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Keith Sweat: The Mixed Music Tour Tomorrow

The Mixed Music Tour featuring Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill, Mint Condition and Ledisi is this Friday, February 3, 2012 at 7:30 pm at Colonial Life Arena. Don't miss your chance to see the best R&B from the 80's to today right here in Columbia, SC.

Tickets are $51.50, but will increase $10 the day of the show to $61.50. Additional fees may apply.

Tickets can be purchased online at LMCtix.com, by phone at 1.855.4.LMC.TIX (1.855.456.2849) or in person at the Lexington Medical Center Box Office inside Colonial Life Arena and Columbia Play It Again Sports store. Call 803.576.9078 or 803.576.9077 for suite rentals.

Keep up with the latest on upcoming concerts and shows coming to Colonial Life Arena on Facebook and Twitter.

Columbia Museum of Art's Pay-What-You-Wish-Day

In the spirit of giving and in celebration of the exhibition, Nature and the Grand American Vision, Columbia Museum of Art is offering Pay-What-You-Wish admission today, Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Take a guided tour of the exhibition at 7:00 pm and create your own landscape in the studio from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.

Nature and the Grand American Vision is attracting people from all over the world to visit downtown Columbia for an opportunity to see these magnificent works.

Pay-What-You-Wish admission allows visitors to see Nature and the Grand American Vision and the Museum's Collection by paying any amount to enter the galleries.

Courtesy of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.

Sky High Safari Ropes Challenge Course Opens Today at Riverbanks Zoo

Ever wonder what it’s like to hang around the trees like a siamang or see the world through the eyes of a giraffe? Brave explorers of all ages can now experience the Zoo from a much higher point of view with the all-new Sky-High Safari at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Sky-High Safari is a 3-story (or 44-foot-tall) ropes challenge course that takes climbers along an adrenaline-pumping, heart-pounding adventure as they navigate through a series of more than 30 balance-testing obstacles—including rope ladders, bridges, nets and tight-rope style footlines.

“The ropes course not only adds a new level of family fun to the Riverbanks experience, it’s also a great teaching tool for our guests,” said Tommy Stringfellow, chief operating officer at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “By stepping up to the Sky-High Safari challenge, participants are given an opportunity to test their strength and face their fears. It’s also a great team-building exercise for groups and organizations.”

The ropes course is designed to accommodate multiple climbers at one time. All participants are safely secured and tethered with a full-body harness and lanyard to an overhead tracking system. Children must be 48 inches tall to participate without parent supervision.

Sky-High Safari is located near Riverbanks’ African Savanna exhibit—across from Giraffe Overlook. The course will be open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm beginning Monday, January 30. The park is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas days.

Zac Brown Band coming to Colonial Life Arena

C. Taylor Crothers

Zac Brown Band will play at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC on Friday, March 23, 2012, with special guest Trombone Shorty opening the show. Tickets go on sale Saturday, February 4 at 10:00 am and will be available online at LMCtix.com, in person at the Lexington Medical Center box office at Colonial Life Arena, Columbia Play It Again Sports, or charge by phone 1.855.4.LMC.TIX (1.855.456.2849). For individual suite rentals, please call 803.576.9078 or 803.576.9077. Make a weekend of your concert experience and book a hotel room.

After an eventful year on the charts and on the road, GRAMMY-Award winning Zac Brown Band has proven that "overnight success" can be years in the making. New fans drawn by the irresistible hit singles, the awe-inspiring musicianship and dynamic live shows might have thought the Zac Brown Band emerged from nowhere. In fact, the band has paid its dues for years and put in its time for just this moment, it may have happened quickly, but it's definitely built to last. Zac Brown Band's second major label studio album 'You Get What You Give' (Atlantic/Southern Ground Artists, Inc.) was released on September 21st, 2010 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album features guest appearances by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett and as Zac explained to Associated Press, "It's a defining record...Every step of it's done the right way and I expect people are really going to love this record and see the depth of our musicianship, we're always growing. Not that we've arrived at any grand finale or anything, but the progress from this last record to this one, it's tremendous and I'm proud of it."

