Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/61584
pulse, there are a multitude of reasons why Columbia, SC is known to be "Famously Hot." Easy to access by three major interstates (I-77, I-26, and I-20), Columbia is situated in the center of the state of South Carolina at the convergence of three rippling rivers lined by a shady riverwalk per- fect for jogging and walking. Several entertainment districts with outdoor cafes, coffee shops, art galleries and shops present year-round opportuni- ties for socializing and enjoying the outdoors. Historic homes and ante- bellum mansions nod to a bygone era while high-tech start-up companies and arts enthusiasts thrive in the urban revitalization occurring in the downtown area. Columbia may be known for its "hot spots", but opens the eyes of visitors and residents daily to a "surprisingly cool" lifestyle and culture. Columbia may be Famously Hot, W but the forecast is predictable; mostly sunny the majority of the time! Nighttime brings light breezes and comfortable temperatures. Columbia stays above frigid temps and snow is a rare sighting. Though Columbia does not boast a tropical or even sub-trop- ical climate, outdoor enthusiasts will nevertheless enjoy winter tempera- tures here. Average daily highs and lows are 67º and 41º in November, 58º and 35º in December, 57º and 34º in January, and 60º and 36º in February. Columbia area attractions are easy to find lying at the confluence of three rivers just downstream from a 50,000-acre recreational lake. Enjoying more than 300 days of sun- shine per year, visitors can expect Columbia and the surrounding com- munities to offer an exciting variety of year-round attractions to explore. You'll find fascinating historical and cultural attractions, a world-class zoo, outdoor recreation, festivals, parks and sporting events. Golfers will have a field day in Columbia. Not only can travelers get assistance from the Columbia Skiing Buffalo 34 Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com COLUMBIA, SC ith roots that are unmistak- ably Southern and a for- ward-thinking and dynamic Columbia City Skyline Convention & Visitors Bureau in helping them choose the right course to strut their golf chops, but they can also contact the Midlands Golf Course Owners Association. This proud group of owners and operators have opened their doors to business and leisure travelers and will help find you the right course to play with the amenities, outstanding service and great greens and fairways to fit your game. For more information call (800) 264-4884 or (803) 545-0000 or visit columbiacvb.com. that Western New York offers visitors a wealth of winter fun. Pond hockey, tubing, sledding, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and ice fishing are among the many outdoor activities to be found in our corner of the Great White North. Hit the slopes at Kissing Bridge in nearby I Colden and at Holiday Valley in the charm- ing village of Ellicottville. Both receive prodi- n the popular imagination Buffalo is syn- onymous with snow. And while this may or may not be justified, the fact remains BUFFALO/NIAGARA, NY gious amounts of snow each winter cour- tesy of the lake effect bands blowing off Lake Erie. If you're looking for snow cov- ered slopes, they've got 'em. The Buffalo Niagara region also has a wealth of great places to both cross country ski and snowshoe, including the Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora, Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, Tifft Nature Preserve on the Buffalo waterfront, and Sprague Brook Park in Colden. A stand out among these appealing choices is Beaver Meadow Audubon Center in North Java (a relatively