Columbia, SC Visitors Blog

Columbia's Branding Effort

2008-05-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is developing a marketing campaign to attract more conventions and visitors to Columbia. A slogan is only a portion of what this campaign will include. The campaign is a comprehensive marketing process that begins with branding and will be carried through with advertising and direct marketing. The campaign will be designed to strategically target the meeting planners, sports event planners and leisure travelers determined by the Authority to be candidates for the many amenities and products Columbia's tourism community has to offer.

Our efforts are being funded by accommodations taxes generated and paid for by visitors who have come to our city. Accommodations taxes are collected for the purpose of funding tourism, which generates $1 billion in economic impact for the Columbia region each year. The travel and tourism industry saves the average local taxpaying family an estimated $690 a year in taxes. Our goal in conducting this new campaign is to increase this economic impact to our region.

We value your opinions and welcome your comments and feedback as we move through this process. Please fill out our online comment form if you wish to share your thoughts with us, or you may email comments to webmaster@columbiaauthority.com with "Branding" in the subject line.

Thank you for your continued interest in this endeavor. You may visit our website at www.columbiacvb.com for more information.

Click here for a printable fact sheet.

Click here for more information.

Columbia Regional Visitors Center Celebrates 25th Annual National Tourism Week With Week Long Events

2008-04-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Printable Version

CONTACT:
Nicole D. Smith
Media Relations Director
803.545.0011
nsmith@columbiaauthority.com

Columbia Regional Visitors Center Celebrates 25th Annual National Tourism Week With Week Long Events
Silver anniversary theme encourages travelers to "Discover Great American Traditions"

Columbia, SC - (April 14, 2008) The Columbia Regional Visitors Center (CRVC) joins hundreds of cities, states and travel-related businesses nationwide in recognition of the 25th annual National Tourism Week, to be held May 10-18. Designated by Congress and established by presidential proclamation in 1983, the event celebrates the value and scope of the nation's $740 billion travel and tourism industry, and the economic and social contributions it brings to Columbia, SC.

In celebrating the industry and its impact on the community, the CRVC has scheduled many events for National Tourism Week. The schedule is as follows:

Monday:
Grits Competition & "The Chicken Man" artist, Ernest Lee painting his "funky chickens" and other artwork at the visitors center located at 1101 Lincoln Street.

Tuesday:
Ghosts & Legends will sponsor a historic downtown walking tour. Beginning at the State House, the tour will begin at 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday:
Cab Driver Appreciation, the CRVC is asking cab drivers working between the hours of 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. to stop by the visitors center for a boxed lunch

Thursday:
Family Day at Fort Jackson. The CRVC welcomes visitors from all over the country to Columbia by providing them with brochures on places to see and do.

Friday:
Columbia Carriage Works will be providing carriage tours of the Vista for $10 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Carriage will be located at the visitors center.

This year's theme, "Discover Great American Traditions," encourages travel to American locales and highlights the role that tourism plays in discovering the icons of a destination.

Ric Luber, president/CEO of the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism states, "Hotels and meeting facilities, attractions, restaurants and transportation providers are among the local businesses greatly impacted by travel to Columbia, SC. More than 10% of employment is generated by travel and tourism; it generates $16.7 billion a year in total economic demand for our state and touches our community in countless other ways. This week in Columbia we will celebrate the people who visit here, the workforce that provides service for them and the development created as a result."

Nationwide, the U.S. travel industry directly employees 7.5 million people, generates payroll of $178 billion and tax revenues of about $110 billion. TIA ranks travel fifth among 20 major private industry sectors. Visitors to the U.S. spent more here than U.S. residents traveling abroad, creating a positive balance of trade of $8.3 billion for the national economy. Travel expenditures within the United States total $740 billion.

National Tourism Week is sponsored annually by the Travel Industry Association, a Washington, D.C.-based trade association that represents the common interests and concerns of travel in America.

RSVP on Facebook!

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SC Summit on Women to be held in Columbia on April 16, 2008

2008-03-31T13:30:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Nicole D. Smith
Media Relations Director
803.545.0011
nsmith@columbiaauthority.com

SC Summit on Women To Be Held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Columbia, SC – (March 31, 2008) The SC Summit on Women, sponsored by The South Carolina Commission on Women and The Alliance for Women at Columbia College, will be held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (CMCC) Wednesday, April 16. Admission costs for this event is $25 for students, $35 for nonprofits, and $45 for individuals. More than 500 people are expected to attend this event.

