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Columbia, South Carolina, sits in a beautiful part of the American South. Sitting along the border between the Piedmont uplands and the coastal plains, there are plenty of locations where nature's beauty really stands out throughout the city and the surrounding area. Columbia is also an old city with a lot of beautiful architecture to admire. To get an idea of what Columbia has to offer, try visiting the following spots the next time you get the chance. more South Carolina State House Sitting right in the heart of the city, the South Carolina State House demonstrates the same Neoclassical architecture that defines most of Washington, D.C.'s most famous buildings and monuments. It's still the seat of South Carolina's legislative and executive branches, but visitors are allowed in throughout the day for both guided and self-guided tours. Both tours are free. The most scenic spots by the capitol building are probably the ones where you can see the building from the outside. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park sits between the city's water treatment plant and the oldest working hydroelectric plant in the state. The park's biggest feature is a 2.5-mile hiking trail that runs the length of the 167-acre park, and you can get some wonderful views of the Columbia Canal and the Congaree River. If you go all the way to the end of the park and cross the bridge, you can keep walking along the Three Rivers Greenway that follows the river or possibly catch a concert at the brick Riverfront Park Amphitheater. Columbia Murals In an effort to decorate the town and combat graffiti, Columbia nonprofits and businesses have been hiring artists to paint murals all throughout the city. All kinds of styles are on display, including realistic landscapes and portraits, impressionistic works, and even a few simple cartoon designs. The full list of designs is long and constantly growing, so while you can follow a list to track down some of the murals, you can also discover plenty more on your own by wandering around through downtown Columbia on your own. Lake Murray Lake Murray is an artificial lake dammed in the 1920s to provide hydroelectric power for Columbia and other parts of South Carolina. It's a beautiful place where you can explore a lot of inlets, go for a swim, or toss out a fishing line. There are several yacht clubs and private homes that sit on the shore and take advantage of the great views, but anyone can enjoy the lake by visiting Lake Murray Public Park or Dreher Island State Park. With so much natural beauty to see and so many great buildings and decorations throughout the city, Columbia is a great city to visit when you want to find a scenic spot. From the old canal and reservoir to the state capitol building and all the murals decorating downtown walls, it's hard to find a part of the city that doesn't have a unique charm. Image by blakeamick via CC BY 2.0

New to Orangeburg or simply want to find a new-to-you restaurant in the area? Check out some of these fantastic hidden gem restaurants this weekend for a delicious meal and some tasty drinks, too. more Chestnut Grill Whether you're looking for a place for date night or somewhere to take the whole family, Chestnut Grill is a perfect spot for everyone. They have an extensive menu of local seafood favorites like blue crab, East Coast oysters, and fried scallops. Chestnut Grill is also one of the best steakhouses in all of Orangeburg with options like ribeye, prime rib, New York strip, and filet mignon. Barbecue lovers will really enjoy the grill's baby back ribs and glazed pork chops. You'll find an extensive wine list and several local craft beers available to enjoy with your meal. Mama's Kountry Kooking Looking for some delicious country cooking? It doesn't get better than family-owned Mama's Kountry Kooking. Everything is made from scratch with love and attention. They have been voted "Best of the Best" lunch for five years running by the Times and Democrat, but they do a spectacular breakfast, too. The lunch menu is a build-your-own plate which allows you to choose one meat, two vegetables, a drink, and a dessert for only $8.50. The options change depending on the day of the week, so you'll just have to stop by regularly to sample all of their best meals. One thing you can always count on regardless of the day of the week is their homemade fried chicken. It might just be the best you've ever had. Original House of Pizza For the best pizza in town, get yourself over to Original House of Pizza. They're a family business that has been making pizza in Orangeburg since 1981. You can take the whole family to dine in and enjoy their freshly made pizzas, strombolis, calzones, and salads, or you can call ahead and pick up your order to enjoy at home. One of the great things about the Original House of Pizza is that it has something for everyone. If you are looking for some lighter options, there are Greek dishes with grilled meats, vegetarian options, plates of pasta for the kids, and even create-your-own rice bowls. Rosalia's Mexican Restaurant Looking for a place to satisfy your Mexican food cravings? Rosalia's is one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in Orangeburg. It's the perfect option for date night with margarita specials on the weekends and excellent guacamole to go alongside it. You'll find a few Tex-Mex options as well as plenty of real Mexican food on the menu. For a lighter option, try the chicken fajitas. If you're feeling really hungry, you'll love the chili rellenos, which are Poblano chilies stuffed with cheese and topped with a mildly spicy sauce. They also serve delectable enchiladas, burritos, and tacos with a variety of fillings. Orangeburg has a plethora of restaurants to choose from. Check out one of these hidden gems this weekend to enjoy a delicious meal and a great local experience. Image by www.hickey-fry.com via CC BY 2.0

