Visiting South Carolina Upcountry, Lakes and Rivers

Inland South Carolina, home to Columbia, the state capital boasts a diversity of geography and attractions for residents and visitors. The Blue Ridge Mountains loom in the Upcountry, beautiful lakes like Marion, Murray and Jocassee provide world-class fishing and hundreds of miles of rivers make excellent water trails for kayakers and canoeists. The Edisto in South Carolina is the longest blackwater river in the US. Manmade attractions like the Riverbanks Zoo, the Darlington Raceway and the Railroad Historical Center are top-notch, drawing crowds of fans and visitors - Be sure to visit inland South Carolina and enjoy its beauty, history and charm.

Visitors to Columbia enjoy the urban excitement of a cosmopolitan city and center of state government. Take a tour of the South Carolina State House, the State Museum or the Columbia Museum of Art. Enjoy lunch or dinner in the Congaree Vista district, with the former warehouses and rail stations now transformed into a cutting edge urban scene. Browse the unique specialty shops of the Five Points neighborhood or shop the cobblestone lanes of Main Street in the Lexington area for a special antique, while enjoying the historic charm of South Carolina.

Get down and dirty at the 17th Annual USMC Mud Run the end of September. The largest mud run in the southeast, the 4.2 mile course, new for 2010, is the Leatherneck at Sandy Run. Teams compete over the all-terrain course with 30 obstacles including walls, trenches and mud holes. A great demonstration of teamwork and determination, come cheer on your teammates or favorite team. September 25th is the date for 2010.

Through October the River Runner Outdoor Center hosts weekly Kayak trips through Columbia's Historic Canal. Get a view of the city from the inside out as you pass the water plant and behind residential neighborhoods. An easy and safe introduction to kayaking, bring friends and family and try a paddle through Columbia.

Greenville in the uplands of western South Carolina has a beautiful tree lined downtown, parks and serves as the commercial center for the region. Euphoria, one of the city's favorite events, takes place for three exciting days in September. This premier food, wine and entertainment event fills Greenville with world-class chefs and vintners showcasing the best in cuisine and wine parings. Attend cooking demonstrations with well-known culinary stars, sample the gourmet food or attend a fabulous multi-course dinner.

Catch the best of USA Cycling in Greenville, also in September. The 2010 Greenville Hospital System USA Cycling Professional Championships features the Stars and Stripes Challenge, including time trial challenges and a 112 mile road race championship. The first Saturday in December brings one of Greenville's favorite traditions – The Greenville Poinsettia Christmas Parade. The Christmas parade marks the beginning of the holiday season with bands, floats and fun for all.

The Best Western Greenville Airport Inn and The Best Western Piedmont Inn and Suites are ideal locations for travelers to Greenville. With affordable rates and comfortable accommodations you may want to extend your visit to the Upcountry region of South Carolina.