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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).
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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.
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.
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