Recreation

Area Recreation

The Lexington County area is one of the fastest growing areas in South Carolina.  As part of the Columbia metropolitan area, opportunities for arts, culture, and recreation abound.  With a temperate climate that allows for year-round recreation and with more than 500 acres of shoreline on beautiful Lake Murray, it is no wonder that Lexington County is the place to be when it comes to living and playing.

Completed in 1930 to create electric power for the South Carolina midlands, Lake Murray was named in honor of William S. Murray.  The lake encompasses a vast area of water covering 78 square miles and approximately 50,000 acres of land. At its widest point, it is 41 miles long and 14 miles wide, providing storage for 763 billion gallons of water.

Lake Murray offers miles and miles of boating pleasure for all types of boaters. Whether you enjoy canoeing through calm waters, navigating your sails through cutting winds or leisurely cruising in your motor or fishing boat, Lake Murray is the place for you.  Lake Murray also offers excellent fishing and hunting opportunities. 

Lexington County has a number of quality state and local parks for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors. 

A 348 acre island on Lake Murray, Dreher Island State Park offers camping, picnicking, fishing, and swimming. Five lake front villas are available for rent. There are 112 campsites at Dreher Island that accommodate large campers and vans. Park amenities include; gas docks, shelters, picnic areas, launching ramps, and boat slips. Dreher Island State Recreation Area is located on Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre reservior in the Midlands.

The City of Cayce, near Lake Murray operates several parks including beautiful Guignard Park.  The park is at the corner of Knox Abbot Drive and Axtell Road in Cayce. This wooded park has a stream running through it with picnic tables and a play area in a beautiful setting.

Peachtree Rock off S.C. 6 near Edmund in southern Lexington County is a geological wonder: It has stood for millions of years and is a natural testament to the ancient marine environment that was once there. Visitors are welcome but are encouraged to respect the site and its environment.

Peachtree Rock Preserve is named for the large sandstone formation (shaped like an upside-down pyramid) that the visitor sees immediately upon entering the preserve. The rock's strange configuration is a result of the erosion of lower layers of rock and sand, with the upper layers of hard, coarse-grained sandstone eroding at a slower rate. A small waterfall tumbling into a pool, the only cascade in the South Carolina sandhills or coastal plain, is another treasure found here.

In addition to these parks and natural areas, each of Lexington County’s 15 municipalities operate a number of parks and recreational facilities for residents and visitors alike.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, located on the northern border or Lexington County, is home to more than 2,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of the nation's most beautiful and inspiring botanical gardens. The lush 170-acre site features dynamic natural habitat exhibits, scenic river views, spectacular valley overlooks and significant historic landmarks.

For more than 30 years, Riverbanks has provided individuals, families and groups with a common place to connect with and learn about the world's wildlife and wild places. Twice awarded the Governor's Cup for South Carolina's Most Outstanding Tourist Attraction, Riverbanks is the premier family choice for education and recreation in the Southeast.

Arts & Culture

The Cultural Council of Richland/Lexington Counties is the centralized resource for the Arts Community, providing leadership, funding and business expertise to artists and arts organizations, and offering a single source of arts-related information to patrons and media.

The Cultural Council contributes to economic development and quality of life in the Riverbanks Region by promoting the Arts as the foundation of the knowledge-based economy.

The Art in Business Program serves as a venue to highlight the area's established and emerging artists. Shows are held in a variety of businesses throughout the Midlands.

The Art in Public Places Program began in 1996 with the purpose of selecting and erecting sculpture in the Midlands area. To date, 22 permanent pieces have been installed through the project.

The Artist Residency Program gives students the opportunity to work with professional artists to express themselves creatively, to enhance their artistic technique and to contribute to the well being of the Midlands community. The Cultural Council has forged strong partnerships with area schools and has administered the creation of nine lasting pieces of public art through our Residency Program.

Two residencies occured in the 2004-05 school year. A partnership was formed in Fall 2004 with Lexington County School District 3 and the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education to help increase literacy in the district through the arts in an after-school program. Also in Fall 2004, John Daso Gregory, an artist from Lexington, worked with 5th graders in Harriette Edmonds' art classes at Conder Elementary School (Richland 2) to create an Australian Outback mural.

The Technical Assistance Program provides artists and organizations opportunities to help the arts help themselves. Workshops, on a variety of topics from marketing to pricing, are organized and open to all interested parties.

Nearly all of Lexington County’s 15 towns and cities offer a wide array of artistic and cultural opportunities for its residents.

Shopping

Lexington County is home to some of South Carolina's best shopping. The Harbison Boulevard area, anchored by the 800,000 square foot Columbiana Center shopping mall, is the fastest growing retail center in the greater Columbia area. The stores along Harbison Boulevard include many nationally known retailers from Barnes and Noble to Best Buy. It also has a variety of restaurants and pubs so shoppers can relax after a day on Harbison Boulevard or taking in a movie at the 14-screen Carmike Cinemas.

