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Wondering where to spot the best fall foliage around Orangeburg? Here are some of the top locations in the area. more Congaree National Park Congaree National Park is an hour away from Orangeburg and is well worth the trip to see the fall colors. You can expect peak fall foliage here during the last week of October and the first week of November, but you should still be able to enjoy the colorful leaves through most of November.   Congaree is famous in the region for the incredible number of trees in the forest areas. The height of the canopy is greater than any other park in the state. Visiting during the fall is an excellent time to explore the different biodiversity. Take the river trail so that you can look out over Congaree River and see even more of the colorful landscape.   You can experience the fall foliage in Congaree park by hiking the trails. You can also rent a canoe or a kayak and exploring the park by paddling down Cedar Creek. There are over 25 miles of hiking trails, but if you're looking for something less strenuous, try the 2.4-mile flat boardwalks. Most of the park is flat, so even longer hikes aren't going to be too difficult. Manchester State Forest Another great place to see the fall foliage near Orangeburg is Manchester State Forest. It takes just over an hour to get there and is a fun place for kids and adults. Pack the mountain bikes if you want to explore the bike trails. You can also go hiking and jogging along some of the paths in the park. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, explore the trails on horseback.   You can spot many varieties of trees in Manchester State Park. It's also a good place to bird watch and look for native animals like foxes and turkeys. Pick up a trail map at the park entrance so you can find the best paths to explore the fall foliage. Santee State Park If you're looking for something closer to home, Santee State Park is an ideal option. It only takes 30 minutes to get to the park from downtown Orangeburg, and there’s so much to see and do there.   There are hiking and biking trails of varying difficulty levels. If you simply want to get out and see some fall foliage, take a walk on the Oak Pinolly Trail or the Sinkhole Pond Trail. Both are easy and only one mile long. For something more difficult, test your endurance on the Hiking/Biking Trail, which is 7.5 miles long and moderately difficult.   You can turn it into a weekend of adventure by setting up a tent in one of the camping areas or renting one of the park's cabins for the weekend. Staying here means you can wake up early and enjoy the beauty of the park and all of the fall colors before it gets too busy with visitors.   Autumn is a great time to explore nearby parks and enjoy all that they have to offer. Pack a picnic and plenty of warm clothes so that you can have a full day of hiking and spotting those incredible fall colors. Image via Flickr by Kimberly Vardeman

Before you begin car shopping at Burns Kia, you'll need a hearty breakfast to power you through the day. Why not stop at one of these breakfast spots in Orangeburg to curb your appetite? more Mama’s Kountry Kooking When you go to a place called Mama’s Kountry Kooking for breakfast, you should expect a home-cooked hearty breakfast that will leave you stuffed. Mama’s has quite a few specialties. If you order either pancakes or French toast, they come with a side of bacon, corned beef, onion, link, or country sausages, or a ham, fish, or salmon patty. Mama’s also prepares plates of one or two biscuits and gravy. If you like hash browns, Mama’s has two options: loaded with ham and cheese or super loaded with ham, peppers, onions, cheese, and mushrooms. If you want a breakfast sandwich, Mama’s options are an egg with any meat, including bacon, ham, a sausage patty, or bologna. If you just want a basic breakfast, get eggs with grits, homefries, or hash browns plus a side of meat. Common Ground Cafe Common Ground Cafe is a coffee shop in Orangeburg that also sells a small selection of breakfast items. Common Grounds is actually the only place in Orangeburg where you can buy Starbucks Coffee, which is a great accompaniment to breakfast. Foodwise, you can purchase a couple different wraps, such as the breakfast pita wrap, which contains either bacon or turkey sausage with eggs and cheese, or a wrap that contains egg whites and cheese wrapped up in a Greek pita. The restaurant also serves simple, healthy options like yogurt and fruit with granola. If you want something from the bakery, you have multiple choices. Try a freshly baked muffin that comes in a variety of seasonal flavors, such as blueberry, lemon cranberry, apple cinnamon, and banana walnut. The cafe also bakes cinnamon rolls and cream cheese Danishes on a daily basis if you prefer sweets. Thelma’s Restaurant Thelma’s is a small restaurant that is more of a lunch and dinner place, but the eatery does serve a hearty breakfast. Thelma’s breakfast special comes with grits or hash browns, two eggs, toast, and your choice of bacon, sausage, ham, bologna, hamburger steak, or liver pudding. If you want to load up on carbs, you could order the other special, which is three pancakes and two eggs. The pancakes also come with the same selection of meats as the main special. Thelma’s serves two other specials, each one named after an owner, that will leave you stuffed all day. Sonny’s Mega Plate comes with two eggs, two pieces of bacon, one piece of bologna, one piece of sausage, grits or hash browns, and either a waffle or two pancakes. Thelma’s Gut Buster is a little smaller than Sonny’s but includes two eggs, two pieces of bacon, one piece of sausage, grits or hash browns, and either two pancakes or a waffle. Make sure you eat a hearty breakfast to keep you energized before you make your journey to Superior Kia to shop for a new or used car. Image via Flickr by Phil Denton

