Pizza Man, Columbia, SC

Pizzas With Pizzaz

by William Mancke | July 26, 2010

I have eaten a lot of pizza in my life. I have had Chicago-style pizza in New York and New York style pizza in Chicago. I had a pizza in Tokyo with egg on it and I even once had a taco pizza. I like pizza. It is quick and easy and generally worth the short wait.

Columbia has it's fair share of pizza places. I have honestly had a hard time …

EdVenture, Columbia, SC

Big Excitement for the Little Ones

by William Mancke | July 23, 2010

I don’t have any kids yet. I figure I’ll probably get there one of these days but right now, I’m doing pretty well just being able to keep myself straight, much less a little one or two. Until recently, I would have been hard pressed to come up with much about what kids would like around Columbia. With the arrival of my nephew a few years back, however, I think I have developed a better …

Hennessy’s Restaurant, Columbia, SC

Even the Name Sounds Cool

by William Mancke | July 12, 2010

There was a time, and that time ended when I was a little boy, when Main Street was Columbia’s place to be. People shopped and ate downtown, enjoying the big departments stores, small boutiques, restaurants and sandwich shops that dotted the space from the capitol building all the way down to Elmwood Avenue. This came to an end in the late 70s, when a lot of Columbians headed out to the suburbs and malls and …

Army Navy Surplus Store, Columbia, SC

Strange and Interesting Things

by William Mancke | July 12, 2010

I am a fan of weird and cool stuff. Stuff, stuff, stuff. And I am very lucky that I happened to marry a woman who is also enamored of and fascinated with stuff. This makes for many an exciting weekend exploration of local shops, seeking out, well, more stuff. We put flooring in the attic to store stuff, are currently building a shed for stuff and will eventually, I suppose, have to move to a …

Township Auditorium, Columbia, SC

Amazing Hall, Amazing History

by William Mancke | July 12, 2010

I have, looking back, had some interesting experiences with live music. I managed to see the Stones and Bob Dylan a few times, saw Green Day before they hit it big and saw Foghat (a whopping 12 times) long after their big hits had come and gone (but don’t hold that incredibly high number of shows against me, they used to play in Columbia a couple of times a month). I racked up a pretty …

All Local Farmers’ Market, Columbia, SC

Fresh, Local and Dang Good

by William Mancke | July 04, 2010

I have been going through a change lately. I used to eat pretty much nothing but hot dogs, hamburgers and steaks. I was pretty happy with this arrangement for a long time but it had started to get a little stale. So I started out looking into other things, perhaps healthier things. Grease and fat have their place in the world but allowing them to figure heavily into every single meal was slowing me down.

As …

The Indie Grits Film Fest, Columbia, SC

Step In and See Some of the Southeast's Most Exciting Independent Films

by William Mancke | June 28, 2010

It’s not a well-known fact but Columbia has been home to a number of film productions. When I was a kid, I remember watching the filming of the miniseries ‘Chiefs’ at the statehouse. We were featured in the documentary ‘Sherman’s March’ and, more recently, have been the primary location for the shooting of James Wan’s ‘Death Sentence’ and David O. Russell’s as-yet-incomplete ‘Nailed’.

The city has a vibrant arts scene and, along with major …

The Nickelodeon Theatre, Columbia, SC

Stepping Out, Movie-Style

by William Mancke | June 27, 2010

We live in a world of convenience. While people used to have to make a day of shopping, visiting separate, small vendors, we now have huge, sprawling shopping areas, giant malls and supermarkets, in which everything one needs is right there under one roof. Things have gotten bigger and bigger, closer and more accessible. We live in a world of giant, gleaming spaces, packed to the brim with whatever one might need. Even our entertainment …

Hunter Gatherer Brewery and Ale House, Columbia SC

Well-Crafted Beer and an Awesome Menu

by William Mancke | June 21, 2010

It is strange how locations can sometimes come to feel like a part of your family. While restaurants and bars generally serve the purpose of feeding and watering patrons, some seem to stand out as something more. I think most people know what I am talking about here, despite the fact that it is hard to define. These places are a part of our lives and we miss them when we don’t visit for a …

Solstice Kitchen and Wine Bar, Columbia, SC

Eat, Drink, Repeat if Necessary

by William Mancke | June 14, 2010

I live smack dab in the middle of downtown Columbia. Due to the fact that I am right here, in the middle of things, I sometimes forget that there is plenty to do in Columbia’s outlying areas as well. Harbison, Spring Valley and The Village at Sandhills in Northeast Columbia all have plenty to offer as well and I feel a little bad about forgetting them.

