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N. CAROLINA

• Columbia
• Winnsboro
• Rock Hill

Columbia

The three major 'industries in Columbia are 1, State government; 2, the University of South Carolina and 3, the U.S.Army and Fort Jackson. Some might add Shaw Air Force Base to that but it is some 30 miles away and not that influential in Columbia's economy.
  The Columbia area has some great outdoor recreation facilities the most important of which is Lake Murray to the west. The Broad and Saluda Rivers join adjacent to downtown Columbia to create the Congaree River.

Visitors' Center - The Columbia Metropolitan' Convention and Visitors Bureau is at 900 Assembly Street (phone 1-800-264-4884).
  If you are approaching Columbia and I-77 from the east or south on I-26, drive on by the I-77 interchange and take exit 115 (US-21). Follow US-21 northbound into Columbia. At Assembly Street turn left, go 3 blocks and the Columbia Metropolitan' Convention and Visitors Bureau is on the corner of College Street at 900 Assembly Street.
  If you are southbound on I-77, take exit 18 and follow SC-277 (an Interstate conforming freeway) into Columbia. The freeway becomes a normal city street in town - continuing as Bull Street. Continue on Bull Street to Gervais Street (US-1) and turn right. Go 4 blocks to Assembly Street and turn left. The Columbia Metropolitan' Convention and Visitors Bureau is three blocks ahead at the corner of College Street (900 Assembly Street).
  For more information, phone 1-800-264-4884 (toll free) or visit their web site: ColumbiaCVB.

Challenger Learning Center - "Using high-technology space flight simulators, individuals have the opportunity to experience space flight and conduct hands-on experiments. While they’re conducting simulated missions, they’re also learning math, science technology, engineering, communications concepts, team work, and problem-solving skills."
  Open 8:30a to 4:30p Monday through Friday. Tours are $5; participation in a simulated space mission is $10 but also requires the participant to be part of a 16 or larger person group.
  We did not visit this Learning Center. The information we have came from a brief telephone conversation and from their web site at Challenger. From the phone conversation we concluded that the Center is primarily to supplement the local schools. Visits are entire classes. Individual may tour the Center but participation is mostly limited to groups.
  For more information, phone 1-803-929-3951. While you're on the phone be sure to get directions. We couldn't find it on Barhamville Road (which, itself, is a challenge to find).

Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden - Here is where Columbia excels. Several of our staff members have been stationed at Fort Jackson and visited Riverbanks frequently. And if you are there during the holiday season the place is lit up "like one huge Christmas tree".
  Currently home to more than 2,000 animals mostly quartered in their natural surroundings, the usual zoo atmosphere has been supplemented by graphical dioramas and other displays.
  A concrete footbridge spans the Saluda River connecting the zoo on the east bank with the Botanical Garden on the west bank. Several specialty gardens heighten the enjoyment.
  Hours are from 9a to 4p (but you don't have to be out until 5p) daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Admission is $8.25; children 3 to 12 $5.75; high school and college students with ID $7.
  If you are approaching Columbia and I-77 from the east or south on I-26, drive on by the I-77 interchange and take exit 108 (I-126). Follow I-126 to exit 2 (Greystone Blvd). Turn right at the end of the off-ramp into the zoo parking area.
  From I-77 southbound, take exit 18 and exit that short freeway to merge with I-20 westbound. Follow I-20 to exit 64 and merge with I-26 eastbound, Exit I-26 at 109 (the second exit from I-20) and follow I-126 to exit 2 (Greystone Blvd). Turn right at the end of the off-ramp into the zoo parking area.
  For more information, phone 1-803-779-8717 or visit their web site: Riverbanks. 

» Hotels in Columbia «

(continued in column 2)

Columbia Fire Dept Museum - The museum chronicles the history of the Columbia Fire Department. Following the tour of the museum a tour of the main Columbia fire station provides a close-up look at the equipment used today in a big city.
  If you are approaching Columbia and I-77 from the east or south on I-26, drive on by the I-77 interchange and take exit 115 (US-21). Follow US-21 northbound into Columbia. At Assembly Street turn left, go 6 blocks to Gervais Street. Turn right and go 4 blocks to Bull Street. Turn left and go 6 blocks to Laurel Street. Turn right  and the main fire station and museum are 3 blocks ahead at 1800 Laurel Street.
  If you are southbound on I-77, take exit 18 and follow SC-277 (an Interstate conforming freeway) into Columbia. The freeway becomes a normal city street in town - continuing as Bull Street. Continue on Bull Street to Laurel Street and turn left. The main fire station and museum are 3 blocks ahead at 1800 Laurel Street.
  For more information, phone 1-803-733-8350.

