Charles Dickens is one of the authors that is featured at the SC Book Festival

Near Broad River Trace is the mid-Downtown area and the University of South Carolina, location of the South Carolina Book Festival opening. Starting Friday, May 18th, and taking place over three days, the 16th annual Festival promises to showcase and entertain all with exciting ripples of South Carolina culture.Friday’s opening activities begin with an evening party at the Earnest F. Hollings Special Collections Library, entered through the University’s Thomas Cooper Library. Events for Saturday and Sunday will occur at the capitol city’s fabulous Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

There will be storytelling activities for youth and master classes for writers to hone their craft. Promoted authors will appear at Saturday’s Literary Vine Happening with music, food and wine, providing fun for all near Broad River Trace. Keynote speakers include novelists Pat Conroy, Richard Evans, Eric Jerome Dickey, the well-known Zane and children’s writer Mary Monroe.

The festival is hosted by the South Carolina Center for the Book, proud purveyors of a culture that is grandiose in offerings and endearing in sculpted words, poetry and novels. Bring in your antique books and have them appraised and enjoy early editions of Charles Dickens, the festival’s honorary author.

Photo credit: liits

Take a look at models and wreckage from the Titanic

Titanic. Just the word evokes feelings of awe, intrigue and despair. It’s been 100 years since the monumental voyage of the RMS Titanic, which ended in the tragic loss of over 1,500 lives and made headlines around the world.This May, The South Carolina State Museum brings you Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Come experience one of the most anticipated historical events in Columbia, SC. You’ll learn all about the massive ship from the construction, to life on board, and of course the unforgettable collision as well as heroic rescue efforts that saved hundreds from the glacial grip of the Atlantic. The exhibit boasts not only exact replicas of rooms on board the ship, but authentic artifacts and debris from the wreck.

At just $18 per ticket for adults and $12 for children, the price is well worth it for this impressive display that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. The museum is open Mon-Sat from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 1pm-5pm. This is a limited engagement so be sure to get your tickets now! For more information about the exhibit, visit The South Carolina State Museum website.

Photo credit: Elsie esq.

Enjoy a great view of the many butterflies in the exhibit

This spring and summer there are some wonderful events in Columbia, SC for the whole family. An especially fun and educational one is the Blooming Butterflies exhibit at EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia. This seasonal exhibit features over 20 species of butterflies native to the southeast whose numbers flourish in the enclosed, carefully designed habitat. Trees, plants, and flowers chosen for their hospitality to butterflies fill the exhibit, allowing the butterflies to live as they would in their natural habitats.You and your child will get to see hundreds of butterflies fluttering gracefully through the air, and check out the Bloom Room to see butterflies in their chrysalis and just emerging. Learn so many cool and fascinating facts about this rare order of insects that is one of the few, rare species to undergo complete metamorphosis. Facts like these:

• Butterflies taste and smell with their feet!
• Butterflies can only fly at 60 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
• Butterflies only weigh about 10 times the weight of a raindrop, making flying in the rain impossible.

This exhibit will only be open for a limited time due to the butterfly’s life cycle, so hurry in and enjoy one of the most magical aspects of nature! Will you stop by and check it out, Broad River Trace?

Photo credit: snowpeak

Dine at one of the nearby sushi restaurants in Columbia, SC

There are at least half a dozen sushi restaurants near Broad River Trace, all offering up both traditional and unique dishes. You can find some of the best sushi in the Columbia, SC area within easy walking distance of your apartment, if you just visit some of these Japanese-style eateries.Located less than three miles away on Gervais Street, the SakiTumi Grill and Sushi Bar was the winner of the “Best Sushi” award by The State in 2007. They receive daily deliveries of fish, making their menu one of the freshest in the area.  Aside from a full menu of sushi and other Japanese cuisine, they have daily specials including half price appetizers on Mondays, half price bottles of wine on Tuesdays, and half price select sushi and martinis on Wednesdays. They also offer sushi making classes to couples and groups that include food and sake or wine.

Also located on Gervais Street is Tsunami Steaks Seafood Sushi. They have an extensive menu of sashimi, rolls, tempura, pot stickers, tataki, and hibachi. They also offer special pricing on Tuesday for Uniformed Services Night, Thursday for Ladies Night, and Sunday for College Night. Other locations exist in Haribson, Mt. Pleasant, and Charleston.