In an effort to correct this, I made …

Columbia Country Club, Columbia, SC

Hitting the Links Close to Downtown

by William Mancke | June 14, 2010

Mark Twain referred to golf as ‘a good walk spoiled’. But, hey, what did Mark Twain really know about anything?  People enjoy golfing and Columbia is lucky enough to have plenty of places in which to spoil one’s walk.

Columbia Country Club sits outside of town, like any country club should. Founded way back in 1898, Columbia Country Club has been operating on the north side of town since my granddaddy was …

4th of July at Lake Murray, Columbia, SC

Pack Up The Family and Head Lakeward

by William Mancke | June 07, 2010

Let’s just agree that summer is here.  I know that we have not quite reached the summer solstice but all of the factors are here: heat, thunderstorms, and the undeniable desire to get up and outside. 

Operating under that belief, that we are already into summertime, we need to focus our attention on the next opportunity for unbridled celebration.  While June seems to lack any major events, July is on its way and with …

Finlay Park, Columbia, SC

30 Seconds from Traffic to Trees

by William Mancke | June 06, 2010

Summertime is almost here. The heat and humidity are rising and it is time to get out and savor some of that sunshine before things get too dang ridiculous.

The nice thing about Columbia is the fact that, despite being a growing city, we have managed to keep a lot of green around. From the Statehouse Complex, to the riverfront parks, even down into neighborhoods dotted with small parks and lined with trees, Columbia …

The Lace House, Columbia, SC

A Perfect Wedding Setting Right in Downtown Columbia

by William Mancke | May 31, 2010

Well, it is springtime again and, with the season, the number of weddings has once again shot up. Columbia is an outdoorsy sort of place, and when it gets nice enough (and, truth be told, ‘nice enough’ encompasses March through November, with the possible exception of the ‘dog days’ in August), people start heading outside. It is no wonder so many people decide to have their wedding ceremonies performed outdoors.

Over the past couple …

Riverfront Park, Columbia SC

Take a Walk Down by the River

by William Mancke | May 24, 2010

As I have mentioned before, Columbia sits above the confluence of the Broad and Saluda Rivers, at the point at which they become the Congaree River.

Running along the Columbia side of the Congaree and the Broad is the Columbia Riverfront Park. The park occupies a stretch of land between the Congaree and Broad Rivers and the Columbia Canal. The area encompasses walkways, bridges, the old city waterworks and spillway, and terminates …

Riverbanks Zoo Aquarium and Reptile Complex, Columbia, SC

Underwater Adventures

by William Mancke | May 24, 2010

Riverbanks Zoo is one of Columbia’s finest locations to spend an afternoon, full day, or even a few full days. The park, which started small, has been expanding over the years into one of the finest zoos in the country. Covering space on both the Columbia and West Columbia sides of the Saluda River, the zoo is a magnet for both locals and visitors.

Among the highlights are a massive gorilla complex, an …

Lake Murray, SC

The Perfect Memorial Day Destination

by William Mancke | May 17, 2010

Over the past few weeks, I have gotten pretty heavily into Columbia’s summertime diversions. We’ve checked into spots around the area for camping, boating, and fishing, not to mention a few good places to have a meal.

I have noticed that, in the background of a lot of these stories, there has been a presence, often referred to but never really directly addressed. Which is interesting, as Lake Murray, located to the …

Cayce Riverwalk, Cayce, SC

Get back to Nature, even if it's just on your lunch break

by William Mancke | May 16, 2010

People like water. I don’t know if there is an official survey floating around out there addressing this theory, but if there is, I am sure it confirms this statement.