Fort Jackson Museum - The land occupied by Fort Jackson was donated to the United States Government at the start of World War I on the condition that Fort Jackson never be deactivated. In physical size (acres), Fort Jackson is larger than Columbia. It is a training center for Army personnel but is partially open to the public. You must check in, show a picture ID from a recognized source, current vehicle registration and proof of unexpired vehicular liability insurance.
  The purpose of the museum is to show the public the various aspects of training of today's Army as well as a history of the training of recruits from World War I to the present. Arranged outside the museum building is a display of heavy military vehicles.
  From I-77 take exit 10, enter the main gate and check in as directed by the sign or Military Police on duty.
  For more information, phone 1-803-751-7419.

» Hotels in Columbia «

Winnsboro

Historic Winnsboro - Winnsboro was the winter headquarters of Lord Cornwallis and his army during the Revolutionary War. A self- guided walking tour includes the house occupied by Lord Cornwallis. (Guide brochures are available at Town Hall - or from downtown merchants on weekends.) Attractions include the Fairfield County Museum, numerous historic homes and buildings, and the oldest continuously running clock in the nation. Phone 803-635-4242 (Sorry, we have been unable to find any web sites featuring information about Winnsboro's history.) 

South Carolina Railroad Museum - This 'official railroad museum of South Carolina' is located just outside of Winnsboro. If you are a railroad buff, the SCRM provides a very complete historical portrait of railroads in South Carolina. (The SCRM is an all-volunteer organization; no phone number is available. However their mailing address is:
  .  South Carolina Railroad Museum, Inc.,
  .  P.O. Box 7246,
  .  Columbia SC 29202.
  Winnsboro is about 30 minutes northwest of Columbia just off US-321 (on SC-34).
  If northbound on I-77, take exit 34; follow signs to Winnsboro.
  If southbound on I-77, take exit 41; follow signs to Winnsboro.

» Hotels in Winnsboro «

Rock Hill

 Nestled in the gently rolling foothills of Piedmont South Carolina, Rock Hill is the largest city in York County and the 5th largest in South Carolina. Rock Hill is known for its gardens and manicured landscapes, particularly Glencairn Garden, Cherry Park, and the historic Winthrop University campus. Cultural attractions include the Museum of York County, The Gateway and Mighty Casey.
  Located on I-77 in the shadow to Charlotte NC, its neighbor to the north, Rock Hill has become an industrial and commercial center of significant importance as well as a cultural and recreational center. Rock Hill provides a safe, hometown atmosphere with easy access to big-city benefits. Population 47,200.
  Incidentally, Rock Hill was named for the cut made through a unique, white stone promontory during construction of the Columbia-Charlotte railroad.

Glencairn Gardens - Here, spring is announced with a burst of daffodils and tulips. The real jewels are the azaleas - some twenty thousand strong in every conceivable color. While mid-April is when you need to visit for this show, the many easy-to-negotiate trails are lined with beautiful blossoms all year round. FREE. On Charlotte Avenue at Edgemont.
  From I-77 take exit 82 and follow Cherry Rd (US-21 Bus) to Oakland Ave; turn left and it's just past Winthrop College.

Landsford Canal State Park - Rife with the scent of battles and high-level conferences during the Revolutionary War years, Lands Ford was crossed and re-crossed by Lord Cornwallis, General Sumter and General Davie. In the early years of the 19th century, dozens of canals were built to expedite water transportation in South Carolina. Landsford Canal is a wonderfully preserved example of these early canals. Here also are visible the remains of early 19th century stone bridges and canal culverts. Still standing are the lockkeepers house, an old mill and some canal locks. The park maintains a very complete exhibit describing the canal system which was so vital to the state.
About 12 miles south of Rock Hill SC (off US-21).
  From I-77 take exit 65. Head east toward Richburg and SC-223. Turn left on SC-223 and drive to the end of the highway (crossing US-21) and the entrance to the park.
  For more information, phone 1-803-789-5800.

» Hotels in Rock Hill «

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