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.
    While not exactly known as a 'cosmopolitan city' Columbia has done very well in the arts. The audiences are very appreciative which tells you a lot about the community.
   It takes more than 'industry' to make a successful community. There are four major influences in Columbia society: Fort Jackson, University of South Carolina, the many offices of South Carolina State government and Lake Murray. While not exactly known as a 'cosmopolitan city' Columbia has done very well in the arts. The audiences are very appreciative which tells you a lot about the community.

Riverbanks — One feature in Columbia which comes as a surprise to newcomers is Riverbanks Zoological and Botanical Gardens at the south end of Greystone Boulevard. While smaller than most zoos in cities of this size, the quality of its presentation and maintenance makes the difference. And a walk across the bridge over the Saluda River is a very pleasant experience. But the icing on the cake is the place during the holiday season when it is all lit up, REALLY lit up!
   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.

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. Website: FireMuseum.

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.

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Eating in Columbia — Columbia has restaurants, quite a variety. After you've been there for a while you latch onto favorites, frequently in hard-to-find locations, and relish the triumph of now 'belonging'. If you like to try ethnic foods, you've certainly come to the right place; there is a good variety here.

    Outdoor Facilities — 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.
    Lake Murray is a major attraction for locals and visitors. Boating, camping - the usual outdoors stuff - is available. South Carolina has excellent, well developed state parks and there are several around Columbia.
   Dreher Island State Park at Lake Murray has everything from campgrounds to fancy, lakeside villas (for rent, of course).
    Sesquicentennial State Park (I-20 exit 74) has an 87 acre campground (with pull-throughs), a moderately strenuous, 6+ mile bike trail, a good fishing lake (boats available) and many other recreational resources.

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 $7; participation in a simulated space mission is extra and 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 schools and groups throughout the region.
    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).

Airline Access  —  Columbia and central South Carolina is served by the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in Cayce which is just south of West Columbia, both across the river from Columbia.

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