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Now that autumn has arrived in Orangeburg, South Carolina, it's a great time to get outside and enjoy the cooler temperatures. The best way to do this is to head outdoors to take a hike. If you're ready to enjoy the mild weather and lovely fall colors, make plans to check out one of these top hikes around Orangeburg. Francis Beidler Forest Francis Beidler Forest is an Audubon wildlife sanctuary located in Four Holes Swamp and situated about 45 minutes southeast of Orangeburg. The sanctuary has a 1.75-mile boardwalk that lets you view the quiet flow of blackwater, thousand-year-old trees, and various wildlife. You can also take part in special walks throughout the year, such as the Bird Walk on the Boardwalk, which focuses on the different birds that live in the area, and the Nightwalk at Beidler Forest, which offers a unique nighttime journey through the swamp. more Congaree National Park The sprawling 26,276-acre Congaree National Park is located less than an hour from Orangeburg and offers a variety of hiking opportunities. If you'd like something short and easy, the 1.7-mile Bluff Trail passes through a forest of longleaf pines before taking you to an elevated boardwalk. If you're interested in something a little more challenging, the 7-mile Oakridge Trail offers a great opportunity for viewing fall colors as it takes you through a stretch of old-growth forest and past a ridge of large oak trees. Manchester State Forest If you travel an hour north of Orangeburg to Manchester State Forest, you'll find plenty of hiking trails that wind through the 28,675 acres of mixed pine and hardwood trees. Some of the popular trails in the forest include parts of the Palmetto Trail, such as the 7.2-mile Wateree Passage, 9-mile High Hills of Santee Passage, and 5-mile Lake Marion Passage. These trails have an easy to moderate rating and provide excellent vistas of the swamp and forest. Santee State Park Located about 30 minutes from Orangeburg on the shores of Lake Marion, Santee State Park has several trail options for hikers of all experience levels. The 1-mile Limestone Nature Trail offers an easy hike through a heavily wooded area of the park. Other easy hikes in the park include the 1-mile Oak Pinolly Trail and 1-mile Sinkhole Pond Trail. For something more challenging, head out on the 7.5-mile Hiking/Biking Trail. This broad and mostly level trail travels through a mixed pine and hardwood forest and offers occasional glimpses of the lake. Francis Marion National Forest Take a trip one hour and 30 minutes east of Orangeburg to spend the day at Francis Marion National Forest. If you'd like to do some day hiking, the I'on Swamp Interpretive Trail offers a fascinating walk through the wetlands. If you're interested in doing some backpacking, the forest is home to two parts of the Palmetto Trail: the Awendaw Passage and Swamp Fox Passage. If you're looking for some late fall hikes around Orangeburg that you shouldn't miss, you'll have a great time when you check out some of these top options. Image by Gerry Dincher via cc by-sa 2.0

Going shopping can be a great way to relax and spend a leisurely afternoon. No matter what you go shopping for, you can look to see the sales and the latest products that are available. There are so many different places to go shopping in Orangeburg, South Carolina outside of popular big box stores. We created a list of the four best places to go shopping in the greater Orangeburg area which includes flea markets, traditional malls, and discount stores. Prince of Orange Mall The Prince of Orange Mall is located at 2390 Chestnut Street. It features many of the classic mall stores that you would expect, including Belk, JcPenney, Bath & Body Works, GNC, and Foot Locker. Plus, it has special events throughout the year for kids and for the community. Most of the events don't cost anything to participate in. By attending an event, grabbing something to eat, and window shopping, it's easy enough to spend an entire day without realizing how quickly the time passes while shopping at the Prince of Orange Mall. more Roses Discount Store You never know what you'll find at Roses Discount Store, located at 1175 Orangeburg Mall Circle. With new and rotating inventory, often at highly discounted prices, you can get the thrill of finding a true bargain at a single store. While the store has some of its featured products available on its website, you will need to stop by the store to see what they have available. On Wednesdays, senior citizens can save 10 percent off their total purchase. Five Rivers Market Five Rivers Market is located at 950 Chestnut Street. It's an impressive 20,000 square foot market with local vendors, antiques, furniture, jewelry, and gifts from more than 50 different specialty booths. The market hosts events, but also has an event rental space available for special occasions that is 1,000 square feet. This can be a good option to host a birthday party or a baby shower outside of your home. It's where Swift Books is located, which is one of the most popular independent book stores in the area. Five