10 Columbia Events To Get You In The Holiday Spirit

Chris Laskowski, 11/30/2015  |  Categories: Columbia
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Mark your calendars with Columbia’s most festive holiday events. Along with Lake Carolina’s own Harborside Lights, the greater Columbia area offers plenty of local celebrations, ranging 15-40 minutes away from the property, with enough twinkling light displays, musical spectaculars and winter wonderland’s to keep you and your family full of holiday cheer this season. --- 1. 27th Annual Lights Before Christmas Nov. 20 - Dec. 30 The Riverbanks Zoo hosts seasonal activities all year round. This winter, the zoo is continuing their longest running tradition, Lights Before Christmas, running on select evenings from 6pm-9pm. Spend a day at the zoo and then stick around to see over one million sparkling lights and fun animated displays, making this a one-of-a-kind visit to Riverbanks. 2. Snowville Nov. 21 - Jan. 11 Kids will love EdVenture Children Museum’s Snowville event, encompassing a sledding hill, ice cave, Mount EdVerest and an interactive winter wonderland created specifically for exploration and imagination! Admission for children and adults is $11.50, with senior and military discounts available. 3. Holiday Lights on the River Nov. 25 - Dec. 31 Haven’t gotten enough of holiday lights yet? This Columbia event, located on Old Bush River Road, takes these displays one step further with Holiday Lights on the River. A beautiful 400-light display glitters across the river, where visitors can walk across the boardwalk, stroll through 3D Christmas villages synchronized with music, and take a winter hayride.
4. Carols Along the Riverwalk Dec. 4 Start your season off right with a stroll through the Cayce Riverwalk Park, located approximately 35 minutes from Lake Carolina Properties. Twinkling lights, hot apple cider and numerous local singing groups will be featured at this holiday event, allowing guests to experience a winter wonderland walk through a multitude of caroling choirs.   5. Columbia Children’s Theatre: Jingle Arrgh The Way! Dec. 4-13 Both youngsters and the whole family will enjoy this pirate-adventure-meets-holiday-musical spectacular. Kids can join in for the opening night premiere party or get in the holiday spirit with ‘Breakfast with Santa’ (offered on select dates), before experiencing this original musical production.
6. 9th Holiday Taste & Tour Dec. 5 Celebrate the season in Richland county at the 9th Annual Holiday Taste & Tour. In addition to an appearance by Santa and one of his elves, as well as live music, this event is the perfect place to start that festive feasting early! An array of delicious food provided by local vendors will line the streets for this fun gathering. 7. 28th Annual Columbia Christmas Pageant Dec. 11-13 Each year, First Baptist Church hosts a local Christmas Pageant, bringing many in the community together for a night of tradition. The pageant is far from small-scale, with a choir of 200, a full symphonic orchestra and a cast of 400 children and adults. The performance includes traditional music, such as “O Holy Night,” as well as fun familiar jingles, such as “Frosty the Snowman.” 8. Harborside Lights & Kid’s Fun Run 5K Dec. 12 Mark your calendar for Lake Carolina’s own annual holiday celebration, Harborside Lights. In addition to the properties’ illuminated wonderland, inclusive of carriage rides, holiday treats, live musical entertainment and a visit from Santa, the community will be hosting a 5K run to raise money for the YCMA. Admission to Harborside Lights is free and open to both residents and guests, and runners/walkers can register for the 5K here.
9. Columbia City Ballet’s Nutcracker Dec. 12-20 Experience this classic production, just 30 minutes away from Lake Carolina. This annual tradition is Columbia’s longest running performing arts event and brings in audiences of all ages to enjoy a Christmas spectacle unlike anything else. 10. Candlelight Tours & Carriage Ride Dec. 18 Three historic homesites, including the Robert Mills House, the Mann-Simons Site and the Hampton-Preston Mansion, will be decked out for the coming holidays. Guests can enjoy a night of candlelight tours around these properties via horse and carriage. Refreshments, music and giveaways are also on the evening’s agenda! Interested in relocating to a fun, exciting community? Explore our homes for sale in Columbia, SC. Both the greater Columbia area and the Lake Carolina community offer a full calendar of family-friendly events throughout the year.


