Questions about Columbia, SC (2014 Road Trip/Flight) Gamecocks

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Is there enough to do there to keep us entertained from Wednesday-Sunday, or should we plan on coming back earlier?

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It depends what you're looking to do and the amount of money you have to play with. I'm assuming you're not old enough to rent a car so that limits things.

The game will be huge but other than that I don't think there will be much going on in Cola. You could just drink in the Vista I guess.

I've flown in/out of Cola a few times but never on my own dime so I'm not sure about the ticket prices but comparing it to ticket prices to similarly sized airports (I'm assuming you'd fly from Houston) I'd say that's reasonable. Probably cheaper than driving. No idea on the hotels thing, sorry.

Hopefully a current student or someone who's lived in Columbia more recently than me can provide better answers.

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While you're in the area (South Carolina) I'd plan on visiting at least Charleston which is 1.5 hours away for a night. Not sure Columbia will keep you entertained that long. Greenville is also really nice and the total opposite of Charleston but about the same distance from Columbia. It's in the foothills with a legit waterfall in the middle of downtown and offers really good dining and shopping. Greenville is Clemson country.

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If he's an undergrad and flies I'm not sure how he'd get to any of those places but I agree on Charleston, though it's still probably infested with Ohioans in August. Also, there's not much he can do in the Upstate that he can't do in the Midlands.

380 seems normal. You may be able to Southwest cheaper to Greenville-Spartanburg or Charleston and drive

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Also, there's not much he can do in the Upstate that he can't do in the Midlands.

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Greenville's the "It" place right now. Other cities want to model their redevelopment after it and I'm a sucker for hills. The topography is more interesting.

Just saying South Carolina offers different/unique experiences within short drives.

It's got some interesting things if you like history but most don't...and if you're in SC and want history you go to Charleston first.

Columbia is also home to the second worst National Park I have ever visited so there's that.

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Wednesday-Sunday

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Is this your second victory lap?

Yeah no dice on that long in cola. Nothing to do and cola kinda sucks except for drinking. Charleston is one of the finer places in the south tho so if yall just stayed there and drove up for the game if y'all are hell bent on taking a long trip

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It's in the foothills with a legit waterfall in the middle of

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Greenville is a fine city and I'm all for nice scenic areas but I don't think a waterfall is going to entertain an undergrad for 4 days.


With that said Columbia is more business orientated than entertainment oriented. We have the Vista and 5points which are our two main restaurant / bar scenes. Those are nice. The State museum and Riverbanks Zoo, which is ranked 4th nationally, are also in Columbia.

Just depends what you're into. If you'll be there for a few days Greenville, Charleston, and Charlotte are all about a 90 minute drive away.

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Is there enough to do there to keep us entertained from Wednesday-Sunday, or should we plan on coming back earlier?

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Depends on what entertains you. If you want to go play golf one day, go to Charleston another, then yes, there's plenty to do. Cola's location in the state makes everything about 2 hours away (beach, mountains, golf.) Things to do in Cola in August would be bars, golf, fishing, museums, etc.... Highly recommend taking a day trip to Charleston if you haven't been there.

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Flights are at $380 round trip right now. Does that seem about normal, or will the prices go down if I wait awhile?

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Yes, that's about normal and it won't go down as you get closer. I fly from CLT to DFW a lot and that ticket is about $470. Flying to ATL may be cheaper, but you'd have to rent a car which would eat your savings, unless you're going with a group of 3+.

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How early do hotels usually fill up? Do we need to be making reservations now?

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If they aren't already booked now, then you should book asap. You'll want a place downtown.
Recommendations:
1. The Hilton or Hampton Inn in the Vista (can't beat the location, close to food and bars.)
2. Downtown Marriott or Sheraton (another great location, but closer to the State House.
3. Clarion or The Whitney (might actually be your best bet, they're walking distance from Five Points (the college bars) and you said you're college age.)
4. Courtyard on Assembly (best place that's closest to Williams Brice and Campus)
5. If above are all booked:
a. Embassy Suites on Greystone (close to Platinum Plus and a short drive from downtown.)
b. Any Hotel on Columbiana Dr/Harbison Blvd area. (close to food/bars and easy interstate access to get downtown.)

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Make sure to take time to walk around Five Points late at night alone.

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I'm kidding. Don't do that

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5 Points is about to get a lot better. Sheriff Lott is up for re-election, and he's been told by...the leadership that this problem gets fixed and gets fixed now or he's done. They just had a raid on The Library (thug bar that popped up in 5 Points) and they're pushing that element out.

OP, to be on the safe side, don't wear blue in 5 Points.