Reading Time: 2 minutesIt’s officially 2023, and that means a fresh start on a new year. Have you made your new year’s resolution? Each year we hear millions of people say they want to eat healthy, do more, and spend more quality time with friends and family. You can do all of that and more by exploring your own backyard – Lake Murray Country. Did you know that Forbes Magazine named our region a “Top Southern Destination” in 2021? The Capital City/Lake Murray Country region has so many fun things to do, attractions to explore, and restaurants to experience. So we’ve rounded up our top “To Do List” in the region to get you started. How many can you check off this year? Share your adventure with us by using #LakeMurrayCountryResolution on social media!
Columbia:
- On a Saturday, spend the morning at Soda City on Main Street
- Take a stroll along Columbia’s Riverfront Park
- Pick a museum to tour (there’s a dozen in the region)
- Spend the afternoon with the animals at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
West Columbia/Cayce:
- Spend the morning tubing the river with Palmetto Outdoor
- Grab lunch at Savage Craft Ale Works
- Shop for antiques or home goods along Meeting and State Streets
- Visit the many murals in Cayce
Newberry:
- Take a tour of the historic Newberry Opera House and snap a photo by the Coca-Cola Mural (accross from Opera House)
- Visit one of the worlds top orchid nursery’s at Carter and Holmes Orchid Nursery
- Visit Enoree River Winery
- Explore another world by visiting Wells Japanese Garden
Lexington:
- Enjoy brunch at Momma Rabbit’s or Café Strudel
- Spend an hour stepping back in time at the Lexington County Museum
- Grab lunch on Main Street at O’Haras or at the Flight Deck Restaurant
- Get out on Lake Murray – Rent a boat from Better Boating at Southshore Marina
Blythewood:
- Take a mid-morning walk at Doko Park
- Stop by the Purple Tuteur Farm and pick a bouquet of flowers
- Book a tee time and play a round of golf at one of three beautiful golf courses
Chapin:
- Attend the Chapin Labor Day Parade (September)
- Grab dinner at Chophouse of Chapin
- Grab a drink at the Tipsy Toad and go shopping on Beaufort Street
- Play a round of pickleball at Crooked Creek Park or golf on the water at Timberlake Country Club
Irmo:
- Get moving with a cup of coffee from Loveland Coffee
- Grab a beer from Craft and Draft in the Irmo Village Shopping Center
- Pick up a picnic lunch from Mathias Sandwich Shop (since 1946) and head to the Irmo Community Park or Saluda Shoals Park to explore and enjoy lunch in the shade
Saluda:
- Visit during peach season to see the peach trees blooming (May-August)
- Treat yourself to lunch at Juniper in Ridge Spring
- Spend the morning at Daylily Depot picking blueberries (June-August)
Support the 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray:
- Get your tickets for the Taste of Lake Murray, March 2, 2023 at the DoubleTree by Hilton! Learn more at LakeMurrayCountry.com
Keep the adventure going by exploring the website for more ideas, itineraries, and local events. Stop by the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center at 2184 North Lake Drive in Columbia and learn about the history of the dam and shop for Lake Murray souvenirs at the gift shop. Happy New Year!