Photo credit: Bytemarks

Pet Name: Opie
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Age: Adult
Male or Female: M
Size: L

Opie is a sweet boy. He was adopted out as a kitten but had to be returned due to the development of allergies. His original adopters were crushed. They report that Opie is great with kids of all ages and while he has a lap cat personality he definitely has a playful side (especially if the toy involves string!). He grew up as an only cat and doesn’t care for their companionship. While he is not blatantly “aggressive” towards other cats, he wants nothing to do with them and won’t hesitate to whap or bully his way clear of them. He doesn’t quite know what to make of dogs and seems to keep his distance nervously. We think that if your dog leaves Opie alone, he should be fine eventually but it will take time. Opie recently had a full dental preformed and he has only a few teeth left. This does not cause him any problems and while he loves wet food, he can eat plain food just fine thank you very much! Don’t let him tell you otherwise Opie is currently waiting for adoption at the Petsmart in Lexington.

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Ariel
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Age: Young
Male or Female: F
Size:

L

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Pet Name: Monkey
Breed: Bombay
Age: Young
Male or Female: M
Size: M

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Pet Name: Trevor
Breed: Domestic Short Hair – Buff And White
Age: Adult
Male or Female: M
Size: L

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Pet Name: Sweet Pea
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Age: Senior
Male or Female: M
Size: XL

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Rock out to one of these South Carolina radio stations

Many people living in the state of South Carolina like to visit the local bars to listen to their favorite music. When they do not feel like socializing with friends at the local bar, they often sit at home and listen to the radio while doing their chores or partaking in other activities.Some of their favorite radio stations for entertainment in South Carolina are listed below:

WSBF   88.1 FM  – This station broadcasts out of Clemson University and is formatted to keep you informed about college and radio.

WYFV   88.7 FM – For those who like to listen to religious-themed presentations, this is offered on this station for entertainment in South Carolina.

WJWJ   89.9 FM – Another favorite radio station happens to be WJWJ which is a public radio station.

WLFJ   89.3 FM – This station plays contemporary music with a Christian theme and also other radio based programs.

These are just a few stations that folks listen to in this glorious state. Get tuned in today, Broad River Trace!

Photo credit: mzacha

Ingredient Spotlight: Italian Parsley

Parsley is a garnish. Or that’s what so many of us tell ourselves, passing it without a second look at the grocery store. More…

Recipe: Smoked Salmon Potato Cakes with Herb Crème Fraîche Recipes from The Kitchn

Smoked pork has hogged the spotlight long enough. It’s time bacon stepped aside and let smoked fish enjoy a little well-deserved attention. Smoked trout is my weekday lunch staple, but when it comes to weekend brunches or other special meals, I splurge on smoked salmon. In this recipe, pungent, smoky slices flavor a soft potato cake that is dredged in panko and cooked until crisp, then drizzled with an herbed crème fraîche. Bacon who? More

Ryan’s Stunning San Francisco Remodel Kitchen Tour

Newlyweds Ryan and Tim moved into a beautiful home on Guerrero St. in San Francisco, and with Ryan’s love of cooking and talents as a chef, the first order of business was to remodel the kitchen into a more functional space, drenched in natural light. Planning a wedding and remaking a kitchen were quite tall tasks to tackle simultaneously but they pulled both events off in spades!

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No, I’m Not a Wine Drinker: 3 Social Tips from a Teetotaler

It’s Wine Week here at The Kitchn and it’s always a rough time for me. You see, I’m one of the few folks on the planet that refrains from the consumption of alcohol (with an occasional exception for cooking wines). It always results in slightly awkward conversation in mixed company but there are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way for making things less awkward. More

Aiden & Charlie’s Earth-Toned Kitchen Kitchen Spotlight

Aiden, a writer, and Charlie, a potter and gallery owner, renovated their small 1920s Rhode Island farmhouse shortly after getting married, and were clearly inspired by the natural surroundings. (The house sits on quiet road, and you can see cows and sheep grazing in a nearby field.) The light-filled kitchen is rustic and earthy, and mixes both old and new elements: the kitchen table and overhead mobile light fixture were inherited (old), while the hutch was handcrafted from salvaged wood (new and old). More

Gather 'round the fire for fun and stories with the family

Deep in the heart of South Carolina is the perfect place to take the family for some rest and relaxation for a few days.  How about a camping trip?

