With spring on the way and the arrival of warmer weather, it’s time to start planning some fun outdoor activities. Luckily for those of us who live in the Orangeburg area, there are lots of great things to do outdoors. Let’s discuss what the Orangeburg area has to offer. 
Edisto Memorial Gardens
The Edisto Memorial Gardens is a great destination for both nature lovers and history buffs. On February 12, 1865, the Confederate Army temporarily halted an advancement by the Union Army where the gardens now stand. This confrontation is commemorated with a bronze marker. In the 1920s, five acres of azaleas were planted and a playground was added. In 1947 a greenhouse was added, while 1951 saw the planting of the garden’s first rose. The Edisto Memorial Rose Garden now contains 79 rose beds. The garden also features a wetlands park, a butterfly garden, a serenity garden, and a sensory garden.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in nearby Columbia is a South Carolina treasure. The zoo’s Ndoki Forest is a stunning recreation of the African forest and serves as a home to elephants, meerkats, and gorillas. In the Riverbanks Conservation Outpost, you’ll spot a variety of animals, including the black-footed cat, golden-lion tamarin, and Matschie’s tree kangaroo. During your visit, be sure to visit the Riverbanks Farm. As you enter the farm’s barn you’ll see a group of barn owls roosting overhead and you’ll have the chance to interact with alpacas and goats. If you’re feeling adventurous, the zoo offers an exciting zip line tour.
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park provides visitors with all sorts of ways to enjoy its diverse and beautiful surroundings. There are several hiking trails offering spectacular views of the park’s oxbow lakes, the Congaree River, and old-growth trees that are part of the country’s tallest deciduous forest. There is also a marked trail in Cedar Creek for canoeing and kayaking. While paddling down the creek, you’re sure to see river otter, deer, turtles, wading birds, and even an alligator or two. Fishing is also permitted with a valid South Carolina fishing license. Congaree National Park has two campgrounds to accommodate overnight visitors.
Hillcrest Golf Club
Hillcrest Golf Club, one of the top-ranked municipal golf courses in the Carolinas, is accommodating to beginner golfers while providing an exciting challenge for more experienced players all in a beautiful setting. Instruction is offered by Hillcrest’s friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the course’s practice facility features a driving range, putting green, a practice chipping green, and a practice bunker. You’ll find all of the apparel and equipment you need at the course’s fully-stocked pro shop. You can also grab a bite to eat at the clubhouse grill and enjoy a game of tennis on one of the club’s four hard surface courts.
These are just some of the wonderful outdoor activities in the Orangeburg area. Consider planning a trip so you can see for yourself the wonders of South Carolina. Stay safe and have fun!
Image by SymphonicPoet via CC BY 2.0
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