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An Eye-Catching Design The 2020 Stinger has a large, sculpted hood with vents, sculpted sides with similar vents, low ground clearance for better aerodynamics and maneuverability, a unique black diamond-mesh grille, angular headlights, and chrome dual exhaust. A rear hatch with Stinger lettering provides access to a spacious cargo area, and dark chrome accents give the Stinger a sophisticated, speedy look. You'll also get heated power-folding side mirrors with turn signals, puddle lights, sound-absorbing windows, and 18-inch wheels. You can add auto-dimming side mirrors, a hands-free power rear trunk that works when your key is nearby, a sunroof with a power sunshade, and automatic high beams. Rain-sensing windshield wipers, 19-inch wheels, and headlights that turn when you move the steering wheel for better visibility around corners are available as well. more Outstanding Performance This vehicle has great acceleration, a smooth ride, and paddle shifters on the steering wheel for precise handling. There's also an eight-speed automatic transmission and a system that stops the engine while you're stuck in traffic to prevent idling and conserve fuel. You can choose eco, custom, smart, or sport driving modes, and a lap timer and a G-force meter are optional. All-wheel drive is available, and the four-cylinder, turbocharged 2.0-liter engine gives 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It can reach 60 mph in under six seconds. You can also choose a 3.3-liter, twin-turbo V-6 that offers 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque and can get to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Advanced Features The cabin comes with plenty of convenient features, including a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition, dual-zone climate control, a sunglasses holder, heated leather seats, and storage underneath the floor. The steering wheel has buttons for audio, making hands-free phone calls, and cruise control. You'll also get wireless charging, push-button start, two 12-volt outlets, keyless entry, a 3.5-inch driver information display, and two USB charging ports. You can opt for a 15-speaker 720-watt audio system, navigation, an 8-inch touch screen, ventilated front seats, and a 7-inch driver information display. A head-up display and memory settings for the steering wheel and seats are available as well. Excellent Safety The 2020 Stinger's safety and driver assistance systems will make traveling easy and stress-free. It comes with a rearview camera, blind spot collision warning, lane change assistance, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional options include lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warning, driver attention warning to prevent distracted driving, and a camera system that gives you a 360-degree view of your surroundings. To learn more about the Stinger and test drive it for yourself, visit Burns Kia. We have an extensive inventory, and our friendly professionals will help you find the best car for your needs.   Image by kia.com

Chow Down at Dukes Bar-B-Que You can make any day better with good food, particularly if it's from Dukes Bar-B-Que. Order your plate with Dukes' famous barbecue or chicken, and choose from sides such as hash or homestyle green beans and macaroni and cheese. You can also order family-size options to go. Dukes Bar-B-Que is located at 1298 Whitman Street SE. Keep in mind that this barbecue joint is only open Thursday through Saturday and only takes cash. more Enjoy a Home-Cooked Meal at Thelma's Restaurant If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a great homestyle meal, then visit Thelma's. Here you can order breakfast all day long or choose from one of the great lunch options. A favorite breakfast offering is Sonny's Mega Plate with hash browns or grits, two eggs, sausage, bologna, bacon, and your choice of waffles or pancakes. Lunch options include hamburgers, pork chops, and fried chicken. Find Thelma's at 1128 Russell Street. Have Some Spice at Rosalia's Mexican Restaurant Life is short, so eat what you want. Rosalia's Mexican Restaurant's menu is full of delicious, authentic Mexican food items, ranging from appetizers to desserts. Start with stuffed jalapenos, chicken wings, or a variety of dips. Try the popular Special Dinner, which is piled with tons of food, including a chimichanga, chalupa, taco, rice and beans, enchilada, and a chile relleno. Finish the meal off with churros or fried ice cream. Rosalia's is located at 1058 Russell Street. Grab a Slice at Original House of Pizza You'll find the best pies in town at The Original House of Pizza. Try a tasty appetizer such as buffalo wings, zucchini sticks, or fried pickles while your pizza is cooking. Create any pizza you want with toppings such as pepperoni, chicken, and even broccoli. The House Special with mushrooms, sausage, pepperoni, hamburger, onions, and bell peppers is a fan favorite. You can also find Greek and Italian staples such as strombolis and calzones. The Original House of Pizza is located at 591 John C Calhoun Drive. Relax at Arthur Paul's Great American Steak and Seafood Julia Child once said, “People who love to eat are the best people,” and she's certainly right. Arthur Paul's is a locally owned and operated restaurant with one of the best menus in town. Start your meal with a salad or, better yet, bacon-wrapped shrimp. Some of the delicious entrees include steaks, crab legs, oysters, and salmon. You can dine at Arthur Paul's at 1357 Grove Park Drive every day but Monday. These restaurants know what they're doing, and they do it well. All five boast friendly service, great food, and amazing atmospheres. Now that you're well-versed in Orangeburg eateries, you can take your pick. Bon appetit!   Photo by Pixabay