Since the release of their Grammy-nominated 2010 debut album, Backatown, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue have grown creatively while winning hordes of new fans performing nonstop on five continents. Their new album, 'For True' (Sept. 13 on Verve Forecast) offers substantive proof of their explosive growth, further refining the signature sound Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews has dubbed "Supafunkrock." The band stirs together old-school New Orleans jazz, funk and soul, laced with hard-rock power chords and hip-hop beats, and they've added some tangy new ingredients on 'For True' as they keep pushing the envelope, exploring new musical territory.

Keep up with the latest on upcoming concerts and shows coming to Colonial Life Arena on Facebook and Twitter.

Do you think Columbia, SC deserves a foursquare badge? #visitUS

The day has finally arrived that we could have a shot at the ultimate geek honor -- our very own foursquare badge for Columbia, SC! How cool would that be? It was exciting enough when we got the foursquare cling (pictured above) in the mail a couple years ago! So, here's the scoop:

This week foursquare announced that they want to know "why your hometown deserves a foursquare badge!" How do we get a Famously Hot foursquare badge of our very own for Columbia, SC, you ask?

Foursquare says, "All you have to do is create an amazing list of the best spots to go to, and a badge could be yours! ...As part of President Obama’s announcement to boost tourism in the U.S., the White House called on folks around the country to share what makes their city or town a great place to visit. Well, we want to know too! Inspired by the #visitUS initiative, we’re putting out a call for foursquare lists with all the best spots in your city. We’ll pick the three most amazing ones and creating foursquare city badges for them!"

We all know Columbia is Famously Hot, but now it's time for us to show the rest of the foursquare world. That's where you come in. We want you to help us put together an insider's guide to Columbia, SC -- from the most popular, touristy attractions to those spots off the beaten path.

What's in it for you? We'll pick the best list and give the winner tickets or certificates to ten spots from their list, plus they get bragging rights for their Famously Hot geek cred.

The rules:

1. Follow our list!
https://foursquare.com/columbiasc/list/columbia-scs-famously-hot-spots--visitus

2. Follow the instructions on foursquare's blog, come up with a creative name for your list using #FamouslyHot in the title in some way, and share your list on twitter with the hashtags #4sq and #visitUS or submit your list by next Friday, February 3, 2012! Indicate which ten spots on your list you'd like to visit with "Top 10" in your tip.

3. Post a link to your list in the comments section of our blog with your name to be eligible for our contest. Be sure to check back on Monday, February 6, 2012 to see if you won!

If you need some inspiration, here are some existing foursquare lists in Columbia, SC. In the meantime, we'll be working on a list of our own. Foursquare says they'll "pick the three best lists based on the variety of places, quality of tips and photos, and number of followers (and a tweet from your mayor – or governor! or senator! – won’t hurt, either…)." 

Thanks to a most helpful Twitter ambassador, Alita Hawksworth, for giving us a heads up about the contest!

Riverbanks Zoo Offers Couples Two Sweet Valentine’s Treats

Roses are pretty and chocolate is sweet, but a Valentine’s date at Riverbanks just can’t be beat! Riverbanks Zoo and Garden invites you and your sweetheart to experience an unforgettable evening of Love on the Wild Side on Saturday, February 11 at 6:00 pm.

Reserve your spot today for this adults-only dinner and walking tour. Get an inside look at the world of animal amour. Learn how a koala’s strong scent and loud voice play a role in mating and dating, explore the unique social structure of hyenas and discover other interesting facts about animal courtship.

To top off this wildly-romantic evening, couples will sit-down to a 3-course dinner specially created by Riverbanks’ executive chef. The meal includes a signature cocktail; a cash bar also will be available.
Limited space is available. Tickets are $100 per couple and should be purchased online at riverbanks.org, no later than Monday, February 6. No one under 21 will be admitted. For vegetarian requests, email catering@riverbanks.org.


The vibrant display of blooming orchids features hundreds of varieties and arrangements from around the world.

“Whether you love to plant or just long for spring, Orchids on the Riverbanks offers every guest a colorful escape from winter when our gardens can grow dormant,” said Andy Cabe, botanical garden director at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “The exhibition is a splendid sight for everyone to see and enjoy.”

