Moving to Columbia, South Carolina or a nearby area can be an exciting yet challenging experience. There are a lot of logistics to cover, including finding the right home to fit your needs, budget and lifestyle. In the midst of all the paperwork, real estate appointments and packing, it might alleviate stress to take some time to learn about your new community. Doing so can help make your moving process a memorable experience.
Especially if you have children, it’s fun to help them get acquainted with their new surroundings. Kids are curious by nature, and Columbia has many family-friendly amenities to hold their interest. In fact, there are several unique things about this South Carolina location that you and your family may want to further explore as you make plans to settle here in your new home.
How the Columbia Fireflies baseball team got their name
If you’re a minor league baseball enthusiast, you might be looking forward to watching the Columbia Fireflies play after moving into your new home. What you might not know is how the team got its name. One of the unique claims-to-fame of this particular South Carolina city is that it’s the natural habitat for synchronized fireflies, which only exist in about five or six other locations across the world. Synchronized fireflies all light up at once. Many people flock to Congaree National Park each May to see this spectacular sight!
Is the South Carolina State Museum haunted?
The Columbia region held a central role in the Civil War. Many people say that the ghosts of men who died during that time continue to make appearances in various old buildings today. One of the most “famous” ghosts is called, “Bubba.” He is said to walk the halls and ride the elevator on the fourth floor of the South Carolina State Museum, which during the Civil War was used as a textile mill.
If your family loves ghost stories, you may want to learn more about “the man in overalls called Bubba” and other spirits who are said to haunt Columbia!
Columbia has a unique moniker
If you’re moving to Columbia, you’ll no doubt hear people referring to the area as “Soda City.” Many years ago, the U.S. Postal Service abbreviated the city’s name as “Cola.” That sparked the nickname “Soda City,” which stuck and is still used today. It’s the state capital but also happens to be one of the warmest regions in the state. There’s an old joke that says the postal workers shortened the city’s name to “Cola” because they were too hot to write out “Columbia.”
You can see koalas at the Riverbanks Zoo
There are not many zoo exhibits in the United States that have permanent koala exhibits; however, Columbia is one of them! The Riverbanks Zoo imports eucalyptus from Florida to provide sustenance for the koalas that live there year-round.
Take the kids to a puppet show
Imagine the classic tale of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” coming to life on stage through puppetry. The Columbia Marionette Theater is one of the most famous puppet theaters in the country. They’re known for their daycare and educational field trip programs as well. Your children will be thrilled to see puppets ranging in size from several inches to more than five feet tall!
There’s lots more to learn about Columbia
In addition to these five unique claims-to-fame, there is plenty more to see and do in Columbia, South Carolina. While you’re combing the city to find a new home, you can ask your real estate agent about the many local amenities the area has to offer. The area is rich in history, and there’s no shortage of activities and attractions to entertain your family the whole year through.