Climate      South Carolina attracts retirees from around the nation because of its excellent mild climate. Spring comes early -- a breath-taking floral display of dogwoods, azaleas and magnolias. Summers are long and the color changes of autumn normally take place in late October and November. When the leaves finally drop in December, a mild winter is on its way. Average temperature in January is 55'F and 59'F in February. Average winter low is 34'F. Columbia's climate allows for outdoor activities year round. Weather Underground for Columbia The Weather Channel for Columbia AccuWeather for Columbia

Recreation & Attractions        Greater Columbia has much to offer in family recreation. Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre lake northwest of Columbia with 500 miles of shoreline, offers opportunities for fishing, skiing and sailing. The city and county park systems provide a variety of sports and recreational activities to all residents.       Golfers enjoy challenging play on six private and ten public courses. Outstanding spectator sports include University of South Carolina Gamecock athletics, Capital City Bombers Baseball, and Wildewood polo. Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden, named as one of the nation's ten best zoos by the U.S. Humane Society, features natural habitat exhibits of over 2,000 birds and animals.       Columbia's surrounding areas also offer major events and attractions. The state's leading tourist attraction is the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of sugar-sand beaches. Just 20 miles east of Columbia is Camden, site of a Revolutionary War battle and home of the Carolina Cup, one of America's oldest steeplechase events.       For the car racing enthusiast, nearby Darlington offers the lure of the TranSouth 500 and the Heinz Southern 500, both NASCAR sanctioned events. Nearby Augusta offers the Masters Golf Tournament and Hilton Head Island, famed for its beaches, hosts the MCI Heritage Golf Classic and the Family Circle Tennis Tournament. For the tourist, historic Charleston is a must see. Each spring, global attention focuses on this lovely seaside city, home of the internationally acclaimed Spoleto Festival USA, dubbed the world's most comprehensive arts extravaganza. Movie Times/Locations/Reviews Local Music Local Restaurants & Reviews Lake Murray Information Local Parks

Education       From elementary schools that teach Russian and Japanese to the University of South Carolina, whose international business program has been ranked no. 1 in the nation, Columbia's schools are on the cutting edge. Low pupil/teacher ratio and individualized programs have helped to contribute to the 23 private schools. Nine institutions of higher learning call Columbia home. South Carolina Public School Information University of South Carolina Allen University Benedict College Clemson University Columbia College Midlands Technical College Newberry College

Health Care       Columbia has five major hospitals offering diversified medical care and wellness services and programs to the community. The doctor-to-patient ratio is roughly twice the national average. Lexington Medical Center Palmetto Baptist Medical Center Providence Hospital Providence Hospital Northeast

ARTS       Over 100 cultural organizations entertain and educate the community including the South Carolina Philharmonic, Southeastern Regional Opera, Columbia City Ballet and twelve live theater groups. Museums offer history, art and star-gazing and include the South Carolina State Museum, the Columbia Museum of Art and Gibbes Planetarium. Columbia Museum of Art South Carolina State Museum

Shopping       The Congaree Vista, a restored turn-of-the-century area near downtown Columbia, offers a unique collection of shops filled with antiques, oriental rugs, jewelry, original artwork, handmade furniture and collebibles. Five Points, Devine Street/Shandon and Forest Acres are also home to upscale and unique stores and galleries. There are six enclosed malls and major department stores include Dillard's, Parisian, Rich's, J.C.Penney, and Sears. Shopping

Local Organizations that need your help.

Sisters of Charity

Hannah House

Animal Mission

Cooperative Ministry

Harvest Hope Food Bank

Birthright of Columbia

Columbia State Farmer's Market

The farmer's market is an exciting place for children! With fresh produce and plants all around, the sights and smells are sure to keep your kids entertained for a while. Let them pick out something for dinner or a plant for their own garden.

To find out the produce available at the Columbia State Farmer's Market click here.

Five Points Farmers Market

The Farmer's Shed Market & Kitchen

Rikard's Country Market

Jerrold A. Watson & Sons

Cook's Roadside Market