When our hemisphere tilts toward the sun, bringing warm weather and long days, folks just naturally turn toward water sources, both natural and man-made. Fortunately, the Columbia area offers an abundance of the wet stuff.

Columbia as a city sits on a raised …

Dreher Island State Recreation Area, Newberry County, SC

Cheap, Close, and Clean. A Perfect Weekend Escape.

by William Mancke | May 10, 2010

Living in a thriving city is a good thing. Having something to do whenever you are looking for excitement is great, and living in the heart of a big, organic, and living community gives one a sense of purpose. But sometimes, we all need to just step out of the world we know. Sometimes we need to look at the world from a different viewpoint. Sometimes we need to separate from the world we know.

Located …

Logan Raye Spa, Salon & Gallery, Columbia, SC

A whole lot to do in one central space.

by William Mancke | May 03, 2010

I haven’t had a lot of experience in the world of spas and salons. Other than a brief but confusing encounter with Thai massage while honeymooning, I’ve never really spent any time being attended to.

Located on the corner of Gadsden and Gervais Streets, Logan Raye seems to be the place to beat in Columbia. Offering spa and salon services, they seem to have it covered when it comes to pampering.

…

Shealy’s Bar-B-Que, Batesburg-Leesville, SC

Triple Threat of Mustard-, Tomato-, and Vinegar-Based Sauces

by William Mancke | April 26, 2010

Ahh bar-b-que. Or barbecue. Or bar-b-q. Or barbeque. Or B-B-Q. How many food items have so many alternate spellings?

South Carolinians have an awfully proprietary feel for barbecue (let’s adopt that spelling for this article, shall we?). We tend to lay claim to the birth of barbecue way back when the Spaniards occupied the area and we have held tightly to that claim.

While varieties vary from region to region, state to state, …

Pho Viet, Columbia, SC

International Exploration Right Down the Street

by William Mancke | April 25, 2010

World travel is awesome. Skipping from country to country, visiting new cultures, learning new languages. Waking up in a new location completely different from your home has its way of waking you up, reinvigorating you. It is also, unless you are one of the lucky few, terribly difficult and expensive. Even here in the 21st Century, it is just not THAT easy to wander the earth, no matter how pure your intent might be.

…

2010 Carolina-Clemson Football Game, Columbia, SC

South Carolina's Biggest Rivalry

by William Mancke | April 19, 2010

When it comes to local sporting events, Columbia has a lot to choose from. The simple fact that the University of South Carolina’s main campus is here ensures that there is something for every season, with basketball, baseball and football leading the charge. Columbia Blowfish minor league baseball also offers plenty of spring excitement, as well as the Columbia Quad Squad roller derby team. A quick drive away, one …

Cantina 76, Columbia, SC

Tacos Get Creative

by William Mancke | April 18, 2010

Something is afoot in the world of tacos. It seems like those tasty treats, formerly reserved for a quick meal or a somewhat exciting (but not really) cooking event at home, have been secretly growing up. Tacos are getting sophisticated and, honestly, I like it.

Now, I know what you want to ask me, “Will, what exactly is this fancy taco phenomenon of which you speak?”  Well, let’s give it a look and then …

Ole Towne Antique Mall, Columbia, SC

Like a Regular Mall but Way Better

by William Mancke | April 12, 2010

In the past, I never really paid a whole lot of attention to the decoration of my home. I generally took whatever anyone was giving away then stored it away in a back room until a need came up for it. As a result of this, I never really had much of a theme, unless one can consider a huge collection of mismatched items to be a theme (in actuality, I suppose that is the …

Cellar on Greene, Columbia, SC

Excellent Wine Selection and Delicious Dining

by William Mancke | April 11, 2010

When my grandparents were growing up in Columbia, the downtown area was the place to be. Main Street still bustled and a lot of people lived smack dab in the middle of town. As time passed, however, the city sprawled, suburbs started popping up, and people began to differentiate between where they worked and where they lived. While this was a great development for Cayce, West Columbia, Irmo and the Northeast Area, downtown began to …

Riverbanks Botanical Garden, West Columbia, SC

South Carolina In Bloom

by William Mancke | April 05, 2010

South Carolina enjoys warm temperatures for most of the year. We don’t really get a lot of snow. As a matter of fact, on the rare occasion that we see a little of the white stuff, the whole city shuts down and everyone goes home immediately in an attempt to enjoy the fleeting excitement and make small, unfortunate snowmen.

