Sunday, Jun. 08, 2008

Who we are: 5 things you’ll love about the Midlands

It’s in the middle: Columbia is in the center of a smallish state, so wonderful weekend trips are only two hours away: two hours to the beach, two hours to the mountains.

It’s walkable: Urban doesn’t have to mean slivers of nature. From any high point in the city, the leafy green of live oaks reassure. Plus, in Columbia, you don’t have to leave town for a stroll by the river.

It’s tasteful: You expect soul food, barbecue and other Deep South delights. But you’ll also find taquerias, Indian restaurants, Thai restaurants, Japanese restaurants, upscale French or Italian or seafood restaurants, vegan and vegetarian restaurants and international markets scattered about the city and its suburbs.

It’s family friendly: Almost any month brings family-friendly events, many of them free. Plus, Columbia is home to the world-class Riverbanks Zoo, several museums, parks and more.

It’s education focused: Want to brush up on your French? Enhance computer skills? Get those kids a state education? Earn a degree? The city is home to several institutions of higher learning, among them USC, Benedict College and Allen University, two historically black colleges; Columbia College, a liberal arts college for women; Columbia International University, an evangelical Bible college; and Midlands Technical College.

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