My Weekend with the Dead!!

Luckily I was able to get a weekend off at work. So it gave John and I a chance to get away before the summer starts.

I made a return trip to the amazing Columbia Museum of Art and the incredible Excavating Egypt . This unbelievable exhibit delved back thousand of years of the time of Egyptian royalty and a look at the artifacts of everyday people. The museum is one of the largest in the Southeast and some of the artists you will find include Tiffany, Remington, Talous Lautrec, and my favorite …Monet. Up soon? A Chihuly exhibit this fall. Yeah!


That night we took our second walk with the dead. This time we joined our tour guide, Ryan, and several others as we listed to tales of the undead from Ghost of Legends of Columbia . We had some spine tingling tales from the beautiful State Capital, USC Colombia, and even a walk through a haunted cemetery!

It wasn’t all fun with the dead though. On the way home we stopped to enjoy the very alive and adorable creatures and amazing gardens at Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens . The place is the perfect place for everyone in the whole family.

The downtown location of Marriott was the perfect place to getaway for the night. It had us just mere minutes from the nearby capital building where we took our tour. Judging by the numbers of parties we seen that night, it is also a great place for that as well. We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at their Capital Bar.

We enjoyed a couple of good ‘ole dogs at Sandy’s famous hot dogs. After a day of walking all over the zoo, we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Copper River Grill . Our meal at the Club House was the down part of our whole trip.

For even more things to do in Columbia, I do have 2 other journals on this beautiful capital city. While here you may want to take a tour of the Capital Building and its spectacular grounds. You can get an amazing view of the city from Finlay Park. For a look at some of the cities beautiful homes, take time to tour the incredible Hampton-Preston Mansion, The Robert Mills House, and the Mann Simmons Cottage.

Quick Tips:

Where do I always start? Just head over to the cvb’s website at www.columbiacvb.com. You can order one of their handy guides or just look around on the website which is chocked full of information on the city.

Think outside the box! When I told friends we were off to the city for the weekend, everyone wanted to know why! This is a great place for a weekend escape. Great food, lots of adventures, the arts, and a city steeped in history. There are enough things to do here for a couple of weekends away.

This is a military town and a college town. So if your in town to see your baby, chances are so are others. So make sure you plan well in advanced.

In fact it is a good idea in general to plan well in advanced if you’re in town during the summer, for a concert, and major events.

This city is a great place for reunions, conventions, and other groups. You will find plenty of places for your group and plenty of things for everyone in your party.

With all the beauty around, this is an amazing place for the backdrop for your most formal pictures. The zoo, hotel lobbies, the State Capital building, the Governor’s mansions, the historical houses, the Columbia Museum of Art, is just a smattering of the places for formal pictures. In fact while we were out and about over the weekend we saw plenty of bride and grooms and prom couples all in the finery posing for photos.

One thing I can’t suggest is the Red Roof Inn West located off of St. Andrews Blvd. John and I have stayed in Red Roof Inns and have never had any problems with them. Until now. We got tired of waiting for someone to check us in and when what appeared to be a gang came in and started grabbing things we decided it was time to go. The area was unsafe looking during the day, we couldn’t imagine starting there at night.

Best Way To Get Around:

Columbia is served by Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). They have 6 airlines offering hundreds of flights daily. They are located six miles from the downtown area. You can catch a taxi here or rent a car. Their website is www.columbiaairport.com.

If you are staying in the downtown area then you can probably get by without a car. The streets of this town are easy to maneuver by foot and most attractions are located within the downtown area.

If you want to go further out such as to the zoo, then you will need a car.

CMRTA does operate a trolley service is the downtown area. For more information you can visit them at www.gocmrta.com.

Parking can be a nightmare in the downtown area. Even on this Saturday we had a hard time finding a parking space. On the main streets you will find parking meters and parking is enforcing except on Sunday. There are several public parking complexes on side streets.

Always check with events to see about parking. Some have their own private parking while others do not. Parking prices vary through the city and by events.

I love going to ghost tours and when I am visiting I always look to see if there is a ghost tour in town. I was surprised to find out that Columbia had a tour. Of course when you have a city so full of history, it makes since.

John and I arrived at the State Capitol Building about 7:50. I was really wondering if anyone else would be there. After all, this city isn’t quite as well known for its haunts as say…oh Charleston. We weren’t quite sure where we were to meet, but after about 5 minutes of roaming a couple came over and asked us if we were there for the tour. We conformed we were and they told us that the tour guide would be back in about 5 minutes and we we’re meeting on the steps. So we walked around and obliged a couple of prom kids who were out taking photos. And before long our guide shows up.