When you're looking for a new SUV for your family, there are a ton of factors to consider. From size, safety, and performance, the all-new 2020 Telluride delivers. It's Kia's largest vehicle, and it offers plenty of high-tech capabilities and a slew of performance-oriented features. Here are four top reasons why this Kia SUV is the perfect pick. Handsome, Spacious Cabin This three-row vehicle boasts an elegant cabin and seating for up to eight on synthetic leather upholstery. That's plenty of room for all the kids and grandma too. Standard equipment such as power-sliding-and-folding second-row seats makes it easy to get inside and get comfortable. For families traveling with little ones, the Telluride offers two complete sets of car-seat connectors in the second-row outboard seats, plus one set in the third-row. Opt for more niceties such as premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Telluride offers a large cargo hold too, to transport all your family's groceries, the kid's sporting gear, and luggage for that annual summer road trip. Fold-down both rows of rear seats and get a class-leading total of 87 cubic feet. more It Delivers on Performance This Kia SUV deserves a spot on mom and dad's shortlist, especially if your family enjoys some light adventuring. Standard equipment on the 2020 variant ranges from skid plates and 8-inches of ground clearance to the available all-wheel-drive lock system for improved grip. Thanks to the robust power of the Telluride's 3.8-liter V-6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, it can tow 5,000 pounds and produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It's easy on your family's budget too, earning a fuel-efficient 20 mpg in the city and 26 highway. Loads of Advanced Safety Features Keep your precious passengers safe with an abundance of safety features from Kia. The Telluride earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's coveted designation as a "Top Safety Pick" and comes with a generous list of driver aids. You and your family will appreciate a rearview camera, lane keep assist, and a blind spot monitor to help avoid a collision. Also included standard is forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. There's a driver attention monitor, adaptive cruise control, and safe exit assist. This handy feature alerts you of approaching cars, so the kids won't open the door when it's unsafe. If that's not enough protection for your brood, add available options like automatic high beams and a surround-view parking camera. It's a Reliable Choic e The Telluride earned an above-average predicted reliability rating from JD Power: an impressive four out of five stars. For the new model year, it touts Kia's industry-leading warranty. Parents will appreciate the basic, five-year/60,000-mile coverage, as well as Kia's extended 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. These perks make it a solid choice in this segment for budget-conscious shoppers. The all-new 2020 Telluride is a breath of fresh air in the midsize SUV class. Load up the kids and head to your local Kia showroom for a test drive today.   Image Via Kia.com

Local festivals offer residents a variety of ways to celebrate. They're a hotbed of varied entertainment from celebrating arts and crafts to many flavors of food. Some are downright quirky, while others feature a local flair that you won't find anywhere else. Here's a quick list of the top, fun festivals near Orangeburg, South Carolina. Orangeburg Festival Of Roses The Orangeburg Festival of Roses is a town-wide celebration that's been running since 1971. Marking the beginning of the rose blooming season, the activities take place in Edisto Memorial Gardens near the banks of the Edisto River at 200 Riverside Drive SW. See thousands of roses in bloom and gaze at the longest blackwater river in the world at this one-of-a-kind local event. There's no cost to get into the garden, and parking is also free. The exact date of the event is to be determined, so start checking the website for times as May approaches. There's plenty of food to eat, three stages of music and live performances, sports tournaments, games for the kids, and a road race. more St. Patrick's Day Festival Gather your Irish friends and the whole family, and wear some green to the fourth annual St. Patrick's Day Festival. The event takes place