Blog

One of the best ways to spend a weekend is with a visit to one of the amazing state parks near the cities of Orangeburg, SC and Columbia, SC. There's always something to do here, whether it's exploring hiking trails to beautiful waterfalls or enjoying an afternoon on or near the water. Here are a few of our favorites that you can get to, and they're all only a short drive away. 3 Great State Parks to Visit Near Orangeburg, SC and Columbia, SC 1. Poinsett State Park This unique state park lies at the intersection of two of South Carolina's most important ecosystems. It's located right where the sandhills of the Midlands region meet the coastal plains region, and as a result is a hotspot of biodiversity, with some of the most unique natural sights in the area. It's home to the amazing Palmetto Trail, which winds through the Manchester State Forest, and also includes a ten-acre lake that makes for a beautifully tranquil setting. more Naturally, Poinsette is a favorite park for hikers, but that's not all there is to do here. The lake is a favorite for fishing, with a healthy population of catfish, bream, and bass (you'll need a South Carolina fishing license), and several types of boats are available to rent, including canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats. 2. Aiken State Park While Aiken State Park has natural beauty in spades, it also features an equally enthralling history. Much of the park was built during the Great Depression by two companies of Civilian Construction Corps workers. Their work has more than stood the test of time and can be seen in many of today's structures. Interpretive signage is available throughout the park to help visitors learn about the fascinating history of the area. In addition to the history of the park, it's also very popular with birdwatchers, with several areas that are ideal for birders. Herons, egrets, and several birds of prey can all be spotted here. Several hiking and biking trails are available, including the three-mile Jungle Trail loop. 3. Santee State Park Located along the shores of the expansive Lake Marion, Santee State Park is a great spot for camping and fishing. A campsite is located right on the lakeside, but for those who prefer to spend the night indoors, there are also several rondette cabins, ten of which are located on piers over the lake. On the lake, pontoon boat tours are available of the flooded cypress forest, while those who prefer dry land can enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails. For many, the lake's main draw is its large catfish population, which can be caught from the shore or a boat. Largemouth bass, bream, and crappie can also be caught here. Other activities available include tennis, birding, and geocaching. For the latter, several caches are located throughout the park. We always love to hear about your adventures in the local parks. Head down to Burns Kia today and let us know which is your favorite state park.     image courtesy of pexels.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

Many people consider summer to be their favorite season for a multitude of different reasons. One of the many attractions of the summer months is the large variety of festivals and events happening all over the country. Those living in or around Orangeburg, South Carolina, have plenty of exciting summer events to choose from. Downtown Orangeburg Farmers' Market Farmer's markets are a tradition in many parts of the country and Orangeburg is no different. Located in downtown Orangeburg on the square, this recurring summer event takes place every Tuesday from late spring to late summer, much to the delight of local residents. Farmers from surrounding areas gather every week, delivering fresh produce to visitors, along with flowers, cakes, and crafts. Prepare to enjoy delicious peppers, potatoes, sweet corn, tomatoes, and much more, while also sustaining the local farming community. more Roots & Boots & Balloons Festival This spectacular outdoor festival takes place on August 24 in Bowman, just 20 minutes away from Orangeburg. Hosted by Swamp Buck Entertainment and the Cat Country radio station, it treats visitors to a unique combination of live music shows and brightly colored hot air balloons. The gates open at 3 p.m. and the live music starts at 4, allowing festivalgoers to grab a bite to eat from one of the many available food vendors. Kids can enjoy hot air balloon rides and various games, making it a day they will always remember. Taking a ride in a hot-air balloon reveals the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding areas and provides an unforgettable experience, but it also serves to help the local community. All the proceeds collected from the balloon rides will be donated to the Orangeburg Country Library. Columbia Greek Festival Happening in mid-September in Columbia, just 40 miles North of Orangeburg, the Columbia Greek Festival is a wonderful celebration of Greek culture, history, and cuisine. Hosted by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, it gives visitors the chance to “be Greek for a week” by enjoying the food, drinks, music, and overall atmosphere. There will also be re-enactments of famous historical clashes, with real actors wearing authentic and historically accurate uniform and gear. Orangeburg Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival Hosted on September 21 right in downtown Orangeburg, this food truck and craft beer festival is the perfect way to say goodbye to summertime. Starting at noon and ending at 5 p.m., this event gives visitors the chance to experience a wide variety of local and international cuisine from the many food trucks available. Along with delicious food, festivalgoers will also be treated to tasty and refreshing craft beers from local artisans. Attending summer festivals and events is a great way to have fun, unwind, and connect with the local community. All the annual summer events on this list are unique and offer something different, but what they all have in common is the dedication that the organizers show in offering visitors special experiences and memories that are sure to last a long time. Image by Bold Frontiers cc by 2.0

