email protected].
SSC RIDSH1 5/13
Highways
Columbia is connected to many highways including Interstate 20, Interstate 26,
Interstate 77, Interstate 85, Interstate 95, Interstate 126, and Interstate 277.
Interstate 20 is a major thoroughfare cutting across the state of South Carolina,
linking the state with important transportation and business hubs to the north,
west, and south including Atlanta, Georgia, Charlotte, North Carolina (via Interstate
77), and Washington, D.C. (via Interstate 95).
Interstate 26 is a South Carolina interstate highway running generally east–west
from Landrum, in Spartanburg County, to U.S. Route 17, in Charleston, South
Carolina. It is the longest interstate highway in South Carolina.
Interstate 77 is a north-south interstate highway that covers 91.2 miles (146.8 km) in
the state of South Carolina, and extends from the national southern terminus at an
interchange with Interstate 26 near Columbia, north to the North Carolina state line
near Rock Hill and Charlotte, NC.
Greyhound
The Greyhound bus
station is located at
2015 Gervais St. in
Columbia. To reach the
bus station you may
call their main line at
803-256-6465. The
hours of operation are
subject to change, so
please call to verify
hours before making
travel arrangements.
Interstate 85 runs northeast-southwest through Upstate South Carolina connecting
regionally with Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Interstate 95 is a major interstate highway running along the East Coast of the
United States from Florida to Maine. In South Carolina, I-95 runs approximately
parallel to the Atlantic Ocean shore, although about 50 miles (80 km) inland, from
Hardeeville in the south to Dillon in the northeast.
6
University of South Carolina Parking Services
Parking Services is responsible for the registration of all vehicles parked on campus and the implementation
of all policies and regulations governing parking on campus.
Parking on campus is available to all students, faculty, and staff whose vehicle displays a valid parking
permit. Permits may be obtained from Parking Services. A valid permit allows the bearer the privilege of
parking on campus. Unless otherwise specified, the permit does not guarantee a parking space. Inability to
locate a legal space in a parking area does not justify incorrect parking. Handicap parking permits may be
obtained by providing appropriate medical documentation.
The University assumes no responsibility for the care or protection of any vehicle or its content while it is
parked on campus. Valuables should not be left in parked vehicles at any time. Vehicles should be locked
when not in use. Thefts or damages that occur should be immediately reported to the University Police
Department for investigation (803- 777-4215).
Parking Services is located in the Pendleton Street Garage at the corner of Pickens and Pendleton streets.
Office hours are 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. For more information about parking please visit
http://www.sc.edu/vmps/park.html or contact parking services at (803) 777–5160.
7
The Carolina Shuttle
The Carolina Shuttle operates Monday through Friday,
7:30 am - 5:30 pm. The Evening Shuttle operates
from 6:00 pm - 12:30 am. The system operates during
the Fall and Spring semesters, with limited operation
during the summer, reading days, and holidays.
Service is free to all USC students, faculty, and
staff. Shuttle/Parking maps are available at Parking
Services, the Askus information desk at the Russell
House, and at Vehicle Management.
Commuting students are encouraged to park in
lots located at the Coliseum, Bates Area, and 1600
Hampton then ride the Shuttle to central campus.
The Carolina Shuttle stops only at locations indicated
by the color coded dots on the Shuttle map and on
the online Carolina Shuttle and Parking Map. Each
location is serviced by the indicated color dots. These
color dots correspond to colored signs displayed on
the exterior of the buses and at shuttle stops.
The Carolina Shuttle does not run on a set
schedule. Buses will arrive at the designated stops
approximately every fifteen minutes.
APO Escort Services
APO Escort service is sponsored by the Iota Mu
Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega National Service
Fraternity.
As a service to the University community, APO
provides escort transportation anywhere on
campus. APO helps make night travel safer by
operating a van which picks up and drops off
people during the late night hours. All students,
faculty, and staff are encouraged to take advantage
of this free service.
This service is available from Sunday through
Thursday, 8:00 pm - 12:00 am. To arrange a pickup,
just call 777-DUCK (3825). On occasions when APO
is not available, the University Police (777-4215) can
assist you in returning to your car or residence hall
safely.
The APO website can be found at
http://apoiotamu.tripod.com/escort.html.
For more information about shuttle services, please
visit http://www.sc.edu/vmps/shuttle.html#top or
contact (803) 777-1080.