on Friday, March 13, 2020, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. downtown at 152 Market Street. It's the only festival of its kind in Orangeburg. Bring your lawn chairs and your dancing shoes and pay homage to the patron saint of Ireland. There will be live music, food, and beer for purchase. Don't skip out on this fun event, or you might get pinched by a leprechaun. Lakefest 2020 Where can you find a festival with music, amusement rides, and arts and crafts? Why at the second annual Lakefest 2020 in the Santee town hall complex. Head to 194 Municipal Way and bring the whole family. The event kicks off on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. and runs until 6:00 p.m. There's a car show for dad, fun and games for mom and the kids, and plenty of food, beer, and wine. Admission is just five bucks per person, and kids 12 and under are free. Governor's Frog Jump Hosted every year on Easter weekend, the Governor's Frog Jump at Frog Jump Park in nearby Springfield is one attraction you don't want to miss. The holiday falls on April 11, 2020, and this event features a carnival, a parade, food vendor, crafts, games, a cow drop competition, and an egg hunt all at the Springfield Town Hall located at 1505 State Road. The winner of the classic frog jump event will represent the state of South Carolina at the Calaveras County Frog Jump tournament in sunny California. Stick around all day for a fireworks finale. Make lasting memories at a festival near you. Get involved with Orangeburg's local history and culture while enjoying yourself. Which event will you hit first? Use our guide to narrow down your choices and get out there and have fun.   Image by Pixabay @OrnaW

Are you shopping dealership lots for a classy, large sedan? Put the Kia K900 on the top of your must-drive-list. With cushy seats and a long list of indulgent standard features, it's time you experienced the luxury and grace of the 2020 K900. Here's everything you want to know. Turbocharged Engine Designed to deliver confidence behind the wheel, the 2020 K900 sedan boasts a powerful 3.3-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 under the hood. It's good for 365 horsepower and 376-pound-feet of torque with the eight-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to its all-wheel-drive powertrain with dynamic torque vectoring control, you get poised, precision handling, plus the added enjoyment of selectable drive modes for highway cruising, more sporty performance, and a deluxe ride. more Sophisticated Interior Design The 2020 K900 leads the class with its sophisticated design. Inside the cabin, you'll discover premium materials throughout, from standard metallic accents to the rich, Nappa leather-trimmed interior. As the driver, you're going to appreciate the comfort of 20-way adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 64 color mood lighting. There's also proximity keyless entry, push-button start, and a hands-free trunk. The available advanced instrument cluster display puts the driver in command, and Kia's ergonomic layout places everything within easy reach, including the 12.3-inch touchscreen display, surround-view monitor, head-up display, and premium audio system. Rear seat passengers will love the K900's independent climate control with ventilation, 14-way power-adjustable seats, and a wireless phone charger. Eye-Catching Exterior Outside, the K900's eye-catching front fascia touts a dynamic radiator grille, and chrome details announce your presence while balancing classic elegance. Standard automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Heated, power-folding side-view mirrors feature integrated turn signals and auto-dimming capability, while distinctive LED taillights and a sunroof complete the look of its refined exterior. Driver Assist Technology Protect what you prize most with Kia's suite of advanced driver assistance technology. Blind-spot monitoring keeps an eye on traffic when changing lanes, while lane-keep assist will apply a steering correction when needed to bring the vehicle back into your lane. For better awareness of your surroundings, the exterior-mounted surround-view camera gives drivers a bird's eye view of the area around your K900's. Outstanding Warranty Coverage Get your heaping helping of luxury for less. Thanks to Kia's industry-leading warranty coverage, your new luxury automobile costs even less to maintain than rival models. Beyond its budget sticker price, get the benefits of Kia's basic five-year/60,000-mile coverage and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. While the 2020 variant hasn't been reviewed as yet, last year's model earned an outstanding four out of five stars for predicted reliability from JD Power. This score makes it one of the most reliable cars in its class. The 2020 K900 delivers a wealth of features and loads of value for buyers on the hunt for premium transportation. Bring home one of the best large, luxury cars in Kia's lineup today. Schedule a test drive at your local showroom and experience the luxury and grace of this new premium sedan. Image by Kia.com