Rivers Market has been open since 2011. Orangeburg Flea Market You never know what you'll find while strolling in a flea market. The Orangeburg Flea Market is located at 2929 Bamberg Road Highway 301 South. It has been open since 1982. Vendors and residents can rent a space inside for $10 or outside for $7. You can sell unused items from your home or your crafts. This creates quite a variety of things that you can buy at the market, from tandem kayaks to fine art pieces. It's open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays each week. These four shopping centers are just some of the great places that you can go shopping in Orangeburg, South Carolina. No matter what you want to buy, there is surely a local retail spot worth supporting. Image by HerryLawford via cc by 2.0

Congaree National Park spreads out over 26,276 acres in the central part of South Carolina. This scenic park is known for preserving the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. If you're thinking about visiting Congaree National Park, the following are some of the top activities you can enjoy during your stay. Hiking Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, and you'll discover a variety of trails that make it easy to get out and explore the natural beauty of the area. If you're looking for something reasonably easy, consider the Boardwalk Loop Trail. This trail is 2.4 miles round trip and includes an elevated section that leads into the old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. The trail also has several benches along the way where you can take a seat and relax. more For something more challenging, head out on the 10.4-mile River Trail. This trail leads to the swirling Congaree River. Another great option is the 11.7-mile Kingsnake Trail, which is a popular trail for birdwatchers. Canoeing and Kayaking Not only are canoeing and kayaking other popular activities in Congaree National Park, but they're also an outstanding way to experience what the park has to offer. One great way to explore the waters of the park is on the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail. This marked trail winds about 15 miles from Bannister's Bridge to the Congaree River. Along the way, you'll have a chance to spot different types of wildlife, including turtles, river otter, birds, deer, and sometimes even alligators. If you want to paddle Cedar Creek, you'll need to bring your own canoe or kayak or connect with the several rental companies that can be found in Columbia and Orangeburg. Camping If you'd like to spend more than one day exploring Congaree National Park, consider camping in the park. The park has two campgrounds that are open to tents and hammocks. Longleaf Campground is located beside the park entrance road and offers 10 individual and four group campsites. You also have the option of staying at Bluff Campground. This campground is located on the Bluff Trail and has six individual campsites. Since vehicles can't access this campground, you'll have to carry your gear to the site. Additionally, backcountry camping is permitted in the park. Fishing Fishing is allowed in Congaree National Park as long as you have a valid South Carolina fishing license. To help maintain the health and natural beauty of the area, you're allowed to fish anywhere in the park except Weston Lake. Cast a line in Cedar Creek or one of the oxbow lakes to see if you can reel in a catfish, bass, bream, or crappie. In the Congaree River, you might be able to hook striped bass. Some of the other fish species in the park's waters include longnose garfish, bluegill, and yellow perch. You know you'll have a fun day enjoying everything Congaree National Park has to offer when you make plans to check out these excellent activities available in the park. Image by Ken Lund via cc by-sa 2.0

Orangeburg, South Carolina has a variety of exciting attractions worth exploring, which is why it's a popular city for visitors. If you're planning a trip to Orangeburg and you're looking for a great place to stay, consider spending the night at one of these top hotels in the area. Fairfield Inn Orangeburg Located north of downtown Orangeburg and providing easy access to Interstate 26, Fairfield Inn Orangeburg offers relaxed and comfortable rooms for your stay. Inside your room, you'll enjoy amenities that include complimentary Wi-Fi, premium movie channels on the 32-inch flat-screen television, and a mini-refrigerator. Before you head out to explore Orangeburg, be sure to take advantage of the hotel's free continental breakfast. Other amenities you can enjoy during your stay include an outdoor pool and fitness center. more Tru By Hilton Orangeburg The sleek and sophisticated Tru By Hilton Orangeburg offers everything you need for a stay in the area. The hotel is 4 miles from downtown Orangeburg and offers convenient access to Interstate 26. The modern rooms include comfortable beds, flat-screen television with a premium channel lineup, mini-refrigerator, free Wi-Fi, soft chair, and rolling desk. When you walk through the lobby, be sure to get a cup of the complimentary gourmet coffee, tea, or hot chocolate served 24 hours a day. Southern Lodge Orangeburg If you're interested in staying close to all the attractions in downtown Orangeburg, consider a stay at Southern Lodge Orangeburg. This hotel is minutes away from the heart of the city, Edisto Memorial Gardens, the Orangeburg County Fairgrounds, and South Carolina State University. Amenities at the hotel include complimentary Wi-Fi, guest laundry facilities, a 24-hour front desk, and a hot and cold breakfast buffet served every morning. If you're not sure what to do in Orangeburg during your stay, the staff at the front desk is happy to offer restaurant, attraction, and event recommendations. