Places to Beat the Heat
Sarah Lilley ‘19
It’s no secret that Columbia gets pretty toasty. In fact, it’s known for being “famously hot.” Luckily, by the time finals end in the spring, the weather hasn’t reached unbearable status yet. However, if you’re here in the summer, you’ll experience true Columbia weather. If people venture outside, they are most likely within close proximity to a body of water. For the times when you don’t have a chance to hit the pool, here are some indoor activities in Columbia to help you beat the heat!
- South Carolina State Museum
Columbia’s State Museum, located off of Huger Street, offers loads of activities that could definitely fill an entire day. With floors full of permanent exhibits featuring history, art, and science, you’ll get a chance to learn more about the state of South Carolina. Once you’re through with these exhibits, visit the museum’s selection of changing exhibits, like the Apollo 50th anniversary exhibit this summer!
The museum also houses a planetarium where you can view documentaries or go on a tour of the night sky, as well as a 4D theater which has short films with 4D effects, like vibrating seats and water sprays.
2. Edventure Museum
If a museum sounds interesting, but you would prefer something more interactive, you can take a trip across the parking lot and visit the Edventure Museum. While it’s aimed towards young children, it’s still fun for all ages. This museum has a wide variety of fun, interactive exhibits that your family will surely love, such as the News Room, Bio Lab, and the most famous, Eddie the 40-foot child!
3. Craft Axe Throwing
If museums aren’t your style and you are looking for something more active, check out Craft Axe Throwing in the Vista! Here you can try your hand at axe throwing and see if you can hit the target. For $20/person/hour, this is a great activity to help you beat the heat.
4. The Nickelodeon Theatre
If you’re anything like me, then a movie on a hot day is right up your alley. Take a walk down Main Street and check out the Nickelodeon Theatre. Built into a converted bank during the 1970s, the Nick features a variety of screenings: popular movies, independent films, foreign films, film festivals, and more, so you’re sure to find something you enjoy.
5. Historic House Museums
If you got a taste of South Carolina history at the State Museum, but are itching for even more, look no further than the house museums of Historic Columbia. The organization offers outdoor walking tours of Columbia, as well as tours of four historic houses downtown. While you may not have heard of the owners of some of them, you more than likely will recognize the name of someone who spent his teenage years living in Columbia: Woodrow Wilson. If you’re interested to see what else you can learn about Columbia’s history, buy a ticket (or tickets!) at the visitor center/gift shop and take a tour!