The orchid show also features free programs and expert planting tips for the most seasoned of growers to the greenest of thumbs—scheduled for Saturday, February 12. At 11:00 am, Linda Thorne from Seagrove Orchids will present “Growing Phalaenopsis.” The program will highlight the most popular group of orchids for growing in the home. At 12:00 pm, Carter & Holmes will present “Growing Orchids for Beginners.” This program is a must-see for those just getting started. At 1pm, Tom Nasser of Carolina Orchids will lead a tour of the exhibit hall located inside the Magnolia Room of the Botanical Garden Visitors Center. The interactive tour is designed to expose participants to the wide variety of orchids that exist, as well as allowing time for questions regarding this spectacular species of flower.

Orchids on the Riverbanks is also perfectly timed for the Valentines weekend. Orchid vendors from across the Carolinas will be on hand with live plants for your favorite Valentine.

Festival hours are Friday, February 10 from 1:00 - 5:00 pm and Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Admission to Orchids on the Riverbanks is free with paid admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. To learn more about orchids, visit the American Orchid Society at aos.org.

For nearly 40 years, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has connected individuals, families and groups with the world's wildlife and wild places. It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $11.75 for adults, $9.25 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for children 2 and under. Group rates and other discounts may apply. Year-round membership packages are also available. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717, visit riverbanks.org or facebook.com/riverbankszoo.

Tweet #RestaurantWeekSC to win a $50 restaurant certificate

Restaurant Week Columbia comes to an end tomorrow, but not before you have the chance to win a Famously Hot t-shirt and one of five $50 gift certificates to Blue Marlin, Pearlz Oyster Bar, or Wild Wing Cafe in the Vista, the Village at Sandhill or Harbison.

All you have to do to enter is tweet your favorite Restaurant Week dining experience from this week or the restaurants you plan to try using hashtag #RestaurantWeekSC. We'll select five winners at random today and Sunday.

Make reservations at Blue Marlin, Pearlz Oyster Bar, Wild Wing Cafe -- or one of the many other restaurants offering specials while you still can!

UPDATE:
Congratulations to our winners - @LyndsayMJ, @adgirlSC, @MrsCaffeinated, @katecrev and @Cooktestant!

Craft Bar Happy Hour Returns to Columbia Museum of Art

The Columbia Museum of Art sparks creativity among crafters with another season of Craft Bar Happy Hour beginning on Tuesday, January 24 at 6:00 pm.

All crafters, ages 12 and up are invited to bring a craft project to work on while enjoying conversations, snacks, beverages and the best of crafter camaraderie in the Museum's unconventional craft haven. Craft kits are available for new crafters or for crafters looking for a new project for $12 and can be started at the Museum during the event. This month, featured local crafter, Jenny Mae, participates in the fun by displaying her puppets and talking about what inspires her craft.

This event is perfect for people who like to turn old sweaters into cuddly stuffed animals, knit, quilt, print tea towels and make ex-boyfriend voodoo dolls!

Reserve your spot early - this intimate night of fun, food and crafts is popular. Happy hour ends at 9:00 pm. Tickets are $12 / $8 members and include refreshments. Tickets are available at columbiamuseum.org.

Upcoming Craft Bar Happy Hour events:
Tuesday, March 20 and Tuesday, April 24

SC Philharmonic Presents "Soundscapes," Featuring Radiohead String Orchestra Composition

Restaurant Week Columbia Begins Today

Richland County Public Library's Guide to New Year's Resolutions

History Channel's "American Pickers" Head to SC

Got a barn full of stuff you want to get rid of? Know someone who does? History Channel's American Pickers are visiting South Carolina this winter -- and Mike and Frank want to hear from you! They're hitting the road and searching for barns, deserted buildings and basements.

Do you have music memorabilia, motorcycles, old signs, old rodeo items, sports collectibles, military items, casino tables, gas pumps, election memorabilia, Hawaiiana, antique guns, pedal cars, airline collectibles, distillery memorabilia, motor scooters, old toys, western gear, saloon items, classic cars, folk art, juke boxes, racing memorabilia, taxidermy, airstream trailers, bicycles, coin-operated machines, Route 66 memorabilia, vintage TV merchandise, vintage mechanical bull, collegiate collectibles or other rare collectible items?

Email your name and contact information to American Pickers at ccricco@cineflix.com or call 646-873-6528.