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Orangeburg, SC If you're thinking about exploring Congaree National Park during your visit, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Orangeburg, SC, is only a 45-minute drive from the park. Rooms at this pet-friendly hotel have amenities that include free Wi-Fi, cable television, and plush king or queen beds. You can start each morning right by catching up on news with the free newspaper while you enjoy the complimentary hot breakfast. If you're looking to unwind, be sure to grab a book from the hotel's Read It & Return Lending Library. Hampton Inn & Suites Orangeburg At Hampton Inn & Suites Orangeburg, you'll enjoy easy access to all of the city's popular attractions. When you walk into your spacious room at this contemporary hotel, you'll discover amenities that include a 42-inch flat-screen television, coffee maker, microwave, mini-refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi. In the morning, you can relax and enjoy the complimentary hot breakfast buffet or grab the convenient On the Run Breakfast Bag. No matter which popular attractions you're interested in exploring when you visit Orangeburg, you know you'll enjoy a restful stay when you check-in to one of these great hotels. Image by peggydavis66 via cc -by sa 2.0

It's no mystery that Orangeburg is nicknamed the Garden City. There are plenty of beautiful gardens and outdoor places to visit throughout the city that will prove there's a good reason for this nickname. The following list includes some of the best gardens and outdoor locations that everyone should visit while exploring Orangeburg. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden A day at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a day well spent. There are over 2,000 incredible animals to marvel at and one of the nation's most beautiful botanical gardens. You'll experience 170 acres of natural habitat exhibits, scenic river views, spectacular valley overlooks, and significant historic landmarks. Catch one of the daily animal feedings, encounters, or presentations to get up-close and personal with the animals. Some of these include a sea lion demonstration, the aquarium dive, and a penguin presentation. This place has more to offer than just animals and gardens. You can try your hand at feeding the Lorikeets or stop by the giraffe overlook to feed some giraffes. Have a little fun and take a ride on the carousel, or be adventurous and scale the rock wall. There's a miniature train that will take you from the zoo to the garden, called Spots & Stripes Railroad, that's fun for all ages. If you're up for a real thrill, try out the Sky-High Safari ropes course and get a sky-high view of the zoo. more Edisto Memorial Gardens Edisto Memorial Gardens brings together both natural and man-made beauty within their borders. One of the main attractions of the gardens are the roses. It currently has about 4,800 rose plants representing around 120 varieties. In the beginning, the garden contained only azaleas, but it now has so much more to offer visitors. You can take the 2,600-foot boardwalk trail that leads to the Edisto River. It will take you through a typical Tupelo-Cypress wetland, where you'll see a cypress display case that gives you information about life on the river. Also found in the Edisto Memorial Gardens are a butterfly garden, a serenity garden, and a sensory garden. If you go, don't forget to stop by the terrace garden at the back of the Arts Center. The gardens are open to visitors seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Congaree National Park This is a hidden gem among National Parks. Congaree features the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. There are endless opportunities to enjoy nature here. You can take a kayak or canoe out into the rivers, where you might view wildlife such as otters, wading birds, and turtles. Hiking can be done either on the boardwalk trails or, if you prefer something more challenging, head off into the backcountry. Either way, you're sure to be delighted by the beauty of all the nature around you. Orangeburg didn't get its Garden City nickname for nothing. Visit one of these places when you're in the area and see just what the name is all about. Image by Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0

