Summer is the season that many most anticipate. Featuring the last day of school and a more-carefree approach to life, the warm weather has a liberating affect. And that is true in West Columbia.  

One of the most popular venues in the metro area is the Congaree River.

When it’s hot, the river offers an opportunity to cool off. Types of travel on the river include floating on an inflated tube and paddling a kayak. Regardless of your preference, the natural beauty of the river, in the middle of a city, is an attraction that never gets old.

And the river is cold due to the fact that the water flow of the Congaree comes from the bottom of Lake Murray, a depth of 170-feet, by way of the the lake’s dam.

Another West Columbia favorite in the summer is the Quail Hollow pool. The pool is part of the Quail Hollow Swim and Racquet Club, and it’s in the Quail Hollow subdivision.

“My family has been going to Quail Hollow pool for years,” said Kyle Cullum, owner of Threads Embroidery on 12 Street in West Columbia. “It’s a community pool. We love it. My children, Olivia and Brayden get to see their fiends at the pool, and cool off. My wife Duainette loves the pool because it’s a chance to get out of the house and enjoy the warm weather, and the sun.”

There is an Open House at the Quail Hollow Pool this weekend. On Saturday (May 19) it’s from 11 a.m. Until 9 p.m. The Open House on Sunday (May 20) is from 1 p.m. Until 9 p.m.

Cullum said he joined Quail Hollow Swim and Racquet Club because of the family-oriented activities at the site.

“Quail Hollow pool has a great Fourth of July crowd. There’s cook-outs, swimming, and fireworks.”

The pool is a stress-reliever, too.

The setting is beautiful and calming. It’s by the Saluda River,” said Cullum. “When I get off work some days, or on the weekend, the pool is a great place to relax and unwind. It’s why we love spending time there.”

In addition to being a venue for family events, Quail Hollow pool has a swim team and hosts five competitive swim meets in the months of June and July.

The Quail Hollow Pool Membership sign-up deadline is May 20. 

Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens

On days when you’d rather not take a dip there are options in West Columbia. There is an entrance to Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens just off of Mohawk Drive in West Columbia. The Riverbanks Botanical Garden is 70 acres of vivid color, unique plants and breathtaking beauty.

The Botanical Garden also includes Waterfall Junction. The water feature is for families and children West Columbia Riverof all ages to get outdoors and explore nature. It’s described as a three-acre wonderland in bloom with a rabbit hole, a life-size replica of a T-Rex, and giant tree houses. All under a 25-foot cascading waterfall.

EdVenture

EdVenture Children’s Museum is a great family fun venue and it’s so close to West Columbia, the building is visible from a Congaree River-based canoe.

EdVenture is a not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to creating new generations of lifelong learners through museum experiences and camps. Its mission is to inspire children, youth and the adults who care about them to experience the joy of learning as individuals, as families and as a community.

The South Carolina State Museum

The South Carolina State Museum is also a staple of the West Columbia Community. It’s housed in the gargantuan former Mount Vernon Mills building familiar to generations of West Columbia families that once worked there.

It offers stimulating exhibits and programs with the goal of providing an educational environment that entertains, inspires imagination and creativity. Also included on the museum grounds are a planetarium, an observatory and a 4D theater.

Nighttime

There are lots of places to dine in West Columbia. In the State Street area, there’s Terra and 116 State, Al’s Upstairs and Cafe Strudel. The city has some the most popular restaurants in the metropolitan area. You can also enjoy the Brookland Brunch, hosted on Sundays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the West Columbia Amphitheater.

If you want a nice ice cream cone, go to Zesto in Triangle City, home of the giant ice cream cone. There’s also Pelican Snowballs, on Meeting Street. It recently opened for the season.

Regardless of your preference, in summer get out, because there is lots to do in West Columbia.