The warm climate makes for an abundance of gardens, which pop up across the state …

Mai Thai Cuisine, West Columbia, SC

Curries, Thai Specialties, and Embracing Cows

by William Mancke | April 04, 2010

I used to avoid any sort of culinary exploration. For years, I focused on hot dogs and cheeseburgers and I was just fine with that. Occasionally, I might have had fried catfish or a steak but that was rare and really not much of a departure anyway. Needless to say, I would react negatively any time I was dragged to any restaurant that served up anything outside of traditional American food.

I’m happy to …

First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC

The Historic Home of Columbia's Longest-Standing Congregation

by William Mancke | March 29, 2010

Located at the corner of Marion and Lady Streets, First Presbyterian Church is home to the oldest still-existing congregation in Columbia, SC. The founders of the church originally convened in 1795, meeting in the old State House.

The site of the church was originally designated as a burial ground for both First Presbyterian and the Protestant Episcopal Church, and markers still exist dating back as far as 1804, when the first minister …

El Burrito, Columbia SC

Burrito Madness

by William Mancke | March 28, 2010

Columbia has been experiencing quite an influx of chain burrito eateries of late, with Moe’s already well established and Qdoba and Chipotle on their way. I’ve eaten at the first two places and, while they offer a good enough product, I’m not a huge fan of homogenized, meticulously marketed eateries unless I’m in a rush.

Columbia has a number of places with product just as good, if not better, than the chains, with little …

Palmetto Seafood Company, Columbia, SC

Fresh Caught and Prepared Seafood as You Like It

by William Mancke | March 22, 2010

I like to think that Palmetto Seafood Company is where we separate the sheep from the goats, dining-wise. Until this weekend, I fell into the ‘sheep’ category, never setting foot into the establishment, which operates out of a cool old storefront on Gervais Street. From the street, keeping one’s sheep categorization is pretty easy. It’s not that there is anything scary about the place, I just never realized that they had as much …

Edna’s #1, Columbia, SC

Old-Fashioned Hamburger Stand Experience Worth Exploring

by William Mancke | March 22, 2010

When I was growing up across the river in Cayce, South Carolina, hamburger stands were a fairly common sight. They popped up along the road like dandelions, so plentiful that you often overlooked them.

In that past 20 years, however, hamburger stands have pulled a vanishing act. As fast food chains grow larger and larger, there is really no place for the small, self-run operations. On Meeting Street alone, formerly the site of three …

Rosewood Crawfish Festival, Columbia, SC

It's Important to Get to Know Your Local Wildlife

by William Mancke | March 15, 2010

Held on May 1, the Rosewood Crawfish Festival has been gaining a great deal of attention over the past few years.

Crawfish, sometimes also referred to as crawdads or (in my opinion) the far less appetizing mudbugs, are interesting little creatures.  Similar in appearance to their larger cousin the lobster, these guys root around in the mud and detritus that covers the bottoms of rivers and ponds.  As a kid, I often …

Pasta Fresca, Forest Acres, SC

A Pasta and Garlic Lovers' Paradise

by William Mancke | March 14, 2010

Located in Forest Acres, Pasta Fresca has been serving up traditional Italian cuisine for over ten years in the Columbia area.

The restaurant itself sits across the street from Richland Mall and offers a quant, quiet setting.  The décor is cozy but not cluttered, which seems to be a theme for me of late.

The menu is impressive, accented by daily specials.  No matter which way you choose to go, you’ll …

The Publick House, Columbia, SC

Celebrate Your St. Patrick's Day Above the Fray

by William Mancke | March 08, 2010

As St. Patrick’s Day arrives again, the question arises as to where one should celebrate.  Columbia is well known throughout the Southeast for its massive party on St. Paddy’s Day but what if one wants to step away from the general mayhem and enjoy the party from a distance?  For that sort of celebration, I have to suggest Publick House.