When you're out and about with plans to spend the day in Orangeburg visiting its most beautiful places, consider these visually appealing destinations that are sure to satisfy your craving for lush and lovely. Edisto Memorial Gardens As one of Orangeburg's most beautiful locations, Edisto Memorial Gardens is a breath of fresh air combined with a rainbow of color. Situated along the Edisto River, rose enthusiasts can enjoy the fragrance of 79 rose beds containing 120 varieties and nearly 5,000 blooming roses. A bevy of colorful azaleas enhance the gardens and compliment the roses. Each year, the city celebrates the flowers with the Orangeburg Festival of Roses. more Stroll along the 2,600-foot boardwalk and observe the cypress wetlands. Enjoy the butterflies flitting in the garden or relax in the quiet respite of the sensory and serenity garden. During the months of mid-March through mid-April, the gardens are ablaze with the colors of blooming dogwoods, cherry trees, azaleas, and assorted flora followed by rose buds from mid-April to November. The gardens are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. Congaree National Park For a complete outdoor experience, a visit to Congaree National Park has plenty of activities to please everyone. The park offers an adventure, whether you prefer to explore on foot or by water. Hikers have access to more than 25 miles through the lush landscape, and visitors who enjoy canoeing or kayaking can follow a marked trail along Cedar Creek. For short jaunts, the boardwalk provides 2.4 miles of trail. There are also guided programs available year-round on Saturdays by volunteers and rangers. Fishing enthusiasts can drop a line and wile away the afternoon in most areas of the park with the proper fishing license. Plan a longer stay by bringing along camping equipment and pitching a tent in either Longleaf or Bluff Campground. Backcountry camping is also possible with a permit. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens offers a look at the magnificent gardens and the beauty of wildlife species that call the zoo home. For greenery, a plethora of colorful species awaits your observation at the Old Rose Garden and Asian Garden. There's also the Walled Garden, Shade Garden, and Bog Garden to satisfy your interest in buds and blooms. Along with enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of the gardens, the zoo offers an opportunity to observe wildlife that comes from all points of the earth. You'll see African and Asian specifies, wildlife from North America and Australia, assorted creatures at the Aquarium Reptile Complex, and bird habitats at the Birdhouse at Riverbanks. Within the complex, you'll find several historical landmarks that earned Riverbanks a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The historical locations include the Saluda River Factory ruins dating to the 1800s and the remains of the State Road Bridge burned by Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. The zoo and gardens are opened from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except for select dates for holidays and special events. Make your plans to delve into the lush and colorful landscapes at these Orangeburg destinations spanning 170 acres where Mother Nature and the great outdoors offer adventure, exploration, and discovery. Image by SymphonicPoet cc by 2.0

Living in South Carolina, we all know the minute that the humidity of summer sets in. When the temperatures rise, there is nothing that is quite like a dip in a refreshing lake or pool to take the edge off a very hot and uncomfortable day. Fortunately, there are a number of spots in the greater Orangeburg area that bring some much-needed coolness during those boiling summer days. Palmetto Athletic Center At the Palmetto Athletic Center, there is almost no activity that is off limits. Besides swimming, the Palmetto Athletic Center is an activity hub for afterschool activities and sports like gymnastics, basketball, and karate. The pool itself is a clean and refreshing place to learn and build swimming skills. Swim lessons are available for children as young as three years old in their beautiful, sparkling outdoor pool. Summer camp is offered with a full schedule of activities, including splash sessions in the summer sun. more The Palmetto Athletic Center is also a terrific choice to hold your child's next birthday party, with their enormous indoor gymnastics facility and foam pit available for hours of bouncy fun. The PAC also offers parents nights out during certain weekends where parents can drop their children off for a few hours of active fun while mom and dad enjoy a coveted "date night." Orangeburg County Aquatic Park No summer is complete without at least one visit to the Orangeburg County Aquatic Park. An outdoor mecca for children and adults alike, this park offers nonstop action in the sun. Try the many water slides to get your adrenaline pumping, with rip-roaring twists and turns and a wonderfully refreshing splash at the end. Looking for something more relaxing? Take a couple of laps around the lazy river that winds around the water park's many attractions. The little ones are fully included in the fun with their own tot pool and slide perfectly sized to their needs. When you need