One of the best ways to enjoy summer in the south is with a concert. These summer concerts offer live entertainment, enjoyable music, and memories that you will not soon forget. Willie Nelson & Alison Krauss Two of the biggest stars of country music will perform at the Florence Civic Center in nearby Florence. The concert is scheduled for Aug. 12, 2019, and tickets start at $27 each for upper-bowl seats. You can expect to hear some of the biggest titles from each of these country stars. Allison Krauss will perform classics like “New Fool” and “When You Say Nothing At All." Willie Nelson will perform classics as well as songs from his newest album, "My Way," which was released just a few months ago. more Ted Nugent Ted Nugent will perform at the CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park in nearby Simpsonville on Aug. 17, 2019. Tickets begin at $27 each for general admission lawn seats. This performance is a part of his "The Music Made Me Do It Again!" rock and pop music tour. Nugent has been performing since 1974 with over 40 tours completed, so you can expect a great show. The CCNB Amphitheatre is also a great place to enjoy an affordable summer concert under the stars. Gladys Knight It doesn't matter your age or preferred genre of music, you have probably heard a few of Gladys Knight's biggest hits. Often known as the Empress of Soul, she became famous during the 1960s with her group, Gladys Knight & the Pips. Knight will perform at the Peace Concert Hall at the Peace Center in Greenville on Aug. 20, 2019. Whether you've seen Knight perform numerous times or you have yet to see her in concert, this is a can't-miss event. Make sure you get your tickets early as they are sure to sell out fast. Summer Groove Fest The Summer Groove 2019 Fest features the S.O.S. Band, Jeffrey Osborne, The Manhattans with Gerald Alston, Midnight Star, and J. Anthony Brown. The Groove Fest will take place at the historic Township Auditorium, right in Columbia, on Aug. 24, 2019. A visit to the auditorium is a special event in itself with its historical architecture and vibrant visuals throughout. Tickets to the Groove Fest start at $49 and go up to $125 per person. This is the perfect summer concert festival to sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite grooves from the past. The Carolina Opry Just a short road trip from the Columbia area is the Carolina Opry performance. The Carolina Opry is an award-winning show in Myrtle Beach that features live music and dance. The performance has been mentioned by The New York Times,  "NBC Nightly News," and other media. The Carolina Opry runs from January to October, with tickets starting at $25 for children and $49.95 for adults. Grab a few friends and enjoy your favorite musicians this summer at the upcoming concerts. Whether you enjoy pop, country, or rock, you are sure to find something you enjoy at one of these events. Image by MargaretNapier cc by nd 2.0

In today's busy world, sometimes you need to take a break and hit the links. If you happen to be in South Carolina, you couldn't ask for a better selection of world-class golf courses. We've put together this short list of our favorites to help you get started. Harbour Town Golf Links Imagine losing yourself in the game with the sound of the water lapping at the shore just behind you, while a striking red-and-white lighthouse towers over the course. This is the picturesque reality of golfing at Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort. The course has been selected as a favorite by multiple PGA players. The holes reward finesse and subtlety, as opposed to sheer strength, and the careful golfer will find a lot to enjoy in these pleasant surroundings. Interestingly, the course has been recognized as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, adding to its unique appeal. more The Ocean Course Put your skills to the test at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, regularly recognized as one of the toughest courses in the country. The Ocean Course has hosted PGA tournaments, UBS Cups, and Ryder Cup Matches, and it will serve as the home of the 2021 PGA Championship. However, you don't necessarily have to be a pro to golf here. You can reserve a tee time on the course's web site, giving yourself the chance to try your luck at 10 challenging holes situated directly against the Atlantic Ocean, with the remaining eight holes not far from the water. Dunes Golf and Beach Club Visit scenic Myrtle Beach to find the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, an exclusive organization that rewards its members with some of the best golfing in the state. The course has seen occasional renovations since its inception in 1947, but its essential design has withstood the passage of time. Golfing here is traditionally limited to the club's 750 permanent members, but you can also get access to the links by staying at an associated Member Hotel or purchasing a golf package. Don't miss your chance to try your hand at playing here; you won't regret your time spent swinging your clubs in these peaceful surroundings. Wild Dunes Resort Links Course Oceanside fairways, rolling tussocks of carefully trimmed greenery, and a course studded with palm trees await the traveling golfer who ventures to the Wild Dunes Resort Links Course. This is a well-balanced course in a remarkably beautiful environment, and the 18 holes here will provide a healthy challenge for players of all skill levels. This was the first course designed by Tom Fazio, and it's reputed to still rank among his favorites. In addition to playing on the course itself, practicing golfers can use a driving range, chipping area, and putting green on the premises. These four courses are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to South Carolina's golfing destinations. Almost everywhere you go along the coast, you'll find courses that will beguile your senses and test your skills. Image by danperry.com via CC BY 2.0

