EXPERIENCES STICK WITH YOU FOR LIFE
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain
Experiencing new things through travel or even exploring your own city and seeing it in a new light can create a sense of wanderlust—that butterfly feeling in your stomach urging you to seek out more adventure, daring you to live life fully, reminding you that while there are many things that make us different, there are even more that we have in common. Traveling abroad expands horizons and outlooks of different cultures, but there is so much variety right here in the United States. So much culture and history for us to explore, that even a well-traveled soul will find a sense of wonder here.
South Carolina holds many treasures for the story seekers to find. From the first settlers to colonial times and modern day, history and culture is rich here. And of course, the capital, Columbia, is a must-visit destination for anyone touring this southern state. When you visit Columbia and the Sandhills area, you’ll absorb the essence of this great city in the same way you would any city you visit, by catching the trade winds and exploring, dreaming, discovering.
We love this area, and so we put together our list of the top 5 things to discover in Sandhills/Columbia Area.
1. BELA FAMILY DENTISTRY OF SANDHILLS
While we might be biased, Bela Family Dentistry of Sandhills is the favorite dental destination of locals and students. With so much to offer in Columbia, it’s no wonder Bela Family Dentistry of Sandhills is on the list! It’s housed in a stately building with rich wood tones inside and cozy seating to make you feel like you’re curling up by the fireplace in your own home. Comprehensive dental services include preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services. Helping you to get the care you want and deserve is our priority, which is why we offer financing through CareCredit to cover anything insurance doesn’t. And all insurance plans are accepted here. Students can even straighten their smiles in about a semester with Six Month Smiles!
2. EDVENTURE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Do you want to take your kids on an awesome adventure? Of course you do! Check out the EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia! This is a fun-filled destination for visitors or locals. They even offer family memberships so you can get deals on regular visits and parties. The museum is great for those days when weather necessitates indoor activities. It’s also great for a change of pace. There are exhibits and sensory activities for little learners of all ages. Kids can tinker with hands-on experiments or dive into the world of dramatic play with kid-size fire stations, grocery stores, doctors’ offices and more. With so many things to do, kids and adults will enjoy all that this museum has to offer.
3. RIVERBANKS ZOO AND GARDEN
This 70-acre botanical garden is considered one of America’s most beautiful public gardens and is home to 4,300 species of native and exotic plants. Lions and tigers and sharks, oh my! The Zoo is home to a 55,000-gallon Pacific coral reef tank that’s home to sharks and lots of sea life. So if you want an up-close encounter with a shark, just not in one of those scary shark cages, this is your adventure waiting for you. If you (or the kids) get bored of having a staring contest with the animals, check out one of the rides or attractions on the grounds like zip lining, waterfalls, or up-close encounters with animals. There’s even a splash pad for kids that’s open during the summer months! Locals also love the educational events and camp options the Zoo offers. To make the most of your visit here check out the website and plan ahead.
4. URBAN NIRVANA SALON AND DAY SPA
Escape into total relaxation and rejuvenation at Urban Nirvana Salon and Day Spa. Here you can restore balance to your body and mind through massage, skin treatments, or salon services. Massage therapy can relieve physical ailments and melt away stress, and their skin treatments can brighten and smooth your skin. Start your day with a relaxing massage and facial, then ease into the afternoon with a professional hair treatment and cut from one of the highly trained stylists. You’ll be in the perfect mood and feeling great for a night out on the town. Start the evening at Solstice Kitchen and then head to The Nickelodeon for a feature film in a beautifully restored building.
5. ROBERT MILLS HOUSE AND GARDENS
Robert Mills House and Gardens is a must-see—one of only five historical sites in Columbia. It was designed by Robert Mills, the first architect born and trained in the United States who is responsible for designing some of our most prominent buildings including the Washington Monument. You could say it’s the Versailles of Columbia. Guests can tour five estate homes and magnificent gardens that surround the antebellum style living quarters. When you’re done touring the many rooms in each estate, relax on the perfectly manicured lawn while letting your mind drift back in time.
Tourists, students, and locals should definitely check out these top 5 things to do and see in the Sandhills and Columbia area. From adventure, history, relaxation, and self-care, we have it all. Explore. Dream. Discover.