a break, check out the snack bar stocked with treats for lunch or a snack. Deck chairs abound for lounging and there are plenty of showers and changing rooms to get changed at the end of an exhilarating day! City of Sumter Aquatics Center Located in nearby Sumter, the City Aquatic Center is a wonderful community amenity for competitive swimmers and more recreational interests. The pool is equipped with six swim lanes that meet requirements for competitive swim meets. There is also a wading pool with gradual beach entrance, fountain, and an open tube slide for swimmers looking for a fun way to cool off in the summer. The City of Sumter Aquatics Center offers swim lessons for all ages, as well as triathlon training and a year-round swim team for children from 6-18 years old. There is a junior lifeguard program and a 10-week summer camp for local children. The aquatic center is further outfitted with a concession stand and areas designated for private parties. Lockers, life jackets, and noodles are all available for rental to make your day as fun and easy as possible. Don't let the heat beat you this summer. Stop in to one or all of these great swimming spots in the Orangburg area. They will provide hours of cool fun for everyone. Image by flattop341 via cc by 2.0

Orangeburg, South Carolina, has a great restaurant scene for those looking for some delicious comfort foods to brighten up a dull day. Check out these top spots to grab some high-calorie munchies that are great no matter how you are feeling. Original House of Pizza Since 1981, this family-owned pizzeria has been serving the residents of Orangeburg slices of freshly baked pie topped with pretty much anything you can think of. Their create-your-own option lets customers customize their pizza with everything from pepperoni and cheese to gyro and broccoli. There are also pre-selected recipes to choose from like the Hawaiian or the Meat Pizza. In addition to pizza, there are also salads, wings, calzones, appetizers, subs, and other foods available. more The Original House of Pizza offers takeout and dine-in service. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Dukes Bar-B-Que This loose confederacy of family-owned barbecue restaurants was originally opened during the 1950s by Earl Dukes across Orangeburg County. Over the years, different siblings and other members of the family have opened Dukes locations throughout the low country of South Carolina. They sell authentic South Carolina-style barbecue, including slow-cooked chicken, brisket, pork, and other cuts of meat that come slathered in a choice of sauces including their own Orangeburg Sweet mustard-based barbecue sauce. There are also plenty of sides and cold beverages to enjoy in this fun, Americana-style restaurant. The Dukes Bar-B-Que on 1298 Whitman St. in Orangeburg is only open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Customers can dine in or order takeout. Fatz Cafe Fatz is an American restaurant through and through. They offer sizable portions of steak, burgers, seafood, sandwiches, ribs, chicken, and desserts. The owners pride themselves on not being a fancy restaurant but rather offering down-home cooking with a personal touch. Founded in 1988, the original location was a converted peach stand that has since grown to include dozens of locations throughout the mid and deep south. Fatz Cafe is located at 3575 Saint Matthews Road in Orangeburg and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m to 11 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. The Brown Derby This quaint little barbecue joint features all the favorites, including fried chicken, ribs, corn on the cob, catfish, and more. There is a minimalistic ambiance to the Brown Derby, which makes it perfect for customers who aren't looking for fancy decorations or a bunch of televisions on the wall. This is a great place to stop by for an afternoon lunch or early dinner. The Brown Derby is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. They're located at 1399 Belleville Road in Orangeburg. These restaurants are the perfect remedy for the Monday blues or to scratch that chicken wing fix on a Friday night. This might not be the healthiest food out there, but it sure is the most delicious. Image by stu_spivack via cc by-sa 2.0

Orangeburg, South Carolina (also known as The Garden City), is one of those beautiful little southern cities replete with rich, vibrant flora, friendly residents, and interesting sites to see. Check out this list of places to visit the next time you have some extra time to spare. Edisto Memorial Gardens Dating back to the 1920s, the Edisto Memorial Gardens sits on 175 acres of land showcasing roses, camellias, azaleas, and cypress trees that are more than 100 years old. The garden is located on U.S. Highway 301 in Orangeburg and sits on the spot where a confrontation between Confederate and Union armies took place during the last year of the Civil War. One of the main attractions that visitors flock to see is the rose garden, which was voted award-winning and was an All-American Rose Garden test site back in 1973. The Festival of Roses