Tired of the same old attractions? There's only so many times you can stop to see a famous monument or historical building before growing bored. Instead of letting ennui set in, transform your next South Carolina road trip by stopping at one more of these odd and unusual sights you won't find anywhere else. UFO Welcome Center Are you an alien visiting Earth from a foreign planet? If so, feel free to stop at the UFO Welcome Center to get a reprieve from the traffic jams of space. Ordinary humans are welcome to visit the site as well, although don't raise your expectations too much. This strange pit stop is patched together with pieces of metal, scrap wood, and other various parts to create a truly out-of-this-world hodgepodge. more The first thing you'll notice here is the two UFOs stacked on top of one another, surrounded in the front by a wobbly looking metal fence. Spray painted across this fence is the telltale name, "UFO Welcome Center." This location is definitely a spot you can't miss, even if you just want to photograph the wacky construction. Just put 4004 Homestead Road in Bowman on your itinerary. Peachoid Water Tower If you're seeking something a bit more down-to-earth, why not try visiting the Peachoid Water Tower? Fans of the hit show "House of Cards" will recognize this iconic water tower, which is in the shape of a giant peach. The one-of-a-kind water storage tank was crafted in 1980 by artist Peter Freudenberg. He developed the beautifully painted texture of the peach after studying the look and feel of local peaches for untold hours. The reason for crafting the giant peach was not just to create a fun roadside attraction. Rather, the town of Gaffney wanted to make it known that South Carolina is the biggest peach producer in the South, not Georgia. Find this large piece of fruit on Peachoid Road, just off the north side of I-85 between exits 90 and 92. Thelma and Louise While they might not be aliens or giant pieces of fruit, Thelma and Louise are still worth a stop. Named after the famous outlaw duo, these two life-sized elephant statues proudly stand at the entrance of Papa Joe's Fireworks. One is a standard gray color, while the other shines brightly in pale pink. To keep them looking like new, they are regularly repainted, so chances are they'll be photo-worthy for your visit. The elephants were originally from Alabama, but Papa Joe knew they would look good in front of his store, so he bought and shipped them all the way to Hardeeville, South Carolina. If you'd like to check them out for yourself, just type 15966 Whyte Hardee Blvd. into your GPS. It should come as no surprise that South Carolina is filled with odd and fascinating stops. Whether you're taking a road trip to one of South Carolina's fine destinations or just passing through, take some time off the beaten path to explore these curiosities. Image by Bruce Tuten via CC BY 2.0