Finding the best burger in town is a tough job, but we know you're up for the challenge. Check out these awesome burger joints in Columbia and find out for yourself which is serving up the best. more Burger Tavern 77 Burger Tavern 77 is a unique dining option in Columbia. Everything on the menu is handmade in-house and cooked to order. The menu is a build-your-own experience, whether it's a sandwich, a salad, or one of their spectacular burgers. That means you get to decide exactly what you want. Wondering where the tavern gets its name? There are literally 77 different options available for your burger creation. That means there are over 200,000 possibilities available. That's a lot of burgers to try. Choose between beef, turkey, chicken, or veggie. Then decide whether you want it on a white bun, a whole wheat bun, an onion bun, or flatbread. After that, it's all about the cheese, the type of lettuce and vegetables, and then which hand-crafted sauce to choose. They have interesting options like apple and cherry chutney or blue cheese barbecue. Mack's Cash Grocery For a simple, no-frills burger joint, get yourself to Mack's Cash Grocery. The burgers at Mack's are famous around Columbia. You may also want to try one of their buttery hot dogs while you're there. Better than any fast food burger in town, the flat-top grilled burgers at Mack's will make your mouth water. It's served on a soft white bun with American cheese, ketchup, pickles, and onions with a huge side of crinkle-cut fries. It's a nice family-style place with a few tables inside and some benches outside during the warmer months. You can also take your burgers to go. Rockaway Athletic Club This little dive bar serves up great cocktails and has local craft beers on draft, but the locals stop at the Rockaway Athletic Club for one thing: the pimento cheeseburger. It's a huge beef patty topped with pimento cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions and served with a big pickle and side order of fries. If you enjoy a cheesy burger, you'll love the way this one oozes. It's slightly salty, lightly spiced, and incredibly juicy. It's also incredibly messy, so be sure to grab plenty of napkins. The Kingsman Restaurant Just outside of the city center in the suburb of Cayce is a burger worth traveling for. While they serve up a nice selection of burgers that are cut and formed in-house daily, the real reason to head to the Kingsman Restaurant is for their ribeye burgers. All of the ribeye burgers are made of 10 ounces of ground up ribeye. Opt for the Kings Throne, which comes with white cheddar, fried jalapeños, and crispy bacon.  They also have one topped with blue cheese and one coated in buffalo sauce. Don't forget to choose your side. You don't have to just have your burger with fries. At the Kinsman Restaurant, you can choose from a huge selection of sides to go with your burgers like a baked potato, onion rings, tater tots, coleslaw, or macaroni and cheese. The next time you're craving a good burger, check out one of these amazing burger spots in Columbia. Image by stu_spivack via CC BY-SA 2.0

Do you have a need for speed? Whether you're taking your car to the track, or you simply want something that makes you feel like a race car driver during your daily commute to work, there are a lot of reasons that the 2018 Kia Stinger ticks all the boxes. more Under the Hood Depending on which trim level you choose, there are several outstanding engine options to choose for your Kia Stinger. Opt for the 2.0L or the Premium trim levels, and your Stinger will come standard with a Twin Scroll Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine gives you 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Opt for the GT, the GT1, or the GT2, and you'll have some serious power under the hood. They come standard with a Twin Turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 engine. This engine pumps out 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. All of the trim levels have gasoline direct injection engines, so there is no lag in acceleration. You'll also get an eight-speed automatic transmission on all trim levels. Outperforming the Competition The Kia Stinger GT models have blown other 2018 sports sedans out of the water. The 2018 Stinger GT has more horsepower than the 2018 Audi A7 Sportback, and it has more torque than the 2018 Porsche Panamera RWD V-6. It's more than a whole second faster at going from zero to 60 than the BMW 440i Gran Coupe. It not only outperforms on the track, but it also outperforms on price, too. The 2018 Stinger GT has a lower MSRP than the 2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0t, the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback, and the 2018 Lexus GS 350. Sports Car Exterior The 2018 Stinger doesn't just perform well on the track; it turns heads on the road, too. It has fastback proportions and sculpted surfaces that help it look like a true Gran Turismo. The Stinger's front fascia and island hood have only one single lateral line running through them. Showing off its sportiness