Great shopping also lies within the towns and municipalities of Lexington County. One can take a leisurely stroll "downtown" and peruse the specialty shops and family-owned stores that comprise these towns' traditional Main Streets. The great weather and natural beauty of Lexington County adds to the enjoyment of a day spent shopping in these charming towns.

Dining

Ask anyone in Lexington County and they will tell you that the true taste of the Carolinas is barbecue! Mustard is the base for traditional South Carolina barbecue sauce, which gives the slow-roasted pork a tangy, flavorful quality not found elsewhere.

Many area restaurants also serve North Carolina barbecue, which uses a vinegar and hot pepper sauce instead of mustard; Memphis barbecue, characterized by its vinegar-based sauce; and Chicago-style barbecue, famous for its spicy catsup sauce. Slow roasting the pork for 12 hours or more adds hickory flavor to South Carolina barbecue and makes it so tender that the meat practically falls right off the bones. Below is a listing of the barbecue restaurants in Lexington County. All of the restaurants are unique, each with its own character and style of presenting South Carolina's most beloved dish.

Lexington County also offers a variety of restaurants and dining establishments that specialize in many other types of cuisines. Restaurants serving everything from American dishes to international specialties dot the Lexington County landscape and present many choices for area diners. Some cuisines featured include American, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Mexican, Vietnamese, and even "nouveau Southern" foods.

Several of these restaurants have received The State's "Reader's Choice" awards, so be sure to try them all on your visit! Nearby Columbia is home to several four- and five-star restaurants that have garnered national acclaim. Whatever your tastes may be, you can be sure to find something to your liking in Lexington County.

If you enjoy getting out and experiencing festivals and special events, you will have plenty to choose from in Lexington County.

Perhaps the most famous and most attended annual festival in Lexington County occurs in the Town of Irmo each year. The thirty-two year old Okra Strut Festival is managed by a board of commissioners appointed by the Irmo Town Council and we are proud to say, "we are the nation's original celebration of Okra". The festival is a two day event featuring a street dance, parade, arts and crafts, rides and amusements, petting zoo, and lots of festival food. Attendance for the 2004 celebration was estimated to be 45,000.  Money raised by the festival is put back into the community through civic and school organizations, scholarships and improvements of public areas.

The Chapin Labor Day Festival brings thousands of residents and visitors to the town each September to celebrate Labor Day and the end of summer.  The festival features an arts and crafts show and sale, carnival rides, vendors, craftsmen, concessions, petting zoo, local entertainment and other events.

Christmas in Cayce is enjoyed by thousands each year in the beautiful Town of Cayce just across the Congaree River from Columbia. The week-long festival features the Cayce Tree Lighting Ceremony  and the Lights of Cayce which includes the grounds of City Hall being filled with thousands of lights, displays, and holiday music.  The festival also involves the resident of Cayce who participate by lining their streets with lighted trees and decorations, providing visitors with a ride through a fantasy winter wonderland.  The festival also sponsors the Christmas Traditions program hosted by the Cayce Historical Museum, the Christmas In the Trenches Lantern Tour which brings history to life.

The Batesburg-Leesville Poultry Festival is held each may and includes a parade, youth rally, street dances, fireworks, a carnival, music featuring several local bands, the arts, and a volleyball and golf tournament.  The event honors the area’s historical significance in the poultry industry and draws thousands of spectators each year.

Held every 4th of July in the Town of Gilbert, the Lexington County Peach Festival is a great way to recognize the Lexington County Peach, the peach industry, and the birthday of our nation! Residents and visitors alike can join the fun at the beautiful Gilbert Community Park each year.

A typical Peach Festival day begins at 9:00 AM with the judging of the Peachy Fruit Contest in the Gilbert Elementary School Cafetorium. There you will find peach dishes of all kinds being judged. There is a peach auction and recognition of the oldest and youngest in attendance. One of the main attractions is the ever-popular parade which winds through the main streets of Gilbert beginning at 9:30 AM. There are usually over 125 units in the Peach Festival Parade.

During the day numerous groups, bands, dance schools, and vocalists entertain on various outdoor stages in the beautiful, shady Gilbert Community Park. Hundreds of arts and crafts exhibitors are on hand to sell crafts -- many with "peachy" themes.  There are plenty of peachy treats such as peach ice cream, peach tea, peach almond delights, peach sundaes, peach pie, fresh peaches, and the very popular 40th Anniversary special, the "Peach Splash."

The evening Peach Queen Contest is a popular event. The Peach Festival day winds down with the street dance and a wonderful display of fireworks.