It can often be hard to find things to do together with your family, especially in a smaller town like Orangeburg, South Carolina. Still, you don't have to go all the way down to Charleston or north to Columbia to find something to do. Orangeburg has plenty of family-friendly pastimes that kids both young and old can appreciate. See a Play at the BlueBird Theater The BlueBird Theater is an old venue located right along busy Russell Street in downtown Orangeburg. Run by the Orangeburg Part-Time Players, this historic theater is still active and hosts all kinds of plays throughout the year. You can get a season ticket and see all their shows, or you can stop by whenever they have a new play. If your kids are more into acting than they are into watching a show, they can sign up for the group's junior division and take part in a children's play. more Walk Through the Edisto Memorial Gardens The Edisto Memorial Gardens sit right along the Edisto River and have parking available on both Riverside Drive and Seaboard Street. The gardens commemorate a Civil War battle site. However, it's been a hallowed location ever since. Only in the 20th century, people started adding flowers, playgrounds, and greenhouses to the land. A more recent addition is a boardwalk that takes you down by the river so you can admire the natural wetlands environment. Today it's become the perfect place to go for a walk or hold a family picnic, especially during the months when the roses bloom. Go Fishing at Santee State Park Santee State Park is a public access point where anyone can go to visit the vast Lake Marion. The park covers 2,500 acres on the lake's west bank, and it offers two boat launches, two campgrounds with 158 campsites between them, 30 cabins for indoor lodging, and over 10 miles of hiking trails. Park admission costs only $2 for adults and is free for kids 15 and under, although you'll have to pay more to reserve a campsite. However, you won't need reservations if you're from Orangeburg because Santee State Park is just a 40-minute drive away. Read a Good Book at the Orangeburg County Library Located on St. Louis Street, the Orangeburg County Library has books, music, DVDs, Blu-rays, and other media that can keep even a young child occupied for hours. At the same time, it has adult fiction and nonfiction sections where parents can find a gripping story or learn more about a hobby they've always wanted to try. It can be easy to overlook the library as a place where families can have fun, but that's exactly what you can find at the Orangeburg County Library. Orangeburg might not have as much as a bigger city can offer, but you can still find plenty of things that kids and adults can have fun doing in the area. Whether it's going out to the state park for camping or staying indoors at the public library, you can keep your family busy in Orangeburg. Image by SymphonicPoet via CC BY 2.0

Orangeburg gets some serious heat and humidity in these summer months. Unless you like to spend your summer dripping in sweat, you have a few options for cooling off. You can either spend your summers blasting air conditioning in your home (which your wallet won't like), or find a great place to go for a dip and cool off.   Orangeburg and its surrounding area are full of beautiful state parks with swimming holes for you to cool off in. If you're leaning toward the latter, to take a dip and cool off, here are four of the best swimming pools and lakes in the Orangeburg area. more Aiken State Park This park has over 1,000 acres of blackwater river, forest, and swampland. It is perfect for family fun or the naturalist in all of us. It has a designated swimming area that is buoyed off and is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Swimming here is free with admission to the park. For more fun on the water, Aiken State Park also offers canoeing and fishing! Colleton State Park Colleton State Park offers one of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers in the country. This park gives you ample opportunity to swim in the Edisto River, but do so at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards on duty.   For more excitement at Colleton State Park, try your hand at some relaxing activities, such as fishing, kayaking, bird-watching, or biking along the trails. Check out all the amenities they have to offer on the South Carolina Parks website. Givhans Ferry State Park This park is connected to Colleton State Park by the serene Edisto River. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and admission to the park is $5 per adult or $3.25 per child. The riverbanks at this park are heritage trust sites and, therefore, they are protected due to several species of rare plants along the riverside. Be sure to check out these beautiful pieces of nature while you go for your swim! Poinsett State Park This free-to-enter park is located north of Orangeburg and offers a unique combination of nature and history. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1930, Poinsett Park has an extensive trail system, hardwood forests, and an overall mixed ecosystem with thriving plant and wildlife. Be sure to check out their calendar of events for fun activities you can check out in the park. Open year-round from 9 a.m. until dark, you can swim, rent boats, or go paddle boarding out on the water! Looking for a pool? The Orangeburg Country Club pool is a great place to cool down and a perfect place for kids. They offer a water fun zone that is open and supervised Tuesday through Sunday by certified lifeguards.   All these great swimming spots are located an hour or less from central Orangeburg. This makes them great for a day trip or weekend should you choose to enjoy the variety of activities many of these parks offer.   Image Via Flickr by huggleperson

