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Sights of Columbia Viewed Biker Style

Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, August 5-6, 2006

ABATE of South Carolina held a legislative strategy meeting on August 5th. I decided to make the most of my weekend in COlumbia and see a few sights. I hope this page inspires a few more ABATE members to attend our statewide meetings and pause long enough to smell the flowers. Columbia is nearly as historic as Charleston and the parking situation is much better. This is just a sample there are many more places to visit and things to do in Columbia. Don't forget to visit the statehouse too.

Historical Marker

Photo shot from my bike

No Trespassing Sign
Visiting the Millwood Plantation Ruins located off Garners Ferry Road was tricky since I did not visit on the last Sunday of the month, 803-252-1770, The former plantation home of General Wade Hampton, this mansion was burned by Sherman during the Civil War. Tours of the plantation ruins are held by appointment only the last Sunday of each month from March through October; call 803-252-1770 if you would like to plan a low stress legal visit.

Albert

Five Points Fountain

Mural
No trip to Columbia is complete without a trip to Five Points for a good meal or drink. Albert is one of the local personalities worth meeting. He lost his legs to a D9 bulldozer over a decade ago but maintains on of the most positive attitudes I have found. Albert has a mobile detailing business and his work is first class; you can have a meal or a few drinks at Five Points while he details your bike or car. Speaking of food the best Indian Restaurant in South Carolina is located near Five Points; try the India Pavilion and let them know FastFred sent you. While construction continues around Five Points the road improvements have made traffic much smoother.

Great food at 5 points

Gervais Street Bridge

Historic Columbia Canal
You may notice that the sights previewed here are all free. Beat the heat under the Gervais Street bridge along the West Columbia Riverwalk. Many come here to frolic in the shallows of the river near the bridge. Public parking is available at the amphitheater near the bridge on west bank of the Congaree river. There is a well maintained path along the river worth walking. The RIverwalk in West Columbia is also a great place to hold safety meetings and see some nice sights.

Mill burned by Sherman

Columbia Waterworks
Spillway Civil War Mill Ruins
Civil War Mill Ruins
Another must see sight is the Columbia Riverfront Park and Historic Columbia Canal. Learn about Columbia's history and first public water supply and hydroelectric plant. See more evidence of the damage done during Sherman's visit to our state capitol as the large ruins of a mill loam overhead. While Columbia has no natural waterfalls the spillway of the canal is a close second to a real waterfall.
Columbia Canal Spillway
Columbia Canal Spillway
Steel bridge over canal
Steel bridge over canal
Sherman did this...
Sherman did this...
Riverwalk entrance
Riverwalk entrance
The Columbia Riverfront Park and its walkways are quite popular even on overcast days. I saw families with kids, joggers, and still others walking their dogs. There are ample historical markers and plaques to explain the nearby sights and hazards. The Riverfront Park is located at the western end of Taylor St in downtown Columbia.
Richland County Library
Richland County Library
Reflecting on ...
Reflecting on ...
The Busted Plug
The Busted Plug
Did a big dog do this?
Did a big dog do this?
A useful sight on Assembly Street is the Main Richland County Library. You can gain free access to the Internet to check your email or read many newspapers at the library only blocks away from the statehouse. The glass walls of this library alone are worth a visit. A few more blocks away is the most interesting and quirky artwork in Columbia. The Busted Plug located in a parking lot on the 1400 block of Taylor Street even has a yellow stain. Signs warn dogs or their owners not to relieve themselves within 50 feet of the artwork. Skaters are also asked to refrain from playing on the work of art.

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