Columbia Information - Three Rivers Music Festival Hotels

Columbia Information

Population: 116,278

Elevation: 314 feet

Land area: 125.2 square miles

Location: 3 miles from the exact geographical center of the state; halfway between Greenville to the northwest and Charleston to the southeast.

Nearest cities: Forest Acres, SC (3.3 miles), Arcadia Lakes, SC (3.9 miles), West Columbia, SC (5.1 miles), Cayce, SC (5.3 miles), Dentsville, SC (5.6 miles), Woodfield, SC (6.0 miles), St. Andrews, SC (6.3 miles), Springdale, SC (7.8 miles).

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time. Daylight saving time is observed in summer.

Getting There

By Car

I-20 reaches Columbia from the northeast (connecting with I-95 running north and south) and southwest, I-26 from the southeast from Charleston (crossing I-95) and northwest, and I-77 from the north.

By Plane

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (803/822-5000) is served by Continental Airlines (800/525-0280), Delta (800/221-1212), and US Airways (800/428-4322).

By Train

For Amtrak service, call 800/USA-RAIL

Getting Around:

Three interstate highways (I-20, I-26, I-77) crisscross the region, with two other major interstates (I-85 and I-95) within an hour's drive. In addition, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport offers service from major airlines and motor freight carriers. Amtrak and Greyhound Bus Lines provide additional transportation.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport: (803) 822-5000

Columbia City Bus: (803) 217-9019

Greyhound: (800) 231-2222

Amtrak: 800) 872-7245

Local Seasons:

Each season in Columbia brings with it new opportunities to experience a city known for its Southern hospitality. Columbia's year round mild climate is one of the major contributing factors for people visiting year after year. In the summer, temperatures seldom rise above a comfortable level, with the average near 80. Even though the weather is moderate throughout the year, it is varied enough to make each season interesting. Due to the Gulf Stream breezes, a walk through downtown can easily be enjoyed during what is traditionally winter. Snowfall is rare but can bring a pleasant feel to a cool winter's day. The beach is always a viable option and should be enjoyed for its beauty and tranquility. Whether it's a summer, winter, fall, or summer visit to Columbia, this city of the south is ready and waiting with a warm smile and a Gulf breeze.

National Holidays:

New Year's Day: Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day: 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day: last Mon. in May

Independence Day: July 4

Labor Day: 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day: 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve: Dec. 31