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A Foodie’s Guide To Dining In Lake Carolina's Town Center

Chris Laskowski, 11/25/2015  |  Categories: Community
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In honor of tomorrow's Thanksgiving turkey looming, highlighting the most popular restaurants in Lake Carolina’s exciting Town Center only seems appropriate. While you may feel the need to lay low after your inevitable holiday food coma, these two locally-owned hotspots are community favorites and a ‘must’ for anyone in the market for a delicious, top-notch meal. Both Allean’s Southern Cuisine and Post Call Bar are located in the heart of Lake Carolina’s entertainment center, on 5 Lake Carolina Way, Columbia, SC. 
Allean’s Southern Cuisine
Have a craving for home-cooked southern goodness? Allean’s Southern Cuisine not only offers a tasty menu of yummy comfort food, but guarantees that you’ll “leave full and pleased!” With a Facebook rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, this local establishment has become a favorite for Columbia natives. Founded and run by the Wright family, the restaurant offers a “home away from home” atmosphere, with a menu ranging from Momma Mary’s fried chicken to a baked chicken dinner to peach cobbler and sweet potato pie. After getting your fill of authentic southern comfort food, check out the Town Center’s local shops and services right next door. Allean’s is closed for Thanksgiving and Black Friday, but will resume their regular business hours (11:30am - 7pm) on Saturday, November 28. 

Post Call Bar
“Sports, spirits and friends” is the tagline for this locally famous, family-friendly sports bar. The name originated from the founders’ desire to have guests arrive on their own time, to relax and recharge. Not only does this atmosphere combine the feel of an upscale sports bar with a serene place to relax after a long day, but it offers a number of community activities on a weekly basis. Sing your heart out at Monday Night Karaoke, experience great live music on Jazz Wednesdays and Thursdays, and celebrate the weekend with a delicious Sunday brunch. The menu encompasses casual meals such as wings and sandwiches, as well as fine dining dishes and an extensive wine and drink collection. Post Call’s specials are a favorite for locals, with deals such as “All You Can Eat Crab Legs” and scrumptious Post Call chicken and waffles. Post Call is closed for Thanksgiving, but reopens on Black Friday for a live DJ and game night.

Experience these fun local restaurants from the comfort of your own community! Check out Lake Carolina’s master-planned communities, inclusive of diverse housing (such as Fort Jackson housing), a full calendar of residential events, a bustling Town Center, and a property that is picturesque all year round.
 



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4 Hotspots To Spend The Colder Months In Lake Carolina Properties

Chris Laskowski, 11/18/2015  |  Categories: Community
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Have yourself a merry little holiday without ever leaving Lake Carolina Properties! The community’s bustling Town Center and residential property provides an array of locally-owned businesses, unique restaurants, and fun places to grab gifts for your loved ones. Here are a few hotspots to keep you busy during colder weather.
1. YMCA Work off those holiday cookies by keeping active during the winter months. Located on the edge of the property, the Jeep Rogers YMCA is the perfect place to implement some cardio, fitness classes, swimming, or weight lifting into your daily (or weekly) routine.
2. Fuel Fitness Dance This dance studio caters to any age, offering diverse classes ranging from Zumba, yoga, ballet, jazz and--most uniquely--aerial aerobics. Commonly seen in the popular Cirque Du Soleil shows, aerial dance is a modern fitness activity that challenges the mind and body. Click HERE for the studio’s full class schedule.

3. Connoisseurs Corner Looking for a fun Friday night out? Residents won’t have to travel far to experience Friday night wine tasting at Connoisseurs Corner. This locally-owned business prides itself on having “an extensive selection of wines from around the world as well as an impressive selection of import and micro-brew beers.”
4. Total Health Spa Take a moment to give yourself some holiday cheer. Total Health Spa offers a “sanctuary of stress-free relaxation and complete focus on your well-being.” Experience a detoxing facial, massage or one of the spa’s other cleansing rituals, all from the comfort of the properties’ Town Center.
Looking to move near an exciting Town Center? Explore the homes for sale in Columbia, SC provided by Lake Carolina Properties. Lake Carolina Properties provides quick access to tons of entertainment, dining, shopping and services.







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5 Local Coffee Houses to Check Out in Columbia

Chris Laskowski, 11/9/2015  |  Categories: Columbia; Community
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Stroll the streets of picturesque downtown Columbia and experience the plethora of local boutiques, diners and businesses. Take a break from the big-name chains and enjoy your cup of Joe from one of Columbia’s local coffee houses. These gems not only offer delicious drinks, but create a one-of-a-kind atmospherical experience for customers as well.