In 1990 the Lexington Chamber Business Retail Council decided the Town of Lexington needed a special event designed to attract visitors to the area. The desire to highlight local talent and showcase the special attributes of the Lexington Community was an important aspect. Equally important was the promotion of local businesses. The main goal was to offer a weekend of family fun with something for everyone. With this in mind, the Lexington FunFest was born.

Each year, the number of activities and participants continues to grow. The FunFest now runs for over a three days with a variety of special festivities including a Beauty Pageant, Golf Tournament, 5K Race, DooDah Parade, Carnival, Student Art Show, Craft and Business Exhibitors and tons of great food and entertainment.

Lexington's Race Against Hunger (LRAH) was established in 2001 with the goal of increasing awareness of world hunger and raising funds to benefit the hungry both locally and worldwide. One hundred percent of funds raised through LRAH go directly to charitable organizations. Charities that have benefited from LRAH include World Vision, the Souper Bowl of Caring, and Lexington Interfaith Community Services (LICS).

Over five years, LRAH has raised over $70,000 and has grown to a 750 plus people event (over 2600 through five years). In addition, the community has really pulled together as an average of 140 people volunteer each year to help with the event. Over half of these are members of local law enforcement who help to keep our streets safe for the runners and walkers.

LRAH is a great opportunity for runners and enthusiasts to hone their skills and race competitively, but the real winners are all the hungry that will benefit through funds raised and an increased awareness of hunger issues. Together we have made a difference, and we will continue to grow the dream to make an even bigger difference in future years! The Sixth Annual Lexington’s Race Aga inst Hunger is slated for Saturday, February 25, 2006 and aims to involve more than 1,000 runners & walkers and to raise over $30,000 for our charities.

Each Spring, the Town of West Columbia hosts the Rhythm on the River Concert Series - a series of free music concerts held each Saturday at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater.  The concert series features a wide array of music including bluegrass, blues/rock, modern rock, country, alternative country, contemporary Christian, hip hop and soul, celtic rock, jazz, and celtic rock.

Regional Recreation

South Carolina and Lexington County have been successful in attracting new business and industry to the region not only because of our strong workforce and low cost of doing business, but our quality of life also certainly sets us apart.  No matter where you are in South Carolina, a multitude of entertainment, leisure, and recreational opportunities abound.  From the Atlantic Coast and the resort and vacation cities of Hilton Head, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach, to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the upstate and the lakes and streams of the Piedmont of central South Carolina, our state and region is an excellent place to live and enjoy life.  The following is a short summary of the areas of our state that are just a short drive away from Lexington County.

Columbia

Columbia, located just across the river from Lexington County,  is a city of beauty and history. Amid swaying palms on a balmy summer day, the white elegant Governor's Mansion with its black shutters, large flags and sparkling fountains, stands to one side of this fascinating Southern town, the capital city of the State of South Carolina. George Washington himself remarked that the city site was well-chosen, as he viewed the beginnings of Columbia, which sits on a bluff above the Congaree River below the confluence of the Broad and Saluda Rivers from the north.

Established in 1786, Columbia was a planned city, built to be the seat of state government. Today, ever mindful of its history, the city continues to plan and evolve, keeping its past remembered and its future bright and forward-thinking.  Columbia is enjoying one of the most exciting urban revitalizations in the United States. At the heart of this renewal is an area known as The Vista, a 1200-acre district in the heart of the city. This historic area features a high concentration of historic buildings, which have been rehabilitated with contemporary flair. Restaurants and bars, art galleries and museums, unique shops and professional office space, sporting arenas and entertainment venues add up to make this area popular with area residents and visitors. 

The Vista area of downtown Columbia serves as the home to Koger Center for the Arts, and EdVenture which is the South's largest children's museum.  The South Carolina State Museum is a comprehensive museum with exhibits in science, technology, history and the arts. It is the state's largest museum and one of the largest museums in the Southeast.  Other venues include The Columbia Museum of Art which features changing exhibits throughout the year, McKissick Museum which located on the University of South Carolina campus and offers visitors changing exhibitions of art, science, regional history and folk art, and The Confederate Relic Room and Museum that showcases a relic collection from the Colonial period to the space age. The museum houses a wonderful collection of relics from the South Carolina confederate period.  Columbia also boasts no less than 11 professional theaters, and more than 10 music and dance companies

The Colonial Center is the largest arena in the state and is home to the University of South Carolina's men's and women's basketball teams. With seating for 18,000, the arena hosts the Columbia Riverbanks Region's most exciting entertainment, from A-list stars like Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffet, Billy Joel & Sir Elton John, to Shania Twain, Prince and Tim McGraw. Family shows like Sesame Street Live and the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus are presented throughout the year.

