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What to do in Lexington County, SC
You don’t have to be a millionaire to have fun in Greater Lexington. Here are some ideas to get you started, and none will drain your piggybank:
Do the Lake Murray Dam.Walk it, run it, stroll your baby, wheel your friend. Besides the view, it offers great exercise –1.7 miles from, as the locals say, “the Lexington side to the Irmo side.” That makes it 3.4 miles round trip. Don’t forget your water!
Picnic in the park. Or parks, we should say. We’ve got Gibson Pond Park, with spacious shelters, the remains of a gristmill spillway, the Scenic Overlook that lets you dip your toes in the rapids, and walking trails. Recently restored, it still has the good vibes from its decades as a swimming place; now you can fish or take a boat ride – as long as it’s not motorized. Virginia Hylton Park, behind Lexington Town Hall, has meandering paths, gazebos, a Japanese Koi pond, a special needs children’s playground, streams and gardens. It’s a favorite for summer concerts and small weddings. Meanwhile, Corley Street and Caractor parks are small “pocket parks” with playgrounds for children.
Check out 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.
Rendezvous at the river. The Three Rivers Greenway is a great place to meet a friend – or take your dog – for a walk with woods and water for scenery. Outfitters can provide kayaks, canoes and rafts here where the Broad and Saluda rivers meet to form the Congaree. In the summer, it’s the coolest place to be!
Go back a few centuries. Two fine museums honor the hard work and heroism shown by local people in the past. Settled largely by Germans, this “Saxe Gotha” area has been researched, documented, and is on visitor-friendly display at The Lexington County Museum (231 Fox Street in downtown Lexington) and the Cayce Historical Museum (1800 12th Street in Cayce).
Take in a show. Talent thrives here, and proves itself with regular productions by the Lexington County Arts Association, Chapin Community Theatre, and the Lexington County Choral Society. Perhaps the largest production is “This Man Called Jesus,” presented by Lake Murray Baptist Church every Christmas.
Cheer on the team! Lexington County’s wholesome appeal may seem strongest on football Friday nights. But fans support other sports, with Dixie Youth Baseball drawing enthusiastic support every summer. Meanwhile, The Lexington County Tennis Complex presents 20-plus special events and tournaments.
Marvel at the purple martins. The whirring, chattering spectacle of thousands of purple martins descending on Lunch Island in Lake Murray hypnotizes and fascinates. About one million birds roost every summer on their migration to South America; it’s the first Purple Martin Sanctuary in North America. If you don’t have your own boat (or have a friend with a boat), reserve a place on The Spirit of Lake Murray or The Southern Patriot, two vessels plying the waters. Bring binoculars!
Visit the library. There’s more than information at the county’s branches and headquarters (5440 Augusta Road in Lexington). Besides book club gatherings, movie nights and children’s storytimes, there are events for toddlers, teens, and seniors. The Brookland-Cayce branch, located in a renovated department store, even offers a Laughter Club.
Get out in the country! Experience Lexington's "Collard Capital of the World" reputation at The Farmer's Shed on U.S. Highway 1. Owned and operated by a longtime Lexington family, the Farmer's Shed sells fresh, local produce year-round. Owner/chef Shirley Sease serves that produce --as well as delicious meats, breads, and desserts -- in healthy recipes at the small, casual cafe on the premises. Plants, flowers, pickles, preserves, and other local foods are sold too --all in an unassuming, produce-stand atmosphere. Wander through a different corn maze each autumn; bring the children to see where their food comes from. 996-0700; www.farmersshed.com.
Eat. Restaurants abound, from down-home country cooking kitchens and barbecue huts to exotic ethnic restaurants and gourmet palaces. Pick up a membership directory at the Greater Lexington Chamber for a listing of places to try. And then, go back to the top of this list.
The drive is well worth a trip to the South Carolina State Farmers Market - The new facility provides the agricultural community of South Carolina with a one-of-a-kind venue in which to showcase products. Located in Lexington County on U.S. Hwy. 321, it's within 1.5 miles of both I-77 and I-26, with over 2,500 feet of frontage on I-26. The new market design is based upon a clearly defined plan that provides separate and distinct areas for the major wholesale vendors, sale of South Carolina agricultural products, and also a farmers' shed section, which will be owned and operated by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and will provide an environment for South Carolina farmers to rent space on a daily or seasonal basis in order to sell their products. - 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia
Stop by the Columbia Regional Visitors Center to find out what’s hot in South Carolina’s capital city. Columbia is situated at the convergence of three rippling rivers lined by a shady riverwalk that’s perfect for jogging, biking, and walking. Several entertainment districts with outdoor cafes, coffee shops, art galleries and boutiques offer year-round opportunities for socializing and enjoying the outdoors. Historic homes and antebellum mansions nod to a bygone era while high-tech start-up companies and arts enthusiasts thrive in the urban revitalization occurring downtown. Columbia may be known for its “hot spots,” but it opens the eyes of visitors and residents daily to a “surprisingly cool” lifestyle and culture. The Columbia Regional Visitors Center is at 1101 Lincoln Street. Plan ahead by calling at 800-264-4884, or visit www.columbiacvb.com.
Rent a kayak at Gibson Pond Park. If it’s a quiet glide across tranquil waters you crave, visit Gibson Pond Park. Big Rock Outfitters and the Town of Lexington offer rentals for single and tandem kayaks. They’re available on weekends and certain holidays from April through October. Kayakers can explore the pond, with its ruins of a 19th Century grist mill, by the hour, day, or for four-hour increments. Call 358-0336 for more information.
And for kids of all ages ….
Because Lexington is all about families, our youngest citizens have plenty to keep them occupied. And remember, age is sometimes more of a spirit than a number.
Go-Go Laser Tag, 414-3930; www.gogolasertag.com. The party comes to you, complete with inflatable bunks, laser guns and headbands. Boys and girls of all ages enjoy the physical activity and competition; so do grownups working on corporate goal-setting and team-building. Laser tag is fun, day or night. Lexington Art Studio, 102 Gantt Street, Lexington, 996-3857; www.lexartclass.com. Artist/teacher Lee Swallie leads a team of professional artists who conduct classes in pottery, watercolor, batik fabric staining, copper tooling and textured painting. Parties can be scheduled for guests to paint pottery and make glass jewelry in this historic home downtown. The Farmer’s Shed, 2514 Augusta Highway, across from Lexington High School; 996-0700; www.farmersshed.com. Farm fun is always in season at this family-run operation, which includes a restaurant famous for serving fresh, local produce. Autumn brings a different corn maze each year, including a mist maze, marshmallow maze, and kiddie maze. Strawberry picking tours are in spring, and include a hayride. Campfires, farm animals, overnight camping also are offered. Shull Studios, A Studio of the Arts, 533 East Columbia Avenue, Leesville; 532-9896; www.shullstudios.com. Professional performing artists Shannon and Lancer Shull teach a range of classes, including creative drama for children, comedy, acting and audition techniques, Shakespeare, public speaking, and presentation skills. Other classes are provided upon request. Shull Studios is open to all ages and experience levels. |
So, you thought we were finished. Not even close. Our list keeps growing, and you’re welcome to send us yours. Contact aida@lexingtonsc.org with your favorite things to do and places to go in the Lexington area. Until then, we’ll see you in the neighborhood!