About American Pickers
Cineflix Inc. produces a documentary series called “American Pickers” which explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’. The fourth season premiered in December 2011 on the History Channel.

The high profile show follows two of the most skilled pickers in the business ‘Mike Wolfe’ and ‘Frank Fritz’ as they embark on an epic road trip across the US. The show offers a fascinating insight into what it’s like to be the men on the ground who are on the frontlines of the antique industry. The show follows the pickers in their truck as they go on a mission in search of America’s most fascinating and valuable antiques - treasures that have been long forgotten in junkyards and barns across the country. The team tracks down unique and interesting items from motorcycles, classic cars and bicycles to one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia.

The series follows the highs and lows of the trade as our team gets their hands dirty in the search of weird and wonderful hidden treasures. The show examines how determination and amazing instincts drive the pickers to salvage the good junk from the bad junk. On the adventure our team meets fascinating characters along the way each with a story to tell about the history of their collection and their own lives. Mike and Frank bring the past to life and recycle America as they go. On the way, we explore how our pickers strike the ultimate deal and discover just what it takes to renovate and re-sell a newly found antique in a competitive market.

Certified SC Winter Farmers Market

While the South Carolina State Farmers Market is at its peak during the summer months, the winter months also offer a wide variety of locally grown produce to enjoy. There is something always in season at the SC State Farmers Market!

So to celebrate the wonderful winter bounty here in South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and the SC Specialty Food Association are holding an indoor Winter Certified SC Farmers Market at the SC State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway in West Columbia. Starting this Saturday, January 7, and running each Saturday until the end of March, visitors can enjoy shopping for locally grown in the warm and cozy comfort of the Corbett Building at the market. The doors are open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Vendors will be on hand selling collards, cabbage, sweet potatoes, and other seasonal produce.

The market vendors will offer cured bacon, 100% grass fed beef, and eggs. Other items unique to South Carolina that will be offered include: goat milk soap, shea butter, and body scrubs; soy candles, SC – made painted crafts and jewelry; gourmet salt, rubs, baking and dessert mixes; honey, syrup, sauces, dips, jams, and jellies; cookies, cakes, breads and other baked goods; peanut brittle; frozen blueberries and pears; wine and juice; and other specialty products. Invite your friends and family and come shop at the market to take advantage of some wonderful Certified SC Grown produce.

Contributed by guest blogger, Stephen Hudson, public information coordinator at South Carolina Department of Agriculture. Keep up with South Carolina Department of Agriculture on Facebook and Twitter.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® Circus Sweepstakes

It's that time of year again for family fun in Columbia, as the circus returns to Colonial Life Arena this month, January 19-23, 2012! One lucky family could win 4 tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® Circus, 4 tickets to EdVenture Children’s Museum, 4 Sally Salamander or Famously Hot t-shirts, plus dinner at Mellow Mushroom Columbia.

You don't want to miss Fully Charged at Colonial Life Arena, the all-new surge of circus entertainment from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, where megawatts of thrills explode off of the arena floor with breathtaking dare-devilry, amazing stunts and never-before-seen performances that energize children of all ages! Get Fully Charged Up by the power of performers! Experience unbridled horse power, unparalleled superhuman power, and pachyderm power that generates mega-tons of fun! Feel the electro-magnetism of Tabayara, the world’s most thrilling animal trainer. Audiences will feel the earth shake when the strongman lifts large, cumbersome telephone poles, which weigh up to half a ton, and twirl them above their heads while acrobats balance atop. The Human Fuse, Brian Miser, sets the arena sky ablaze as he rockets through the air from his self-made human crossbow. You can only experience this current of excitement at Ringling Bros. Fully Charged! Get your tickets for high-voltage fun today -- and don’t miss the All Access Pre-Show, which starts one-hour prior to showtime and is available to all ticket-holders. See animals up close, visit with performers, get autographs, try on costumes, and enjoy the circus fun.

Purchase tickets or view sweepstakes details and enter to win on Facebook, Twitter or online.

