The next city of discovery is Columbia, SC. I stayed at the newly remodeled Holiday Inn on Two Notch Road. A very comfortable setting plus a hospitable staff made my two weeks away from home bearable. The hotel itself has a restaurant, a huge lounge with several TVs, an outdoor pool which was clean, a fitness center, a small business center and an on-site laundry facility. It is close to HWY I-20 and I-77. The surrounding area boasts several restaurants and shopping centers/malls. Unlike some of the smaller hotels in the area, this particular hotel was quiet and cozy. Restaurants to check out include the Crab House (try their Steam Pots- delicious), Sakura Japanese restaurant has great food and the cooks are hilarious, don't bypass the Lizards Thicket (southern comfort food) can't beat the price of $6.25 for a meat and two veggies and last but not least get in a good game of trivia at Hooters, food was consistently well done especially the clam chowder and if you really like hot wings bypass the mild and medium sauce (they have no kick). If you are lucky enough to be there through Saturday catch a show at the Comedy House, which is about 1 to 2 miles from the hotel. The comedian Mike Epps (better known as Dae Dae of the movie Next Friday) was so funny my side was hurting the next day from laughing so hard. By the way he also stayed at the same hotel I did. One last thing, consider the time of your visit, if you like the heat and don't mind the humidity, June through August is the best time for you, but if you want to stay a little cooler avoid these months.