8
Evening Shuttle
The Evening Shuttle consists of two
15-passenger vans running from 6:00 pm 12:30 am when classes are in session.
Stops are at the Coliseum, Russell House,
Nursing, BA/Capstone, Maxcy, Byrnes
Center, Towers/CLS, Swearingen, the
Roost, Bates, the PE Center/South & East
Quad area, and the Greek Village. A white
strobe light and a color scheme related to
the Carolina Shuttle System will identify
the Evening Shuttle. Students, faculty,
and staff can wait inside residence halls
or academic college lobbies and see the
shuttle from a secure area.
Daily Shuttle Routes
Coliseum, Discovery Plaza Garage, CLS/Honors
College Res. Hall, PE Center, Nursing
Greek Village, Coliseum, Discovery Plaza Garage,
Horseshoe, Pendleton Garage, Capstone/Moore
School of Business
Academic Enrichment Center, Bates, Band/
Dance, CLS/Honors College Res. Hall, Horseshoe/
Health Sciences, Horizon Garage, Swearingen
Engineering
Bates, Nursing, Horizon Garage, Swearingen
Engineering
Barnwell Parking Lot, Capstone/Moore School of
Business, Nursing, NAC, McMaster, 1600 Hampton
Coliseum, Law School, Horseshoe, Discovery
Plaza Garage
9
Coliseum, Music/Discovery Plaza Garage, Russell
House, Nursing, Capstone/BA, Maxcy, Byrnes,
CLS/Honors College Res. Hall, Swearingen
Engineering, Academic Enrichment Center,
Roost, Bates, PE Center, Greek Village,
Wellness Center
Parking Garages &
Reserved Spaces
Students, faculty and staff
may apply for paid
reserved parking for the
following locations.
Pendleton Street Garage
Blossom Street Garage
Senate Street Garage
Bull Street Garage
Horizon Garage
Discovery Plaza Garage
Shuttle Routes &
Parking Garages
10
USC’s Student Population:
USC
Fun
Facts
45%
out-of-state
55%
in-state
The University
of South
Carolina was
founded in 1801.
The Clemson rivalry began
in the 1880s. Every year
there is a Tiger Burn in
preparation for the game.
11
Cocky is USC’s official
mascot and was
introduced in 1980 to
replace his father, Big Spur.
Tips for Success
“USC is a leader
at providing
opportunities for
students to engage
in research and
study abroad and
community service
and internships
outside the classroom.
I encourage you to
find out more about
the options available
to you through the
USC Connect office.”
- Kevin Elliott
Faculty Principal, Green Quad
Associate Professor of
Philosophy
ss
r
r
ge
d
ce
om.
to
out
ble
he
e.”
Quad
of
Auto Care
Advance Auto Parts Auto Zone Complete Car Care
Dave’s Transmission
Frank’s Car Wash
Jiffy Lube Three Man Auto
Banks
Bank of America
BB&T
Carolina Collegiate
First Citizens
National Bank of SC
Palmetto Citizens Regions Bank
SC Bank & Trust Wells Fargo
The Essentials
Hospitals
787-1177
256-6818
799-7433
799-0250
787-8383
782-9999
748-0932
4731 Devine St
3601 Main St
1628 Gervais St
2146 Sumter St
4741 Forest Dr
4414 Devine St
1215 Rosewood Dr
929-5671 765-8335
251-1610
227-5555
733-2020
612-4444
292-2010
732-5000
779-3836
771-2265
253-6753
253-6734
1301 Gervais St
2111 Devine St
3401 Forest Dr
710 Pulaski St
1230 Main St
1015 Lady St
1221 Main St
1320 Washington St
1010 Gervais St
520 Gervais St
930 Assembly St
705 Saluda Ave
Palmetto Health Baptist
1330 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC 29220
(803) 296-2273
palmettohealth.org
Providence Hospital
2435 Forest Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 256-5300
providencehospitals.com
Pharmacies
CVS Pharmacy:
900 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 212-7016
cvs.com
Walgreens Pharmacy:
1941 Blossom Street
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 212-1015
walgreens.com
Student Health
Palmetto Health Richland
Services
5 Medical Park Drive
1409 Devine St.
Columbia, SC 29203
Columbia, SC 29208
(803) 434-7000
Phone: (803) 777-3175
palmettohealth.org
General Medicine Care,
Women’s Care, Counseling
Services, Psychiatric
Services, Laboratory,
On-Campus Pharmacy,
and much more!