Spring is upon us, and that means the start of event season in Orangeburg. No matter what your interest, you're sure to find a special event in the area to enjoy. Let's talk about some of the upcoming spring events and what they have to offer. St. Patrick's Day Festival The Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association invites Orangeburg residents and visitors alike to don their best green apparel and gather in downtown's Memorial Plaza for it's third annual St. Patrick's Day Festival, held on March 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The festival promises fun for the whole family, with music and dancing provided by Jimmy Joyner and the Main Street Band. The Downtown Leprechaun will be in attendance to hand out a special gift to children under 12 who come dressed in green. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and while you're downtown, make sure to check out the area's unique shops. more Governor's Frog Jump The Governor's Frog Jump has been an Easter weekend tradition since 1969. It all started when the town of Springfield, South Carolina, sent a frog to compete in the famous Calaveras County Frog Jump in 1968. The Springfield frog won the contest so the town decided to host its own frog jumping competition. The competition evolved into a weekend-long event featuring a carnival, food, crafts, a parade, entertainment, games, and, of course, the frog jump. Since the event takes place on the same weekend as Easter, there is also an egg strike competition and Easter egg hunt. Orangeburg Festival of Roses The Orangeburg Festival of Roses is held every year on the weekend before Mother's Day in the historic Edisto Memorial Gardens. It celebrates the start of the rose blooming season. The garden's first rose was planted in 1951, and now the gardens are home to 79 beds of roses. While attending the festival, you'll see thousands of roses, including miniatures and Old Garden Roses, blooming near the Edisto River, the longest black water river in the world. The festival also features food vendors and entertainment. While there\, you'll also want to visit Edisto's wetland park, butterfly garden, serenity garden, and sensory garden. Classic Car Show on the Square The Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association is proud to present the 7th Annual Classic Car Show on the Square. Antique car owners are encouraged to register their vehicle for display and competition. In addition to the beautiful cars on display, the show features music, food vendors, door prizes, and activities for the kids. Attendees are also invited to participate in a fan belt toss. The festival takes place on May 4. If you'd like to register your antique car, registration is held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The show is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These are just some of the fun events that you can look forward to this spring. No matter which one you choose to attend, stay safe and have a great time! Image by VirtualWolf via CC BY-SA 2.0

Orangeburg isn't the biggest city in South Carolina, but it's still a thriving community in one of the most fertile parts of the state. In the place known as "the Garden City," you know you won't have to look hard to find a good local restaurant to enjoy a hearty lunch. You'll find Southern-style comfort food, Carolina-style barbecue, and much more if you just have a look around. Fatz Southern Kitchen Fatz Southern Kitchen is a regional franchise with locations throughout the Carolinas and in neighboring states. In Orangeburg, their location is on U.S. Route 601, just south of the Interstate 26 junction. Fatz serves American classics with a Southern twist, so their menu includes fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, and Cajun firecrackers as well as steaks, baby back ribs, and sirloin burgers. They also have a whole section of Southern favorites that include shrimp and grits and chicken-fried steak. Be sure to check out their 8.88 Specials that are only available on weekdays before 6 p.m. more Thai Orchid For something a little more exotic than Southern cooking, visit Thai Orchid. It's easy to spot on St. Matthews Road next to the Orangeburg Mall. It offers some truly authentic Thai meals along with other Asian fusion menu options like Japanese nigiri and sushi rolls. For Thai food, they offer classics like pad thai, drunken noodles, and lo mein. The restaurant also offers Chinese-style options like sweet and sour chicken and pepper steak. When you walk in, be sure to check their front desk for daily specials. Chestnut Grill The Chestnut Grill is easy to find as it's right on Chestnut Street north of the Orangeburg Mall. The Chestnut Grill might be more popular as a dinner spot, but it's open for lunch every day aside from Sunday. They have a special lunch menu that's only available until 4 p.m. As a grill, the restaurant serves some high-quality steaks and sandwiches for lunch, including a French dip on a toasted hoagie roll, an Angus beef hamburger, and a 9-ounce lunch steak topped with house-made onion