Ryan gathers up our group that includes the couple that came over and spoke with us as well as another couple, a family on their way on their new life to Jacksonville Fl., and several college students. We started off our tour on the Sherman Star side of the state capital. We made our way across the grounds hearing several stories along the way. Then we make our way to the cemetery of the beautiful Trinity Episcopal Church. We stop at several gravesites and hear about stories of the souls who still roam the grounds including two little girls who were taken away much too early. From there we move over to the campus of USC-Columbia, where Ryan is a student. We stop in front of the library near where the founder is buried and where his sprit still watches over the library that he loved so dearly. We go up past several buildings, past a party where the other spirits are flowing, and to a building that used to be used to care for wounded soldiers during the nasty Civil War, and where students still see nurses roaming the floors. We pass the Town Theater where we stop and here about a ghost who still likes to take center stage. Then we wind back up on the manicured grounds of the state capital. We hear more about ghosts still on the ground including the Wade Hampton statue and the wall dedicated to African Americans. It is said if you rub the image of Harriet Tubman, you will have good luck. And lastly as we look up at the dome of the capital which is beautifully lit up at night, we hear about a young boy who died while the dome was being built and who has been see by lots of witnesses.

One thing I found out about people who show for ghost tours is that they also seem to be fans of the it Sci-Fi channel TV show, Ghost Hunters . When one of our fellow tour buddies was wearing a TAPS T-Shirt, I mentioned how much I loved the show. Soon we were in a discussion on our favorite episodes. It turns out the family on their way to Jacksonville was stopping in Savannah the next day for a few days and had plans to go to the same places Jason and Grant went to.

The tour lasts about 90 minutes and is about a mile in total. If you do happen to be in a wheelchair or have some one who is, you should know the sidewalks are smooth and flat so it shouldn’t be a problem for most folks. I do suggest a good pair of walking shoes. Oh yes, and do bring your camera and see if anything shows up in your photos.

Hours/prices/info

The tours go Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm and you meet around the steps of the capital building.

Admission: $18 (a) $14 (c 8-14). Under 8 free.

You can pre order tickets but make sure you bring your receipt. They do also accept cash; just make sure you have the correct amount. During busy season I would suggest advanced reservations. Tips are greatly appreciated.

Website: www.americabyfoot.com. This company does run a number of tours in some wonderful and amazing historical cities. They also have tours in Charleston, Savannah, Ashville NC, Key West FL, Gatlinburg TN, Nashville TN, and San Antonio TX. If your travels take you to any of these cities, make sure you check out one of these other fascinating tours.

The tour starts and ends near Gervasi Street. This is the downtown area where you will find plenty of dining and entertainment options. Go to www.visitontheriver.com to check out the nearby dining options for energy before or afer your tour.

Ryan was a terrific guide and we had great tour companions. The tour was a fun and fascinating look at this lovely and historic city. For a fun night walking with the dead, check out what sprits still roam this hauntingly beautiful city.

Now if it isn’t enough for Columbia to have one of the best zoos around, they also have one of the most magnificent gardens around as well. While for some unknown reason it was over looked in the book 1001 Gardens to see before You Die , you shouldn’t make the same mistake.

In 1995 the gardens became a new additional to the zoo. The gardens sit on 70 acres and contain 4300 species of plants. The gardens include a visitor’s center, formal gardens, swings, antique rose gardens, and a ½ mile nature trail. There are plenty of places to sit and admire the splendor surrounding you and there is a nice shady area with rocking chairs perfect for people like my husband who doesn’t have the same enthusiasm for flowers as I do.

Visitors arrive to the 10,000 square foot visitor’s center which is surrounded by magnificent gardens, statues, and fountains.

Inside the visitors center you will find a well stocked gift shop full of souvenirs as well as gardens supplies. They do have snacks and drinks here as well as restrooms. There are also class rooms for classes and groups.
When you walk out from the garden onto the patio you will simply gasp as you see the exquisiteness displayed before you in he formal walled gardens. Here you will find lovely flowers, swings, sculptures, and coved trellises. On past the walled gardens you will find the heavenly antique rose gardens. Between the shade gardens and the play garden take a walk across the bridge that is surrounded by trees to the waterfall and bog gardens. Visitors will delight in the soothing sounds of the waterfall.

Access to the gardens is across the bridge that goes over the Saluda River. From here visitors can go onto the gardens or take the half mile nature trail that winds its way along the river banks to the back of the gardens. Here you will run into the Saluda River ruins and interpretative center. Please note these trails are not handicapped or stroller accessible.

