Grow up this isn't your monthly vacation spot, stupid is as stupid does, don't be stupid!!read more

I'd been rehabbing in sunny Orlando until last Thurs. when the SC Atty General felt my presence was…read moreneeded back in SC. Yada yada yada and it's Sat. and I'm being escorted by SLED to the airport to board a charter flight to Columbia. We landed at the Owens Field Airport. I didn't realize it, but it was a Gamecock gameday. I saw some Gamecock fans that had flown in and were waiting for vehicles to take them to their tailgate. I was going to flash them the "Spurs Up Gamecock Shaka", but then I remembered I was wearing handcuffs. Then I was told to "get my ass in the van" that was waiting on the tarmac. I sat in the back. It smelled like feces. There was a steel mesh divider between me and the guys up front. It looked like we were headed to the stadium but we passed the stadium and kept going. We came through the blighted Arthurtown community. I used to think those people were poor and worthless, but my daddy always said even poor people are worth a lot to the right jury. And poor illiterate people that don't know how to read settlement agreements are worth the most. What wisdom! We finally came to the Alvin S Glenn Detention Center. I can't believe I've spent so much time in Columbia and have never been to this place. There were a few times in college when I was supposed to stay here, but my daddy and granddaddy called some friends and then there was a change of plans. From the outside, the place did not look too inviting. I think the coiled razor wire was really overdone. We drove right up to the entrance. The guys helped me out of the van. Going down steps can sometimes be tricky wearing leg shackles. I was hoping that Dick and Jim would be there to greet me, but they both said they had plans and they'd catch up with me later. I hope they got the $500k check I sent because I don't I think I can write another check from the BOA Forge acct. Once inside, I went to processing. It was like the Concierge at a Four Seasons, except instead of mahogany, area rugs on marble tile, ambient lighting and complimentary chocolates, "The Glenn" uses more concrete block, steel, cement floors, fluorescents and there were no freebie treats... How chintzy on them. Their interior designer went with white as the primary color with a light taupe trim. In the color psychology, white represents purity, cleanliness and innocence. But to me it seemed more sterile and bland. And another downside is vomit, feces and blood show up more on white surfaces, which was apparent at The Glenn. One of the agents handed the booking clerk some papers and told her "he's yours now" and just like that, they the SLED guys were gone without even saying good-bye. My new attendants from the Richland Co. Sheriff's Dept hustled me to get my mugshot. It reminds me of the scene in Raising Arizona where Edwina tells H.I. to "turn to the right" when she's taking his mugshot, while H.I. is trying to woo her. I wondered what would happen if I told this hoochie mama sheriff deputy "damn girl, if sexy was a crime, I'd be taking your mug shot?" I don't think she's tasted real ginger ale before. But I held back because I couldn't risk another slip up like the Cousin Eddie debacle. I'll have plenty of time later for romance when my state paid vacation is longer. I then went to wardrobe where they handed me new clothes. I asked where the dressing room was, and the nice officer told me I was "standing in it." I guess it make sense so that they can do the cavity search at the same time. I saw my voluptuous sha'niquapotamus from the mugshot lean over to sneak a peak of my copper flopper. I knew she was gingercurious. They took the clothes I was wearing and put them in box. They added a bag with some of my other stuff SLED had given them including my cellphone. I was hoping they were going to let me hold-on to it so I could snap a celfie to remember my stay at The Glenn. The staff at The Glenn was all business. They took me to my assigned cellblock. All the doors were steel with a small window with bars to look out to the atrium. I was in my own cell, so I didn't get a chance to meet any of the other guests. It reminded me of when I lived on the KA hall in college, except The Glenn didn't smell as much of vomit. The Glenn had a little more fecal aroma. The cell had a stainless steel combo sink/toilet and a cot for a bed. The mattress and pillow were covered with a slick waterproof, plasticky material. I'm sure it was supposed to be stainproof, but mine has some serious bloodstains. I'm guessing someone got shanked while trying to sleep. I missed breakfast, so I was pretty hungry. We got room service around 5pm. The meals were in a styrofoam food containers that they shoved through the door. The menu was beans and franks, mixed veggies, a handful of fritos and piece of white bread with 2 pats of butter. I had to forget that Sat. night was always surf & turf night at the Orlando Recovery Center. I made the most of it and settled in.... what the hell have I done?

I can never get the same person who "knows the story" but, they are usually very helpful and…read moreinformative.

