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Just because summer is coming to an end in Orangeburg doesn't mean fun activities around town are also stopping. As the weather begins to cool, head out and enjoy some of these excellent fall activities in and around Orangeburg. 1. Orangeburg County Fair Celebrate the Orangeburg County Fair from Oct. 3 to 9. Along with carnival rides, games, and food, you'll also find performers, livestock shows and competitions, and a craft fair. There are classic rides like the carousel and Ferris wheel, kiddie rides for the little ones, and thrill rides for those looking for a little more excitement. If you need a break from the rides, walk through the barns and check out the cows, goats, sheep, and horses, or relax in one of the pavilions to enjoy live music. more 2. Taste of Orangeburg On Oct. 30, head to Orangeburg Memorial Plaza in downtown Orangeburg and sample some of the best food from a variety of vendors and restaurants from around the city. The Taste of Orangeburg not only gives you the opportunity to try local cuisine, but you can also enjoy live music and other entertainment. Try out barbecue, fried foods, crab bites, wings, shrimp and grits, and more. 3. Raylrode Daze Festivul Raylrode Daze Festivul is a four-day event that runs from Sept. 22 to 25. The festival was created to celebrate the importance of the railroad industry in the area, and to showcase the world's oldest railroad junction. Activities include carnival rides, a pet show, a magic show, street dancing, contests, a parade, a gunfight show, a children's costume judging contest, and children and adult spike driving contests. 4. Edisto Memorial Gardens Edisto Memorial Gardens is a beautiful destination no matter what time of year you visit. The garden displays more than 4,800 rose plants that represent around 120 varieties of flowers. The roses start blooming in the middle of April and last until the first frost in November. If you're looking for a place to relax and unwind, you'll find sensory, serenity, and butterfly gardens. As you stroll along the paths, make sure you take some time to enjoy the lovely fall colors surrounding you. 5. Bowman Harvest Festival Enjoy everything fall has to offer during the Bowman Harvest Festival. The celebration happens in Bowman along Charlestown Highway from Sept. 9 to 11. There's a parade through the center of town, singing contests, karaoke, vendors, rides, and plenty of good food. Make sure you bring your empty stomach to the hot dog eating contest and the barbecue cook-off. 6. Elloree Arts and Antiques Festival Elloree is known for its great antique shopping, and the Elloree Arts and Antiques Festival on Oct. 8 celebrates these local businesses and artisans. Enjoy arts and crafts, a bake sale, antique appraisers, live music, good food, an art auction, antique car show, and more. Whether you're looking for something to do as a couple or with the family, these fun fall activities in Orangeburg are worth checking out.

The restaurants around Columbia offer a variety of dining options to satisfy any craving. If you're in the mood for a good meal, make sure you check out these top restaurants. 1. Solstice Kitchen With its cozy atmosphere, stylish decor, and sophisticated menu, Solstice Kitchen is the restaurant you go to when you want to impress. The seasonal menu offers soups, starters, and entrées. The wine list is extensive and includes white, pink, red, and sparkling selections. You can't go wrong with the goat cheese and bacon-tomato confit and pan-seared scallops. You can make reservations for Solstice Kitchen using OpenTable.com. more 2. Motor Supply Company Bistro Motor Supply Company Bistro was one of the first restaurants to open up in the revitalized Congaree Vista. After nearly 30 years of business, the restaurant has perfected the casual upscale meal. The menu changes daily for lunch and dinner, but you'll usually find house-brined pork chops or an excellent grilled steak. While the restaurant is known for its unique mix of Asian, Italian, American, and French cuisine, the cocktails also receive a lot of buzz. The bacon-infused vodka and gin and green tomato tonic were both featured in national magazines. If you're interested in stopping by for lunch or dinner, you can make reservations on the restaurant's website. 3. Café Strudel If you're in the mood for some breakfast favorites, stop by Café Strudel. The cinnamon pancakes, omelet, and breakfast burrito will all give you the fuel you need to get your day going. If you partied a little too hard the night before, the hangover hashbrowns will cure what ails you. The lunch menu includes classics like wraps and sandwiches, and the dinner menu has burgers, beef, and chicken. You can call ahead to be placed on a wait list, but this doesn't guarantee you a seat when you arrive. 4. Southern Belly BBQ The smoked, slow-roasted barbecue at Southern Belly BBQ is consistently voted among the best in Columbia. You can choose a traditional barbecue sandwich, or try something unique like the wookie, which comes with double meat, double bacon, three cheeses, grilled onions, and a center slice of bread. No matter which sandwich you decide on, you can pick from one of the seven handmade sauces to make it complete. If you can't decide, get the sauce sampler and try them all. 5. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium You'll never look at bar fare the same way again after a trip to Flying Saucer Draught Emporium. With soft pretzels, goat cheese salad, shepherd's pie, bratwurst, and more on the menu, the European influence is easy to see. The portions are also more than generous, so you'll never leave hungry. However, what really stands out at this gastropub is the beer menu. The taproom offers more than 200 imported and domestic craft beers for you to try. From barbecue to fine dining, these top restaurants offer some of the best meals in Columbia. The next time you're out and looking for a good meal, be sure you stop by one and find your new favorite dish.

