No need to shop until you drop!  Just click on our updated gift store to find all sorts of gifts for everyone on your list.  Visit http://estore.websitepros.com/1910038/StoreFront.bok
We have a great selection of Lake Murray apparel and accessories!

Read the full article at http://www.midlandsbiz.com/news/headlines/546/.

The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board launched a new website for military visitors.  The site contains information about the region for graduates, their families and for military reunions. Visit www.militaryactivitiessc.com to view the new site.

Fall means fun for the entire family! There’s so much to do that you won’t have time for it all. Check out an online listing of some fun fall events in our region.
Visit: http://bestkidfriendlytravel.com/2009/09/23/fun-family-activities-this-fall-in-columbia-sc/

Check out our special section on Travel Meredith!
(http://www.travelmeredith.com/FeaturedDestinations/2009/08/murray.html)

Great publicity for the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region!

Two of our very own splash parks were featured on a national website (www.bestkidfriendlytravel.com).
The two parks that were mentioned were Saluda Shoals’ Splash Park and Palmetto Falls Water Park on Fort Jackson.  Take a look at this link to read more…

 http://bestkidfriendlytravel.com/2009/07/29/beat-the-heat-this-summer-with-free-splash-parks/

The countdown is on for school starting back and there is a lot to do on one of the last of the summer’s weekends. Here are a few events going on this weekend – so get out and enjoy!

Free Music Concert at the Village at Sandhills
Free summer concert featuring Rock Candy for the kids; The Magic of Nick Propst.

After work Kayaking Trip with Adventure Carolina
The Adventure Carolina After Work Canoe & kayak Trip is still the best way to spend an evening in Columbia. Every year thousands of our neighbors spend an enjoyable evening canoeing down the river, seeing the great outdoors, getting great exercise and having a wonderful time. The 3-mile canoe trip begins below the Gervais Street Bridge on the Congaree River and continues under the Blossom Street Bridge, through the old Granby Locks and ends at the Cayce Landing. We see wildlife, run a few rapids, and always have a good time. Friday, August 14^th, 6pm – 9pm.  Call to sign up (803) 796-4505.

Blooming Butterflies at EdVenture Children’s Museum
Admission; Adults $8.95; Children $6.95; Children under 1 Free (An additional $3 for the exhibit) Explore the world of these fascinating insects! This immerse outdoor nature exhibit is home to hundreds of butterflies from more than 20 different species native to the southeastern United States. Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm; Sunday Noon – 5 pm (Open Mondays Memorial Day through Labor Day)

Sizzlin Summer Concert Series in Finlay Park
The Columbia Action Council proudly presents an annual favorite! The Sizzling Summer Concert Series is held from 6-10pm in beautiful Finlay Park! Pack your picnic, bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a wide variety of music!  THIS IS THE FINAL CONCERT OF THE SEASON!!!!  On the stage this week: “American Gun” with opening act “Joal Rush” (Rock & Americana bands)

Tours at the SC State Museum
Do you feel that there is so much to see that you don’t know where to begin? Wish you had a personal tour guide? Join a Saturday walk-in tour. Docents will lead 60-minute tours of the museum at 11am and again at 1pm. Tours are free with museum general admission or membership. Saturday 11am and 1pm.

Home Improvement Show at the SC State Fairgrounds
Open Saturday, 9am-6pm. Join us for the 15th Annual REDO/REMIX Home Improvement Show at the SC State Fairgrounds. (In the Americraft Cantey and Ellison Buildings and in outdoor areas.)

This annual show, presented by the HBA of Greater Columbia Remodelers, features over 100 exhibitors! Door Prize Drawings every 20 minutes. Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore will be back this year! Seminars every day by exhibitors. Featuring green products and services.  Admission: $5.00 at the Gate (Children 12 and under are free) $2.00 for parking

Purple Martin Cruises on Lake Murray
Southern Patriot Purple Martin Cruise
Take a 2 1/2 hour cruise out to historic Bomb Island, where thousands of Purple Martins roost. During the cruise you will hear narration about the birds and about the historic significance of how this island was used for bombing practice while training B-25 Fighter pilots. Light refreshments will be served.
Make your reservation today, (803) 749-8594.

Check out our article about Family Fun in our region that was posted on www.bestkidfriendlytravel.com
Here’s the link…

http://bestkidfriendlytravel.com/2009/05/22/family-fun-in-lake-murray-country-sc/

Looking for something spectacular to do on July 4th?  Look no further!
Come out and enjoy the variety of FREE, patriotic activities on Lake Murray on Saturday, July 4th .  The daylong fun begins with the annual Boat Parade at 12:30pm.  Locals and visitors decorate their boats according to the assigned theme, “Salute to Independence.”  The parade leaves Bomb Island and follows to the Lake Murray Dam.  The parade is a free event and it is easy to sign up – visit lakemurraycountry.com/events_july4.html for details.

The evening entertainment begin at 8pm with a concert by the Lake Murray Symphony at Dreher Island State Park.  Then, at approximately 9:15pm the infamous fireworks begin to launch from two lake locations, Dreher Island and Spence Island.   The show is choreographed to music and aired on the local stations, 106.7 and 98.5 FM.

To find out more about the 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray, visit lakemurraycountry.com or call (803) 781-5940.