Historic Columbia Offers Free Candlelight Tours and $5 Carriage Rides

In December 1967, Historic Columbia Foundation offered candlelight tours of the Robert Mills House for the very first time. Forty-four years later, candlelight tours remain an annual tradition for many families in the Midlands.  In honor of the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary, Candlelight Tours will be offered free of charge this year on December 15 and 16, 2011 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.  Carriage rides from Columbia Carriage Works add to the fun - offered for just $5.  Those interested in taking a Candlelight Tour of the Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion or Mann-Simons Site are encouraged to meet at the Robert Mills House, 1616 Blanding Street.

    
Free musical entertainment will also be included in Candlelight Tour festivities. On Thursday night’s tour (12/15), Bill Sloan will be playing guitar and singing holiday and traditional music outside of the Robert Mills House. On Friday (12/16), the Columbia Baroque Soloists will be headquartered on the porch of the Hampton-Preston Mansion. 

Candlelight Tours are just one of the many holiday events hosted by Historic Columbia Foundation. Other holiday events at Historic Columbia Foundation include the Foundation’s Annual Holiday Tours (through December 31), FREE Toy Roadshow (December 17), Breakfast with Victorian Santa Claus (December 17), Dollar Sundays (December 18), and Early Adventures, a program designed especially for private groups of children (month-long, ages 3-8 years old). More information at historiccolumbia.org. 

About Historic Columbia Foundation:
In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition, officially incorporated as the Historic Columbia Foundation. Over the next five decades the organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on the stewardship of seven historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history. The 50th Anniversary year of Historic Columbia Foundation (which officially began on November 13, 2011) will include a variety of community celebratory events.

Visit their website for details or keep up with them on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

Nickelodeon Theatre "Green on Screen" Series Kick-Off

To announce its Green on Screen Community Film Forum series, The Nickelodeon Theatre, South Carolina’s only non-profit art house theater, will present a screening of the new 30-minute documentary River Time Tuesday, December 6 at 5:30 pm at 937 Main Street.

Green on Screen is designed to facilitate a community-wide conversation through film about the impact we have on the environment. Officially beginning in January 2012 and running through June, Green on Screen is a six-month series of films and conversations about sustainability in a modern world. Several special events are also lined up and the Nickelodeon Theatre will offer passes for the entire series.

River Time inspired South Carolina writer and naturalist John Lane’s new book My Paddle to the Sea. The story is about Lane’s epic canoe journey from his tiny backyard creek in Spartanburg, S.C. all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. During the 300-mile, 11-day trip with friends through South Carolina, Lane set sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream and complete a book depicting his journey.

Along his travels, Lane encounters the history and nature of undiscovered areas of South Carolina; embarking upon ancient Indian artifacts and native flora and fauna as well as the reality of man’s impact on the environment while navigating through unexpected garbage piles and other pollutants.

Stay tuned to nickelodeon.org for a full schedule of Green on Screen films and events.

For more information about the Nickelodeon Theatre or the Move the Nick capital campaign, visit nickelodeon.org or movethenick.org. Follow the Nickelodeon Theatre on Facebook or Twitter.


Contributed by guest blogger, Katie Alice Walker, on behalf of Nickelodeon Theatre.

Lake Carolina's 8th Annual Harborside Lights

Red Hot Chili Peppers coming to Columbia, SC

Red Hot Chili Peppers will launch the North American leg of their I’m With You World Tour this January with four concerts in the Carolinas. They will play for the first time at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC on Saturday, January 28, 2012, with special guest Santigold.

Tickets go on sale and will be available for purchase beginning Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 10:00 am online at LiveNation.com and coloniallifearena.com, by phone at 1-877-489-2849, or in person at the Colonial Life Arena Box Office and Play It Again Sports in Columbia.

Make a weekend of your concert experience and book a hotel room at the Columbia Marriott Hotel. It's going to be a busy weekend in Columbia with the World Beer Festival next door at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, so you'll want to book early!

UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS RESCHEDULE COLONIAL LIFE ARENA DATE
FOR UPCOMING U.S. TOUR DUE TO SINGER ANTHONY KIEDIS FOOT INJURIES

Red Hot Chili Peppers regret to announce that they must postpone the start of their upcoming U.S. tour due to multiple foot injuries sustained by lead singer Anthony Kiedis. Kiedis recently underwent surgery to remove a crushed sesamoid bone and correct a detached flexor tendon in his foot and is expected to make a full recovery.