The Barnyard RV Park, which is located in Lexington, is a place where you can camp and bond with those you love without having to go too far.  It’s right off Highway 1, just minutes from I-20 and I-26 and is surrounded by lots of shops, restaurants and area attractions.

So what is a day like at the park? You can access various RV amenities including cable TV, air conditioned bath and laundry facilities, ice, a pay phone and phone line for local calls and internet access.  The site is within walking distance of the grocery store, restaurants, gas stations, a skating rink, public playground and propane filling station.

The park is open all year, and the Spring is the perfect time to visit! Office hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 12:30 to 8 pm.  For more information about the park, click the link above.  Enjoy, and take lots of pictures! We’d love to see them on the Broad River Trace Facebook page!

Photo credit: Zulfikar

Sit back and enjoy a hysterical night of comedy at Comedy Zone

It’s Monday again and you may have just been thrust into a week of busyness, maybe some work stress and other things that come along with the work week.  Don’t worry, though, because even though it’s days away you can look forward to a hilarious night at downtown Columbia’s new hotspot – The Comedy Zone Club! What better way is there to end a long week than with an opportunity to laugh it all out?

If you would like to do so, there are lots of well-known acts coming to the club in the coming weeks, including:

April 21st: Spanky Brown

April 28th: Tony Boswell

May 5th: Jerry Farber

May 12th: Kurt Green

May 16th: Pauly Shore (7:30 pm)

Unless otherwise indicated, shows are on Saturdays at 8 pm and 10 pm.  Please note that Pauly Shore’s show will be on a Wednesday.

*The  club is located at 1615 Gervais St. downtown.  Click here for directions to the venue, which is under 5 miles from Broad River Trace!

Photo credit: atsoram

When life gets hectic, it’s the little things..

Phew…sorry for the neglect this week! I have a lot of major deadlines this week..my average bedtime the past two weeks has been 3 AM. Anyway, I figured I’d take time today to post some eye candy, not only to inspire you, but also to give me a much needed break from my current projects.

Here are some little (and big) pleasures to indulge in if you can…

a peaceful soak

a meal enjoyed without TV and catching up with those you live with but don’t necessary get to talk to everyday!

A beautiful place to read…

The piece you’ve had your eye on for ages and finally get to bring home

Little details that make life beautiful

What makes your life beautiful?

via 1. Mag 91, 2. Design Interior, 3. TradHome, 4. Adore Home, 5.  ?

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House tour! A vintage but minimal Toronto apartment

This apartment, inhabited by young entrepreneur Nikole, used to be a “bachelor apartment.” In the beginning of the 20th century, bachelor apartments were created in old houses for young, unmarried professionals who were just starting out. The space is just 350 sq. ft., but the amazing light and bright walls keep the space airy.

Nikole used to work as a pastry chef, so her kitchen and amazing array of tools is one of the most important areas of her home.  You can see her shop, full of nifty tools, here.

I don’t usually go for accent walls, but I like this charcoal gray ones. It keeps the space from being overly feminine.

Go to Covet Garden to see more and read the story.

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The glamorous interiors of Schuyler Samperton

It is always such a treat when I’m introduced to an interior designer whose work I haven’t seen before. It doesn’t happen very often, which is why I’m really excited to share with you Schuyler Samperton. She’s an LA based designer with a cool modern twist on traditional decorating. I’m sure some of you do know her work – and even if you’ve seen it before, I imagine it’s just as beautiful to look at the second…, third…, fourth time around…

Pops of pink and turquoise balance out the visual heaviness of the dark wood beams

I would never think to put together that rug that table, with those curtains and that striped chair.  It’s a very unexpected blend, and I like that it looks like the furnishings and decor was collected over time as opposed to items purchased just to match.

The two below images are from the home of model Carolyn Murphy, which was featured in March’s vogue!

Those wood floors are heaven!

Do you like Schuyler’s style?

Go to Schuyler Samperton’s site to see more.

Read more…