Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia, SC

April 8 is Zoo Lover's Day, and it's a no brainer that I fall into that category. A recent work trip down the Columbia, South Carolina included a day at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. The Zoo offers a world-class recreational and educational experience for the entire family with more than 2,000 animals that reside in natural habitat exhibits, making you feel as if you are part of the experience.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is dedicated to protecting the earth's wildlife and wild places by increasing awareness and appreciation, providing the highest standards of care and by conducting scientific research that benefits both captive and wild populations. Since opening in 1974, Riverbanks has become one of the most successful mid-sized zoos in the United States.

And now for a whole bunch of ridiculously cute animal photos.

And an animal selfie compilation, just because I could.

So if you're a zoo lover like me and happen to find yourself in Columbia, SC, make sure to check out Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Here's some info to know before you go:

Location:  500 Wildlife Parkway – just off I-126 at Greystone Boulevard, Columbia, SC

Hours:  Open daily 9am-5pm, except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Admission (USD):   $13.95 for adults; $11.55 for children ages 2-12; $12.95 for Military and seniors

Check out the website for timed feedings and educational presentations. 

What zoos have you visited? Do you have a favourite zoo animal?

Walk in the Park: SC State House

I was recently down in Columbia, South Carolina for a work conference, and with a few hours to spare over lunch, I decided to take a walk through the South Carolina State House grounds. Strategically centred in downtown Columbia, the SC State House is home to the Governor's office, as well as the House and Senate chambers. 

Did you know that Columbia wasn't always the capital of SC? Charleston first held the title, but because Columbia is the geographic centre of the state and the General Assembly wanted a central capital for the Upstate and the Lowcountry, the capital was moved.
The State House building itself has a long history, involving the Civil War, cannons and fires, and as a result, construction lasted half a century spanning from 1855 to 1907. Built primarily out of blue granite, South Carolina’s official state stone, the State House is now completely fireproof allowing it to safely store many important state documents and house two of three branches of state government. While I did't to have time myself, free guided and self-guided tours of the interior are available Monday to Friday. 

The building contains several unique architectural features that can be observed from both the exterior and interior, including an outer dome made of copper centred to the outside of the building. From a monument to South Carolina law enforcement officers killed while on duty, those honouring past Senators, to one dedicated to the contributions and history of African-Americans, there are over 30 monuments and markers scattered throughout the State House grounds.

While the sun may have been hiding behind the clouds, spring was definitely in the air as I walked through the beautiful gardens. Flowering dogwood, eastern redbud, daffodils and magnolias, were just a few of the beautiful trees and flowers abloom on the grounds.

Taking a stroll through the SC State House grounds was a breath of fresh air, and the perfect lunch break. It was great to see others with the same idea - reading on a park bench or getting in a few minutes of exercise while walking the maze of paths around the House. 
Did you know that Monday, March 30 is Take a Walk in the Park Day? Why not plan a lunch break in your local park? Stretch your legs and breath some fresh, outdoor air. It will do your body good.
Do you have a favourite park? I want to hear about it!

Myrtle

After a whirlwind few days exploring D.C. and Charleston, we finally made it to Myrtle Beach for a little r&r. While in Myrtle, the beach is your playground, with over 60 miles of sand, sun and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.  While the beach all I need for a perfect and relaxing vacation, if you're looking for more, the fun extends beyond the shore to over thousands of area activities and attractions.

We spent most of the week enjoying the sun and warm ocean water - reading, boogie-boarding, shelling, building sand castles and indulging in one or two adult beverages.   

The tourists weren't the only ones that were taking advantage of the surf. This is what it looks like when the lifeguards clear a large stretch of the water when a 5-foot shark has been spotted right where you've been swimming all day.  Didn't stop us from enjoying the ocean though, even when it happened a second time on day 2. #couldhavebeensharknado

We couldn't have asked for better weather.  If it rained, it came at the perfect time of day, lunch time, when we needed a break from the heat anyways.  It looked like a work of art when the sky couldn't decide if it wanted to be sunny or stormy.

In the same day we witnessed two abnormal things:  1) a shark where we were swimming and 2) Ted Nugent. Yes, we visited the House of Blues for an Uncle Ted concert.   (While the House of Blues is an absolutely phenomenal venue, I've tried to supress the memory of Uncle Ted.)

We visited the Ripley's Aquarium to experience the world of sharks, rays and other amazing critters.

And on the last morning, we woke up early enough to watch the sunrise light up the sky and do a little beach combing.

Ahhhhhh, relaxation.  I could really get used to this unemployment thing. (Just kidding.)

Have you ever been to Myrtle Beach? What was your favorite thing to do?

The Lowcountry

As our road trip to Myrtle Beach continued, we made a one-night pit stop in Charleston, SC. I've only seen pictures of this spot before, and they definitely don't do it justice. The South Carolina lowcountry is renowned for its historic cities, natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. This perfect combination makes it a tourists' paradise. 

A little bit of history for you: Founded and settled by English colonists in 1670, Charleston grew from a colonial seaport to a wealthy city by the mid 18th century.  In April 1861, Confederate soldiers fired on Union-occupied Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, signalling the beginning of the Civial War.  Charleston was slow to recover from the devastation of the war, however, its pace of recovery became the foundation of the City's greatest asset, the vast inventory of historically significant architecture. 

And now, some pretty pictures:

Before we left the Charleston area, we stopped at Middleton Place, a carefully preserved 18th century rice plantation and home of America's oldest landscaped Gardens. It was like stepping back in time. Established in the late 17th century by Henry Middldeton, who was the first president of Continental Congress, it has been in the same family for 320 years and is now a National Historic Landmark. 

At one time, there were three building comprising the residence of the Middletons, however, on February 22, 1865, the other 2/3s was burned by the Union soldiers. What is left is referred to as the "gentlemans' quarters", built for men who traveled in to visit the Middletons. 

As we made our way up the drive, we noticed sheep mowing the lawn.  Animals, you say? I was sold even before I stepped foot out of the car. And the animals didn't stop there - there were peacocks, cats, goats, pigs, cows, horses and chickens! Yep, I was in heaven.  If I could have a hobby farm wish list, those animals would be it. (Minus the peacocks. The boys are beautiful, but they scare me.)

The grounds were absolutely immaculate, complete with centuries old magnolia and oak trees dripping with spanish moss and alligators keeping guard in the ponds.

One of the most intriguing buildings to us was Eliza's house.  This two-family duplex was once occupied by former Middleton slaves and was filled with history.  It is known as "Eliza's House" in memory of Eliza Leach, a South Carolina African American born in 1891, and the last person to live in the building. She died in 1986, at age 94, after working over 40 years at Middleton Place.

Charleston's southern charm hooked me in, and I would definitely go back.

Have you ever been to Charleston, SC? What was your favorite part?