First Thursdays are growing!!  For August, the Merchants of Main Street have decided to host their first Cruise In.  That is right, Main Street is going to be taken over with classics, hot rods, and custom bikes.   Come down and check out the “Art In Motion” on the street and the art indoors in your favorite galleries and shops.

"Museums on Us" Free Weekends

July 1, 2012
Location: EdVenture Children's Museum
Address: 211 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Venue: EdVenture Children's Museum
Recurrence: Recurring monthly on the 1st Sunday

“Museums on Us” is a Bank of America program that offers its card holders free admission to more than 70 museums nationwide.  EdVenture is the only museum in South Carolina chosen to participate in this program.

Abstract Art in South Carolina: 1949-2011

July 3, 2012
Location: SC State Museum
Address: 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Venue: South Carolina State Museum
Recurrence: Recurring daily

Fourth of July Congaree Paddle

July 4, 2012
Adress: 905 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Venue: River Runner Outdoor Center

Lake Murray Paddle - Guided Kayak or Canoe Trip

July 4, 2012
Location: Get Your Gear On
Address: 208 Candi Lane, Suite A, Columbia, SC 29210
Venue: Get Your Gear On
Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday

Weekdays 11 am (May - September) – weekend times are available, but by prior arrangement . Sunset trip and 5:30 pm (June & July), 4:30 pm (August & Sept). Prior experience not necessary. Swimming and paddling are outstanding with open water and secluded spots. Wildlife observed may include osprey, heron, water fowl, song birds, and aquatic life. We paddle near the shore so that wildlife, aquatic life, swimming, and sight seeing are the best.

We have three paddle trips down the Congaree river planned for the Fourth of July.  Trips begin at 9 am, 1 pm and 4 pm and each last two hours. Trip cost is $25 per person. Call or visit our calendar for more details. Registration required the Wednesday before the event. For Registration please call (803) 771-0353 or email us riverrunner@sc.rr.com

 

Our Grand Opening will be held Thursday June 7th from 6 - 9 PM at our new location at 1546-C Main Street in Columbia. It will coincide with the First Thursdays On Main Event. We hope everyone will stop in and see our new location and join in the celebration!

As over the past 30 years, we will continue to serve the Columbia and surrounding area for all their floral needs! We may be downtown now, but with a phone call to us, your arrangement can still be delivered anywhere in the Columbia area.

For those not familiar with our shop, we are a full service florist offering fresh arrangements for your everyday needs, as well as custom quality silks! Our style is high design and custom made to your specifications. In addition to flowers, we offer a wide variety of unique vases, plants and plant baskets, as well as gift baskets and accessories for your home.

No matter what the occasion, call us to make your floral needs truly SOMETHING SPECIAL!

Special Florist
1546-C Main St Columbia, SC 29201
(803)-407-7123
www.somethingspecialfloristandgifts.com

Urban Tour on April 5th!

You are invited to the 5th Annual Urban Tour on Thursday, April 5, from 5:00 to 8 p.m. along Main Street in downtown Columbia.

Urban Tour is a free event showcasing all that Columbia’s downtown has to offer. The self-guided walking tour includes special offers and giveaways from retailers, live entertainment such as street performers and musicians, and local artists.

Businesses along the tour will keep their doors open late for the event. Free shuttle rides are available to assist pedestrians.

The event will take place rain or shine with the entertainment adaptable to street performances or inside designated buildings throughout the tour.

Come see why downtown is the place for shopping, living, and entertainment after 5!

For more information, please email Lorri-Ann Carter at la@cartertodd.com or call 803.779.4005 (ext.) 2040.

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Columbia!

We are witnessing an amazing time in Columbia's history. We are growing and have more opportunity than ever. And the good news is there is more to come in 2012! We are proud to announce the Famously Hot New Year celebration taking place on South Carolina's Main Street...and the best part is it's FREE! This event will have plenty of fun activities and an opportunity for all to come ring in the new year.

The Grey Goose Crescent Lounge is the official VIP event within the celebration. It will feature a bar provided by Grey Goose and the Ben Arnold Beverage Company, light hors d'oeuvres, exclusive concert viewing and private restrooms. Purchase your tickets today!
The ESPN Zone will be an area for attendees who don't want to miss any of the college bowl games!

WIS News 10 will broadcast the event so you don't miss out on the festivities!

The Palmetto Tree & Crescent Moon Drop (it's a secret, you'll have to come watch the historic drop!)

To help ring in the new year, we are proud to announce George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic will headline the celebration! The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer will headline an array of talented, exciting local and regional performers taking the stage for the event.

It's no secret Famously Hot Columbia is becoming the premier place to live, work, and play! We encourage you to visit www.FamouslyHotNewYear.com to find out more about the event. Come out at 7:30pm on December 31st on South Carolina's Main Street to witness the beginning of a historic tradition that will be the biggest party in the Southeast!

Mingle and Jingle is coming soon! December 1st!

Some of the highlights you can expect at Mingle and Jingle this year:

-Columbia Fire Department will be here with a truck and doing roasted marshmallows for the crowd.
-A singing Santa Claus will be in Boyd Plaza
-Hand bell choirs will be in key locations
-Alternacirque will be back in the Free Times space with Anastasia (and they may some extra surprises in store)
-The Nick will be screening some Christmas classics on the façade of the old Fox/new Nick.
-The Art Shows will be running full blast (as usual)
-The 1500 and 1600 blocks will be closed w Taylor St remaining open

Family Fall Festival at the end of this month!