from the back, the Stinger has four exhausts. There are two on each side of the rear to give a balanced look and to hint at the power that lies beneath the hood. Choose from five eye-catching colors including Micro Blue, Snow White, Aurora Black, Ceramic Silver, and Hi-Chroma Red. You can also add high-glow LED headlights with jewel-shaped LED turn-signals. Stylish Interior Feel like a race car driver before you even put your foot on the pedals. The Stinger has low-slung, contoured bucket seats that make you feel closer to the road while still giving complete comfort. Opt for premium Nappa leather with hand-stitching for even more luxury. Safety Technology You can also opt for a suite of safety technology features that help you satisfy your need for speed while keeping you safe behind the wheel. These features include forward collision avoidance assistance, rear cross traffic alert and avoidance, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance. Head to Burns Motors Kia to learn more about the new 2018 Kia Stinger and to test drive one today. Image by GabboT via CC BY-SA 2.0

There are seven different trim levels to choose from for the 2018 Kia Sorento, which means there are a ton of options available. Let us help you decipher between the different choices you have. more Kia Sorento L The Kia Sorento L is the base trim level. It has the lowest MSRP but still offers all of the features of the 2018 Kia Sorento that you're sure to love. It comes standard with a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine that produces 185 horsepower. It has excellent gas mileage giving you 21 miles per gallon city, 28 highway, and a combined EPA of 24 miles per gallon. Kia Sorento LX The Sorento LX has all of the features of the Sorento L while giving you a few more options. While the Sorento L only has three color options, the LX allows you to choose from eight different colors for the exterior and two for the interior seating. In addition to that, the Kia Sorento LX allows you to add a third row to seat up to seven people, an option unavailable with the Sorento L. Kia Sorento LX V-6 The Sorento LX V-6 gives you all of the options of a Sorento LX with a more powerful engine. Under the hood, you'll get a 3.3-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6. This gives you 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. Kia Sorento EX 2.0T The Sorento EX 2.0T is the only trim level that offers you a 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 1-4 engine with turbocharger. If you want some power, you'll enjoy the 240 horsepower and the 260 pound-feet of torque. The EX models also come standard with a gloss-black front grille and silver lower bumper accents for additional exterior style. Kia Sorento EX V-6 The Sorento EX V-6 has the same available options at the EX 2.0T with a different engine. Under the hood of the EX V-6 is the same engine that you find in the LX V-6. For exterior style and power under the hood, the EX V-6 is a fantastic option. Kia Sorento SX The Sorento SX combines luxury and power. It has the V-6 engine under its hood, which gives you plenty of horsepower. It comes standard with a dark metallic front grille, reverse tilt-down side mirrors, a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, and automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers. With the Sorento SX model, you can choose between all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. It comes standard with seven seats, and you can choose from six exterior colors and three interior colors. Kia Sorento SX Limited The most luxurious trim level in the lineup, the SX Limited has all of the options that come standard with the Sorento SX with even more accessories and technology onboard. It's the only trim level that comes standard with high-intensity discharge projector beam headlights that auto-level to ensure you can always see the road ahead. It's the only trim level that offers LED front fog lights and 19-inch chrome alloy wheels. Head to Burns Motors Kia to learn more about the 2018 Kia Sorento and test drive some of the different trim levels today. Image via Kia.com

Buying a car that's appropriate for your family can be tricky. You need a vehicle that can fit everyone, entertain the kids, and keep everyone safe in the event of a crash. It's a lot to ask for, but luckily, Kia has you covered. With numerous family-friendly features, Kia vehicles are optimized for both kids and adults alike. Here are a few reasons why your next family car should be a Kia. more Burns Safety All of Kia's models have been designed with safety in mind, so you never have to fear while you're driving down the road. Regardless of which model you choose, each vehicle is constructed with an ultra-high tensile steel body for increased rigidity. This means that, in the event of a crash, the frame should absorb most of the impact. All Kia cars also come with a full set of airbags for the driver and passengers, including curtain airbags, knee airbags, and front and rear side airbags. Additionally, certain vehicles come with active safety features to assist you on your drive. For example, cars like the 2019 Kia Soul and 2018 Niro include a Traction Control System, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, and Hill-Start Assist Control. Passenger Comfort Sure, plenty of vehicles offer a high seating capacity so you can load the whole family, but many of these models sacrifice capacity for comfort. Kia makes no such compromise, providing the