12
South
Carolina
Facts
Tips for Success
“The Student
SC is named for King
Charles I of England.
SC was the 8th state
to ratify the Constitution.
13
We are the Peach State - South
Carolina grows the 2nd most
peaches in the US, behind
California and ahead of Georgia.
SC is one of
the original 13
colonies.
Success Center
offers course-specific
academic support
for undergraduate
students enrolled in
many courses at USC.
Data suggests that
students who attend
our Supplemental
Instruction and Peer
Tutoring programs
early and often
generally outscore
their peers who do not
attend.”
- Dana Jablonski
Assistant Director for
Peer Learning
ss
cific
rt
te
in
SC.
at
nd
al
eer
ms
re
not
i
r
Campus Resources
Student Success Center (SSC)
Located on the Mezzanine level of the Thomas Cooper
Library, the SSC is your central location for student
and academic support. Three satellite offices are also
available in Patterson Hall, Bates House, and Columbia
Hall.
The services we offer are Supplemental Instruction,
Peer Tutoring, Cross College Advising, Academic
Coaching & Engagement, Financial Literacy, Transfer
and Veteran Services, and Out-of-State Student
Resources. To schedule an appointment with one of
our appointment based services, please visit us online
at www.sc.edu/success. Please check the website
for up-to-date information, schedules, hours, and
locations.
Office Hours
8:30am - 5pm
Service Hours
9am - 9pm
If you have further questions, please call
803-777-1000.
Student Success Center
University of South Carolina
14
Office of the Registrar
Legal Residency
The University of South Carolina is required by state law to determine the resident classification of
applicants. The initial determination of one's resident status is made at the time of admission. The
determination made at that time, and any determination made thereafter, prevails for each subsequent
semester until information becomes available that would impact the existing residency status and the
determination is successfully challenged. The burden of proof rests with the students to show evidence as
deemed necessary to establish and maintain their residency status.
Legal Residency Requirements for Fee and Tuition Purposes
For information concerning South Carolina Legal Residency Requirements visit:
http://www.che.sc.gov/StudentServices/Residency/Right_res.htm.
Application for Change of Resident Status
Persons applying for a change of resident classification must complete a residency application and provide
supporting documentation at least four to six weeks prior to the start of classes for the semester for
which status is requested. The burden of proof rests with those persons applying for a change of resident
classification. Persons must show required evidence to document the change in resident status.
All requests for refunds are limited to the current academic year for which the refund is requested. Refunds
may be requested any time during the academic year in which the applicable term occurs. Residency
applications must be completed before the end of the academic year for which a refund is requested. The
academic year begins with the fall term and ends with the last summer term. For an application for resident
status see the Legal Residency Application (PDF) by visiting the following website:
http://www.sc.edu/bursar/LegalResidencyApplication.pdf.
15
Inquiries and Appeals
Inquiries regarding residency requirements and residency determinations should be directed to the Legal
Residency Office, University Of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208. Reach the Legal Residency Office at
(803) 777-4060.
Any person, following a decision on his or her resident classification, may appeal the decision to the
University Committee on Legal Residence. The committee, however, is bound by the same laws and
regulations as the residency officials, so its purpose is only to review the facts and details of any case
brought before it to evaluate the correctness of the decision made by residency officials. Neither the
committee nor residency officials may waive the provisions of the law or regulations.
Persons who appeal residency decisions must provide a letter to the Legal Residency Office informing the
office that they want to appeal the decision made by the residency official. The letter must also include a
summary of the person’s situation and a statement which specifies the residency provision under which
the person feels he or she qualifies to pay in-state fees. The director of legal residency will then schedule a
hearing as soon as possible for the committee to hear the appeal.
16
Tips for Success
“It’s always important
Cornbread
Southern
Food
Grits
Sweet Tea
BBQ
Sandwich
to maintain a healthy
diet and exercise
regimen but it’s
especially helpful
when adjusting to new
climates, locations
and lifestyles. The
University has many
resources for health
and wellness through
the Student Health
Services office. Visit
their website for
information related to
a wide range of topics,
from nutrition to stress
management.”