Located where the Saluda and Broad Rivers converge to form the Congaree River, Columbia is the capital and largest city in South Carolina. Columbia is a modest sized city, but with its long history and riverfront geography, there is no shortage of interesting activities to enjoy. Whether you're a local or just visiting, be sure to check out these four must-see Columbia attractions. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Pay a visit to this remarkable facility and you'll quickly realize why it's a two-time recipient of the Governor's Cup for South Carolina's Most Outstanding Tourist Attraction. Featuring over 2,000 animals and 4,200 native and exotic plant species on a 170-acre site, the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is sure to keep visitors enthralled for hours. Don't miss the award-winning Birdhouse at Riverbanks exhibit, which features three varieties of penguins among several other exotic bird species. Admission to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is affordable at $13.95 for adults and $11.50 for children ages 2-12. Discounts are available for military members and senior citizens, and children under two get in free. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park Take in some scenery and history with a visit to the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park. This park is the original site of Columbia's waterworks and the home of the first-ever electrically operated textile mill. Visitors can stroll along over two miles of scenic riverfront trail while learning about the history of the Columbia Canal, first built in 1824 with the labor of indentured Irish servants. Today, a memorial in the park recognizes the Irish workers who built the canal. The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park are located just outside of Columbia's downtown business district, providing a convenient escape from the bustle of downtown. The park is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and admission is free. Nickelodeon Theatre Film buffs won't want to miss a chance to visit Columbia's Nickelodeon Theater. Founded in 1979, this nonprofit theater hosts independent films, curated series, and one-off screenings, and is the home of the Indie Grits Film Festival, an annual showcase of area DIY films. Screening attendees can engage in discussions with experts and community members before or after many screenings. The Nickelodeon is also home to the Helen Hill Media Education Center, which offers filmmaking workshops and educational opportunities for adults and children alike. Ticket prices for the Nick vary, but most screenings are $10. If you're a Columbia local, consider becoming a member of the Nickelodeon Theater to enjoy exclusive benefits like free tickets, discounted special screenings, and free popcorn. Congaree National Park When you need an escape to nature, look no further than Congaree National Park. Located less than 30 minutes from downtown Columbia, this national park is home of the largest expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. Visitors to the park can camp, fish, canoe, and kayak, or simply hike and take in the scenery of this unique floodplain forest. Admission to Congaree National Park is free, and the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether you're interested in nature, history, wildlife, or the arts, Columbia has something for you.

Known as "The Garden City," Orangeburg, South Carolina, offers an unexpected amount of culture despite its small size, thanks to its two local universities. Whether you live in Orangeburg or you're just visiting from nearby Columbia or Charleston, be sure to check out these unique local activities that are sure to please the whole family. Travel Back in Time at Raylrode Daze Festivul Each September, drive about 20 minutes south of Orangeburg to Branchville, South Carolina, home of the annual Raylrode Daze Festivul. Now in its 48th year, this festival celebrates Branchville's railroad junction, which is the oldest railroad junction in the world. The festival offers activities ranging from a cornhole tournament to a gunfight performance hosted by the Branch Junction Gunfighters. Children will enjoy the carnival rides, parade, and arts and crafts activities. The 2016 Raylrode Daze Festivul runs from September 18th through 25th. more Explore the Outdoors at Congaree National Park Outdoorsy families will love a day trip to Congaree National Park, located less than an hour northeast of Orangeburg. Visitors will be mesmerized by the tall trees of the largest expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Congaree National Park offers hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and backcountry camping. In addition to over 20 miles of hiking trails, the park offers a 2.4-mile boardwalk trail that gives hikers close-up views of the delicate wetland ecosystem. Congaree National Park is free and open to the public year-round, but spring and fall are the best times to visit to avoid the hot and humid summer weather. Catch a Show at the BlueBird Theatre Located in the former home of the historic Edisto Theatre, the BlueBird Theatre is the place to be in downtown Orangeburg for live theatre performances. It is the home of the Orangeburg Part-Time Players acting troupe, which has produced both adult and children's theatre shows since 1981. The Part-Time Players 2016 schedule features a number of family-friendly performances, including children's theatre performances of the Disney classics Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. Tickets to performances at the BlueBird Theatre are $19 for adults and $17 for children and seniors. Kick Back at Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile is more than just a barbecue restaurant. Designed by a local business person who wanted to capture the spirit of the Old South, Lone Star is a restaurant, museum, and a front porch pickin' venue all in one. The four buildings that make up Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile date back as far as 1876, and each one is full of antiques and Southern kitsch for visitors to enjoy as they dine on classic barbecue dinners. Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile hosts live bluegrass and country music most Saturday nights, as well as day-long music festivals on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Lone Star is located just outside Orangeburg in Santee, SC. Next time you're in Orangeburg, make a point to slow down and connect with the community by enjoying these four family-friendly activities.

