 |
Attractions
| Riverbanks Zoo and Garden | |
 |
Nationally recognized, Riverbanks is home to a multitude of animals and a splendid garden. Accessible from its West Columbia entrance, the 70-acre botanical garden boasts 4,200 species of plants and original sculpture. You’ll find some of the area’s most enduring annual events at Riverbanks, including its dazzling holiday lights show, a wine festival, “Brew at the Zoo” for beer lovers and “Boo at the Zoo,” a Halloween event. |
| Columbia Metropolitan Airport | |
 |
Not too big, not too small. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is just right. From its signature rocking chairs in the lobby to its valet service, CAE provides friendly, modern attention to passengers and those waiting to transport them. Established in the early 1940s, CAE has been enlarged into a contemporary, 2,600-acre campus that serves more than 1.2 million passengers and processes 168,000-plus tons of air cargo each year. Airlines include American Eagle, Continental, Delta, United and U.S. Airways. Its convenient location in the West Columbia area makes it ideal for local travelers. |
| Congaree Riverwalk | |
 |
A splendid convergence. The ability to “get on the river” in the middle of town is one of the reasons people love this area so much. Actually, there are three rivers here, all connected by the Three Rivers Greenway, which allows people to walk, jog, bike and skate along an 8.5-mile waterfront path. At the point where the Broad and Saluda rivers form the Congaree River, you’ll find the landmark Gervais Street Bridge. Completed in 1928 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1920s-era bridge joins Lexington and Richland counties. With its cast iron lamps and open spandrel arches, the Gervais Street Bridge is a popular subject for painters and photographers. |
| Fall on Lake Murray | |
 |
Don’t be fooled. This view of Lake Murray may present an image of utter tranquility, and indeed there’s a lot of peace to be had on these waters. But there’s plenty of activity, too. Fishermen love the challenge of casting for striped bass; birdwatchers marvel at the purple martins that descend upon Lunch Island each summer. Skiing, swimming and boating have been popular almost as long as the lake’s been in existence. Created in 1930 when the Saluda River was dammed to bring electricity to the community, Lake Murray covers 50,000 acres and 650 miles of shoreline. Fitness buffs regularly walk or jog across the mile and a half dam. For true hilarity, check out the Fourth of July boat parade. |
| SC State Farmers Market | |
 |
It’s egg-stra good! The South Carolina State Farmers Market, recently reopened in a new location, shows off the state’s bounty. All manner of produce and plants grow in the Palmetto State, and the new market will include wholesale and retail sections, as well as a 150-seat exhibition kitchen, a 400-seat amphitheater, bakery, restaurants, and children’s playground. No need to go hungry; no need to be bored. |
| Farmer’s Shed | |
 |
The past is the present. At The Farmer’s Shed, you can get a taste of rural Lexington. Literally. Owner Shirley Rawl Sease, a former home economics teacher famous for her recipes for fresh vegetables, serves hot lunches and suppers in her cozy country restaurant. In the market, produce from Lexington County farms are sold. Look for collards and the other leafy greens that grow so abundantly here. With its famous sandy soil, Lexington County has been declared the “Collard Capital of the World.” |
| Gibson Pond | |
 |
The great escape. Gibson Pond Park gives Lexingtonians a place to recharge. Hike the nature trail. Have a cookout. Go canoeing. There are 15 acres here of quiet, populated most notably by trees. Sit on one of the swings and think about how rare that can be these days. |
| Gibson Pond Scenic Overlook | |
 |
Not exactly Niagara. Still, the waterfall from a former gristmill churns up some spray at Gibson Pond Park. The Lexington Sertoma Club donated money for the Scenic Overlook, which was built by town employees. The partnership resulted in a place for visitors to get a good look at a formerly hidden local landmark. Take your shoes off! |
| Lexington Baptist Church | |
 |
