10 Reasons to Hit the Road

1. BODY WORLDS VITAL AT SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM

Making its Southeastern premiere at South Carolina State Museum, BODY WORLDS Vital celebrates the potential of the human body and the body in motion. This blockbuster exhibit is designed to show visitors a contrasting view of the reality between healthy and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Discover the contrast between healthy bodies and those in medical distress.

Visit southcarolinastatemuseum.org for additional information.

2. NATURE AND THE GRAND AMERICAN VISION AT COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART

Forty-five magnificent paintings from the rich collection of the New-York Historical Society will be on view at the Columbia Museum of Art this fall, in a major traveling exhibition Nature and the Grand American Vision: Masterpieces of the Hudson River School Painters. Though individual works are very seldom loaned, these iconic works of 19th-century landscape painting are traveling on a national tour for the first time and are circulating to four museums around the country as part of the Historical Society's traveling exhibitions program Sharing a National Treasure. Columbia Museum of Art is the first stop in the South.

Visit columbiamuseum.org for additional information.

3. WAGS & WHISKERS + BODY DETECTIVES AT EDVENTURE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

Wags & Whiskers: Unleash your imagination and take on the role of pet owner, veterinarian or groomer in this new permanent exhibit emphasizing responsible pet care, from the choice of your family pet to the best way to care for animals. Diagnose ailments, choose the appropriate treatment for your furry friend and learn the importance of spaying and neutering.

Body Detectives: Dive deep into the science and systems of the human body! Through simulated body scans, interaction with 3D models and analysis of the human body, you'll uncover the mysteries of how our bodies work. Explore your ‘inner scientist' in The Body Investigations Lab and study the prevention of chronic diseases in The Body Detectives Lab.

Visit edventure.org for additional information.

4. HOLIDAY EVENTS, LIGHTS & TOURS

Liven your holidays with a variety of seasonal events. Historic Columbia Foundation has opened the Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion, and the Mann-Simons cottage to show how these houses were decorated for holidays past. Over a million lights will be lit along the Saluda River at the Saluda Shoals Park's Holiday Lights on The River event, running through December 31. South Carolina State Museum is hosting Winter Fest, a chance for families to escape the mall, visit with Santa, and take part in various holiday themed activities.

View a complete list of holiday events.

5. NEW YEAR'S EVE

Ring in the new year in Columbia, SC! Topping the list of celebrations is the Famously Hot New Year on South Carolina's Main Street in the heart of downtown Columbia. This is not your grandmother's family get together, unless of course, your family likes to party. With beer, wine, and champagne vendors, an ESPN Zone playing the college bowl games, a Palmetto tree and crescent moon display during the midnight countdown, plus Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, George Clinton, and his group the Parliament Funkadelic headlining, this is a one-of-a-kind celebration you will not want to miss. And -- it's FREE!

View a complete list of New Year's Eve celebrations.

6. RESTAURANT WEEK COLUMBIA

Running from January 12 - January 22, 2012, Restaurant Week is an eleven day celebration of the cuisine scene in Columbia and South Carolina at hundreds of participating restaurants. From fine dining to casual, participating restaurants will feature special menu items, promotions, packages, and discounts. Diners can sample our newest restaurants, dine at old favorites and taste a variety of exceptional dishes being prepared by chefs at a great value for customers.

Browse participating restaurants, specials and make reservations at restaurantweekcolumbia.com.

7. WORLD BEER FESTIVAL

All About Beer Magazine presents the 2012 World Beer Festival on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. A celebration of the world beer culture, the World Beer Festival provides attendees a broad sampling of hundreds of beers from almost 100 breweries, food from a variety of local restaurants, educational sessions by industry experts, and entertainment by local musicians. All About Beer Magazine has presented The World Beer Festival for over a decade and it is recognized as one of the premier beer events in the country, as acclaimed by Forbes.com, USA Today, and Wired Magazine.

8.RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS

Red Hot Chili Peppers will visit Columbia during the North American leg of their I'm With You World Tour this April with four concerts in the Carolinas. They will play at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC on Saturday, April 7, 2012, with special guest Santigold.

Make a weekend of your concert experience and book a hotel room at the Columbia Marriott Hotel. You'll want to book early and grab these red hot tickets before they disappear!

9. RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS

Don't miss Fully Charged, 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, superhuman stunts and never-before-seen performances that energize children of all ages, and runs January 19-23, 2012 at Colonial Life Arena.

Tickets are available at LMCtix.com, Lexington Medical Center Box Office, 1-855-4-LMC-TIX and Columbia Play It Again Sports location.

10.LIVE THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS

Columbia is filled with opportunities to express your love for the arts. From children's theatre to live music, there's something for everyone. Running through December 3, Workshop Theatre showcases "Dixie Swim Club," a comedic story of the friendship and lives of five southern women over a span of 33 years. Until December 4, Columbia Children's Theatre is performing a comedic holiday take on the classic Barbara Park character, Junie B. Jones, entitled "Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!" Another interesting rendition of a classic play is Town Theatre's musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, entitled "The Magical Land of Oz." These shows are sure to charm the holiday crowds, young and old alike.

For more mature audiences, Trustus Theatre hosts "Spring Awakening," December 2-11. Winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Spring Awakening" celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, poignancy, and passion that you will never forget. Opening January 20, Wood Auditorium and Camden Community theatre will showcase "Chicago," a musical set in the roaring twenties that has won six Tony awards.

View a full list of live theatre and performing arts events on our calendar.

Accommodations / Lodging

OfferOffer Valid

One-Night Museum Fun Package $179.00* plus tax

Courtyard by Marriott Columbia NW

Redeem: 10/29/10 - 12/31/12

Choose a king or double room.Receive up to four breakfast buffets.Up to four tickets to the South Carolina State Museum. To reserve your package please contact the sales office at: 803-731-2300 x 681...

One-Night Zoo Package $189.00* plus tax

Courtyard by Marriott Columbia NW

Redeem: 10/29/10 - 12/31/12

Choose a king or double room.Receive up to four breakfast buffets.Up to four tickets to the nationally recognized Riverbanks Zoo To reserve your package please contact the sales office at:...

Two-Night Deluxe Fun Package $269.00* plus tax.

Courtyard by Marriott Columbia NW

Redeem: 10/29/10 - 12/31/12

Choose a king or double room.Receive up to four breakfast buffets.Up to four tickets to the nationally recognized Riverbanks Zoo And up to four tickets to the South Carolina State MuseumTo reserve...

Zoo Package from Embassy Suites

Embassy Suites Columbia - Greystone

Redeem: 12/21/11 - 12/31/14

Prices start at $139.99*When you treat your family to a Suite Safari stay, you’ll get some extra Zs!First, you’ll catch some Zs in one of our comfortable two-room suites. You’ll also...

Embassy Suite’s Romantic Getaway Package

Embassy Suites Columbia - Greystone

Redeem: 12/21/11 - 12/31/14

Prices start at $145.99*Enjoy a romantic getaway with:a Bottle of Sparkling Wine, keepsake champagne flutesand Chocolates*. 24 hour cancellation policy.

EdVenture Children's Museum Package

Embassy Suites Columbia - Greystone

Redeem: 12/21/11 - 12/31/14

Enjoy a two-room suite with a Complimentary Managers Reception from 5:30-7:30pm, Two adult tickets to EdVenture, complimentary large pizza from our in-house restaurant and a cooked to order breakfast...

Family Fun Night

Embassy Suites Columbia - Greystone

Redeem: 12/21/11 - 12/31/14

Enjoy a two-room suite with a Complimentary Managers Reception from 5:30-7:30pm, an in-room movie, popcorn, candy, one large pizza from our in-house restaurant, and complimentary breakfast buffet the...

Military Discount

Hampton Inn Columbia Northeast

Redeem: Anytime

All guests with a military ID will receive the $85.00 government rate!

Flight out of CAE Airport?

Clarion Inn Airport

Redeem: 08/01/11 - 12/31/12

Stay at Clarion Inn Airport and park your car for free! Check with the front desk for details.

Zoo Package

DoubleTree by Hilton

Redeem: 06/04/11 - 06/04/12

Your package includes two adult zoo tickets, a spaghetti and meatball dinner for four, complimentary parking, and complimentary high-speed internet access. Special Offer Dates: Jun....