The theme for this event is “A Day of Hope and Inspiration for Progress Made and Opportunities Ahead”. Guest speakers include Carolyn Sawyer, Debbie Walsh, executive director for the RutgersCenter for Women in American Politics at Rutgers University, and SC Attorney General, Henry McMaster. For further information on this event, please contact Michelle Hardy at michellehardy@bellsouth.net or (803) 944-0637. More information can also be found at www.allianceforwomen.net.

The mission of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is to provide a first-class venue offering superior operations management and state-of-the-science amenities for the successful coordination of meetings, conventions, tradeshows, entertainment and other special events utilizing the facility; enhancing the economic viability and image of the Columbia Riverbanks Region. To learn more about the Convention Center, visit www.columbiaconventioncenter.com or call (803) 545-0001.

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Columbia Museum of Art Unveils Ancient Art Gallery

2008-03-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 20, 2008

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ellen Woodoff
Director of Marketing & Communications
803.343.2215 or ewoodoff@columbiamuseum.org

Allison Horne
Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator
803.343.2170 or ahorne@columbiamuseum.org

Columbia Museum of Art Unveils Ancient Art Gallery

Columbia, SC - The Columbia Museum of Art unveils a new and permanent installation of its ancient art collection. On view now in the Ray Taylor Fair Gallery, the installation includes approximately 50 objects that introduce the major ancient civilizations from the Mediterranean and Near East. Examples of the earliest form of writing from 12th century B.C. Mesopotamia, are shown next to Egyptian scarabs and Greek painted vessels. The world of the ancient Romans is represented by 2nd century glass and bronze items and portrait sculpture. Many of these works have not been seen since the Museum moved to its location on Main Street in 1998. The collection has grown over the last several years with the donation of 12 fine Roman sculptures in 2002 from Pennsylvania collector Dr. Robert Y. Turner.

Roman Imperial portraiture is represented by seven superb portrait heads and a statuette of Salus, goddess of health. The only collection of Roman sculpture in South Carolina on public view shows an engaging glimpse into the lives of ancient Romans with its accompanying texts, glass and bronze implements.

Greek pottery is represented by objects from the Geometric, Archaic, Late Classical and Hellenistic Periods. A finely painted Archaic Period oil flask, Black-Figured Lekythos, circa 510 B.C. from Athens, is painted with a scene showing the Greek heroes, Achilles and Ajax playing dice with the goddess Athena intervening.

The oldest objects in the gallery, circa 12th - 7th century B.C., are cuneiform clay tablets - the oldest form of writing - developed in the region of Sumer in southern Mesopotamia. Ancient terracotta and paint votive objects include the Horseman and Horse, circa 7th century B.C. from Cyprus, and Statuette of a Woman wearing a Pomegranate Necklace from the Greek Archaic Period, circa 580 - 550 B.C.

Objects from Ancient Palestine include an earthenware storage vessel and bowl, circa 17th - 16th century B.C. from the Middle Bronze Age, and a dipper juglet and pitcher, circa 1300 - 1220 B.C. from the Early Iron Age.

Egyptian objects in the installation include Shabtis from the 26th Dynasty, circa 664 - 525 B.C. and also from the Ptolemaic Period, circa 332 - 30 B.C. - Shabti figures were included in tombs to serve the deceased and were painted with magical spells from the Book of the Dead.

The gallery was guest curated by Dr. Laura Voight.

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Tickets on Sale for 5th Annual Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden!

2008-03-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
March 11, 2008

Contact:
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
PR Department
(803) 779-8717, ext. 1141

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR 5TH ANNUAL WINE TASTING AT RIVERBANKS BOTANICAL GARDEN

More than 175 Wines Featured at This Year’s Event
[Columbia, SC] - Riverbanks invites wine enthusiasts to bask in the beauty of the Garden while sampling from more than 175 domestic and imported wines at the fifth annual Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden.
On Friday, April 18, from 7:00pm to 9:30pm Garden guests armed with a tasting glass and a wine guide will swirl, sample and consult expert vintners to help find the perfect wine for their palate.

“This exclusive after-hours event has developed into a premier affair and has a great reputation within the community.” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “The ambience created by the beautiful springtime Garden is one of the main reasons this event is such a success.”

Guests will discover new favorites at stations set up throughout the Garden walkways and delight in savory light bites that are offered to complement the wine selection. Several wine professionals will be on hand to answer even the simplest of questions on the flavor and origin of each wine available.