The American history of Orangeburg, South Carolina, stretches back over 300 years to when a man named George Sterling set up a fur trading post in 1704. Thanks to its fertile soils and convenient location on the Edisto River, Orangeburg quickly blossomed into a successful settlement for farming and trade. It's no wonder that several local locations appear on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Some of Orangeburg's historic offerings might surprise you. more Orangeburg County Jail The imposing architecture of Orangeburg County Jail was crafted in a Gothic design way back in 1857. It took three years to build. A mere five years after its completion, Union troops led by General William T. Sherman torched the building. Its exterior was restored soon after, however. The building highly resembles a fortress, featuring turrets, towers, and arched, narrow windows. The design was quite fitting, considering its use — many convicts were imprisoned there, and its central tower was where most executions took place. It was inducted into the NRHP in 1973. All-Star Triangle Bowl One would hardly expect a bowling alley to make the NRHP, but this historic location — first built in the 1960s — made the list in 1996. Though the bowling alley closed its doors to the public in 2007 due to financial troubles, it still remains on the register. All-Star was the location of the infamous Orangeburg Massacre that took place in 1968 during the Civil Rights Movement. Unlike most of the integrated public places in town, the privately owned All-Star refused to allow people of color to bowl there. The manager claimed that All-Star was exempt from the laws established in 1964 by the Civil Rights Act. Since there was a snack bar inside, locals claimed that it fell under the terms of the Act and was breaking the law. This sparked a series of protests that culminated in a confrontation at nearby South Carolina State College (SCSC) in which three were killed and 27 were injured. Dukes Gymnasium This two-story brick building sits on the SCSC campus and was erected in 1931. It made the NRHP in 1985. It features a five-bay brick arcade in front, a full basement, and a red-tiled gabled roof. It's framed in steel and has a concrete water table that runs between the first story and the basement. The buiding is notable for its ties to Miller Whittaker, a groundbreaking African American architect. It was first conceived by John Blanche, an SCSC student of mechanical arts, for his graduate thesis. Whittaker supervised the design, and instructors at the college participated in the construction efforts. It's still in use today, mostly as offices for the sports department and for intercollegiate women's volleyball competitions. With its many historic locations, Orangeburg is a haven for those who love to peer into the past and relive the days of yore. The NRHP is an excellent guide for those who crave this knowledge, and there are literally dozens of locations in the area to choose from. Explore, learn, and enjoy!   Image via Wikimedia Commons by Ammodramus

Once a year, nature transforms ordinary trees into explosions of auburn, yellow, gold, and an infinite number of other shades — some of which have no name, nor do they need any. "Beautiful" is the only word necessary. Orangeburg's southern locale harbors many species of trees that are gorgeously colored by nature's paintbrush every fall. There are many amazing spots where this annual splendor can be enjoyed. more Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Located in nearby Charleston, this magnificent garden is a slice of history. It dates back to the time before the Revolutionary War, and its Barbados Tropical Garden is the oldest garden in the entire country. Its 400 acres are home to a camellia maze, a Biblical Garden, and awe-inspiring examples of topiary art. Magnolia is the only garden in the entire state that's been graced with Travel + Leisure Magazine's coveted "America's Most Beautiful Gardens" award. Especially exciting to fall color enthusiasts is the Audobon Swamp Garden. Walk among 60 acres of blackwater cypress and take a stroll across a boardwalk through their tupelo swamp. There you can see the spectacular tupelo trees that are known for their vivid displays of orange, crimson, purple, and yellow — often on the same branches. Edisto Memorial Gardens Edisto Memorial Gardens is framed by endless stands of deciduous trees, creating a lush backdrop for the Gardens themselves. At any given time, guests can see at least 75 labeled species of roses found in over four dozen huge beds. The Gardens spans over 150 acres and is a must-see for lovers of flowers and fall. The grounds are also home to a butterfly garden, a wetlands area, and a serenity garden perfect for meditation and escape. If you're visiting in late November, be sure to check out the Children's Garden Christmas display that is offered each year around Thanksgiving. Visitors are treated to a massive drive-through light display with