Not so quiet on Sundays. Lexington Baptist Church has anchored the east end of Main Street since 1893. From 10 members then to about 2,400 now, LBC reflects the area’s growth. Other Lexington churches have expanded as dramatically. Lexington Methodist Church, across the street, also has added bricks and mortar. Look for local police officers to direct traffic on Sundays. |
| Lexington Town Clock | |
 |
Keeping time. Incorporated in 1861 as a courthouse town, Lexington still is home to lawyers and county offices. A diverse array of locally owned businesses line Main Street, recently beautified with new sidewalks, streetlamps, and landscaping. The Town Clock provides a downtown landmark for meeting friends and colleagues, and proves Lexington hasn’t missed a beat. |
| Lexington Museum Outbuildings | |
 |
Seven acres of yesteryear. Stroll through the village at the Lexington County Museum for a sense of how the locals lived from 1770 to 1860. The John Fox House, appointed with pre-Civil War furniture, presides over a complex of 36 historic buildings, including the town’s first post office. Quilts, pottery, and carriages are on display; children love the interactive programs. Don’t forget to wander around the carriage wheel-designed garden and admire the heirloom camellias. |
| Snow on Main Street | |
 |
When people smile. Snow is so rare in Lexington that when it falls – and sticks – it seems the townspeople have been given an unexpected holiday. For the most part, though, the weather is temperate. Mild winters, warm autumns, cool springs and hot summers mean all four seasons are represented. |
| Memorial with Flag | |
 |
From Ground Zero to Main Street. Two pieces of steel from Ground Zero in New York were used to create the Lexington County First Responders Wall of Remembrance Forever. Dedicated September 11, 2008, the memorial depicts three firemen raising the flag after the tragedy. The memorial was a gift from the 2007 class of Leadership Lexington County. |
| New Courthouse | |
 |
Adding to the skyline. Lexington County’s new judicial center, named in memory of Judge Marc H. Westbrook, illustrates the area’s growth and progressive spirit. Dedicated in 2008, the center is in walking distance of county offices, the Lexington Municipal Complex, and numerous law firms. |
| Old Courthouse | |
 |
From the ashes. Union forces burned many of Lexington’s businesses and homes in 1865. Also destroyed were St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, the post office, and courthouse. Lexington’s most recent courthouse, pictured here, was dedicated with much fanfare in 1940 – majorettes included. |
| Palmetto Collegiate Institute | |
 |
Respectful of history. The 2008 restoration of the Palmetto Collegiate Institute reflects Lexington’s interest in maintaining important structures. Located near the Lexington Municipal Center, the building housed a school from 1881 to 1911, before becoming a private residence. The porch is a must. Every gracious southern home has a porch. At the Palmetto Collegiate Institute, you can “joggle” on the joggling boards, old-style benches for courting couples. Open for social events and meetings, the Institute, built in 1881, has a catering kitchen inside, and gazebo and gardens out. |
| Peachtree Rock | |
 |
Unusual Eden. For a lesson in geology and biology, visit Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve near Edmund. Here you’ll find a sandstone formation eroded into an inverted pyramid, the “Peachtree Rock” that gives this 460-acre park its name. Birders will want to look for red-cockaded woodpeckers; plant lovers can search for the endangered Rayner’s blueberry and crane-fly orchid, also growing here. |
| Lexington Municipal Complex | |
 |
One-stop shop. At the Lexington Municipal Complex, you can pay your taxes and traffic tickets, apply for a business license, attend a council meeting, or schedule a convention or party. The complex was built with room to grow, and includes a 3500-square-foot meeting room and catering kitchen. In front is a fountain; out back is Virgina Hylton Park, with its winding paths, playgrounds, gardens and gazebos. |
| Veterans Memorial Monument with flags | |
 |
For reflection and repose. “Some gave all” and “all gave some,” a truth illustrated by the Lexington County Veterans Memorial Monument. Erected in 2002 and created with more than 80 pounds of granite, the monument honors veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Countless citizens came together to establish the monument, reflecting the area’s long history of service to country. |