Whether you live in South Carolina or you're just here for a visit, make sure you take some time to explore the state. South Carolina offers numerous remarkable road trip options. No matter your interests, you're sure to find a trip that suits your needs. From outdoor adventures to amazing shopping, these are some of the best road trips in South Carolina. more The Angel Oak One of the state's most beautiful natural wonders is The Angel Oak. Less than 25 miles outside Charleston, you'll find this 66-foot-tall oak tree. It is estimated to be about 400 years old and is still alive today. The canopy is huge, with shades of 17,000 square feet. The longest branch on this historical beauty is 187 feet. Within a 5-mile drive, there are several great restaurants, allowing you to make a day of your road trip. Wild Olive offers delicious Italian food. If you're in the mood for American cuisine, head to Tomato Shed Café. JBS Smoke Shack offers amazing barbecue. Myrtle Beach The biggest tourist destination in South Carolina is Myrtle Beach. Here you'll find all sorts of themed restaurants, such as Hard Rock Café, Margaritaville, and Planet Hollywood. Head to the beach for some fun in the sun, and bring along a picnic lunch. The city offers several amusement parks and attractions, such as the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, and Myrtle Beach Pavilion. There's something for everyone in Myrtle Beach, making it a fantastic road trip option for individuals, families, or groups. Drayton Hall Check out the history and majesty of South Carolina with a visit to Drayton Hall. This well-preserved plantation home is one of the best-kept historical buildings around. Drayton Hall is one of only three plantation homes on the Ashley River that didn't get destroyed when Union soldiers took over the area during the Civil War. Today, the home has been restored and preserved. It is now part of the National Trust, and there are professional guided tours available for visitors. After your tour of the home and gardens, head to Nigel's Good Food or Middleton Place Restaurant for a meal to end your day. Huntington Beach State Park If you're in the mood for an outdoor adventure, head to Huntington Beach State Park outside of Murrells Inlet. You'll find fishing and boating areas, hiking trails, picnic shelters, and even camping areas throughout the park. In September, Huntington Beach State Park hosts the Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival, featuring over 100 artists. Live music, food options, and art vendors all come together in this amazing celebration of beauty. If you don't want to camp, but still plan to spend extra time in the area, there are several hotel options nearby, including the Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort and The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn. Throughout South Carolina, there are several road trip options. When planning your trip, decide what type of attractions you're most interested in. Whether you're planning a single day road trip or something a little longer, you'll find beauty and excitement in South Carolina.

Living in South Carolina means that you have relatively easy access to some of the best beaches on the east coast. This summer, take some time out of your schedule to visit one of these four beaches. They're within a 150 miles of Orangeburg and they offer plenty of things to do. more Myrtle Beach Distance from Orangeburg: 141 miles Myrtle Breach attracts about 14 million tourists every year, making it one of the most popular destinations in South Carolina. Attractions that bring people to Myrtle Beach include shopping at Broadway on the Beach, The SkyWheel, Myrtle Beach State Park, and Ripley's Aquarium. If you like locally made beer, then you should visit the breweries in Myrtle Beach. Three popular options include Gordon Biersch, Liberty Brewery and Grill, and New South Brewing Company. New South Brewing Company offers free tours at 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It's a chance to see how the company brews its beers. Plus, you can get free samples. Folly Beach Distance from Orangeburg: 86 miles Folly Beach is a good destination for people who want to enjoy the sun and water without putting up with the large crowds at Myrtle Beach. The Folly Beach pier gives you an excellent spot to cast your fishing line into the water. You can also explore the coast with kayak, paddleboard, and boat rentals. If you have a Kia SUV, like the Sorento or Sedona, then you should bring a surfboard with you to Folly Beach. There aren't a lot of spots on the eastern seaboard with enough waves for surfing. Folly Beach is one of the few places where you can expect to catch a few good waves during your stay. Of course, you can rent a surfboard if you don't own one. Kiawah Island Distance from Orangeburg: 101 miles Kiawah Island is noted for its exclusive resorts and magnificent golf courses. Some of the island's best courses include Turtle Point Golf Club, Osprey Point Golf Course, The Ocean Course, and Cougar Point Golf Course. If you are really looking to test your skill, then you have to play a round at the Ocean Course. It is one of the toughest courses on the coast. Of course, there are more things to do in Kiawah Island than play golf. Try exploring the beautiful island with bike or kayak rentals. You should also set time aside to visit Night Heron Park and indulge in services at some of the island's numerous spas. Isle of Palms Distance from Orangeburg: 88 miles Isle of Palms is a good destination for people who also want to visit Charleston. You not only have access to water sports and a relaxing sand beach, but all of the restaurants and retail stores of a large city. Considering how close it is to Orangeburg, you should visit it at least once. Going to the beach is always a fun way to spend a few summer days. This year, try to visit one of these destinations so you can experience the best in South Carolina.