Vibrant. Lively. Hot. There’s always something happening in the Columbia area, from great live-music venues and world-class art exhibits to can’t-miss festivals and races and the natural whitewater river that runs through the center of town. Zipline over the river at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, where you can feed giraffes, walk among the kangaroos, come face-to face with sea lions and see koalas at play (it’s hard—they’re only awake about six hours a day!) Search for the next M-class planet at the South Carolina State Museum’s fabulous new planetarium. Climb in and slide out of a five-story tall boy at EdVenture Children’s Museum. Spend the day on massive Lake Murray boating, sailing, fishing or all of the above, then cap off the night dining at a marina. You’re so close to the city, yet so far away. Back in the city, join the action at Soda City Market, Columbia’s Main Street gathering spot on Saturday mornings. And don’t leave town without touring the South Carolina State House and grounds. And if you love sports, there’s nothing better than a fall afternoon at Williams-Brice Stadium, where the University of South Carolina football team challenges opponents, and fans have perfected the art of the tailgate. The Gamecocks basketball teams hold court at Colonial Life Arena and baseballs fly out of Founders Park. The minor league Columbia Fireflies baseball team lights up the sky all summer, and the Lexington County Blowfish add innings of fun in Lexington, too. The Midlands is known as South Carolina’s center. Center of action. Center of activity. Center of fun. Go to LakeMurrayCountry.com for more getaway ideas.