Tickets to the sold out Colonial Life Arena original date (1/28/12) will be honored for the rescheduled date (4/7/12).

The band is touring in support of the current Grammy-nominated album I'm With You.

The new date is as follows:
Colonial Life Arena - Columbia SC - Saturday, April 7, 2012 (4/7/12)

If you already made plans to stay in Columbia and made a hotel reservation for the weekend, consider purchasing tickets to the World Beer Festival.

Keep up with the latest on upcoming concerts and shows coming to Colonial Life Arena on Facebook and Twitter.

10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays with Historic Columbia Foundation

      1. Holiday House Tours:

-November 18 - December 31: Tuesday – Sat. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Last tour begins at 3 p.m.); Sundays 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Last tour begins at 4 p.m.); Closed on Mondays, Christmas and New Years.
-General admission rates per house:Adults $6, Youth (6-17) $3, ages 5 and under FreeMembers Free, AAA adults, over 65, college students with I.D., and active military $5, AAA youth $2.59.
-Purchase Tickets at the Robert Mills Museum Shop,1616 Blanding Street.

Enjoy the holiday season with guided tours of our house museums. The Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion, and Mann-Simons Cottage are all decorated for the season. Guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the Holidays in the 19th and early 20th centuries. View a variety of holiday decorations in each house and stunning details of our faux food on display. 

2. Homeschool Fridays: Historic Holidays: 
-Friday, December 2,10:00 am – 11:30 am.Robert Mills House & Garden (1616 Blanding Street) 
-Admission rate is $5 per student

Elementary and middle school homeschooled students are invited to participate in Historic Columbia’s “Homeschool Fridays” program. Discover how families in the 19th century celebrated the holidays in Columbia by seeing the houses as they could have been decorated. Students will learn about holiday customs, food, parties, and decorations. Craft activity includes making cotton-boll angels to place on trees or desks at home. Reservations are suggested. Homeschool group reservations welcome. Proceeds benefit Historic Columbia Foundation.
For more information, please contact James Quint at jquint@historiccolumbia.org or 803.252.1770 ext. 36.

3. Scout Day: Historic Holidays:
-December 3, 2011, 10 a.m. – Noon,Robert Mills House & Gardens (1616 Blanding Street) 
-Admission rate is $8 per scout, $5 per adult

Scouts will tour three historic houses and learn how families in Columbia celebrated the holidays throughout the 19th century. A Victorian Santa Claus will visit with children and listen to those holiday gift requests. Scouts can also make a holiday craft and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.
Reservations required. Group reservations welcome.

4. Family Day: Historic Holidays:
-December 10, 2011, 10 a.m. – Noon, Robert Mills House & Garden (1616 Blanding Street) 
-Admission rate is $6 for child, $3 for additional children. Free for adults and members.

Enjoy the holidays in the decorated Robert Mills House and learn how the Christmas tree appeared in South Carolina as well as how a South Carolinian made the poinsettia a well-known holiday decoration.
Reservations requested (email reservations@historiccolumbia.org or call 803.252.1770 ext. 24).

5. FREE Choir Showcase and $1 Tours: 
-Saturday, December 10,Noon – 4:00 pm,Robert Mills House and Gardens (1616 Blanding Street) -Free Showcase open to public, tours just $1

Local elementary schools will help us celebrate the season by demonstrating their talent and providing musical entertainment for the community. Come hear them sing in front of our Robert Mills House. While you are here, step inside our historic houses to view the holiday decorations.

6. Second Sunday Stroll: Guided Walking Tour of Main Street: 
-Sunday, December 11,2011, 2 p.m.
-Tour is free for members (with membership card); $6 adults, $3 youth (17 and under).

Meet at the front steps of the State House on the Gervais Street side. Take a Second Sunday Strolls guided walking tour of historic Main Street, decorated for the holidays! Tours are 30 – 60 minutes in length.
Proceeds benefit Historic Columbia Foundation. Reservations requested (email reservations@historiccolumbia.org or call 803.252.1770 ext. 24).

