Cottontown Art Crawl 2020

Prior to hibernation, we checked out the Cottontown Art Crawl in Columbia, SC. 

artwork of Angela Hughes Zokan

What does an art crawl look like? In this neighborhood of bungalows, very charming!

Approximately 33 participants were set up on porches and yards throughout the neighborhood.

artwork of Andrea Machado

The artwork and mediums varied greatly so there was something for everyone.

pottery by Sandy Knowles

artwork by Chandler Primeaux

artwork by Ginny Merritt

hand painted furniture by Jennifer Gilmore

artwork by Messyrtis Art

sculptures by Diane Gilbert

Artwork by Christy Buchanan

serene artwork by Noelle Brault

Metalwork by Rick's Hand Made

The Whimsical Work of Southern Pottery

Lila's Paintings on Wood

The local businesses were involved too like this shop below, Taste of The South.

artwork by Christi Arnette

Working on this blog post and referencing the map provided, I realized we missed a lot! We tucked the map away so we could enjoy the artwork, stroll and gorgeous weather. Oops.

I hope you enjoyed this Art Crawl.

Stay safe and healthy!

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

Soda City Market

The Soda City Market takes place every Saturday, year round from 9am - 1pm in Columbia, SC.

Why is Columbia called Soda City?

The story goes that Cola is the city's nickname. Over time this evolved into Soda City instead of Cola City.

It has fun food trucks. Food vendors here are required to make it or grow it. Over 12 nationalities are represented for variety.

Local crafters show their goodies.

It is super crowded on a beautiful day where parts of it you can't stop walking or you will get trampled over.

There is live music and beer because who doesn't want loud music and a brewski in the morning?

I imagine the university students enjoy coming here for hangover food.

It is a great place for well behaved canines of all sizes to get attention.

It is the south so there has to be a smoker somewhere. How creative is this bus contraption?

It is an experience.

The longest line goes to this vendor, Venezuela in 1 Bite.

I have to do some research on Venezuelan food before giving it a try. Considering the line I am certain it is delicious!

Well I hope you enjoyed this walk through the Soda City Market. 

If you are near and want to check it out, this sets up between 1300 - 1500 Main Street. Much larger than we expected! This market averages 150 vendors each week.

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

Largest Fire Hydrant in the World

Just a little something quirky in the city of Columbia, SC.

It is known as the largest fire hydrant in the world.

No is it not an actual working fire hydrant. It stands almost 40 feet tall.

It was constructed by South Carolina artist Blue Sky and unveiled in 2001. 

Why is it crooked? It was purposely designed this way to look like it had encountered something unpleasant, such as a truck hitting it.

That little person at the bottom is me to show the scale of this unique landmark.

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park is much enjoyed place by many in Columbia, SC.

This is the old Columbia Canal which is not exactly pretty but it features 4 miles of flat, wide, paved pathway for walkers, joggers, canine owners and bike riders.

The old pump house is on display here to show how this worked in the early 1900s. This room has a really cool industrial vibe!

Besides the riverwalk, this is always a place to come relax, enjoy flowers, people watching and more.

Here you can view the Broad River.

Its inhabitants.

Parts of the river rush so the sounds are soothing!

One thing I have never seen in a park until now is hammocks! Brilliant!

There is an charming outdoor amphitheater for events. 

Just relax on a park bench.

If anyone knows what these draping purple pretties are, please let me know. They speak to me so I would like to know if they are easy garden flowers!

I hope you enjoyed this park. We will enjoy this one year round. Like many of the parks here it is free to park and enjoy.

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

Seibels House and Gardens

The oldest standing house in Columbia, SC is the Seibels House dating back to 1796.

It is located on a beautiful tree lined street in the Robert Mills Historic District.

It features amazing gardens.

These grounds do get rented out for events like weddings.

One thing I love about plants down here is all the different ones with red stalks. Just gorgeous!

We were here in late October but there was still plenty to enjoy.

We will come back in spring and summer to see more variety.

We got lucky enjoying a peaceful morning walk here with no one else present!

Butterflies are around much later in the season here.

The palmettos are so neat since there are so many different ones to check out.

The hairy ones look quite messy.

We have been seeing a lot of these black leaves with red berries. Something we would like in our yard someday.

There are some plants that just don't look real, but they are! These branches below grow in such an odd formation that we have never seen before.

I could go on and on but I will stop here.

If you are in the area looking for a garden to enjoy, stop by 1601 Richland Street in Columbia, SC.

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val