The Columbia area has a lot of fun activities planned for June. If you want to find something interesting for your family, check out these top three events. There is a good chance that one of them will excite you. Southeastern Piano Festival The Southeastern Piano Festival brings some of the world's best pianists to Columbia. Some of this year's guest artists include Frederic Chiu, Washington Garcia, Vandym Kholodenko, and the Anderson and Roe duo. The festival will also feature some alumni of the University of South Carolina School of Music. This festival takes place annually, but it always offers something new and exciting for music lovers. Events take place from Sunday, June 18 to Saturday, June 24. In addition to attending concerts, musicians can take master classes from renowned players. The Southeastern Piano Festival includes so many events that it needs more than one venue. Some of 2017's venues will include the Kroger Center for the Arts, USC School of Music Recital Hall, and Trinity Cathedral. Prices vary according to the venue and the artist's popularity Many events conducted by the Southeastern Piano Festival sell out, so you should buy your tickets ahead of time to ensure you get a seat. When: June 18 - 24 Where: Various Price: Varies by day and artist more Doko Fest Bluegrass Festival If you don't care for pianos, maybe you'd prefer to see bands play mandolins, fiddles, and banjos. Bluegrass fans should make plans to attend the Doko Fest Bluegrass Festival in nearby Blythewood. The Lion's Club sponsors this festival each year, so you get to enjoy free admission. Just bring your own lawn chair so you will have a comfortable place to sit. Specifics for the bluegrass festival haven't been announced yet. Last year's concert took place on June 11. Check the festival's Facebook page to learn more as the event develops. Organizers will announce the date and bands before summer. When: Will announce soon Where: Doko Meadows Park, Blythewood Price: Free! Blythewood Doko Rodeo This year, Blythewood will present its seventh annual rodeo in Blythewood Community Park. If you haven't been before, now is the time to reserve your tickets since you can save a couple of dollars by purchasing them in advance. The Blythewood Doko Rodeo is a professional affair with numerous events. Cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country come to Blythewood to compete for prizes and money. Many of these professionals want to participate in the Blythewood event because it earns them points toward qualifying for the International Finals Rodeo held in Oklahoma. If they do well in Blythewood, then they can secure a spot in the finals. If you want to watch bucking broncos and lassoing, this is the June event for you. When: June 2 - 3 Where: Blythewood Community Park Price: Advanced tickets cost $14 for adults and $7 for kids ages 6 through 12. Whether you love listening to music or watching cowboys get bucked to the ground, you'll have a good time this June in the Columbia area. Image via Flickr by knownaa

When you're traveling with kids, the activities and places to see are often quite different from what you'd see on a vacation with adults. Check out some of these kid-friendly activities in and around Orangeburg, South Carolina, so everyone in your family can enjoy the trip. Orangeburg County Aquatic Center Taking the kids to a swimming pool might seem like a daunting task, but it's one of the best ways to cool down on a hot day and allow them to burn off some of their extra energy. Located on St. Matthews Road in Orangeburg, the aquatic center has a lazy river, rain drop fall, two slides for all ages, spider spray play area, and a bowl slide. Younger kids will enjoy playing in the tot pool, which also has its own small slide. more You can reserve the group pavilion if you're hosting an event, or simply pick up munchies and drinks at the on-site snack bar. YMCA members get in free, and the cost of admission for non-members is $4 for kids. It opens in mid-June and closes after Labor Day. EdVenture Children's Museum Located in Columbia, the EdVenture Children's Museum is about 40 miles from Orangeburg, and it's well worth the trip. The purpose of each exhibit within the museum is to create new generations of lifelong learners. In addition to exhibits, kids can participate in camps dedicated to specific topics and themes. Admission is $11.50 for adults and kids ages three and up and $10.50 for seniors ages 62 and older, members of the military, and educators. If you're coming with a group of 15 or more, make a reservation and save an extra $3 off each child or adult admission. Eddie is one of the main attractions: the world's largest 10-year-old boy. Orangeburg County Fair If you're in the area during the first week of October, be sure to visit the county fair. It includes crafts, livestock competitions, live music and other entertainment, food and drinks, midway games, and carnival rides, so there is truly something for everyone. On Monday through Thursday it's open from 5:00–10:30 p.m. and it stays open until 11:00 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday it's open from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. and on Sunday you can go between 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. Santee State Park Spending time outdoors is often a favorite pastime of families since the kids can explore and have adventures. Santee State Park is a great spot to visit, with biking and hiking trails for people of all ages and skill levels. Some of the trails are paved so you can take a stroller on them. If you plan to spend the night, reserve a campground in the park and get a little closer to nature. Or you can also reserve one of the 10 cabins within the park. The Village Round is a community building that also includes an enclosed area for grilling. Skip the typical activities this weekend and instead have fun together as a family at one of these cool locations.