Absolutely a joke of a federal building. Not only did we call several times to get appointments and…read moredid everything we could on our end, simply to change one small information, we were told to come in physically. I'm not sure if MR. SIMS had recently gone through something, but he treated us with animosity and self-determining superiority. He was extremely disrespectful and talked down to us, even attempting to break down the idea of a calendar like we were children. I'm sure I'm not the only person he has been severely rude to so I will be contacting anyone and everyone to have him reprimanded. Extremely disappointed and upset at how everything at this facility was handed.

I've been to the SC State House several times thru out the yrs for events. It's really nice to also…read morego inside and do a tour, educational. They keep the grounds secured, and very clean. Great place to have lunch on the lawn. Outside has some historical statues as well. I attended the Peace Walk in Columbia SC at the state house. A group of 19 monks from the Huong Dao Temple walked over 2,300 miles from Ft Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. Aloka (whose name means "divine light" in Sanskrit) accompanied them every step of the way. He did have surgery for his leg during the journey. It was a beautiful day to be in SC! Thankful to witness such a great community event.

I love visiting state capitals, and South Carolina did not disappoint! They run a formal (and…read morecomplimentary) tour program, with a tour guide and a welcome video. On the day we visited, we missed the video, but were quickly welcomed to the complimentary tour. The tour guide gave a wonderful overview of the history of the State House along with South Carolina politics, and brought it to current day activities. The State House is on beautiful grounds, and it's right at the intersection where Main Street begins. After the tour, the guy gave us opportunity to take all the photos we wanted, and there's a lot to see.

This is a pretty bad post office, which is disappointing because considering its location, size,…read moreand historical significance, it should theoretically serve as the model for all the post offices in the metropolitan area. I've come here many times to try and buy stamps, and I don't think there's been one (1) time where they've had a full sheet of stamps for me to buy. They either have a half-sheet, 2-3 individual stamps, or direct me to use the kiosk, which I don't like doing. Second, a lot of the times when I try to use the drive-up blue collection box, it's stuffed full to the point of being impossible to even put mail into it. Finally, and perhaps most frustratingly, I had to mail something off after work one day, and dropped it in the outside blue box at 4:58 p.m., just in time for them to come out and collect it. Well, because it was an important piece of mail, I waited in my car for about thirty (30) minutes to make sure that they were going to collect it, and nobody ever came out to pick it up. So, as a result, it's going to look like I did not mail it out in time, when in reality, I rushed to the post office to make sure I got it off in time. The only thing that saves this office from a one-star review is that as a big fan of both minimalist and brutalist architecture, I love the aesthetic of the building. At first glance, it looks kind of ugly, but it gradually grows on you, and has become a signature part of the city's skyline. I just wish that I could say the same about the quality of service. While this post office might be the most accessible to most people, I would try to find a different location, even if it's a little less convenient, if you're able.

Yesterday, my husband and I were out, and I had just finished purchasing a gift for a friend's…read morebirthday. While we were up the street from the post office, I figured I would go ahead and mail off the gift. Never been to this location, so I was thinking maybe the line wasn't long. I was wrong. Had me wondering if people sending off Christmas gifts already! I have to say even though it was full, the line moved pretty fast. As for the customer service, one of the employees who assisted me was rude. I said good morning and all I got was a stare and silence! I am assuming she was in a mood, so all I needed her to do was ship my package:) The place was functional, clean and organized from what I saw. Again, I am not a regular customer there, so I can't speak any further. Long story short, I completed my task, and I was on my way!

What great reminder that everyone should pay tribute to the great men and women that have lost…read moretheir lives no matter what you believe. The memorial is located on Lincoln st. and nice benches and is easy assessable for all to sit and reflect on the what has transpired since then and now. It has been a great addition to our fine city !

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!…read more This memorial is located outside of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau. It was inspired by the events of 911 memorial and is a tribute to all SC Midlands firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and branches of the military who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 9/11/01. The memorial is constructed of two granite towers as well as two beams recovered from the World Trade Center. It is a quiet contemplative space that has four metal benches for visitors who want to stop and reflect. It's location is ideal so that visitors and residents are able to pay their respects and truly appreciate its symbolism. It was dedicated on 9/11/2011.