- Jody Pritt
17
Director of International
Student Services
ss
tant
thy
e
s
ul
new
ns
e
ny
lth
ugh
th
sit
r
d to
pics,
ress
al
Recreation
Congaree Vista: This former warehouse district has transformed
its railroad stations and textile mills into a lively arts community
with a creative dining scene. You can discover delicious food at
Motor Supply and fresh seafood at Blue Marlin, a historical trip
to the State Museum, glass artwork at One Eared Cow Glass and
sweet cupcakes from Cupcake.
Five Points: This area has retained its character as a laid-back
bohemian district since it first emerged more than 75 years
ago. East of Five Points, Devine Street is a collection of upscale
specialty shops and restaurants. You can find fashionable
accessories at Wish Boutique, public group runs led by Strictly
Running, live music at Five Points Pub, chicken and grits from
Yesterday’s and a pour-over espresso from Drip coffee.
West Vista: This down-home area offers
tons of antique shops, great burger joints
and lush parks, just across the Congaree
River from downtown. Visitors can
enjoy the Boardwalks in Granby Park,
bargains at the Old Mill Antique Mall, the
Ndoki Forest at the Riverbanks Zoo and
hangover hashbrowns from Café Strudel.
Main Street/Downtown Columbia: Main
Street is quickly becoming the hip part
of town as condos, new restaurants and
nightlife hot spots move in and cater to a
youthful new set of residents. Visitors to
downtown will find special exhibitions at
the Columbia Museum of Art, the bronze
stars on the South Carolina State House,
the weekly local Soda City Market on the
1500 block, great views at the Rooftop
Lounge at the Sheraton Columbia
Downtown Hotel, an indie movie at the
Nickelodeon Theatre and penny candy
from Mast General Store.
Source: columbiacvb.com
18
Village at Sandhill
This community is one of those new lifestyle communities that are
popping up all over the country. Residents can live, work and enjoy a
mix of national and locally owned shops and restaurants - all within
a comfortable walking distance. You can enjoy Sushi at Red Bowl
Asian Bistro, designer dresses at Carolina Couture, and a facial from
Wisteria Salon and Spa.
Forest Acres
Located in the central midlands of South Carolina, our community
offers an exceptional quality of life founded in friendliness, faith, and
civic pride. Visitors enjoy the infamous mac n’ cheese from Tombo
Grille, an elegant Italian meal from Rosso Trattoria and shopping in
Trenholm Plaza.
Harbison
Did you know?
Riverbanks Zoo is rated
one of the top 10 zoos
in the nation!
This bustling section of Lexington County, which includes the towns of
Irmo and St. Andrews, has endless dining, hotel, and shopping options.
Visitors will find bike riding across the Dam, a full day of shopping at
the Columbiana Mall, kayaking at Saluda Shoals Park, and historical
law enforcement artifacts at The South Carolina Law Enforcement
Officers Hall of Fame.
Source: columbiacvb.com
19
Tips for Success
“Did you know that
Croakies
Southern
Attire
Sun Dresses
Sperrys
Bow Ties
most employers are
expecting 2-3 careerrelated experiences
before graduation?
Whether it’s exploring
careers, getting
relevant experience
before graduation, or
living out your career
goals, the Career
Center is here to help.
We have a Career
Development Coach
assigned to students
in each major. Contact
your coach to explore
the possibilities!”
- Kesha Entzminger
Career Development Coach
20
Columbia Museum of Art
Arts & Culture
Colonial Life Arena
The Columbia Museum of Art is South Carolina’s premier
international art museum with extraordinary collections
of European and American fine and decorative art that
spans centuries. Founded in 1950, the museum opened
its new building on Main Street in 1988 by transforming
an urban department store into a sleek and airy, lightfilled space with 25 galleries. The collections include
masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque
period from the Samuel H. Kress Collection, works by
significant furniture and silver makers, as well as modern
and contemporary art. Of particular interest are Sandro
Botticelli’s Nativity, Claude Monet’s The Seine at Giverny
and art glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The museum also
offers changing exhibitions from renowned museums
and educational programs that include group and public
tours, lectures, films, and concerts.