rings. Dukes Bar-B-Que No Carolina city is complete without a local spot that sells its own style of Carolina pork barbecue. In Orangeburg, you can visit Dukes Bar-B-Que, a place that's just north of Calhoun Drive on Whitman Street Southeast. Dukes only stays open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, but when you get here, you can enjoy a full barbecue buffet packed with pork, chicken, cole slaw, baked beans, hush puppies, cheesy grits, and so much more. You can also order family-sized meals or single plates to go if you don't have the time or appetite to stick around. While there are much bigger cities in South Carolina, Orangeburg has restaurants and flavors you won't find anywhere else. Next time you're in the city to have lunch, you won't have any trouble finding a good spot where you can really dig in. Image by goodiesfirst via CC BY 2.0

Whether you've had a big dinner and it's time for dessert, you finished a big game and the kids need a treat to celebrate, or you just feel like satisfying your sweet tooth, everyone loves dessert every now and then. The people of Orangeburg, South Carolina, are no different, which is why this town has plenty of places to get something nice to eat. Thelma's Thelma's is an old-fashioned diner you can find on Russell Street near Broughton. The food here is all Southern-style home cooking with straightforward options like two-piece chicken baskets and sausage with grits. Thelma's desserts aren't the main draw, but they're all worth trying. You might like the red velvet cake, the cheesecake, the key lime pie, or the banana pudding. The desserts might not be available depending on how popular they've been, so be sure to stop by a few times to enjoy all the homemade desserts Thelma's has to offer. more Adrian's Ice Cream Shop Adrian's Ice Cream Shop takes up a small corner of the Prince of Orange Mall on Chestnut Street. There's not much to the place, but you can buy all kinds of sodas, snacks, and frozen treats when you stop by. You can buy ice cream in cups or cones. They have waffle cones along with the standard kind, and the flavors cover all the basics and also include some unusual alternatives. You should also consider getting a slush, which Adrian's makes using real fruit in their syrup. The Ice Cream Bar You'll have to drive over to Santee for this one, but it's worth the trip. The Ice Cream Bar on the Old Number Six Highway serves dozens of Hershey Ice Cream flavors along with all kinds of sweet baked goods. These include cookies, cakes sold whole or by the slice, cinnamon rolls, and more. The Ice Cream Bar is most famous for its pecan pies, so not only do they always have a few ready to sell, but they can also ship their pies directly to their customers. Nelson's Wee Bake Nelson's Wee Bake is a bakery down in Denmark, a town southwest of Orangeburg. Nelson's makes all kinds of pastries and sweet foods, including donuts, eclairs, pound cake, lemon bars, cheesecake, pies, and even chocolate-covered strawberries. Each month they come up with a new specialty treat, so there's always something new whenever you stop by. However, you don't need to wait for the next month to get something good, because everything Nelson's offers is worth the half-hour trip to get to Denmark from Orangeburg. Frozen or still warm from the oven, a sweet dessert is always a welcome taste after a long day and a big dinner. Orangeburg has several places to enjoy some treats in town. If you're willing to drive, you can find some famous dessert spots in the area. Just make sure to take your time eating so you can really enjoy the flavors. Image by Semtrio via CC BY 2.0

Flowers in full bloom mean that warmer days are on the horizon. There are many to keep track of, but you can start with this list of five beautiful flowers to see in Columbia. more Yellow Jasmine This funnel-shaped, bright-yellow flower goes by so many names, but one thing remains the same; it's been South Carolina's official state flower since March 1924. These flowers bloom from evergreen vines in late winter or early spring, and many see it as a sign that the cold days will be over soon. The vines climb trees and fences, so when the flowers are in bloom, you can see them almost everywhere. Magnolias For many, botanic experts or not, magnolias are a symbol of the South.  Depending on the species, they may vary in color — pink, red, purple, yellow, or white — but their citrus scent is unmistakable and fills the air when it's in full bloom in the summer. A typical lawn plant, magnolia trees with their large white blossoms are common in Southern home gardens. When in Columbia in the summer, drive down Senate Street to see magnolias in full bloom among other flowers. Hydrangeas The shrub with snowball-like flowers is also a favorite in the South, and it's hard to miss. A typical summer flower, hydrangeas bloom in tones of white, pink, and blue. But there's a twist. In some species, the color of the flower can be manipulated by changing the soil's pH level. Acidic soil turns the flowers a deep shade of blue, neutral soil turns them purple, and