best in both comfort and space. For example, the 2019 Sorento fits up to seven passengers in its three rows of seats. The driver will enjoy a 14-way power-adjustable seat, while passengers can relax on the Nappa leather upholstery. The 2018 Sedona offers similar amenities and room for seven passengers. Because each row of passengers might have varying ideas about the best temperature, a Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control feature will keep everyone comfortable and happy. Passengers in the second and third rows can roll down the retractable sunshades to reduce sun glare, and the heated and ventilated front seats will warm you up or cool you down. Potent Technology All new Kia models come with the UVO infotainment system, an advanced technology that will improve your drive. You are sure to love the many diagnostic and alert services, including a critical diagnostic alert that lets you know when your car is suffering a problem, a speed alert that lets you know when you've exceeded your predefined speed limit, and a parking reminder so you'll never lose track of where you left the car. For your kids, you can also set up a curfew limit alert that lets you know if the car is being driven after a certain time. The geofence alert is another popular feature for teen drivers, as it lets you know whether your child is taking the car outside a predefined boundary. With their attention to safety, passenger comfort, and the latest technology, Kia vehicles are a great choice for all families. Stop by Burns Kia today to browse our inventory and find the model that's right for you. Image  by MotorVerso via CC BY 2.0

Do you have a severe case of wanderlust but no time off? Why not hop in the car and take a long drive? There is so much to discover on the open road and an almost endless number of entertaining attractions along the way. Be spontaneous, enjoy the scenery, and find that perfect destination within a few hours from home. We've put together this list of three nearby cities that are perfect for a daytime road trip from Columbia, South Carolina. Are we there yet? Charleston, South Carolina Just 114 miles south — less than a two-hour drive via Interstate 26 — is the coastal city of Charleston. Immerse yourself in the South's vibrant culture with world-class dining and thrilling nightlife. Take a sunset cruise, splash in the waves at Folly Beach, or relax with a blissful spa experience. Discover the city's vibrant art scene with numerous public exhibits, performance venues, and museums, including Corrigan Gallery, a contemporary, museum-quality fine art hall; and the Halsey Institute on the College of Charleston's campus. You can also explore lush gardens and historic plantations just minutes from downtown Charleston or get an insider's look at the city with the 42nd Annual Fall Tour of Homes, History, and Architecture launching Oct. 4. And don't miss Charleston Beer Week, which begins Sep. 8. more Augusta, Georgia Continue heading south on Interstate 26 to the charming city of Augusta. Plan your day trip to include plenty of outdoor activities such as paddle boarding on the Savannah River or enjoying a peaceful hike through Phinizy Swamp. Take date night downtown for a taste of real southern delicacies. Order a handcrafted cocktail at The Bee's Knees or sample local seafood at Old McDonald Fish Camp. Experience Augusta's diverse and lively city with a calendar full of events, including Market at the River, which runs every Saturday until Nov. 17; or the Candlelight Music Concert Series that takes place at the Augusta Common every Sunday until Sep. 2. To experience Augusta's laid-back way of life, it will take almost three hours to traverse the 160 miles from Columbia — but it's well worth the drive. Charlotte, North Carolina Head north on the highway to explore the Queen City. Discover the energetic uptown, plan some time to play in artsy Noda, and then uncover the vibrant, trendy Southend. Charlotte is famous for Southern comfort food and barbeque, so make sure you stop by City Smoke to curb your craving for chargrilled meat. They even have smoked lamb on the menu. Host a Charlotte family play date at High Sea's miniature golf or ride a six-story slide at the indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge. Go outside and explore 40 acres of produce and playgrounds at Wise Acres Organic Farm where you can pick your own strawberries or pumpkins, depending on the season. Plan to spend some time in Charlotte; It's a 109-mile drive up Interstate 78 North that will take you at least three hours. Add some extra road-trip magic and map out a few attractions along the route. Pack up your new Kia with snacks, turn on your UVO infotainment system, and buckle up for an adventure. It's time for a road trip! "The Atlantic Ocean in South Carolina" by Dougtone CC-BY SA 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

