Set sights on an adventure to remember with a trip to Capital City/Lake Murray Country, South Carolina. This beautiful region is conveniently located off Interstates I-77, I-26 and I-20 in the central part of the Palmetto state. From boat rentals and paddleboard excursions, to zip lining at a nationally recognized zoo to big city entertainment and dining in the heart of downtown Columbia, embark on a memory-making voyage that kids of all ages and grown-ups, too, will want to re-visit again and again.
First, check out Lake Murray Vacation Rentals for sprawling houses or the perfect quaint bungalow for your family’s stay. Or, check into a cozy cabin on Dreher Island State park–a three-island outdoor wonderland that spans 12 miles of Lake Murray’s shore.
Once you’ve unloaded the bags at your waterfront escape, head down to Lake Murray Boat Club, Better Boating or California Republic Standup Paddleboard for lake equipment rentals. For fishing, Taylor Outdoors provides full-service guides. Check out Lanier Sailing Academy for boat rentals and classes for everyone, from novices to experts. Whether your crew feels the need for speed or desires to float the days away on a big pontoon, guests will soon discover why Boating Magazine named Lake Murray one of the “Top 10 Boating Destinations and Places to Live” in the country. Spend the day exploring the 50,000 acres of sparkling waters that make up “The Jewel of South Carolina.”
After a long day on the gorgeous lake, refuel with a lakefront dinner. Tie up the boat or park the car at Liberty on the Lake or Rusty Anchor. Liberty on the Lake offers upscale casual dining with 48 beers on tap. The kids can dive into the children’s menu, while the adults can sink their teeth into tasty entrees like the decadent shrimp n’ grits, tangy baby back ribs and a variety of Angus-certified burgers. Rusty Anchor serves up fresh seafood. Adjacent to the restaurant, relax at the Quarterdeck, which offers live entertainment, a cool drink and a light bite menu for afternoon boaters. Both restaurants offer spectacular sunset views to cap off the evening. Inland, The Social Grill and Carolina Wings & Rib House satisfy with mouth-watering eats.
Head for dry land and drive into neighboring downtown Columbia. The Capital City is the largest city in South Carolina and is one of the only major metropolitan areas in the country to have three rivers flowing through the city. Rent bikes at Columbia’s Riverfront Park and zoom through its 167 acres of spectacular riverfront scenery. Take the adventure to water and rent canoes from River Runner Outdoor Center or Palmetto Outdoor Center. Park the car on Main Street and shop at the Mast General Store. From outdoor gear to toys, books and classic candies, everyone will find a treasure to take home.
For lunch, picnic on the grounds of the stunning South Carolina State House. White columns, marble and a grand staircase make for an ideal backdrop for a day on the town. Another option? Experience the city one bite at a time with Columbia Food Tours. Learn about the city, its history and culture, all while visiting five to seven locally owned restaurants, each serving fresh cuisine.
If brunch is calling the family’s name look no further than Diprato’s Delicatessen. This Columbia spot has earned the title “Best Brunch in Town” three years in a row. Try the eggs benedict or the banana pecan pancakes or switch things up with a breakfast panini. For the adults, DiPrato’s offers a drink menu that leaves nothing to be desired. Sip on a sweet pineapple lime mimosa or a tangy Bloody Mary to complement your scrumptious order.
Continue the adventure at EdVenture. This award-winning children’s museum immerses the kids in fun educational exhibits. The Wags and Whiskers area allows your child to become a veterinarian by caring for a cuddly plush animal. Maker Works is a tinkerer’s paradise–chock full of materials and fueled by brainpower. World of Work is where work is fun. The kids will love getting behind the wheel of a fire truck, stocking the shelves at the grocery store or chugging along on a tractor.
Explore the South Carolina State Museum. Discover the natural history exhibit with its shark and dinosaur displays. Peruse fine art, learn the principles of space flight or get up close to a Civil War submarine. While you’re there, step inside the 4-D interactive theatre. Watch a 3-D film with fourth dimensional effects–vibrating seats, bursts of air and blasts of water. If you go in the evening, the planetarium is a must. This 145-seat dome theater provides a completely immersive environment that surrounds viewers with multi-media images and sound. Enjoy educational and entertaining programs that showcase earth and astronomy, as well as history and art.
For more fun around Columbia, head to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Take a trip around the world without ever leaving the grounds. Explore Australia’s kangaroos, the Arctic’s penguins and Africa’s elephants and gorillas. You can also take the global tour by sky, zip lining above the 170 acres of beautiful land.
In nearby Irmo, stop by Saluda Shoals Park. This premier outdoor space features paved and unpaved trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Explore the waters of the gorgeous Saluda by canoe or kayak or have the kids hit up the playground.
Indulge the senses in Capital City/Lake Murray Country’s newest culinary hot spot–downtown Lexington. This quaint area of town is quickly turning into a dining mecca, with new restaurants lining its historic streets. Step into Alodia’s Cucina Italiana and step back in time to Old Italy, with a menu featuring the owner’s handed-down family cookbook, where homemade sauces and Abruzzo Pastas set the tone. Bohdi Thai Dining offers exotic world-class cuisines that are authentic, fresh and presented in a “Modern Thai” style. Enjoy classics like Shrimp Pad Thai or try something innovative like the Basil-crusted Pork-chop over carrot puree, pepper jam and Panang curry. Grab a table at Café Strudel for a fun and flavorful dining experience. Famous for their breakfast dish, Hangover Hashbrowns, this local favorite is also open for lunch and dinner with entrees like a Stuffed Burger and Duck Grilled Cheese. Get a delicious and healthy bite at Poke Bros. This Hawaiian fare is like sushi in a bowl, where cubed raw fish is served over rice and topped with a variety of crisp and tasty ingredients. After indulging in scrumptious bites, take an AR Workshop where you can create on-trend home decor from raw materials–wood signs, canvas pillows, wood framed signs, bottle openers and more, a Lake Murray souvenir art piece.
After days exploring the big city lights, retreat to your waterfront rental home and watch the moonlight bounce off the still waters of Lake Murray. Between fun in the sun and water, world-class family attractions and award-winning eats, Capital City/Lake Murray Country is the perfect recipe for a Spring Break vacation that will quickly become a family tradition.