1515 Main Street
Phone: (803) 799-2810
Main at Hampton Street
Fax: (803) 343-2150
Columbia, SC 29201
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 5 pm;
First Friday of every month 11 am - 8 pm (until 5 pm in
December); Saturday 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday Noon - 5 pm
Source: columbiacvb.com
21
The Colonial Life Arena is the pride of South
Carolina with 18,000 seats, 41 suites, four club
suites and the McGuire Room, a full service
hospitality room that has a capacity of 300.
The state-of-the-art facility also features plush
seating, a technologically advanced sound
system, a four-sided video scoreboard and a oneof-a-kind selection of tasty, unique concession
foods that delight fans of all ages. The Colonial
Life Arena is the new home of men’s and
women’s Gamecock basketball as well as host to
a wide variety of concerts, family shows, various
events, and trade shows.
801 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC 29208
Phone: (803) 576-9200
Fax: (803) 576-9299
South Carolina State Museum
The South Carolina State Museum is a comprehensive museum, with extensive exhibits in the disciplines of
art, science and technology, cultural history and natural history. In one stop it encompasses all that South
Carolina was, is and can be. It is South Carolina’s largest museum and one of the largest in the Southeast.
School tours are free for state schools if advance arrangements are made.
301 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-4921
Fax: (803) 898-4969
Hours: Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday 1 -5 pm;
Open Mondays - Memorial Day through Labor Day;
Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Koger Center for the Arts
The Nickelodeon Theater
1051 Greene Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 777-7500
Fax: (803) 777-9774
1607 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 254-8234
Toll-free: Film Info 254-3433
Fax: (803) 254-0299
The Koger Center for the Arts is
USC’s and Columbia’s performing
arts center. The Koger Center for
the Arts can seat over 2,400 guests.
Koger Center produces a performing
arts series each year titled “Koger
Presents.” Koger Center for the Arts
is home to several local art groups.
The Columbia Film Society’s 77-seat Nickelodeon Theatre
provides an intimate setting for international and independent
cinema, and shows over 125 films each year. The Columbia Film
Society/Nickelodeon Theater presents the Columbia Jewish
Film Festival, African-American/International Film Festival,
Native American Film Festival, Latin American Film Festival, and
Southern Circuit Touring Filmmaker Series.
Source: columbiacvb.com
22
South Carolina State House
The State House Portrait & Art Collection
The South Carolina State House and grounds of
the Capitol Complex are home to many beautiful
portraits, monuments, plaques and other works of
art. These works honor the many people and events
that are an important part of the history of South
Carolina and the United States. You can take a SelfGuided tour of the State House Grounds by picking
up a tour brochure at the Columbia Regional Visitors
Center. Guided Capitol Building tours are free with
reservation any time Monday through Friday, as well
as the first Saturday of each month. The first tour on
Saturday leaves at 9:30 am and begins on the half
hour. Call (803) 734-2430 to make your reservation.
1100 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 734-2430
Hours: Building Hours: Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm;
Gift Shop Hours: Monday - Friday 9 am - 4 pm,
First Sat. of each month, 9:00am - 4:30pm
Fax: (803) 734-2439
Source: columbiacvb.com
23
Sports & Outdoors
Congaree National Park
The Congaree National Park offers hiking, primitive
camping, bird watching, picnicking, canoeing,
kayaking, and nature study. A ranger is provided for
all interpretive walks and canoe tours. The 22,000
acre National Park protects the largest intact
tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest
remaining in the United States. The park contains
some of the tallest trees in Eastern North America
with one of the highest canopies in the world,
broad bio-diversity, and old-growth forest. The
park is recognized as an International Biosphere
Reserve, National Natural Landmark, Wilderness
Area, and Globally Important Bird Area. Visitors are
encouraged to explore Congaree at any time, as the
park's trails remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days per
week.
Phone: (803) 776-4396
100 National Park Road
Fax: (803) 783-4241
Hopkins, SC 29061
Harry Hampton Visitor Center Hours:
9 am - 5 pm, 7 days per week, year-round (Closed
Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, & New Year's Day)
Sesquicentennial State Park
This 1,419-acre park, situated in the middle of the
sandhills region, features a beautiful 30-acre lake
surrounded by trails, picnic areas, and a campground.
The park's proximity to downtown Columbia and
three major interstate highways attracts both local
residents and travelers. Sesquicentennial is often
the site of family reunions and group campouts.
Interpretive nature programs are a major attraction to
the park.