thousands upon thousands of still and animated images to delight the senses. Youngsters will enjoy the Kid's Walk which features interactive light displays. Best of all, the Children's Garden Christmas display is free! Hopeland Gardens A short drive away in Aiken is this horticultural haven that was presented as a gift to the city in 1969. The 14-acre estate is now a public garden that's home to oak trees over a century old. Revel in the shifting colors of deodar cedars and magnolia trees. It's no wonder that the Aiken Garden Club is headquartered here. Of the many features this garden boasts, you'll find a walking labyrinth, gorgeous fountains, a gazebo, wetlands, swings, and a reflection pool. The network of paths makes for excellent strolling amongst the lush foliage as you take in the camellias, azalea, and Japanese iris flowers against a backdrop of leafy fall hues. There's no denying the natural beauty of South Carolina. With gardens such as these, you'll find no other place in the country that's quite as perfect for enjoying the shifting seasons. Fall colors abound in the state, regardless of where you go — but gardens such as these are pure, distilled magic.   Image via Flickr by Kirt Edblom

Columbia, South Carolina, is full of amazing attractions, including several world-class restaurants and bars. In particular, there are many unique places to grab a bite and a drink in Five Points. This neighborhood is a youthful part of Columbia frequented by college students. Here are four cool college bars to check out, including some special promotions and other features that set them apart. more Publico Kitchen & Tap This recently opened restaurant is an excellent choice if you want a friendly and social experience alongside an excellent selection of craft beers and a wide variety of foods. Fusion Tacos are a popular choice here, and the restaurant recently announced a brunch menu available on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cocktail and drink specials (such as the You Want S'More Cold Brew Coffee) are also available during this time.   The spectacular patio seating rounds out the open and social atmosphere of this location, making it a fantastic stop in the Five Points neighborhood. The establishment also takes reservations for private events and parties. It is located at 2013 Greene St. Breakers Bar & Grill This is another excellent option if you are craving a stiff drink and a full meal. Dubbed "Five Point's premier frozen drink bar," Breakers Bar & Grill is another local favorite and features a newly unveiled loyalty program. After signing up, patrons can earn loyalty points that can be cashed in for free drinks. Members of the reward program also receive a birthday reward, are entered to win a free drink voucher every time they close their tabs, and can take advantage of $1 drink specials on Tuesday nights.   All guests can enjoy drink specials on Fiesta Thursdays. The bar and restaurant is located at 801 Harden St. Delaney's Music Pub If you want more of a focus on culture and beer, go to Delaney's Music Pub! Located at 741 Saluda Ave., this is a full-on Irish pub offering a selection of 27 beers on tap. If you are hungry, you can pick from an impressive array of appetizers, soups, sandwiches, and entrees — though you might prefer a burger or steak, since the restaurant exclusively serves Braveheart brand Angus beef. The pub is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Delaney's Speakeasy Delany's Speakeasy, a jazz club associated with Delaney's Music Pub, hosts live jazz every Thursday and Saturday. It is just down the street at 711 Saluda Ave. Delany's Speakeasy has a prohibition-inspired atmosphere that shows through everything from the music played to the whiskeys and scotches available behind the counter. Find the Perfect Bar in Five Points There are many more options in this unique neighborhood, ranging from full-service restaurants to kitsch dive bars and themed establishments such as The Cotton Gin (clad in Roaring Twenties flare) and The Thirsty Parrot (the only tiki bar in the city). Whether you are passing through or are a resident looking for something new, stop by one of these excellent restaurants and bars for an incredible experience in Columbia, South Carolina!   Image via Flickr by Angie Garret

Where would you go for an adrenaline-fueled adventure? New Zealand? Borneo? Alaska? Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities for excitement right here in the United States mainland. If Columbia, South Carolina, isn't on your list of the best places for adrenalin junkies, add it now! There are many outdoor experiences in and near Columbia that you'll love, such as white water rafting on the Saluda River and riding the water slides at Palmetto Falls Water Park. Here are three experiences that will get your heart pumping in South Carolina. more White Water Rafting on the Saluda River There are numerous spots for kayaking and canoeing in South Carolina, but if you're craving something more intense, you won't be disappointed. The Saluda River is a 200-mile tributary of the Congaree River. Though there are plenty of spots for outdoor activities along its banks, there are also stretches that only experienced paddlers can safely navigate.   