Visitors will be surprised to find out this relativity young zoo has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. The reasons can be seen in and around the Saluda River. As you cross the bridge you will be able to spot the remains of covered bridge abutments. In February 1865 confederate forces burned the bridges to keep Sherman and his invading Yankees out of Columbia. If you take the nature trail around the gardens you can see what remains of the Saluda River Factory. Built in 1830 it was the oldest and largest textile factory in the south. At one time it took 64 slaves to operate the factory. Sherman torched the place in 1865 and it was rebuilt after the war. But then in 1884 it accidentally caught on fire and was never rebuilt.

The gardens do have number of events and classes throughout the year. They do have rental facilities and is a very popular place for Columbia brides to say their I do’s. The gardens are on Horticulture Magazines top 10 and HGTV’S top 20 public gardens.

Hours/admission/info

Hours: The zoo and gardens are open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are open 9 am to 5 pm except summer weekends when they are open until 6.

Admission: Current admission prices are $9.75 (a) $ 8.50 (military) $8.25 (s) $ 7.25 (c 3-12). Children under 3 free. Admission is for both the zoo and gardens.

Parking: There is plenty of parking and it is free.

Getting to the gardens: You can either walk along the path to the gardens (which are uphill and killer on those with breathing problems) or take the free trams that picks up near the flamingos.

Website: www.riverbanks.org.

This is a truly special and stunning place for visitors to the zoo. The gardens are truly inspiring. Whether you capture this place with your mind or camera, this stunning place will capture your heart.

No matter if your in town for business or pleasure, or if you come as a couple, with friends, or as a family, everyone in your group will delight in this wonderful and amazing zoo and botanical gardens.

Since 1974 the Riverbanks zoo has been delighting visitors and locals alike. Almost a million people come by to see the 2,000 creatures that call this amazing 170 acre place home. Like most other major zoos, Riverbanks has most of their charges in a natural setting with barriers instead of cages. Critters such as birds and other animals are kept in changes, but they have large spacious changes to roam around in.

Visitors to the zoo can enjoy the Ndoki Forest where they can enjoy the grand elephants, gorillas, and meerkats. There is a massive aquarium and reptile complex which is an undersea adventure everyone will enjoy. Giraffes, zebras, and ostriches lazily hangout in the African Plains. Over at the Conservation Outpost monkeys, cats, and tree kangaroos can be spotted. Check out a variety of birds at the birdhouse including the beautiful flamingos. Lemur Island is where visitors can find several varieties of lemurs. One of my favorite is the Koala Knockabout where guest can "oooh" and "aahh" the ever so adorable kangaroos and wallabies. Or for a close up experience step inside the lorikeet home where your cup of nectar is sure to bring you plenty of friends. And for small ones (or those like me who will pet anything that will allow me to) come on over to the Riverbanks Farms where there are plenty of llamas, goats, and cows to give noggin scratches to and food.

They do also offer several live demonstrations through out the day. Twice daily employees offer a sea lion presentation and penguin feeding. Around lunch time visitors to the aquarium can check out the dive presentation. There is a bird show and learn all about gorillas by going inside the gorilla base camp to find out all about these magnificent giants. And from 10-3 you can go over to the giraffe over look and if they are hungry, they will be more than glad to take your kibbles that you can purchase. There is also a behind the scenes tours and even a 3D adventure theater. Little ones will get a big kick out of the endangered species carousel.

Now the zoo does have several extensive gift shops with some rather unique items. While we were here I picked up some elephant poo paper. Yes that is right, paper made from elephant poop. No it doesn’t smell and isn’t nasty. In fact if I didn’t know better I would think it was handmade paper. Make sure you have two quarters and a penny for my favorite souvenir, the squashed penny. When you purchase your ticket I would suggest going ahead and buying the zoo bucks since that is what you need to buy nectar and giraffe food. If you don’t use them all feeding critters, then you can spend them in the gift shops as well. They do have a first aid station as well as an ATM. There are plenty of places to eat and even a Starbucks in case you need your daily fix. The Kenya Café is a very nice restaurant with outdoor seating that over looks the alligator’s home. Several of the other restaurants offer outdoor seating. The zoo is handicapped accessible. They also have picnic tables to use.

In addition to all this, they zoo is a great place to bring you group and they do offer rental facilities for your party and what a unique place to hold a meeting or have a wedding. The botanical gardens are certainly a splendid place to host a wedding. The zoo does have 70 acre scrumptious botanical gardens. But the gardens are so gorgeous they deserve their own entry. They do hold a number of events throughout the year including the very popular Boo at the Zoo and Lights before Christmas.

