Michael Mayo with Palmetto Outdoor

River tubing and Riverbanks Zoo Botanical Gardens are the main summer attractions in West Columbia

Summertime recreation is drawing droves of water lovers to West Columbia this summer, to enjoy a tubing trip down the Congaree River. “We had another record number of tubers in June, and July, so far, is the best ever,”  said Michael Mayo, owner of Palmetto Outdoor.  The Palmetto Outdoor guided tubing trip season began, on […]

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Economic numbers and city planners point to strong accommodations, hospitality and business growth in West Columbia

The City of West Columbia has made a lot of progress in the last five years. That was the assessment of Sharon McCormick of Redevelopment Management Associates. She was referring to West Columbia’s Citywide Redevelopment and Revitalization Plan that was initiated in 2018.  McCormick spoke at the West Columbia City Council meeting, Tuesday, May 7, […]

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WECO “Love Local” Business Spotlight – Tube the Congaree River, Kinetic Derby Day, Art on State and Rhythm on the River as West Columbia spring approaches

The City of West Columbia has partnered with WestMetroNews and the Greater CWC Chamber of Commerce to highlight areas of the community that promote business and visitor/tourism opportunities. River tubing is the top attraction in West Columbia in the warm weather months. Michael Mayo is the owner of Palmetto Outdoor and he directed an enormous […]

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Record number of river tubers came to West Columbia in July and August

A record number of river tubers came to West Columbia for two months this summer. “We broke a record for tubing trips on the river this summer,” said Michael Mayo, owner of Palmetto Outdoor. “We had the best numbers for July ever and we also broke the record for the number of tubers in August.” […]

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City of West Columbia’s investment in tourism is yielding a return for local businesses

What is the most popular activity in West Columbia in the warm-weather months? Up-to 1,000 tubers in a weekend have floated down the river, ending up at West Columbia’s Riverwalk Park.  “On an average weekend, we’ll put 300-plus in the river on Saturday and another 300-plus in the river on a Sunday,” said Michael Mayo, owner […]

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July 4th celebrations for West Columbia residents include fireworks, food, music, a boat parade, baseball and the Peach Festival

The Fourth of July is almost upon us. The tradition of the Independence Day celebration can be traced back to 1776 and the American Revolution. There are also West Columbia businesses that are hopping during the July 4th holiday period and West Columbia is close to a lot of other July 4th celebration opportunities. But make sure […]

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Memorial Day is West Columbia’s kick-off to ecotourism season on the Congaree River, with many other attractions to enjoy 

Memorial Day is a day to honor those who have given their lives to protect our country. This year, Memorial Day is Monday, May 28.   Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of summer and the official opening of the constantly growing eco-tourism industry in West Columbia. “The Congaree River has become an irresistible and traditional magnet for tubers and […]

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Tubing, Kinetic Derby Day giant slide, and a shower area at Riverwalk highlight West Columbia spring

Are you ready to get outside and enjoy the spring? If so, West Columbia is the place to be.  Palmetto Outdoor tubing trips down the Congaree River begin in mid-April. Kinetic Derby Day, with a giant slide, is April 22. And a new shower and restroom at Riverwalk Park is scheduled to be open before May. Those […]

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