Another significant asset in the Vista is the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, opened in mid-2004. This state of the art facility contains nearly 150,000 square feet of exhibit, classroom and ballroom space, and will bring much new convention and meeting business to the Vista area. A new Hilton Convention Center Hotel is being built, along with an 800 space parking garage. Main Street is undergoing a beautification project, conducted block by block, replacing curbs and gutters, adding brick pavers for sidewalks, angled parking, new street lights, plantings and site furnishings. Downtown Columbia is one of the most beautifully landscaped cities of the South.

Columbia's spectator sports include University of South Carolina Gamecock football, basketball and baseball. Hockey fans love watching the Columbia Inferno, an ECHL team in the American Conference, battle it out on the ice at the Carolina Coliseum. 

Sesquicentennial State Park is located in Columbia as is the Congaree Swamp National Park. Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a top ten zoo in the U.S. and offers extraordinary gardens and woodland paths.

The list of annual events is long and...fun! The people of Greater Columbia love to have a good time. Three Rivers Music Festival,  the South Carolina State Fair, the Catfish Stomp, the Greek Festival...they all celebrate an aspect of life in the Riverbanks Region

For more information about attractions, events, festivals, entertainment, the arts, and recreation in Columbia, visit the Columbia Convention & Visitor’s Bureau web site.

The South Carolina Upstate Region

Located two hours to the west of Lexington County is the Upstate Region of South Carolina.  The cities of Greenville and Spartanburg are the largest in the region.  The City of Greenville is home to several events and festivals each year and the Bi-Lo Center hosts several sporting and entertainment events each year.

The Upstate offers a host of recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, sightseeing, and hunting in the Blue Ridge Mountains, fishing, boating, and watersports on Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee or Lake Hartwell.  There are several state parks and recreation areas in the region as well.   The Cherokee Foothills Parkway is a beautiful drive that is full of history and scenery.

For more information about the Upstate Region you can visit the Greater Greenville Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, or the Spartanburg Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

Charleston, the South Carolina Low Country, and Myrtle Beach

Full of history and beauty, Charleston and the South Carolina Low Country is located two hours east of Lexington County via Interstate 26.  The City of Charleston, one of the oldest cities in the nation, is one of the nation’s top tourism cities.   Charleston is the 6th "Top City in the United States & Canada" according to Travel + Leisure magazine’s tenth annual World’s Best Poll, featured in the August 2005 issue. Also honored this year were Charleston area accommodation properties including The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Resort, Planters Inn, and Woodlands Resort and Inn. Independence Air, which services the Charleston Area, also received kudos, ranking 3rd Top Domestic Airline.

As a T+L Best destination for 2005, Charleston accompanies five U.S. and four Canadian cities to receive this honor – New York, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Chicago, Vancouver, Quebec City, Montreal, Victoria, British Columbia, and New Orleans respectively.

The South Carolina Low Country also includes the coastal areas of Beaufort, Kiawah Island, and Hilton Head Island.  The entire region has dozens of historic homes and sites full of history from the Revolutionary War period and before through the Civil War and today.  There are several state parks in the region including several public beaches.

For more information about this area contact the Charleston Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, the Town of Kiawah Island, the Town of Beaufort, or the Hilton Head Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

Located only 2.5 hours from Lexington County is one of the nation’s top family tourist destinations – Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand.  Millions of vacationers visit Myrtle Beach each year for the beautiful beaches, shopping, dining, history, entertainment, and the arts.  Myrtle Beach is also the golf capital of the U.S. with more than 100 courses located.

Charlotte Metro Area

Located on the border of North Carolina and South Carolina to the north of Lexington County only two hours away on Interstate 77 is the bustling and growing metropolitan area of Charlotte.  The second largest financial center in the U.S. only to New York City, Charlotte is home to dozens of corporate headquarters including Bank of America and Wachovia.  The City boasts the second highest per capita spending on the arts and offers visitors an outstanding number of artistic, cultural, recreational, and entertainment venues. 

The City is home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers football team which plays in 78,000-seat Bank of America Stadium, and the Charlotte Bobcats of the NBA which play their games in the new state-of-the-art 18,000-seat Bobcats Arena downtown.  Just south of Charlotte in Fort Mill, SC, the Charlotte Knights play their AAA International League baseball games in Knight’s Stadium.  Charlotte is also home to the Charlotte Checkers of the East Coast Hockey League.

Charlotte boasts outstanding cultural and artistic venues such as the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, The Mint Museum, and Discovery Place Museum.  If you enjoy theme parks, Charlotte has one of the best – Paramount’s Carowinds theme park which is located on the South Carolina-North Carolina state line south of Charlotte and near Fort Mill, SC.  The area is also rich in history and architecture as well as fine dining and shopping at dozens of restaurants and upscale malls such as SouthPark Mall, Carolina Place Mall, and Concord Mills Mall north of Charlotte.

For more information about the Charlotte area, visit the Charlotte Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.