The park is part of the AZA (Association of zoos and aquariums). They also participate in a number of conservations programs and are the recipients of many rewards for their efforts. If you have read my prior journals, then you know I do not under any set of circumstances visit any place that does not take care of their charges. I have lived near the zoo most of my life and this place has always had an outstanding reputation as a top quality zoo that takes care of the animals in their charge. So animal lovers may take assurance that the zoo is a great place to visit.

Hours/admission/info
Hours: The zoo is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are open 9 am to 5 pm except summer weekend when they are open until 6.

Admission: Current admission prices are $9.75 (a) $ 8.50 (military) $8.25 (s) $ 7.25 (c 3-12). Children under 3 free. Admission is for both the zoo and gardens.
Parking: There is plenty of parking and it is free.

Website: www.riverbanks.org.

For one of the best uses of your time in Columbia come to the Riverbanks zoo and gardens. Plan plenty of time here. You’re guaranteed to walk away from this place with a smile on your face!

I love a good museum and could spend hours in one. John on the other hand isn’t a huge fan of museums so it is often like trying to drag a kid into one unless there are guns and weapons involved. But when mummies came into the picture, I was able to get John to agree to go away for the weekend.

I have always loved history, even as a child. When we lived in England we went into London on several occasions and I was always fascinated by the mummy exhibit. Ancient Egypt has always longed fascinated me and I was very anxious to spend a weekend away with my husband and see this fascinating exhibit.

The exhibit contains over 200 rare objects from the collection of archeologist William Matthew Flinders Petrie (1853-1942). The exhibit started in February 07 at the Mt. Holyoke Museum and continues until June 2009 with the last recipients being the nice folks at the University of Kentucky Art Museum in Lexington Ky.

The exhibit contains over 200 objects and includes some rare and unique items. Here you will find the worlds oldest garment, a rare beaded dress from 2400 BC, part of the first history book (also from the same time period), some of the earliest examples of Egyptian metal and glass work, the oldest blueprint written on papyrus, as well as the first royal monument from the reign of the legendary Scorpion King from 3100 BC (note though, unfortunately nothing with Dwayne Johnson in a skimpy costume like the movie of the same name).

Here you will find items from royalty to ordinary people. There are items from everyday to items reserved to ceremonies from the elite. Here you can marvel at jewelry, cosmetics, games, weights, weapons, canopic jars, and funery objects. Of course you will find magnificent gold items such as jewelry and masks. There is papyrus text from the Book of the Dead. You will find coffins with colors as bright as the day the unfortunate soul was placed in them. There is royal art from Akhenaten and Nefertitri. Be wowed by the bust of Caesarion, who was the son of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. Enjoy a rare depiction of Khufu, who was the pharaoh and builder of the great pyramids. This delightful collection is a must see for anyone who loves ancient Egypt.

Columbia Museum of Art

The lucky folks in Columbia have a great many things to be proud of, including their world class art museum. The museum has an amazing collection that includes the beautiful and timeless works from Tiffany, old masters and new legends, sculptures, and here you will find Seine at Giverny by my favorite artists….Monet. If you read my Columbia….More than a Historical City journal you can read all about this amazing museum.

The museum its self is outstanding and certainly shouldn’t be missed to anyone who is in town. If you are visiting check to see what will be at the museum while you’re in town. This museum also has some amazing traveling exhibits. Last year I was lucky enough to see a collection of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. And there are some amazing exhibits soon to come. From September to November make sure to come by and see the intricate and beautiful work from the glass master, Dale Chihuly. Then from March to June 2009 come by and checkout Turner to Cezanne which is making it US debut. It includes 53 masterpieces from Turner, Cezanne, Whistler, and yeah for me…Monet!

Hours/admission/info

Hours: Wed/Thu/Sat 10 am to 5 pm….Fri 10 am to 9 pm…..Sun 1-5 pm. Closed Mon and Tue and holidays.

Admission: $5 (a)…$4 (s)…$2 (c). Some exhibits may carry an additional fee. Saturday is free day!

Website: www.columbiamuseum.org.

Should you be lucky enough to have this amazing exhibit coming to your town, make sure you get by to see it. It is truly remarkable to see such things of beauty that have survived for thousands of years and which still have a hold of our imagination as much as they did all those years ago.

And should you happen to find yourself in Columbia, you should really take the time to make sure to see this amazing museum. Or just do like John and I did, and come here to see the museum.