River access is available along Lake Murray Dam to the Broad/Congaree confluence. From there, you can enjoy an 11-mile stretch of rapids that are up to Class 4 difficulty (requiring exceptional rafting experience). The most challenging rapids are the Blast o'matic and Mill Race Rapids. If you need to recover with something more relaxing, the area around the Saluda River is perfect for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and biking. Slip and Slide at Palmetto Falls Water Park Palmetto Falls Water Park is an excellent family destination. It features an expansive main pool, a lazy river, and plenty of smaller slides, pools, and attractions for kids. Of course, there are also some monstrous slides that you'll want to conquer! There's a large corkscrew water slide and two large speed slides to get your heart rate up. The water park is located at 6511 Marion Ave. in Columbia. It's open to the public from Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Daily passes are $9.50, and family and individual season passes are also available. Technical Mountain Biking in Sunset Prep your bike, pack your gear, and put together everything you'll need for the most challenging trail in the state. From Columbia, get on Interstate 26 heading east and make your way to Sunset, South Carolina. This city is on the North Carolina/South Carolina border, and the trail offers some incredible views of Lake Jocassee. But the sights aren't why expert mountain bikers frequent these trails.   Horse Pasture and Bootleg Road are the only double black diamond–rated mountain biking trails in the state. This 12-mile venture is incredibly thrilling, and those who are up for the challenge will be rewarded with some incredible views of the country. The next most difficult trails are Oconee State Park (Sumter National Forest) in Mountain Rest and Coquina in Wedgefield. These are both black diamond rated. Start Your Adventure in Columbia, South Carolina Columbia is an excellent destination, whether you want to spend your days relaxing by a lake, speeding down a steep trail, or surging river. South Carolina has a bit of everything, and adrenaline junkies won't be left out!   Image via Flickr by U.S. Army

Kids love a playground; it's an environment created just for them. It gives them the opportunity to stretch their legs, work out some energy, and socialize with their peers. Columbia's park system offers an impressive number of options for parents looking for a playground to take their kids for an afternoon. Anyone interested in swings, slides, monkey bars, and fountains should check out these fantastic Columbia playgrounds. more Earlewood Park Located on Parkside Drive just north of downtown, Earlewood Park boasts many amenities for people of all ages to enjoy. They include baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, an amphitheater, and a totally unique playground. When the park was designed, residents voted that they wanted the equipment to have a natural look. As such, the playground at Earlewood features the boulder-themed Rocks and Ropes set as well as a Mud Puddle water and sand area. Kids may also want to check out Earlewood's 18-hole disc golf course and the off-leash NOMA Bark Park. Finlay Park On Laurel Street in downtown Columbia, Finlay Park is part town common, part nature escape, and all recreational destination. In addition to its recognizable curlicue fountain, the park boasts a lake, waterfalls, athletic fields, and a summer snack bar. Its playground is an extensive waterfront structure that will make your kids feel like they're running around a coastal fortress, and its elegant swing pergola makes for a one-of-a-kind swinging experience. With plenty of ramps and paved paths, Finlay has the bonus of being one of the largest handicap-accessible parks in the country. Edisto Discovery Park On Wiley Street off Rosewood Drive, Edisto Discovery Park features a basketball court, a concrete splash pad, and a choice playground that sits right in front of the community center, which hosts birthday parties, banquets, and classes. Unique to Edisto Discovery is the Fossil Dig, an area where kids can learn about archeology by digging up gemstones. Emily Douglas Park Located on Wheat Street in the Shandon neighborhood, Emily Douglas Park's tall, shady pine trees and spray pool make it a perfect spot for the summer months. The park has swings and three different playgrounds for kids to choose from, which could easily keep them occupied all day. Emily Douglas also has a dog park, so you can bring along the family pet to make sure everybody is having a great time. Drew Park Another cool summertime park is Drew Park, located on Walker Solomon Way behind the Drew Wellness Center. In addition to its playground and LED fountain, Drew Park boasts one of the largest splash pads of any park in the city, which earned it a special mention on the Columbia SC Moms Blog list of Columbia splash pads. With so many playground options available in Columbia, your kids should never have to sit at home bored on a beautiful summer day. From Finlay Park downtown to the many neighborhood playgrounds around the city, the children of Columbia will find no shortage of places to swing, slide, and have a blast.   Image via Flickr by cwwycoff1