If you've been driving the same car for a long time, you've gotten used to how it brakes, where the controls are, and how it handles. When it comes time to trade in your old vehicle for a new one, you might feel some apprehension about learning everything you need to know about your new car. Fortunately, by keeping these tips in mind, you'll be feeling comfortable behind the wheel of your new vehicle in no time. more Adjust the Mirrors One of the first things you'll likely notice when you get in your new vehicle is that the mirrors are in slightly different positions, which will give you a different view around the vehicle. To make sure you feel comfortable driving your new vehicle, take some time to adjust the mirrors properly. Your rearview mirror should give you a complete view of the back window without needing to move your head. For the best view using your side mirrors, you should see a small section of the side of your car, and the horizon should be in the middle of the mirror. Learn the Brakes Every vehicle has a different feel and response time when it comes to braking. You'll feel more comfortable in your new vehicle when you have a better idea of how much pressure you need to apply to the brake pedal to get the vehicle to slow down. To get used to braking, make sure you leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Also, when you're approaching stopped traffic, don't wait until the last minute to start braking. Familiarize Yourself With the Controls Before you start driving your new vehicle, take some time to learn where all the controls are. Make sure you know how to turn on the windshield wipers, headlights, and hazard lights. If your vehicle has an infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, such as the Kia Optima, be sure your smartphone is properly connected. Finally, don't forget the little details, like knowing which side of the vehicle has the fuel tank door. Get Used to New Handling Along with braking response time, your new vehicle's handling will also feel different until you get used to it. Part of the reason new cars have a different feel is because the tires have a thin, oil-like coating that's a result of new rubber and a release agent on the tire mold. This coating takes time to wear off, so you'll want to use extra care when driving, especially during wet weather. Take it Easy The best way to feel comfortable driving your new car is to simply take it easy when you're on the road. Avoid fast accelerations and sudden stops until you have a better idea of how your vehicle will react. Within a few weeks, it will feel like second nature when you're driving your new car. Getting the behind the wheel of your new vehicle doesn't have to feel daunting when you keep these helpful tips in mind.   Image by State Farm, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

The 2018 Kia Sorento has won plenty of awards, including the Best Three-Row SUV for the Money by U.S. News & World Report, IIHS Top Safety Pick, Autoweb Buyer's Choice Award for Best Midsize SUV, and NHTSA Five-Star Safety Rating. Discover the reasons why the Sorento is beating the competition and gaining new fans every day. more Excellent Safety Features The 2018 Kia Sorento has won two safety awards because the crossover offers several great safety features to help keep you secure when you're on the road. Every Sorento comes standard with a rearview camera that automatically turns on when you put the vehicle in reverse. You'll also find several other impressive available safety features as you go up in trim levels, including rear parking assist system, surround view monitor, blind spot detection system, rear cross traffic alert, smart cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning system, and lane departure warning system. Comfortable Interior Climb inside the 2018 Sorento and you'll immediately see why so many drivers love it. The spacious SUV has three rows of seating to comfortably fit all your friends and family. The available panoramic sunroof offers all your passengers an excellent view of the open sky, and the tilt and slide feature helps you get the perfect amount of breeze and sunlight. Plus, the available ventilated front seats, heated front and second-row seats, and heated steering wheel make it easy to always feel comfortable. Top Technology Features Along with a comfortable interior, the Kia Sorento also comes with plenty of technology features that drivers love. The infotainment system has a variety of screen size options, including the standard 4.3-inch touch-screen display, available 7-inch touch-screen display, or available 8-inch touch-screen display. To help you stay connected when you're on the road, the system comes with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features include Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free connectivity, an auxiliary and USB input jack, and steering wheel-mounted controls for the hands-free phone, audio, and cruise control. Plenty of Power When you're ready to head out on the road, you'll love the choice of engines you'll find in the Kia Sorento. The standard 2.4-liter engine offers 185 horsepower for a great combination of power and fuel efficiency. You can also choose the turbo trim level to get the 2.0-liter turbo engine that generates an exciting 240 horsepower. If you love bringing along extra toys on your weekend adventures, the available 3.3-liter V-6 engine produces 290 horsepower and has a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Stylish Exterior The Kia Sorento also pulls in plenty of awards because of its head-turning exterior looks. The sophisticated body showcases a long wheelbase and wide stance for plenty of style. Additionally, you'll enjoy standard features that include heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signal indicators, privacy glass, a rear spoiler, and automatic headlights. When you're in the market for a new crossover SUV, get behind the wheel of the 2018 Kia Sorento to see for yourself why this vehicle is an award winner. Image by loubeat, Licensed via CC BY 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