is held every year during the month of May and is free to the public. Other attractions that visitors can check out include a wetlands park, a boat dock to explore the Edisto River, sculptures, an authentic waterwheel, and more. The garden is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Hillcrest Golf Course With 18 holes of lush fairways, well-groomed greens, and plenty of traps and hazards, the Hillcrest Golf Course is a delight for golfers of every level. This par 72 golf course was originally opened in 1973 and since that time has remained open year-round offering the public a chance to hit the links. In addition to open golfing, Hillcrest also offers league play and lessons to help players lower their score. The facilities at Hillcrest give golfers the opportunity to rest and relax at the clubhouse, pick up a new set of clubs in the pro shop, or get some practice swings in at their driving range. They are located at 1280 State A&M Road in Orangeburg and can be reached either through their website or by phone at 803-533-6030. Mikey's Social Club For those who like to enjoy a spirit or two, Mikey's Social Club offers a large selection of beer, wine, and liquor, as well as a quiet and respectable ambiance. Patrons can enjoy grabbing a bite to eat from their full-service kitchen, chatting it up with the regulars, playing some darts, watching some sports on one of the televisions, or sitting outside on the patio. Mikey's Social Club is a warm, friendly place that opens its doors to everyone regardless of whether they are a local or a Yankee from up north. They can found at 1922 Charleston Highway in Orangeburg and are open most nights. For more information, give them a call at 803-534-1912. As you can see, Orangeburg has a rich diversity of places to visit, though they are all imbibed with the rich vegetation that is tied to its fertile ground. Make sure to check out the places on this list the next time you're looking for something to do in Orangeburg. Image by Gerry Dincher via cc by-sa 2.0

The Kia Optima is a quality midsize sedan that has gained high praise from sources like U.S. News & World Report and Car and Driver. If you've settled on this make and model, you can rest assured that you've picked a fantastic vehicle known for its fuel efficiency, drivability, and comforts. The next step in your shopping experience is to pick a trim that's best for your needs. We've outlined the options below to help you decide on the right 2019 Kia Optima model. LX The LX is the base Kia model with the lowest MSRP. This option starts at $22,990 and is available in six colors. You always have two choices for the interior: brown or black cloth. The LX gets 185 horsepower out of a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine. The LX gets 25 miles per gallon in city and 35 on the highway. All 2019 Optima powertrains have a dual continuously variable valve timing transmission. more While every trim has a touch screen, the LX starts with a basic 8-inch display and UVO play. You can upgrade this to the next level and, while it's the same size, it comes with UVO link and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. S The S is one of two midlevel trims and starts at $24,990. This model is available in five exterior colors and comes with sport black cloth seats. The S gets 24 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway. Finally, this trim comes standard with UVO link and SiriusXM Satellite Radio coupled with an 8-inch touch screen. EX The EX is the next trim level, starting at $26,890. It's available in seven colors, including the exclusive titanium silver. You have your choice of either gray or black leather. The EX runs on a turbocharged 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 1-4 that gets 27 miles per gallon in the city and 37 on the highway. This powertrain delivers 178 horsepower. This is the only trim that runs on a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. All others have a six-speed automatic transmission. The EX comes standard with the same touch screen as the S. However, you have the option to upgrade to a system that includes voice command navigation and additional SiriusXM capabilities. SX The SX is the premium trim with an MSRP of $31,990. In exchange for a starting higher price, you get an Optima loaded with features. It starts with five choices for the exterior color and five for the interior seats: bronze Nappa leather, red leather, black Nappa leather, aubergine Nappa leather, and black leather. The SX runs on a turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine 1-4 that gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway. This top-rated engine delivers 245 horsepower. The SX gets a premium touch screen as a standard feature. This display has an 8-inch screen with voice command navigation and SiriusXM Traffic and HD Radio. The Kia Optima is an exceptional vehicle that's earned its praise. While you now have a better idea of what each trim offers, it's worth shopping for the right Optima in person in order to select the best vehicle for you. Visit Burns Kia to test drive your favorites today.

