From sailing to paddleboarding to the State’s only National Park, make waves in this must-see destination
You don’t have to travel far to discover, Capital City/Lake Murray Country conveniently located off Interstates I-77, I-20 and I-26 in the central part of the Palmetto State. From the emerald green waters of gorgeous Lake Murray to three flowing rivers running through the Metropolitan area, aquatic adventures await around every bend.
Explore all of Lake Murray’s 50,000 acres of sparkling waters by boat. Feel the need for speed? Or prefer to float the days away? Whether you select a speed or pontoon vessel, it won’t take long to uncover why Boating Magazine named Lake Murray as one of the “Top 10 Boating Destinations and Places to Live” in the country. Catch 360 views atop a paddleboard. Try Lake Murray Boat Club or California Republic Standup Paddleboard for lake equipment rentals. Are you a newbie? Cast your cares at the bottom of the lake because lessons are available, www.LakeMurrayBoatClub.com, www.Facebook.com/CalRepublic.
Sail the day away with Lanier Sailing Academy. This team of experts will have you up and gliding with comprehensive lessons. Lanier Sailing Academy pairs patrons with the perfect boat rental to fit their abilities. Soak in the day’s rays with friends and family, or enjoy a romantic evening sail for two. Single and ready to mingle or just in need of adventure? Join a Stranger Danger sail. Lake Lanier Sailing Academy will pair you with four other strangers for a 2.5-hour sail for an experience that’s guaranteed to make lasting memories. Enjoy pizza on board and B.Y.O.B. Call (803) 317-9070 for availability and an initial review of sailing skills, www.HappySails.club.
A day on the water is sure to work up an appetite. Refuel at delicious restaurants surrounding the lake, like Liberty at the Lake, Purple Martin Grille & Cellar, Timberlake Country Club or D.W. Fusco’s. Dive into upscale casual dining at Liberty at the Lake, with 48 beers on tap. Please the palate with entrees like shrimp and grits or a variety of Angus-certified burgers, www.LibertyTaproom.com. Purple Martin Grille & Cellar serves up options from land and sea, like their 12-ounce ribeye topped with a demi-glace or the Panko-fried shrimp, www.TimberlakeCountryClub.com. Trend and flavor beautifully unite at D.W. Fusco’s. With Detroit-style pizza slices topped with unique extras like pork belly and ranch or entrees like the sweet sausage ravioli, you will leave satisfied and recharged for the next aquatic escapade, www.DWFuscos.com.
Venture into downtown Columbia. The Capital City is the largest city in the Palmetto State and one of the only metropolitan areas in the country to have three converging rivers, the Saluda, Broad and Congaree, flowing through its veins. Get geared up before making a splash in the rapids. Palmetto Outdoors will suit up you and your crew with kayak, canoe or paddleboard rentals. Both shops offer a variety of guided tours. The experts help you navigate an exciting trip through the unique metropolitan waters where local secrets flow through the rippling currents. Prefer to ride instead of steer? Rent one of Palmetto Outdoors’ “Cadillacs of the river.” These deluxe tubes are the perfect way to sit back, relax and leave your worries on the banks behind. Another option? Ideal for people of all skill levels, see Bald Cypress trees, Tall Pine trees and Willow Oaks from a unique vantage point as guides from Palmetto Outdoors take paddlers through a three-hour tour of Congaree, the State’s only National Park, www.PalmettoOutdoors.com. While in town, find unique sporting goods to outfit any of your adventures at the iconic Mast General Store, Sportsman’s Warehouse or West Marine, www.MastGeneralStore.com, www.SportsmansWarehouse.com, www.WestMarine.com.
If you go
Lodging options are as plentiful as water-filled fun. Check into a cozy cabin at Dreher Island State Park–a three-island outdoor wonderland that spans 12 miles of Lake Murray’s shore, www.SouthCarolinaParks.com. Stay in style at Aloft Columbia Harbison, a hip new hotel steps away from the shops at Columbiana Centre. Check into Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbia Harbison. Conveniently located just 10 minutes from downtown, this extended-stay hotel provides a tranquil home base away from the hustle and bustle, while still granting easy access to the Capital City’s greatest attractions. For lodging, visit. www.LakeMurrayCountry.com.