alkaline soil results in a reddish hue. You'll often find different colored blooms in the same shrub. Hydrangeas are a popular flower in shady Southern gardens. Common Camellia Although they do very well in the Southern U.S., common camellias originate in Southern and Eastern Asia. Nevertheless, they are one of the most iconic flowers in this part of the country. Camellias grow in different shapes, sizes, and colors — over 3000 of them, to be exact — but the image of the common camellia is the one that pops into everybody's mind when they think of this flower. Also known as Japanese rose for the similarities between both flowers, camellias' most common colors are pink and white. Roses Try looking for a typical Southern garden without roses, and you probably won't find one. They have become a sort of trademarked image of houses in the South during spring and summer. Noisette, a class of "old" roses, was the first rose created and grown in the United States. Because it was first grown in South Carolina, the historical connection between this flower and the state is strong. You can learn more about it on a visit to the Riverbanks' Old Rose Garden. In the spring, sweet fragrances fill the air and pops of color bring trees, bushes, and everything around it to life. In Columbia, these flowers not only add beauty to the city but also carry the promise of summer. Image by T.Kiya, Licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0

Enjoying the stunning colors of the changing leaves is one of the best parts of fall. If you're in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and looking for some great places to view the brilliant trees, you'll discover some of the enchanting beauty of the area when you check out a few of these prettiest places for fall colors. more Edisto Memorial Gardens One of the best and most popular places to view fall colors in Orangeburg is at Edisto Memorial Gardens. Even though Edisto Memorial Gardens is known for its 4,800 rose plants, the garden has other lovely areas you can enjoy during the fall. Plus, most of the roses will bloom until the first killing frost in November. After you've had a chance to stroll through the rose garden, take some time to head down to the Horne Wetland Park to enjoy the natural beauty of the Edisto River. The wetland park has a 2,600-foot boardwalk and cypress display case that gives you more information about life on and near the river. You can also check out the butterfly garden, serenity garden, sensory garden, and terrace garden. Hillcrest Recreational Park While you can enjoy views of the fall colors as you take part in games at the tennis courts, baseball fields, and soccer fields at the sprawling Hillcrest Recreational Park, the best way to see the scenic views is by playing a round of golf at the Hillcrest Golf Course. This 18-hole championship course offers a par 72 challenge and provides 6,722 yards of rolling hills, mature trees, fountains, and smooth greens. You can warm up and get in a few practice shots at the driving range, putting green, practice bunker, and practice chipping green before heading out on the course to discover the beauty of fall in South Carolina. Congaree National Park Although it's about 40 miles north of Orangeburg, a visit to Congaree National Park in autumn is worth the trip. This roughly 26,276-acre park has the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States, and the trails that wind through the park offer the perfect place to see more of this unique ecosystem. You'll find trails for everything from a short hike to a long excursion. For a truly special view of the area in fall, rent a canoe or kayak to paddle down the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. Summers Memorial Park Summers Memorial Park has a fitness trail that weaves its way through a scenic setting that's ideal for exploring the beauty of fall. While you can certainly stop at any of the 12 exercise stations to add some vigor to your sightseeing, the 0.75-mile trail is also a great spot to simply get outside and take in the beauty of the area. Along the way, you'll also find a gazebo and benches where you can relax and soak in the scenery. If you're interested in seeing the beauty of fall colors in Orangeburg, you can't beat the scenery at one of these charming spots. Image by Hunter Desportes, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

