Located in the heart of South Carolina, Columbia has garnered a reputation as one of the best places in the country to retire, according to CNN, US News and World Report. Many of the factors that make the city such a good place for retirees, such as pleasant climate, strong economy and proximity to geographic features like the Atlantic Ocean and the Blue Ridge Mountains, also make it an enjoyable vacation destination. With so much going on in Columbia luxury hotels are a great investment for avid vacationers.
One of the terrific features of Columbia is its abundance of festivals and other traditional events. Virtually any time of year, there is some sort of festival going on in the city. March brings about the St. Patrick's Day Festival, which features not only traditional St. Paddy's Day fare, but also live music and local crafts. March also marks the beginning of spring and in Columbia spring means a number of celebrations including Riverfest, Earth Day at Finlay Park and Main Street Jazz, which is especially enjoyable for fans of live music, as notable jazz musicians perform live in the city each year.
There is more live music in the summer during the Finlay Park Concert Series, which takes place free of charge in the most popular park in the area. Late summer and fall festivals include the Greek Festival, the Irmo Okra Strut and the South Carolina State Fair, each of which has a traditional festival atmosphere. With so many local festivals going on throughout the year, these events are a family friendly way to spend some time, no matter when you pay a visit to Columbia luxury hotels.
In addition to the popular Finlay Park, Columbia boasts over twenty other parks and other outdoor recreation areas, so there are plenty of areas to go for a run, have a picnic, or just hang out and enjoy the mild climate. Notable among these is the Riverbanks Zoo, where you can see over two thousand different animals on exhibit. Riverbanks is also home to a large botanical garden. Nature lovers will be enthralled with a visit to Riverbanks, which has been named the number one travel attraction in the southeastern United States, as well as one of the country's best zoos.
Fans of the theater will be able to get their fill in Columbia, which is home to the South Carolina Shakespeare Company and the Trustus Theater, which runs performances of Broadway plays as well as classic works. For some unique entertainment experiences, catch a film screening at the non-profit Nickelodeon Theater, or see a puppet show at the Columbia Marionette Theater, the only theater of its kind in the country.
Some noteworthy museums include the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina State Museum and the McKissick Museum on the campus of the University of South Carolina. Whichever of the Columbia luxury hotels you choose to stay in is bound to be close to some of these attractions.
Shopping is lively in Columbia, where you can choose from large centers like the Columbiana Center and the Village at Sandhill, or local boutique shopping in the city's Five Points neighborhood. There are also shopping corridors along Devine Street and Congaree Vista, as well as some smaller shopping centers. Much of the downtown area, including Five Points and Congaree Vista, have undergone recent development and revitalization projects to make them more accessible and aesthetically pleasing.
To get started with your trip to one of the several Columbia luxury hotels, book a flight into Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), conveniently located close to the rest of the city. Arrival by rail is also an option, as there is a train station too. The local transit authority does provide express shuttles and bus services within the city and the major suburbs.
Although other southern cities like Atlanta, Houston or Miami may garner most of the attention of potential visitors and tourists, those who do not consider Columbia may be missing out. The city offers many of the same great attractions and amenities in a pleasant climate, without having a lot of the crowding of its larger southern neighbors. It was recently named one of 'America's Most Livable Communities'. Take a look for yourself to see why.
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