When in Latin America, dance Cumbia If your toilet breaks,…read morejust call the Plumbia And if you like game cocks And shows that rock your socks Then come straight to the City of Columbia! The city named after an entire column of beer, what's not to love. Better than the Maryland version, but not as thrilling as the nation, by any stretch of the Emoji-Nation. Columbia was always pretty amazing for playing music concerts. I'm not sure why, but the city took to me and I took to them - and I love coming back here. I still have some friends in the area from playing music shows here. I'll always include Columbia on my tours because of that. I guess a lot of people skip over it but I never will. It's a big city and it deserves the attention that I gave it and I appreciate it all the attention that they gave me. They're full of college kids now, some of which are good looking, but there is a caveat - which is that it doesn't seem as friendly as it used to. I got a little bit of ridicule here and there in town, and that's okay cuz there are a lot of nice people here as well and that can happen anywhere and it was the middle of the March Madness so maybe that's why - but it definitely seems like it changed and is way more busy and congested that it ever was when I used to come here. It was a sleepy little city and now it's packedlikesardines little city. I guess it was always busy but not like this. I still really love Columbia because of the music days and I always will, but I hope that my next trip will be as wonderful as some of the older trips were. I've had so many wonderful experiences in Columbia South Carolina concerts. I've yet to actually enjoy a really good meal here (other than the tacos I'm about to mention), or find any good Boba or desserts, but on the way out of town or into town you mussssst go to Tacos Nayarit for some of the best Mexican food anywhere - so that's where I suggest you eat. All in all, it's a wonderful town with a lot of friendly people and a huge college presence, cheering for the naughtily named Gamecocks, who always say they're a bigger deal than they turn out to be.

People always refer to Charleston and Greenville when speaking of South Carolina, they both great…read morecities but they are no Columbia. We are not too big and not too small and in my humble opinion a upcoming city that has a lots of opportunity for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The craft beer scene will soon rival other cities in a few years hopefully with several new additions coming soon. If you know where to look there are many resturants and shops off of international Blvd known or called Decker that have flavors and smells that smack you in the face with goodness the moment you walk in the door. If your new to my city ask around and you will find awesome spots for live music and entertainment. Today I will visit a high end bakery then hit are Soda City market for fresh olive oils and honey and probably sample new food trucks and vendors that have delicious food. After that I'm going to eat lunch at War Mouth a new upscale Southren place that features great drinks and curried quail and local fish. Then to Craft and Draft for are Soda City Suds week to raise money for it and a 5.00 bottle share at the hottest spot on Devine street. This is but a few things Columbia has to offer besides our wonderful history and different cultures. I look forward to see everyone's pictures of Columbia and thoughts of my beloved city.

Site of the surrender of Columbia South Carolina. It is very…read moreclose to downtown, will not take much time to visit, but is an absolute must. An engraved rock marks the location and serves as a remembrance of the occasion of the surrender of the city of Columbia South Carolina. Columbia, a major city in the confederacy and the birthplace of the secession movement, was a strategic target for general Sherman and the Union forces. The succession convention, was the first, and it was the only convention to unanimously vote to leave the Union. Sherman and his troops' desire to exact revenge on the city was deep, according to historical documents. In advance of the Union forces attacked in the city, the Confederate troops burn down the bridges leading to the city on February 16, 1865, under the direction of General Wade Hampton III. Hampton, The grandson of a Revolutionary War hero, and considered a hero in his own right, evacuated his troops and placed the mayor, TJ Goodwyn in charge. Union forces began to shell the city from across the river. Seeing what happened to other cities, and hoping to spare Columbia, he ordered Mayor Goodwyn to surrender the city on the morning of the 17th just north of the city. Between 8 AM and 9 AM, the city's Aldermen and the Mayor surrendered formally to Sherman's troops. Unfortunately, this did not help as Sherman and his troops proceeded to torch the city at night. At least two thirds of the city burned as troops set fire to homes, businesses, schools, municipal buildings, and churches. In 1914, the United daughters of the Confederacy held a dedication ceremony featuring the sole surviving witness, Norton W. Brooker, and six descendants of the mayor. The engraved rock sits in front of the church on the corner of River Road and Beaufort Street in the historic Earlewood neighborhood.

Thanks so much for this valuable information! I've been trying to find the location of the site of…read moreColumbia's surrender. I grew up there and have lived in Charlotte for the last 19 years, but plan to ride by tomorrow! Is there not a marker for the site of Camp Sorghum? I have the general area mapped out but I guess there are no traces left. Thanks again!

Attended my daughter's family day for JROTC. It was simple to get on base, have my id ready and…read moremake sure the windows were down so they could see who was in the back. The signage for the event was a bit misleading as the second sign was blank and easy to pass. We figured it out soon. The staff we encountered was great. My daughter had a great time.

horrible experience cadets were rude to me I either just layed around there all day or was…read morecompletely and total shock and misery I had a horrible time the only thing I got out of it was $4000 and plane ticket home.....