Cool Beans Coffee Co.

Located on Columbia’s College Street, Cool Beans coffee is a local house that hosts an array of original drinks and tasty treats. Grab a breakfast croissant at any time of day until midnight, or try a lunch wrap and homemade cookie. Cool Beans Coffee also caters baked goods and both hot and cold drinks.


Drip Columbia

Experience the delightful taste of freshly brewed coffee in an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Get the small town coffee house vibe with top-notch quality drinks, ranging from flavorful espresso shots to creamy, hand-crafted pour-over beverages. Drip also offers yummy homemade baked-goods, with versatile menus for their two Columbia-based locations.


Immaculate Consumption Coffee Roasters Tucked away inside the heart of downtown Columbia, this coffee house prides themselves in creating brews that are, as the name would convey, “immaculate.” In business for over 20 years, I.C. offers any coffee-lover or cafe-guru a menu filled with light meals such as the Turkey Avocado Pita and--of course--scrumptious, freshly roasted coffee drinks.


116 Espresso & Wine Bar

This gem offers the best of both worlds. Try an original, creative coffee blend by day (Irish Kiss, Almond Chocolate Coffee, Kahula Cappuccino, etc.) and then an innovative Mexican-inspired meal and cocktail by night (Tiramisu Tini, Yuzu Margarita, etc.). The exciting drinks and the artsy, sleek atmosphere make this joint a ‘must’ for those who like to have fun.

Cromer’s Coffee

Legend has it that when Julian D. Cromer’s started his business, an angry competitor would yell to customers, “Don’t buy those! Cromer’s are no good!” Instead of verbally attacking the competition back, Cromer humorously put up a sign, “Guaranteed Worst in Town!” Don’t let these words fool you...Cromer’s is far from it. Offering freshly popped popcorn, yummy roasted nuts and light-roasted coffee, this shop, with its confectionary-inspired atmosphere, is one to try when you’re in the mood to pair your caffeine with a guilty-pleasure snack.


Interested in experiencing what Columbia has to offer? Check out our homes for sale in Columbia, SC.



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5 HGTV Shows to Watch Before Decorating Your New Home

Chris Laskowski, 11/3/2015  |  Categories: Other
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Whether you’re settled into your new home or looking at the prospect of furnishing a new house in the future, researching tips and tricks to make your home fit YOU is vital to the relocation process. One of the most fun ways to gather design ideas is through the plethora of remodeling shows offered on the Home and Gardens TV network (better known as the sacred ‘HGTV’ to home decorating-buffs across America). Here are a few shows that might spark your interest when scrounging for ‘decoration inspiration’:

1. Fixer Upper Texas residents Chip and Joanna Gaines own a remodeling and design business, taking on old homes with seemingly little promise and transforming them into gorgeous and unique “fixer uppers.” The large-scale interior and exterior remodeling done on clients’ homes in each episode gives great examples of how to turn a bland empty room into something that’s personalized and feels like home. 2. Property Brothers The Scott brothers are masters in taking a home that needs to sell and making it market-ready. Not only does this show provide some great decorating and remodeling tips, but works as a great resource for those looking to sell their home! Check out Property Brothers to make your old home someone else’s dream home.

3. Love it or List it

An interior designer and a real estate agent duke it out! Similar to Property Brothers, Love it or List it centers around homeowners looking to put their house on the market, but this time it’s a battle between renovating their old home and finding them a new home. Clients must decide if they want to stay in their house, revamped by a professional designer, or move into the new property chosen by a real estate agent. Again, decorating inspiration galore!

4. Flip or Flop In the same spirit as Fixer Upper, the El Moussa’s--a California couple-- take their skill in the real estate industry, use it to spruce up ‘hopeless homes’ and then sell them at a bargain price. Watching the evolution of these houses provides many tips for utilizing spaces and creating creative color schemes. 5. House Hunters While there are a few different versions of this program on HGTV (House Hunters Renovation, Tiny House Hunters, House Hunters International, etc.), this show differs from the others in that it’s less about decorating and more about finding a home that fits prospective homebuyers! If you’re looking to relocate, House Hunters is useful for educating yourself on the process of moving and is totally binge-worthy.


Ready to decorate that new home? Check out our beautiful homes in the bustling city of Columbia, SC. Lake Carolina Properties hosts a multitude of master-planned communities, including Fort Jackson housing.


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