Taking your dog for a walk is a wonderful activity for you and your furry friend. But sometimes you want to bring them to a place where they can really run free. Off-leash dog parks give your dog a chance to enjoy a large open space without the restrictions of wearing a leash. Here are some dog park options within driving distance of Orangeburg. more Southern Paws Pet Lodge Located on North Road about 9 miles from the town center, Southern Paws is a full-service pet lodge, offering boarding, grooming, doggy daycare, and pet supplies. The dog park includes a large pond and plenty of space, plus a host of dogs for your pooch to play with. The park is free for boarding or grooming clients of Southern Paws. However, as with the pet lodge's other services, all dogs must be up to date on their shots to enjoy the park. The Barking Lot Dog Park Located within Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, the Barking Lot Dog Park is 2 acres of fenced-in open space and shady sections. Two bone-shaped pools are available for dogs to take a dip when the weather gets hot, as well as doggie drinking fountains. The park sells a Barking Lot pass ($40 per year) that is required for entry. This is in addition to the $5 per day parking fee. Saluda Shoals also requires all dogs to be spayed or neutered and to have received the requisite shots. Emily Douglas Dog Park Also in Columbia is the Emily Douglas Dog Park, located within the larger Emily Douglas Park. The dog park is a sandy, fenced-in hillside with a water fountain and two benches for you to sit at while your dog mingles with its four-legged peers. This park charges no entrance fees and it requires no passes or paperwork, making it convenient for dog owners who are visiting the area or who are trying to entertain a dog on a budget. Bees Landing Dog Park For those willing to drive a bit, Bees Landing Dog Park in Charleston is a spacious spot for dogs to enjoy a dip. Located behind the Bees Landing Rec Center, the park includes three separate fenced-in areas: one for small dogs, one for big dogs, and a swimming hole area for dogs of all sizes to splash around. A hose is available to rinse off your dog if it gets too muddy, as well as drinking fountains for both dogs and owners. Plenty of benches are available to sit while your dog frolics around, and no entry fee is required. A pleasant, on-the-leash walk around the block or park is well and good, but sometimes it's nice to treat your dog to something more. Dog parks provide a wonderful space for your dog to run free for a few hours while you enjoy some pleasant time outdoors. With several options available in Orangeburg and the surrounding area, you and your dog can find a place that works for both of you.   Image via Flickr by M&R Glasgow

Coffee and tea are essential for many, and getting that caffeine boost can make the difference between a good and bad day. Luckily for residents of and visitors to the Orangeburg area, there's plenty of excellent coffee and tea spots to kick back and enjoy a good relaxing cup or pick up some caffeine to go. We've listed our top five favorite tea and coffee shops in the Orangeburg area to help you plan your next caffeine trip. more Common Ground Cafe Housed in Cornerstone Church, Common Ground Cafe is the most popular coffee destination in Orangeburg. They have a full menu of delicious coffee-based drinks, from just a plain black cup of coffee to espresso. Plus, they also have a number of different teas available and non-caffeinated beverages like frappuccinos and creamice drinks. The cafe is open Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds go back into community organizations. In addition, there are super yummy sandwiches, lunch platters, and sweet treats for purchase. Drip Drip is located in Columbia, a short trip away from Orangeburg and a favorite destination for both residents and tourists. This cafe specializes in pour over coffee with a wonderful range of different beans and coffee styles to choose from. The cafe space is big enough to meet up with friends, coworkers, or family, while still maintaining that intimate coffeehouse feel. Drip also sells a number of homemade sandwiches and other quick bites and also has some of the best espresso available in South Carolina. Tea Thyme Tea Thyme is the best place in the Orangeburg area for decadent teas and spices. Fresh, unique sandwiches, salads, and wraps are made in-house every day, and their website regularly updates the daily offerings. Customers can stay in the restaurant and enjoy a cup of delicious tea and yummy food, or buy some tea to take home to brew. In addition to tea for sale, Tea Thyme also has gorgeous teacup sets for purchase as well as different spices, both on their own and in blends. Mama's Kountry Kooking While technically a breakfast restaurant, you can't go wrong with the hot coffee available at Mama's Kountry Kooking. Open for breakfast, this super cute restaurant has delicious homestyle cooking and a cozy atmosphere that keeps its loyal clientele happy. The Wired Goat Vista Like Drip, The Wired Goat is located in Columbia but is absolutely worth the drive. This eclectic, artsy coffee shop features coffee and tea drinks, plus a number of non-caffeinated options. All their beans are hand-picked from international locations to create the perfect cup of coffee. In addition to coffee, the restaurant also sells delicious gourmet foods. Some favorite breakfast items include berry lavender French toast and seasonal gourd toast. Lunch is also available, with fantastic sandwich offerings such as Veggies Take Two and Very Berry Bacon. These five locations are excellent choices for grabbing a cup of coffee or tea plus a snack or meal. Whether you want to stay local or have time to drive to Columbia, these spots have the best coffee in the Orangeburg area.   Image via Flickr by keso s