7. Breakfast with Victorian Santa: 
-Saturday, December 178:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.Robert Mills House and Gardens (1616 Blanding Street) 
-Admission rate is $8 members / $4 member youth, $10 non-member adults / $5 non-member youth

Join HCF for a holiday treat to remember. Enjoy a continental breakfast in our cozy Carriage House while listening to seasonal music. After your meal, view the decorated halls of the Hampton-Preston Mansion, make a holiday craft to take home, and don’t forget to get your picture taken with our Victorian Santa Claus!
Reservations required (reservations@historiccolumbia.org or 803.252.1770 ext. 24).



8. FREE Candlelight Tours and $5 Carriage Rides:
-December 15 & 16,5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Robert Mills House & Garden (1616 Blanding Street) 
-Free admission to Candlelight Tours, carriage rides just $5/person

Enjoy the decorated halls of our historic Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion, or Mann-Simons Site by candlelight on a guided tour. Before or after your house tour, enjoy carriage rides through the Robert Mills historic district.

9. FREE Toy Roadshow: 
-December 17,11:00 am – 2:00 pm,Seibels House & Garden (1601 Richland Street)

Children are invited to bring their favorite keepsake, lockets, toys, teacups, spoons, or other vintage item to our Toy Roadshow! Experts will be on-hand to appraise and share tips on caring for your antique toy(s). Adults are also welcome to bring their childhood toys (preference will be given to children). Food and old-fashion toy vendors will be on-hand.

10. Dollar Sunday Admission (Richland and Lexington County Residents only): 
-December 181:00 pm – 5:00 pm (last tour begins at 4 pm)

Take a guided tour of one of our historic house museums for just $1 (members of Richland and Lexington Counties). Visit the Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion or the Mann-Simons Site. General admission prices apply for any house tours after the first. Purchase tickets at the Museum Shop at Robert Mills House.

BONUS:Stop by the Museum Shop during your visit to shop local this holiday season. -Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Sunday from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.-1616 Blanding Street-Choose from a wide variety of palmetto items, art, cookbooks, jewelry, candles and more.

About Historic Columbia Foundation: 

In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition, officially incorporated as the Historic Columbia Foundation. Over the next four decades, the organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on the stewardship of seven historic properties in Richland County.

Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history. The 50th Anniversary year of Historic Columbia Foundation (which officially began on November 13, 2011) will include a variety of community celebratory events.
Visit http://www.historiccolumbia.org for details. Consider a “$50+” donation to help Historic Columbia Foundation continue to make a difference in the community over the next 50 years.
Click on “donate” at historiccolumbia.org. 

Keep up with Historic Columbia Foundation on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Half-Price Burger Night at Pawleys Front Porch

It’s Tuesday night. Where are you eating?!

If I were you, I'd be headed to Pawleys Front Porch in Five Points. Tuesday night is half price burger night from 5:00 to 7:00 pm (dine-in only). If you're a college student like me, or just a frugal person, any restaurant that offers a deal this good is a hit. Pawleys Front Porch offers great food at a reasonable price.

You may have seen Pawleys Front Porch featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives on the Food Network. Pawleys is known for its delicious cooked-to-order burgers named after cities on the South Carolina coast -- my favorite being the Kiawah, a burger with portabella mushroom, red peppers, and melted brie.


I like to start off a dinner at Pawleys with a fried pickle appetizer. Seven bucks may seem a little steep for this appetizer -- but you haven't tasted it yet. Being born and raised a Southern girl, I love fried pickles and can tell you the good from the bad. I don't know how they do it, but Pawleys makes the perfect combination of batter to pickle ratio -- not too heavy, not too light. It's also a large enough portion to share with at least four friends, so pass them around! Little known secret: You can bring in five cans of food to donate to Harvest Hope Food Bank and receive this appetizer for free. Free food, and helping a good cause. A win-win.

After you finish your appetizer, it's time for a burger. Last Tuesday, I opted for the Hugo, filled with chili, relish and American cheese. All burgers are served with a giant steak knife stuck in the top -- and believe me, you'll need it to cut your burger in half. Another great aspect of Pawleys is that they're not short on portions!

In addition to the delicious food, the atmosphere makes it a great place to hang out. Personally, I love the playlist. Kings Of Leon, The Kooks, A Day to Remember and Blink-182 are all commonly played throughout the restaurant.

