the Heart of SC

Nestled just outside of our state’s capital city and centermost point, Calhoun County is perfect for stepping away from the hustle-and-bustle. Don’t be fooled-while you may not be bombarded by the steady hums and honks of packed urban cities, the abundance of outdoor activities in Calhoun will keep you busy in the water, on the trails of the Congaree National Park and among the fauna.

If you’re looking for a place to be in the middle of it all, the City of Columbia is where you want to be. Quite literally. Columbia is geographically located in the center of South Carolina and the heart of Central SC, which makes it the perfect destination for finding a little bit of everything. Enticing people of all ages and tastes with its wide range of outdoor trails and parks, museums and attractions, and worldly dining experiences, Columbia emanates a palpable vibe that’s hard to resist.

Clarendon County is home to popular bicycle producer Bicycle Corporation of America (BCA), a seemingly perfect fit for this outdoorsman’s paradise. Cyclists, wildlife explorers, and adventurers can get their fill trekking through pristine landscapes. For those looking to dip their toes into something a little more cooling, Clarendon is bordered along its southwestern edge by one of the largest lakes in the United States – Lake Marion.

Honored historic attractions and features speak to the rich and beloved past of this county located in the northern part of our Region. You can take a ride through history at the South Carolina Railroad Museum and tour ageless architecture in the Winnsboro Historic District. When it comes to “good eats,” residents get competitive with their bar-b-que in a battle for bragging rights.

Kershaw County possesses some unique claims to fame. Its small town of Boykin has produced some big things, like the Boykin Spaniel and an annual Christmas parade that attracts tens of thousands of people. The county’s historic city of Camden is the oldest inland city of South Carolina. Here, you can be immersed in its “classic Carolina” lifestyle while dining at one of the many delicious eateries, shopping at its charming boutiques, or taking in a horse race at the Carolina Cup on historic steeplechase grounds.

You’ll find southern living at its finest in Lexington County where the flavors and flare of the local lifestyle will help you create lasting memories. This suburban oasis has been expanding over the past few years with a burgeoning arts scene and breweries on tap to whet your whistle. Lexington’s allure sparkles along the shoreline of Lake Murray, the “Jewel of South Carolina,” where you can cruise the evening away.

This picturesque community emanates small-town charm and easy living, but the relaxed atmosphere is complimented by a spread of exciting sights and sounds. The county buzzes with entertainment and tourist destinations. The City of Newberry earns its nickname “The City of Friendly Folks” for good reason – the people here will welcome you with a level of hospitality that’s earned this community Travel Channel’s title of “Most Charming Small Towns in America”.

As the largest county by landmass in our Region, there’s much to do and much to see in Orangeburg County. In the spring to take in one of the Southeastern Tourism Society’s top 20 events – the Festival of Roses. During the summer and fall, paddle your way through an old cypress forest, camp under the stars and reel in a catfish at the Santee State Park. As cooler weather moves in for the winter months, light up your night with a walk through the Children’s Garden Christmas Walk, a long-running tradition.

Richland County is where people and experiences converge. The county hosts a natural respite among city life with three major rivers, walking and cycling trails, and greenspaces to gather. A melting pot of culture and community, Richland is home to numerous museums, markets and art displays, and is the epicenter for many cultural festivals. When you’re ready to wind down for the day, you can enjoy a sunset view from one of the many rooftop restaurants and bars dotting the city skyline.