Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden

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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Riverbanks Zoo’s new Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center attracts 100,000 visitors in less than a month, according to C-WC Chamber Breakfast speaker, Monique Jacobs

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has an annual  economic impact of almost $150 million on the local economy. The zoo employs 1,840. That was some of the information imparted by Monique Jacobs VP of Advancement for Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. She was the speaker Tuesday at the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, held at […]

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Check out the “Lights Before Christmas” at Riverbanks Zoo

Soak in the sights and sounds of the season at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden during Lights Before Christmas presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Timed tickets are required for the Zoo’s annual holiday lights spectacular — now underway on select evenings through December 30. Merriment comes alive from 5 pm – 9 pm each […]

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Fall colors on full display as leaves begin to change

Fall colors abound under a blue west Columbia sky. These photos were taken on Botanical Parkway and in the Saluda River Drive area.

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Summer ends soon, but you can still enjoy West Columbia

The first week of August is behind us, but you still have time to enjoy one last blast of summer fun. “We’re putting people in the water seven days a week, and we will be until Labor Day,” said Michael Mayo. He owns Palmetto Outdoor, the outfitter that conducts tubing trips on the Congaree River, […]

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Summer camps offer kids a chance to enjoy the summer in West Columbia

School is out and for many in West Columbia, that means summer camp is on. From school-related camps to the zoo and the  Lexington County Recreation Commission, camps are open.  East Point Academy is offering several camps from June until the end of July. East Point Academy’s Middle Campus is on Chris Drive and its Elementary […]

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Summer weather means fun on the water in West Columbia

With summertime temperatures, opportunities to play in the water in West Columbia are abundant. Palmetto Outdoor has become the epicenter for recreation on the Congaree River. The eco-tourism business provides cool, stress-relieving tubing trips down the refreshing river, ending at the West Columbia Riverwalk. “I’m very proud to offer an experience on the river to […]

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Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Day declared by Governor, Senate and House

State Sen. Nikki Setzler, Gov. Henry McMaster along with members of the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives, Wednesday, commemorated Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s 48-year history with a senate resolution declaring May 4 Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Day in South Carolina. The Resolution congratulated the founders and staff of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, the […]

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