Some Tips:
• Come early! Half-price burger night is no secret to Columbia locals. Be prepared for a wait, and make sure you arrive before 7:00 pm to get the half price deal.
• If you're a vegetarian, don't worry. Though your meal won't be discounted, there are options for you. Don't let the popularity of the burgers at Pawleys keep you from trying other delicious foods, such as their Fried Green Tomato and Pimento Cheese BLT Sandwich (sans bacon, of course!)

Let us know what you think of this Famously Hot restaurant. Happy eating!




Contributed by guest blogger, Meredith Almond, a sophomore at the University of South Carolina from Denver, NC. Meredith is studying public relations and entertainment management and one day hopes to pursue a career in the music industry. She is the operations manager for Student Gamecock Television (SGTV), as well as a member of its public affairs team. In her free time, Meredith loves reading, spending time outdoors, and playing soccer.

Famously Hot New Year's Eve Celebration

Columbia’s Main Street will be the setting for a New Year's Eve celebration like the city has never seen before.

According to Mayor Steve Benjamin, this will be South Carolina's New Year's Eve event and a truly memorable night for everyone. “We’re excited about hosting what in years to come will make South Carolina host to the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the Southeast,” said Mayor Benjamin.

Join us the morning of Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 11:00 am for a press conference with Mayor Benjamin at Boyd Plaza, located outside the Columbia Museum of Art to kick off excitement for this incredible event.

The event, coined The Famously Hot New Year, is co-sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Cohn Construction Services, Wells Fargo, Budweiser of Columbia, Ben Arnold Beverage Company, Center City Partnership, WIS-TV, WXRY, Inner City Broadcasting and Post No Bills, to name a few.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, George Clinton, and his group P-Funk will headline with regional and local acts including Josh Roberts and The Hinges opening. There will also be fireworks, an ESPN Zone so you don’t miss a minute of the New Year’s Eve college bowl games, and a one-of-a-kind Palmetto Tree and Crescent moon display during the midnight countdown. Also, don’t forget to visit "Resolution Row" featuring businesses and organizations that can help patrons achieve their New Year's Resolutions in the coming year.

Get excited about ringing in the New Year as this Famously Hot celebration promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience on South Carolina's Main Street. Here are more details about the event:

• The setting of the celebration will be Main Street between Hampton and Taylor Streets
• FREE general admission
• A limited number of tickets available for entry to the "The Crescent Lounge" inside 1441 Main Street for $100 per person
• Gates open at 7:30 pm on December 31, 2011
• Live music and vendors starting at 8:00 pm
• Free parking
• Alert Cab sponsored by Budweiser of Columbia

The event will be covered live on co-sponsor WIS television, beginning with the 11:00 pm newscast on New Year's Eve. Gates will close at 1:30 am on January 1, 2012.

Residents throughout the state and the Southeast are encouraged to attend with friends and neighbors to enjoy some Famously Hot hospitality on South Carolina's Main Street.

Hotel packages will be available beginning November 7, 2011 at columbiacvb.com/newyears.

Last Minute Halloween Costume and Event Guide

Are you a serial procrastinator (or cereal killer - haha) or have you searched high and low trying to find the perfect costume? Well, Halloween weekend is upon us and it's time to get it together before the party. Here's a list of shops -- from costumes to consignment to accessories -- to help you in your search. Tracie Broom has some excellent tips for Halloween thrifting and a Style Spooktacular Contest where you could win an iPad from Goodwill for the craftiest costume. If you don't want to spend any money, go to the Thriller / Zombie flash mob and get zombified for free. Happy hunting!

Hipwazee

Revente

Halloween Express- West Columbia

Halloween Express- Northeast Columbia

Halloween Express - Harbison

Goodwill

Party City

Cosmo’s Hats and Wigs

Pack Rats

Looking for something to do? After you've found your costume, the most difficult decision you'll have to make is which party or event to attend. Here's a complete list of Halloween themed events, performances, haunted houses, and parties on our calendar of events. Be sure to take advantage of this weekend's Groupon for Monday night's Halloween Night Bash at 701 CCA. I'm super excited I get to judge the cool costumes at this one. See you there!

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