As people mingle and the wine flows, so will the sound of smooth live jazz by Little Cat Z. The local four-man band, led by vocalist Don Russo, is back again by popular demand.

To preserve the intimacy of the event a limited number of tickets will be sold. Admission is $40 for Riverbanks members and $50 for the general public and tickets are on sale now. All ticket proceeds support the conservation and education efforts at Riverbanks. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Zoo or Garden entrance.

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DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 1, 2008 - CALL FOR BIDS

2008-03-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

MARKETING & ADVERTISING - CALL FOR BIDS:

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism seeks a creative team for advertising development and program support, excluding media placement for fiscal year July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009. Project includes regional and national ad campaign development and design for a combined $1 million advertising budget for the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and the Columbia Regional Sports Council. Letters of interest and samples of work are due April 1, 2008. Project presentation opportunities with selected candidates will follow. EOE.

Please send to:

Kelly Barbrey
VP of Sales & Marketing
Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism
1101 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC, 29201

ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition searching for heroic families in SC!

2008-03-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Do you know someone whose home deserves an Extreme Makeover? If so, the producers of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition want to hear from you! Ty Pennington and his crew have been all across the map and they are ready to drive that famous bus into your neighborhood. The deadline for nominations is April 8, 2008!

Find out how you can nominate a deserving family.

Do you have New Ideas for a New Carolina?

2008-03-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

Everybody's got a dream. What's yours?
Can you create? Can you Inspire?

Citizens of South Carolina - Tell us your big idea!

Last year you heard the call. You unleashed your creativity. You inspired New Carolina with your ideas for a greater South Carolina. Now it's time again for them to help you turn your ideas into reality. They want ideas for businesses that stoke your fire, blow your mind, show your get-up-and-take-charge-of-my-dream spirit. Your idea could bring new jobs, new energy, new talent, new life, and new wealth to South Carolina. Help New Carolina declare independence from mediocrity. Help them encourage innovators and celebrate the courageous. Help us create a NEW Carolina.

Up to 10 of you can win:
$5000 Grand Prize
$2500 First Prize
$1000 Runners-up
$100 Best Tour de Bulb photo
So what are you waiting for?

Read more about how to enter your creative New Ideas for a New Carolina today!

Are you Certified Friendly?

2008-03-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

The Columbia Riverbanks Region is known for its friendliness. That’s why we offer a one-day training session for employees that frequently interact with area visitors that provides information on enhancing the visitor experience and reinforces the region-wide branding message “Where Friendliness Flows.”

On your next visit, look for desk clerks, wait staff, and a variety of area personnel who wear the gold “Certified Friendly” pin then ask them any questions you might have about the Columbia Riverbanks Region!

Sign up online today at www.certifiedfriendly.com!

Exclusive Kenny Chesney Package Deals! Get your tickets and hotel rooms before they run out!

2008-03-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

KENNY CHESNEY @ WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM
Kenny Chesney's Poets and Pirates Tour 2008
Williams-Brice Stadium
Saturday, April 26, 2008
4:00 PM
Ticket prices: $49.50, $69.50, $89.50 & Zone Premium Seats $165.00

PIRATE and POET Ticket/Hotel Packages also available!

PURCHASE TICKETS & HOTEL PACKAGES ONLINE NOW!

Watch our video and discover all that Columbia has to offer!

2008-03-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

MARKETING CAMPAIGNS - CALL FOR BIDS

2008-03-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

CALL FOR BIDS:

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism seeks a creative team for advertising development and program support, excluding media placement for fiscal year July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009. Project includes regional and national ad campaign development and design for a combined $1 million advertising budget for the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and the Columbia Regional Sports Council. Letters of interest and samples of work are due March 20, 2008. Project presentation opportunities with selected candidates will follow. EOE. Please send to:

Kelly Barbrey
VP of Sales & Marketing
Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism
1101 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC, 29201

Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism Adopts Lincoln Street

2008-01-27T20:23:00.000-08:00

(From Left to Right; Mandi Engram, Nicole Smith, Ellie France)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Nicole Smith
Director of Media Relations

(803) 545-0011
nsmith@columbiaauthority.com

PRINTABLE VERSION

Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism Adopts-A-Street

Columbia, SC – (January 25, 2008) In an effort to give back to the community, the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism (MACST) has signed an agreement to participate in the Adopt-A-Street cleanup program through Keep the Midlands Beautiful and the City of Columbia. The MACST has adopted the portion of Lincoln Street that runs alongside the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center from Blossom Street to Elmwood Avenue. The first cleanup day is scheduled for February 8, 2008.