The park also contains a two-story log house, dating
back to the mid 1700s, which was relocated to the
park in 1969. This house is believed to be the oldest
building still standing in Richland County. The park
was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps
in the 1930s. Evidence of their craftsmanship is still
present today.
9564 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Phone: (803) 788-2706
Park Office Hours: 11 am - 12 noon &
4 - 5 pm everyday (including weekends)
Fax: (803) 788-4414
Harbison State Forest
Bounded along its northeastern edge by the Broad
River, Harbison Environmental Education Forest
encompasses 2,177 acres of forestland only nine
miles from downtown Columbia. The unique urban
location makes Harbison one of the largest public
greenspaces inside the city limits of a metropolitan
area in the eastern United States. Over sixteen
miles of roads and trails weave through the pine
and hardwood forest, crossing wandering streams
and descending through leafy glades to the
Broad River. Harbison Environmental Education
Forest’s emphasis is on natural resource education,
providing demonstrations of forestry practices
as well as recreation. Visitors are encouraged to
come, enjoy, and even volunteer to help with the
development of this valuable urban forest.
5600 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: 803-896-8890
Fax: 803-896-8896
Source: columbiacvb.com
24
West Columbia Riverwalk
The West Columbia Riverwalk, 4.5 acres of the Three Rivers Greenway,
is located between Gervais Street and Knox Abbott Drive. Its halfmile path accommodates all levels of physical access including
baby carriages and wheelchairs. The West Columbia Riverwalk
groundbreaking took place in February 2002. This was a major step
forward in a joint effort by the City of West Columbia and the River
Alliance’s plan to protect our regions' rivers and provide recreational
benefits to collective communities.
The ceremony marked the beginning of the West Columbia Riverwalk
construction. The Riverwalk is a physical connection to the Cayce and
Columbia portions of the system, providing a true residential riverfront
next to the New Brookland Mill Village and Guignard neighborhoods.
The amphitheater is a wonderful gathering place for concerts and
events. Paths are open for walking, running, bicycling, and gazing at
natural beauty. A canoe landing is also available on Alexander Road in
West Columbia.
The bathroom looks like an 1750s River Inn, recalling the ferry crossing
on the old colonial road from Camden to Augusta.
121 Alexander Street
West Columbia, SC
Phone: (803) 765-2200
Source: columbiacvb.com
25
Cayce Riverwalk
Open daily from dawn till dusk,
this river walk provides beautiful
views of the Congaree River,
West Columbia, and Columbia.
The park is dog, bike, and inline skate friendly and offers
bridges, boardwalks, overlooks,
bank fishing, 24-hour security,
emergency call boxes, parking,
and restroom facilities. The
lighted eight-foot-wide concrete
paths and ADA requirements
can accommodate all levels of
physical access including baby
carriages and wheelchairs.
Axtell Drive at Naples Avenue
Cayce, SC 29033
Phone: (803) 796-9020
Lake Murray
Lake Murray offers miles and miles of boating pleasure
for all types of boaters. Whether you enjoy canoeing
through calm waters, navigating your sails through
cutting winds, or leisurely cruising in your fishing
boat, beautiful Lake Murray is the place for you. Lake
Murray is a vast area of water covering 78 square
miles and approximately 50,000 acres of land. At
its widest point, it is 41 miles long and 14 miles wide,
providing storage for 763 billion gallons of water.
Brown Marine
Enjoy Lake Murray for the day! Pontoon rentals
daily from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Boats are
located at Putnam's Landing.
126 Hilton Run Court
Chapin, SC 29036
Phone: (803) 345-6222
Public Swimming at Lake Murray Park information:
Enjoy our swimming area this April - September
Mon - Fri: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.;
Sat - Sun: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: $3/per car
Picnic tables, covered areas
Questions? Call (803) 359-9245
Columbia, SC 29212
Phone: (803) 781-5940
Hours: Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm;
Saturday 10 am - 4 pm; Sunday 1 - 5 pm
Toll-free: 866-SC JEWEL
Fax: (803) 781-6197
Source: columbiacvb.com
26
We hope this guide will
serve you well and that
you are excited to join
the Gamecock family in
Columbia, SC.
Go Gamecocks!
Thanks to The South Carolina Department of
Parks, Recreation and Tourism for all
“Did You Know?” facts.
SSC OSG 7/13