Vacation fun in sunny South Carolina

South Carolina's Lake Murray has long been a favorite destination for professional and amateur anglers alike. However, although bass fishermen may find it hard to believe, Lake Murray itself is just a small part of a total vacation experience awaiting visitors in the four county Lake Murray Region.

"I really think what makes our area so unique is there is such a variety of activities and attractions available," said Miriam Atria, president of the Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board, which encompasses Lexington, Newberry, Richland, and Saluda counties. "We have a great variety of both indoor and outdoor activities. We truly do have something for everyone."

Lake Murray itself certainly captures the attention of anglers. However, the lake offers more than just bass fishing for fishermen and their families. Dreher Island State Park, which encompasses three islands on Lake Murray, offers nature trails, picnic areas and camping opportunities. And, for those wishing to stay on the water even when they're not fishing, there are plenty of paddling options.

"Canoeing and kayaking are very popular activities," Atria said. "Both on the lake and in our rivers, paddle sports are popular, not just for fishing, but for sight-seeing, bird watching and just relaxing."

According to Atria, the summer months offer Lake Murray visitors a change to witness a true "miracle of nature."

"From June through August, we have our Purple Martins at the Lake," Atria explained. "Every evening, millions of Purple Martins flock in just before dark. They nest on Bomb Island in Lake Murray. There are so many birds each evening that they literally block out the sky. A lot of locals and visitors enjoy taking their boats out to the island in the evenings to watch the Purple Martins flock in. There are also boat tours available if you don't have a boat."

Of course, not all of the region's outdoor activities are located on or near Lake Murray. The area boasts over two dozen golf courses and numerous parks, including Congaree National Park.

"Congaree National Park is one of our most popular attractions," Atria said. "It is a tremendous natural resource. There's so much to see at Congaree and there's a 2 1/1 mile, handicap-accessible boardwalk that offers wonderful views of the record-size trees there. It is a wonderful botanical experience."

Another entertaining way for visitors to spend their time outdoors is to visit the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Located in Columbia, the Riverbanks Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals ranging from koalas to lemurs to sea lions. Riverbanks Zoo also boasts several impressive gardens and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to several historic sites located within its 170-acre confines.

Despite the pleasantly mild year around weather in Lake Murray Country, most visitors do spend at least a portion of their time there indoors. And, when it's time to head inside, there is no shortage of options.

"We are, of course, the state capitol," said Atria. "You can take tours of the capitol and the Governor's Mansion. And, we have the South Carolina State Museum right here in Columbia. But, that's just one of the museums we have. There are several museums - especially historical museums - in Columbia and the surrounding communities.

"One of our most popular museums is the EdVenture Children's Museum here in Columbia. It's a huge museum; it's over 68,000 square feet. There's Eddie, a 40-foot statue, which is the world's largest child, that kids can climb through. There's also several exhibitions and galleries, two educational resource centers, a library and a theater. It's really a 'must-see' for families.

"Another very popular museum is the Lexington County Museum in Lexington. This museum is a neat experience for anyone who is interested in history. It's like stepping back into the 18th century. They have costumed guides, some 18th century cabins, a couple of antebellum homes, an old school house and the 1832 John Fox House."

In addition to visiting the numerous local shops and historic sites, Atria says visitors can round out their visit with a trip to the Newberry Opera House.

"The Newberry Opera House is a great example of the unique attractions we have in Lake Murray Country," said Atria. "The Opera House is located in downtown Newberry and was originally built in the 1800s, but has been fully restored and now hosts a variety of performances. The Newberry Opera House hosts everything from the Beach Boys to comedians to the Vienna Orchestra."

In addition to the various attractions and activities that are available year around, Lake Murray Country is also home to numerous annual events.

"In the summer, we have a great Fourth of July fireworks show over the lake," Atria said. "The area is also loaded with food themed festivals. And, during the holidays, the zoo has a holiday light display that is really neat."

When it comes to finding a place to eat, about the only problem Lake Murray Country visitors will have is narrowing the options.

"Most of our visitors are looking for casual dining," said Atria. "And, we have hundreds of restaurants that fit the bill for everything from catfish to traditional seafood to barbecue. We have pretty much anything you can think of for casual dining. We also have some fine dining, as well as plenty of fast food places. Most of our restaurants are located in the downtown areas or around the lake itself."

Finding just the right place to stay in Lake Murray Country is no obstacle either, says Atria.

"We have plenty of great places to stay," Atria offered. "We have thousands of hotel rooms of all styles and prices. But, we also have a lot of bed-and-breakfast accommodations, as well as vacation home rentals. Families, especially, often like to rent homes when they visit. But, again, we really have something for everyone. Whether you prefer a hotel, a cabin, a lake home, a bed and breakfast -- whatever you're looking for, you'll be able to find it in Lake Murray Country."

For more information on attractions, events, restaurants and accommodations in Lake Murray Country, visit www.lakemurraycountry.com or call 1-866-SC JEWEL.