According to Peter Tarlow, renowned international tourism expert and author, "Beautification helps a tourism entity grow by attracting more visitors, providing positive word of mouth publicity, creating an environment that tends to lift the spirits of service personnel, and creates community pride often resulting in the lowering of crime rates."

Ric Luber, president/CEO for the MACST states, "We like to think of beautification as having an impact on the local economy. When a meeting planner visits the Riverbanks region, it's imperative that we are able to showcase a clean and healthy environment with great restaurants, attractions, and unique shopping. A clean and unpolluted region is a great selling point for our community."

Through the Adopt-A-Highway and Adopt-A-Street programs, caring citizens take part in preserving and maintaining streets throughout the Midlands. Participating community organizations (civic, school or business groups) adopt sections of road in or near their communities and clean litter from those segments at least four times a year for two years.

The benefits are numerous. First, the program serves as an educational tool against littering and establishes stewardship of public lands. Secondly, the program helps advance tourism, development and quality of life for all of our citizens by improving the appearance of our area. Finally, the program saves taxpayer dollars by performing a valuable public service on a volunteer basis.

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National Dance Craze Spawned at Big Apple Night Club in Columbia, SC

2008-01-25T20:50:00.000-08:00

PRINTABLE RELEASE
Back to the Apple: Big Apple Dance Weekend
Event to Feature Swing Legend Frankie Manning
February 8 – 10, 2008 at The Big Apple, 1000 Hampton Street

Press Release
Official Columbia Calendar of Events Listing

More information...

St. Pat's in Five Points Tickets on Sale Soon!

2008-01-25T19:39:00.000-08:00

Rome Designates March 15 St. Patrick's Day

Important news from ROME!!! This year, worldwide, the official St. Patrick's Day will be held on March 15th. Since March 17th, the date your calendar may indicate is St. Patrick's Day, falls within the Holy Week, the Saturday prior has been designated as the official date for all that is green and gaelic. So, once again, St. Pat's in Five Points will be celebrated on the approved holiday!

For over a quarter of a century St. Pat's in Five Points has been a special event not only for residents in the Midlands, but for people throughout South Carolina and the tri-state area. It's a homecoming for many, and a chance to celebrate all that is Irish with 35,000 of your closest friends.

In 1982 Chuck Petit and Duncan MacRae, two Five Points business owners, sat in a booth at Yesterday's Restaurant and decided something had to be done to increase awareness of the retail opportunities in Five Points. The St. Patrick's Day Parking Lot Party was born. That year it was moved inside by rain, but the next year sunshine started a tradition as memorable as green beer and shamrocks.

After 25 years, St. Pat's in Five Points continues to spread the goodwill and good times conceived by these two a quarter of a century ago. Keeping in tune with the original desire for the festival, proceeds from St. Pat's in Five Points will be donated to local charities and used for the betterment of Five Points.

Admission to the festival is $12.00. Gates to the festival will open at 9 a.m. but there are some times to keep in mind when planning your St. Patrick's Day. Advance tickets on sale soon for only $10!

THE OFFICIAL COLUMBIA CALENDAR OF EVENTS

George Strait Concert Postponed

2008-01-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

The George Strait concert at the Colonial Center has been postponed to Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. The concert was originally scheduled for Friday night, but was postponed due to an illness.

Little Big Town and Sarah Johns were scheduled to open the show and will perform as originally planned on the new date. All January 25th tickets will be honored for the new show date. Refunds will be given if a customer cannot make the rescheduled date. Phone and Internet orders can be refunded by calling the phone center at 1-866-472-8499. If tickets were purchased at an outlet or box office, they must return tickets to box office for refund.

Before the Show/After the Show™ - Restaurant Reservations Made Easy!

2008-01-24T21:39:00.000-08:00

Before the Show/After the Show™

It's a new arts and restaurant program to help you find out which restaurants are open Before and After the show to make your evening more enjoyable!

How often before the show have you said, "Where shall we eat?" followed by, "But will we have time?"

Or, how often after the curtain comes down have you said, "Where shall we eat?" followed by, "I don't know, what's open?"

