COLUMBIA
The Capital City
Named after the famous explorer, Christopher Columbus, Columbia is the heart of South Carolina, both literally and figuratively. As the South Carolina capital, Columbia is located appropriately near the center of the state. It's far-reaching influence on politics, culture, education and entertainment make it a centralized hub, as well. Columbia was one of the first planned cities in the United States and it's the largest city in the state with a population of 700,000+. Recently dubbed one of "America's Most Livable Communities" (by Partners for Livable Communities), Columbia is noted for its high quality of life and wide range of attractions and recreational opportunities.
Recreation
Columbia is bordered on its north side by the massive Lake Murray, which offers more than 500 miles of shoreline for outdoor activities, boating, water skiing and some of the best bass fishing in the state. Thanks to its centralized location in the state, Columbia is less than two hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains and the beaches from Charleston to Hilton Head.
Entertainment
Back in town just off campus, The Five Points area has long been famous for its combination of unique shopping, exciting nightlife and distinctive dining. Over the last decade, the old warehouse district along Gervais Street, known as The Congaree Vista, has emerged as an upscale destination for urban professionals who are drawn to its elegant cuisine, numerous curio shops, intimate art galleries and varied nightlife offerings.
Culture
As the state capital, Columbia is blessed with a wide range of cultural pursuits, featuring the celebrated Columbia City Ballet, the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, the Columbia City Jazz Dance Company, plus a number of fine museums and professional and collegiate theater groups.
College Town
Columbia owes much of its vibrancy and energy to the University of South Carolina, which is located near the center of town. Established in 1801, USC offers 350 degree programs and enrolls more than 25,000 students annually. The student body's influence is far reaching within the community, impacting both cultural and business development.
Plenty to do and see
Visitors and residents alike find no shortage of attractions and points of interest in and around Columbia. Some of the more frequently visited spots and venues are listed below.
Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens
With more than 2,000 animals and 70 acres of botanical gardens, Riverbanks is one of the premier zoos in the country and has been named the No. 1 travel destination in the Southeast
Finlay Park
A well-known and beautiful 18-acre park that hosts a number of outdoor festivals and events
South Carolina State Fair
A local event held each fall that features rides, games, livestock, arts and crafts
Congaree National Park
Sprawled out along the Congaree River, this 22,000-acre park protects the largest contiguous tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forests remaining in the United States
Columbia Festival of the Arts
A springtime celebration of arts and culture that features theatre, dance, music, visual arts and museum exhibits
Arista Vista
Columbia's annual springtime gallery walk and the largest visual arts event in the midlands spread out over two days in the historic Vista district
St. Patrick's Day Festival
Held in Five Points, this local favorite attracts thousands of festival goers each year with its wide offering of food, drink and song
The Colonial Center
The state's premier arena/entertainment facility and home of college basketball's Fighting Gamecocks and minor league hockey team, the Columbia Inferno
Koger Center for the Arts
A 2,500-seat facility that attracts world-class performances in music, theater and dance.
RICHLAND COUNTY
Location is everything
Residents of Cobblestone Park® in Blythewood will enjoy the convenience of being located in Richland County. Founded in 1786, Richland County has a population in excess of 320,000—second only in South Carolina to Greenville County. As the county seat of the state capital, Richland County is centrally positioned, providing quick, easy access to all the attractions, entertainment, shopping, dining and nightlife that the capital city has to offer. With a well-developed transportation system, Blythewood residents are just a short, hassle-free drive away from an abundance of recreational opportunities throughout the Carolina region.
Blythewood
According to the census of 2000, there were 170 people, 73 households and 45 families living in Blythewood, South Carolina. In the span of a mere 7 years, those numbers more than tripled. The reason is simple: Blythewood offers close proximity to everything Columbia and the surrounding region have to offer, along with the tranquility and solitude that keep everyday stress, traffic and turmoil at bay. Residents of Cobblestone Park will enjoy the benefits of a healthy, dynamic city, without any of the requisite frustrations and inconveniences.
Richland School District Two
Blythewood Residents have the luxury of being zoned in School District Two—lauded as one of the best in the state. Richland School District Two places a premium on learning excellence and meeting diverse student needs. Their mission is to guarantee each student a quality education by providing appropriate and challenging learning experiences to prepare each individual child for life-long learning, responsible citizenship and productivity in an ever-changing world.
Economy
Columbia has a healthy, diverse economy that has translated into a high standard of living and quality of life. The region is home to more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies and is a major player in the Health Care, Manufacturing and Education industries. With the emergence of Innovista—an ambitious, 5-million square foot research campus that will focus on emerging technologies affecting the global marketplace—Columbia's economy figures to become even more dynamic in the years ahead.
Transportation
Richland County is served by the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, which provides the following carriers: American Eagle, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways. Cobblestone is also less than one hour from the Charlotte airport. The county—and Blythewood, in particular—benefits from an excellent highway system with 3 interstates (I-77, I-26 and I-20) that loop around the city of Columbia, providing quick, easy access to any destination in the Carolina region.