Orangeburg, South Carolina is home to South Carolina State University and Claflin University, so the city has a large student population. If you're looking for something fun to do one evening, you're sure to have a good time when you check out some of these cool college bars in Orangeburg. more SIR William's When you want to enjoy a few rounds of pool during your evening out, you can't beat the entertainment offered at SIR William's. This premier pool hall in Orangeburg has several pool tables and all the equipment you need to enjoy the game. You can participate in one of the pool tournaments or simply sit back and watch the action. When you need to cool down, you'll find a nice selection of beer, wine, and spirits from the full bar. For even more fun, show off your talents at the karaoke bar or listen to live music. Exquisite Bar and Grill Located near the heart of Orangeburg, Exquisite Bar and Grill is known for its great live music. If you get hungry, you'll also find a nice selection of bar food, including baskets that have chicken, fish, a pork chop, shrimp, or oysters. The grill also serves platters with fish and shrimp or Alaskan snow crab legs. Don't forget to order one of the refreshing drinks to go along with your meal and keep you cool enough to party all night long. Koast 2 Koast Bar and Lounge You'll always have a great time when you head out to Koast 2 Koast Bar and Lounge for the evening. The bar serves up food and drinks every night, and you'll always find some unique entertainment options. You can relax in the hookah lounge, enjoy a game at the pool table, or rock out on the dance floor with the live music. You can also take part in special events throughout the week, like $2 drinks on Tuesdays and open mic and open bar nights on Thursdays. Ace's Corner Pocket Ace's Corner Pocket offers a unique blend of tournament level billiards, a full service bar, and elevated pub style food for a fun evening you won't soon forget. If you brought your appetite, go for one of the famous burgers. The Chophouse comes with fried onions, braised mushrooms, habanero pickles, A.1. Sauce, and provolone cheese. The rib eye, Caribbean citrus chicken, and tacos are also popular options. When you're full, you can belt out some tunes on the karaoke machine or play a few rounds of pool. Cloud 9 Hookah Lounge and Bistro The sophisticated Cloud 9 Hookah Lounge and Bistro has something for everyone. If you're hungry, the creative menu serves up a spicy bacon barbecue ranch burger, spinach and artichoke dip, loaded baked potato, and excellent selection of wings. When you're interested in some fun, you can stop by the hookah lounge or enjoy the live music. No matter what type of entertainment you're interested in, you're sure to have a great time when you check out these top college bars in Orangeburg. Image by Horst Gutmann, Licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0

South Carolina is world famous for its wide selection of barbecue, and the options in Columbia are some of the best in the state. It seems like there's a barbecue spot on every corner just waiting to offer customers their best dishes. There's nothing wrong with trying them all, but there are so many that it can be tough to know where to start. So why not begin with some of the best-known local favorites? Stuff your face at these Columbia, South Carolina, barbecue joints. more Palmetto Pig The Palmetto Pig is a barbecue lover's dream, offering daily buffets that cater to everyone's taste. You'll find everything from country-style fried chicken to slow-cooked barbecue meats and plenty of homestyle sides like baked beans, potato salad, and slaw. The Palmetto Pig also provides takeout and catering services, so if you'd like to feature some of Columbia's best barbecue at your next event, they've got you covered. Midwood Smokehouse Midwood Smokehouse features a somewhat upscale atmosphere with prices that won't make you feel like you're paying for a five-star meal. That doesn't mean their menu options are sub-par, by any means. You'll find some of the best-smoked meats and barbecue trays in the state here. They're a chain restaurant, but Midwood Smokehouse focuses on quality food at every one of their locations and offers a wide range of barbecue styles on their menu. As a bonus, they take online orders and even have a mobile app to make ordering your next meal quick and easy. The Pot Smoker Don't worry, it's not what it sounds like. The Pot Smoker is a family-owned and -operated business that got its name from the unique method they utilize to cook their meat. They use ceramic pots, similar to planting pots, to slow-cook the meat for a delicious and distinctive flavor you won't find anywhere else. In fact, as far as the owners are aware, they're the only ones in the world that employ this method for crafting some of the most delicious barbecue you'll ever taste. If you're looking for something completely different that's a cut above the rest, add The Pot Smoker to your bucket list. Big Boys Original Smokehouse For good old-fashioned smoked barbecue done right, Big Boys Original Smokehouse is one of the area's most-visited barbecue joints. They may not be doing anything out of the ordinary, but Big Boys has used tried and true barbecue methods since day one. Their relaxed atmosphere and use of all-natural, high-quality ingredients make them a local favorite. If want to taste barbecue that will fall off the bones and melt in your mouth, this is the place for you. One of the best things about barbecue is that no two businesses do it quite the same way. That means there's always something new and interesting to discover. These four venues are a great starting point, but don't be afraid to branch out and discover some new favorites on your own. Image by John Tornow, Licensed via CC BY 2.0