Now there is a FREE service to let you know which restaurants are prepared to get you out on time for the show and which restaurants will be staying open to serve you after the show—Before the Show/After the Show™.

Call 803-873-9003 to hear a list of participating restaurants that will have pre or post show special hours or menu selections. Each participating restaurant has its own voice message prompt. Many restaurants will have a text message option where you can get the restaurant phone number, parking directions or other information and special offers.

CLICK HERE for a full listing of participating restaurants and a printable brochure.

Decide where to eat and make reservations quick and easy. Call 803-873-9003, and make reservations.

Before the Show/After the Show™ is a partnership project of the Cultural Council of
Richland and Lexington Counties, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors
Bureau, the Columbia Chapter of the South Carolina Hospitality Association, and is
funded, in part by Hospitality Tax Grants from the City of Columbia and Richland County.

Link Your Website to Ours to Keep Everyone 'In the Know' about Columbia

2008-01-24T19:25:00.001-08:00

To place a graphic link like the one to the left on your website to link to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau website, please visit our website for instructions:

Get the Code:
http://www.columbiacvb.com/static/index.cfm?contentID=489&cID=4

Local Artwork Available at Columbia Visitors Center

2008-01-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

New Artists to be Featured Each Month

Handmade Jewelry crafted by Carolyn Ramsey

Art With a Capital City A

For the past several months, the Columbia Regional Visitors Center has served as a second home for an array of artists. Each month, we feature local artists and their works, which can be unique and/or synonymous to the area. To me, these artists are like our treasured jewels of the Columbia Riverbanks Region. They give our city color, life and personality. Our center has been graced with the talents of Folk Artist Ernest Lee, the innovative creations of Mike Woodham and Tom Lockart of One Eared Cow Glass, a selection of pieces from John Miranda’s SC Gallery and currently Glass Bead Artist Carolyn Ramsey. Ladies, you don’t have to worry about anyone duplicating your fashion. All of Ms. Ramsey’s pieces are one of a kind. Next month, we will feature a selection of works from 23 local authors. Need a copy of John Lee’s Novice Wild Turkey Hunting in South Carolina or Cassandra King’s Queen of Broken Hearts? I’m not giving out the names of all our local celebrity writers. You’ve got to come by our center to find that out. We look forward to seeing you!

Paintings by Ernest Lee, "The Chicken Man" and Glass Flowers by One Eared Cow Glass

Enter to Win 4 Circus Tickets at www.columbiacvb.com!

2008-01-07T17:11:00.001-08:00

ENTER TO WIN 4 TICKETS TO BELLOBRATION! ON OPENING NIGHT

WHEN: January 17, 2008 at 7:00 pm

WHERE: The Colonial Center

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Bellobration, the most interactive and high energy circus spectacular ever. A modern celebration of circus tradition so enthralling and innovative that it could only have been imagined by The Greatest Show on Earth.

Bellobration features the mischievous, yet lovable, comic daredevil Bello, alongside majestic and agile Asian elephants, exotic white and royal Bengal tigers, and gravity-defying acrobats, all in an electrifying story line guaranteed to captivate children of all ages. Bellobration is full of hair-raising surprises certain to bring Barnum-sized smiles to families across America.

YOU'LL HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT!

ENTER ONLINE NOW at www.columbiacvb.com!

*Limit one entry per household. Drawing will be held at 4:30 pm EST on January 14, 2008. Winners will be notified by telephone and email. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO REACH THE FIRST WINNER SELECTED BEFORE 5:00 PM EST ON JANUARY 15, 2008, THEN ANOTHER WINNER WILL BE SELECTED.

Ring in the New Year in Columbia, SC!

2007-12-27T11:28:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for family friendly ways to ring in the New Year in Columbia, SC, you'll want to check out our online calendar of events at http://www.columbiacvb.com/calendar!

What are you doing?

2007-12-19T19:29:00.000-08:00

Know what's going on in Columbia all the time by following us on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/columbiasc

South Carolina Book Festival - February 22-24, 2008

2007-12-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

South Carolina Book Festival - February 22-24, 2008
February 22, 2008 - February 24, 2008
Times: Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm and Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm
http://www.scbookfestival.org
Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Admission: General Festival Events are FREE and Open to the Public

The festival serves as the centerpiece for what has become South Carolina's premier annual literary weekend. Nearly sixty nationally-known authors for readings and signings; loads of booksellers and exhibitors; and thousands upon thousands of readers. This year celebrates our 10th Anniversary of this wonderful event. Check out our official web site for author listings and the schedule of events. Browse through the site for bios of authors appearing, a schedule of events, festival vendors, and lists of the folks who make this event happen. And be sure to check back often for updates or join our email list for the latest Book Festival news and happenings.