The 2019 Kia Sportage is a compact SUV, and despite its size, it's got a surprising amount of utility. This is only one factor that elevates this vehicle over others in its class. These are four reasons why you'll love driving a Kia Sportage. Utility Compact vehicles usually don't have much utility, but the new Sportage changes things. Though it's not as powerful as a full-size SUV, it's still got ample space. With the seats up, you've got 30.7 cubic feet of cargo volume to work with. You can lower the back seats to access double that amount at 60.1 cubic feet of space. The convenience of ample room in a compact SUV is nice, but this isn't the only way the Sportage delivers in terms of functionality. This vehicle offers a max towing capacity of 1,650 pounds, which is great news for families who like to travel with luggage, kayaks, or a small trailer. more Fuel Efficiency Fuel efficiency is another area where most SUVs don't stand out. Yet again, the Sportage goes against convention with an economic engine compared to others in its class. This Kia boasts up to 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway. This is possible on the front-wheel drive LX, which has a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4. The EX has the same engine, but the front-wheel drive model delivers slightly less efficiency at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway. Finally, the premium SX Turbo has the most powerful engine and gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway. Power The Sportage has two engines: the 2.4-liter in the LX and EX and a turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 exclusive to the SX Turbo. All engines have an automatic transmission and come standard with front-wheel drive. Regardless of the trim, you can upgrade to an available four-wheel drive powertrain. A locking center differential is optional on all trims. The LX and EX front and all-wheel drive models gain 181 horsepower. The SX Turbo front-wheel drive gets 240 horsepower and 237 as an all-wheel drive vehicle. Plush Interior and Stylish Exterior The Sportage looks thrilling inside and out. Occupants are kept comfortable on quality seating materials, though options vary depending on the trim you select. The LX has either black or gray woven cloth seats. With the EX, you can pick a black, gray, or cool gray leather interior. The SX also has black leather, or you can upgrade to beige or gray leather. The exterior also has a range of color choices, including eight on the LX and SX Turbo and 11 on the EX. The EX has three special paint jobs that go with this trim's exclusive Sport Appearance Package. Don't let its size fool you. The Kia Sportage is powerful and economic for its class, delivers an exceptional driving experience, and is fun to customize. Check out the latest models at Burns Kia and stop by for more information about this compact SUV.

Orangeburg is loaded with delicious places to eat, and if you crave Italian, you're especially in for a treat. There are many local eateries that specialize in this type of cuisine. Check out these restaurants specializing in pizza, risotto, and other Italian foods. Villa Tronco From the 19th century building its housed in to its traditional Italian fare, Villa Tronco stands out as a particularly romantic eatery. The menu is loaded with tasty entrees, including classics like tomato sauce and cheese pizza and linguine with clam sauce. There are also a few unique specialty items, including Carmella's Famous Cheesecake and salads tossed in their special Villa Tronco dressing. The restaurant is also known for its generous slices of pizza. more Villa Tronco is in neighboring Columbia at 1213 Blanding St. It's open Tuesday through Friday for lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday for dinner from 5-10 p.m. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday. Al's Upstairs Italian Restaurant Al's Upstairs Italian Restaurant is another exceptional option if you're looking for a charming location to take your loved one to. This eatery has been in business since 1979, and in that time, it's become a local favorite known for its wonderful ambiance and equally fantastic food. The menu features Italian staples like chicken parmigiana and paradelle Bolognese, as well as a rotating selection of chef's specials. Al's Upstairs Italian Restaurant can be found at 300 Meeting St. in nearby West Columbia. It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 5-10 p.m. Original House of Pizza Original House of Pizza is another spot that's been in business for a long time. The restaurant has operated as a family business since 1981. It's also the perfect balance between intimate and convenient. You can make a reservation to ensure you get a table during peak hours, or you can place a takeout order to enjoy at home or work. On the menu, you'll find appetizers, salads, and dozens of options for pizza, Stromboli dishes, calzones, and more. Original House of Pizza is in Orangeburg at 591 John C. Calhoun Drive. It's open at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday. However, the restaurant closes at 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. DE Mara's Italian Restaurant Just outside of Orangeburg in Sumter is a superb Italian restaurant known for its casual atmosphere. It's excellent food, large portions, and prices that attract so many people to this eatery. Sandwiches and classic Italian options, like pizza, are on the menu. You can find DE Mara's Italian Restaurant at 2070 Peach Orchard Road. It's open during the week from 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., although it stays open an extra half hour every Friday. Saturday hours are from 4:30-9:30 p.m., and Sunday hours are from noon-5:30 p.m. Orangeburg has several memorable Italian restaurants, and you'll find even more in nearby towns, like Columbia and Augusta. This gives you ample options for affordable, quick-serve spots, as well as upscale eateries and everything in between. Check out the above restaurants the next time you're craving quality Italian food. Image by Melissakis, H. via CC BY 2.0