The weather is becoming consistently warm now and that means it’s time to take to the river. The Congaree River is one of the most attractive spots in West Columbia. You can float over calm, flat water that’s as smooth as glass, before shooting through the refreshing whitewater rapids, all on an inner tube.

Michael Mayo is the owner of Palmetto Outdoor. Palmetto Outdoor conducts thousands of tubing trips on the Congaree River over the summer. Mayo has been recognized for his ability to build eco-tourism and attract large numbers to West Columbia. The trips he conducts consist of long floats down the river that end at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater.

The river trips offer the possibility to see a bald eagle as the majestic bird patrols the river in search of a meal. Another treat from the river are the blooming Rocky Shoals Spider lilies. It’s a rare and protected flower that blooms in April and May on the river.

When can I start tubing the Congaree?
The Palmetto Outdoor standard tubing trip (Weekends Only) from Riverbanks Zoo to the Gervais Street Bridge, started May 3 and 4. Palmetto Outdoor will be open for tubing trips this Saturday and Sunday.  
Mayo said tubing operations will go seven days a week beginning on Memorial Day and continuing until Labor Day. Right now Palmetto Outdoor is open for the weekends for tubing trips when the weather cooperates.

A new tubing adventure has been added

There is also something new on the river this year. Starting May 31, Palmetto Outdoor wiil be offering Congaree to Cayce tubing trips on the weekends only (Saturday and Sunday) throughout the summer. Tubers under the age of 10 are eligible to take the tubing trips to Cayce. There is a possibility more dates will be added for the floats from West Columbia to Cayce.

For more information, check out Palmetto Outdoor Center at https://palmettooutdoor.com

After you come off the river, you may want to grab a bite to eat. Several West Columbia restaurants have outside dining. And with the warmer weather more people are getting outside to enjoy their meal.
“Our outside tables are full most days,” said Billy Rentz, owner of D’s Wings at 415 Meeting Street in West Columbia. “With the outdoor tables, our ability to serve more people increases.” 

Other restaurants in West Columbia with outside dining include: Savage Craft Ale Works; WECO Bottle and Biergarten; Cafe Strudel, Another Broken Egg, Terra, and The Hideout in WECO.

The warm weather is upon us. The sunlight feels good and the air is fresh. Spring is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. And it’s a good time to get out and enjoy everything West Columbia has to offer.  

List of West Columbia restaurants:

• Grecian Gardens Restaurant – 2312 Sunset Blvd – 803-794-7552
• Cafe Strudel – 300 State St. – 803 – 926-5255
• Savage Craft Ale Works – 430 Center St. – (803) 888-6005
• WECO Bottle and Biergarten – (803) 851-1279
• The Hideout in WECO – State Street
• La Cienega Mexican Grill & Seafood – (803) 888-7471
• Breads and Such – 1220 C Ave. – (803) 851- 0566
• Hite’s BBQ – 240 Dreher Rd. – (803) 794-4120
• Jimmy’s Mini Mart/Citgo – 812 Meeting St. – (803) 794-0090
• Maurice’s Piggie Park – 1600 Charleston Highway – 803-796-0220J
• Nick’s House of Pizza Restaurant- 1082 A Sunset Blvd – 803-794-9240
• DeLuccas 1720 Sunset Blvd. – 803- 926-5255
• Breakfast at Ruiz – 116 State Street – (803) 550-9681
• Ariana’s Greek Restaurant – 1720 Sunset Blvd. – (803) 796-4430
• Lizard’s Thicket – 2234 Sunset Blvd. 803 – 794-0923
• True BBQ – 1237 D Ave – (803) 791-9950
• Chick-fil-A -2299 Augusta Rd. – (803) 939-1600
• Rush’s 2332 Sunset Blvd. – (803) 796-5034
• Another Broken Egg – 101 State St. – (803) 829-0223