Capital City/Lake Murray Country hosted one of the Southeast’s longest-running Fourth of July traditions with the annual Lake Murray Independence Day Celebration, featuring a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Murray. Since 1989, Capital City/Lake Murray Country has produced the annual celebration, launching synchronized fireworks from two locations—Dreher Island and SpenceContinue Reading
Lexington, SC – Carolina Safari Co. is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated Purple Martin Tours for the 2026 season, offering guests the opportunity to witness one of South Carolina’s most spectacular natural phenomena on Lake Murray. Join local Naturalist, Captain Zach Steinhauser, for a pontoon boatContinue Reading
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has partnered with Harvest Hope Food Bank to bring back Toucan Tuesdays, a summer promotion that combines family fun with community support. Beginning June 9, visitors can receive buy-one, get-one free admission to Riverbanks Zoo and buy-one, get-one free regular-sized ICEEs by donating two nonperishable foodContinue Reading
Photo- Hiking at Congaree National Park | Credit: The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board COLUMBIA — From scenic shorelines to expansive park systems, the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region is highlighting its wide range of outdoor experiences for visitors of all ages. Anchored by Lake Murray—often referred toContinue Reading
Two young gorillas born at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden are preparing for a major move this spring. Moyo and ZaKota, both born in 2018, will relocate to the Dallas Zoo in March following a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) Breeding and TransferContinue Reading
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is kicking off 2026 with the arrival of two young African lions, the return of Free Fridays for local residents, and a full lineup of events and experiences designed to connect guests with wildlife throughout the year. “From meeting lion brothers Pesho and Sidai to exploringContinue Reading
Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina recognized Miriam Atria in the Congressional Record on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, during the 119th Congress, honoring her distinguished career and recent retirement from Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism. Appreciating Miriam Atria “I am grateful to recognize Miriam Atria on her recent retirementContinue Reading
The City of Columbia celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of Finlay Park on November 15, marking the completion of a major revitalization project that restores one of the city’s most iconic public spaces. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the park’s main stage and oval green, followed by a full dayContinue Reading
On October 20, Riverbanks staff joined partners from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and South Carolina State Parks to release a juvenile green sea turtle named Huntington into an inlet leading to the ocean—near the same area where the turtle originally hatched. Huntington’s release marks another achievementContinue Reading
Get ready to lace up your sneakers and kick off the holiday season. Saluda Shoals Park will hold the annual Sleigh Bell Trot November 24 and the Sleigh Bell Stroll November 25. The after-dark events offer participants a chance to run or walk through Holiday Lights on the River —Continue Reading
COLUMBIA — The City of Columbia invites the community to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of Finlay Park on Saturday, November 15 at 10 a.m. The weekend celebration marks the revitalization of one of Columbia’s most beloved landmarks, featuring new spaces for recreation, entertainment, and community connection. Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann,Continue Reading