It seems that the Irish pub is an institution that has spread its arms …

Julia’s German Stammtisch, Columbia, SC

Scnitzel!

by William Mancke | March 07, 2010

Located on Fort Jackson Boulevard in downtown Columbia, Julia’s German Stammtisch offers everything one could want in a German dining experience.

Julia’s is located in a small strip mall near Fort Jackson.  I’ll admit the location threw me for a bit of a loop when I first visited, as there isn’t really much in the area. The fact that the front featured large wooden cut-outs of a German man and woman replete …

The University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

Study in the Heart of the City While Enjoying a Small Campus Feel

by William Mancke | March 01, 2010

Founded in 1805, the University of South Carolina has long played a role in the life of downtown Columbia.  Sitting right in the center of the city, the school provides an excellent educational opportunity as well as convenient access to many of Columbia’s attractions.

The school offers over 350 degree programs, allowing students’ fields of study to develop organically.  This broad selection of fields of focus facilitates change should a student decide that …

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia, SC

Spend the Day With The Animals

by William Mancke | February 28, 2010

To me, this one seems like a gimme.  For those of us who live in the area, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has always been around, the centerpiece of numerous school outings, summer camps, lazy Saturdays and, as I got older, dates.

I have realized, though, that Riverbanks doesn’t even come onto the radar for some people considering visiting the area. 

Covering property on both sides of the Saluda River, Riverbanks Zoo …

Congaree National Park, Columbia, SC

Drift Away for a Day Along the Waterways of South Carolina's Only National Park

by William Mancke | February 22, 2010

About 20 minutes’ drive outside of the Columbia metropolitan area is Congaree National Park, the only national park in South Carolina and one of only a handful in the entire Southeast.  Consisting of roughly 27,000 acres of old-growth flood-plain forest, the park is the largest remaining example of its type of ecosystem remaining in the United States.

One activity that should not be missed is the canoe …

The Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel, Columbia, SC

Historic Lodging with Modern Amenities Right on Columbia's Main Street

by William Mancke | February 19, 2010

Located in the historic Palmetto Building at the corner of Main and Washington Streets, an easy walk form the capitol complex and the Vista, the Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel is an excellent choice for lodging when visiting Columbia.

I had the pleasure of visiting this hotel over Valentine’s Day weekend and it certainly delivers a unique experience.

The building itself, built in 1913, is an example of the Gothic Revival …

Travel Guide to Columbia, South Carolina

Why You Should Visit Columbia, South Carolina

by William Mancke | February 15, 2010

Let me start off by saying that I love Columbia.  I grew up here and, when it came time for my wife and me to settle down, Columbia was our hands-down choice.

Columbia operates both as the seat of our state’s government and as the home to the University of South Carolina.  Perhaps it is because of this that Columbia seems to have something to offer to people of all ages and walks …

Cafe Strudel, West Columbia, SC

Coffee, Sandwiches and, Oh Yes, Hangover Hashbrowns

by William Mancke | February 11, 2010

Any visit to Columbia must include a little trip across the river to the Cayce-West Columbia area. Sitting right across the Congaree from Columbia, this area has been making a name for itself lately, with a variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and parks opening their doors to accommodate the growing Vista crowd.

Located in the heart of the area is Cafe Strudel, a self-styled European café that has developed quite a …

3rd Annual Mardi Gras Gala, Columbia, SC

Epilepsy Foundation of SC Presents Columbia's Biggest Mardi Gras Blowout

by William Mancke | February 07, 2010

I've heard a few people lament the fact that Columbia doesn't go big for Mardi Gras. It seems a lot of venues, having made it through the Super Bowl and Valentine's Day celebrations, set their sights on what is rapidly becoming Columbia's biggest party of the year, St. Patrick's Day in 5 Points, and let this opportunity for a party slip by.

For the past three years, however, the Epilepsy …