Holiday Shopping in Columbia

2007-11-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

If you don't know where to start with your holiday shopping list, we can help! Stop by the Columbia Regional Visitors Center for holiday shopping tips and advice, no matter how difficult your list. We've got it covered from Richland County to Lexington County, and can even give you directions and maps. You can stop in before or after work now with our extended hours from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday or 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Sunday. The Visitors Center is featuring unique local art for sale by Columbia's famous "Chicken Man," Ernest Lee and hand blown glass holiday ornaments crafted by our the Artist of the Month, One Eared Cow Glass. We also sell many unique Columbia and South Carolina products.

Columbia, South Carolina offers an amazing variety of shopping opportunities, sure to please the most discriminating shoppers. Several area shopping districts invite leisurely strolling among the many charming stores, galleries and restaurants, allowing you to appreciate the beauty and character of this unique Southern capital city. Columbia’s specialty districts carry everything from exclusive labels to one of a kind creations. Whether you’re on a college budget or ready to spend a small fortune on your wardrobe, Columbia’s unique shops and boutiques have what you’re looking for.

If you don't have time to stop by our Visitors Center, you're always welcome to search through our many listings online anytime:

Start Holiday Shopping Now!

View Our Interactive Visitors Guide for Your Holiday Shopping

Request a Visitors Guide for Your Holiday Shopping

Ten Holiday Shopping Tips

Get a Jump Start on Holiday Shopping

Columbia Regional Visitors Center Rocks Out During Vista Lights

2007-11-06T19:30:00.000-08:00

MEDIA ALERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2007

Contact:
Nicole Smith
803-545-0011 - office
nsmith@columbiaauthority.com

Columbia Regional Visitors Center Rocks Out With A Rock 'N a Hard Place Calendar
Visitors Center to Host Musicians for a Smoke-Free South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SC (November 6, 2007) – On Thursday, November 15, 2007, the Columbia Regional Visitors Center in collaboration with the Christopher Conner Foundation, the SC Tobacco Collaborative, the Musicians and Songwriters Guild of SC, Vaudevillain Imaging and MacDougall's Restaurant & Bar will host an outdoor concert in correlation to the Vista Lights event. The concert is to promote the Rock 'N a Hard Place – Musicians for a Smoke-Free South Carolina calendar. The concert will take place outside the Columbia Regional Visitors Center, at 1101 Lincoln Street. Performances will begin at 5 p.m. and is expected to last until 11 p.m.

The Rock 'N a Hard Place calendar hosts a diverse compilation of bands and artists who call our state home. The calendar's purpose is to increase public awareness on the dangerous health effects of secondhand smoke exposure and the rights all workers, including musicians, have to work in smoke-free environments. Musicians of the calendar will perform for this event.

Featured artists to perform include The South, Kelly Cheats, Lucas War Hero, Will Erikson, The Vaughn Morris Duo, McKenzie Eddy, Jason Dalton, Chris Smith of Sunshone Still, Brian Sansbury, and the Daniel Kyre Band. The calendars will be available during the event for a suggested donation of $10. Artists will autograph calendars after their performance and proceeds will benefit the Christopher Conner Foundation and the South Carolina Tobacco Collaborative.

Ric Luber, president/CEO of the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism states, "What a great way to give back to the community by offering a free concert during the Vista Lights event and opening the Visitor's Center to a new crowd."

For that night only, the Visitor's Center will extend their hours until 10:30 p.m. MacDougall's Restaurant & Bar is offering patrons of the concert a discount coupon. Parking is available for Vista Lights in the surface lot adjacent to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center as well as in the new parking garage on the corner of Lincoln and Senate Streets.

At 10:30 p.m., MacDougall's will host a non-smoking after-party featuring The Movement Acoustic.

For more information on the concert contact Ms. Ashleigh A. Pair, executive director for The Christopher Conner Foundation at apair@columbiaconventioncenter.com or call 803-238-5509. Columbia Regional Visitors Center Co-Managers Barbara Chambers or Jill Asouzu can be reached at 803-545-0002 or bchambers@columbiacvb.com or jasouzu@columbiacvb.com.

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS TO > Columbia Regional Visitors Center

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