Holiday Fun at Riverbanks Zoo Columbia, SC
Riverbanks zoo is the home to more than 2,000 animals that represent more than 350 species from all over the world. The Botanical Garden was hailed by Horticulture Magazine as one of the 10 gardens that inspire, and by HGTV as one of the 20 great gardens across America. This combination, makes Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens a wonderful, family friendly way to enjoy a beautiful day in Columbia.
Riverbanks is more than just a place to come visit the animals and view the gardens though, there are always things going on for guests to participate in, or to make the zoo an even more enjoyable experience than before.
If you are over 21, during the summer, Riverbanks Zoo hosts "Brew at the Zoo," named one of the Southeast Tourism Society's top 20 events! This is a time to get together with friends, eat BBQ, taste beer from all over, while enjoying live music. It is a good time had by all. More into wine? Riverbanks also hosts a wine tasting in the Botanical Gardens. There are fine wines, savory snacks, wine experts and live jazz. A classy event that you must check out for 2010!
Some of the most popular festivities begin around Halloween. October 23-30, Riverbanks Zoo hosts "Boo at the Zoo." This is a time, from 6 to 9pm that you and your children under age 12 can dress up in costumes and head to the zoo for the annual spookatcular, complete with Frankenstein's Foam Zone, a DJ dance party and a trick-or-treat trail!
Other fun things to do at Riverbanks, as the weather gets colder and the holdays get closer is the Holiday Farmers Market (Wednesdays from 2-dark November 5-December 16). This is a time when you can support local farmers by stopping by Riverbanks' "farmers market" for some home grown fruits, vegetables, honey, fresh-baked goodies, jams/jellies, eggs, home-made soaps, etc. This is a delicious way to support South Carolina's farmers!
A personal favorite is the Lights before Christmas that runs from November 21 to January 3 from 6 to 9pm. During this time, the zoo is illuminated with nearly one million twinkling lights and more than 350 hand crafted images. They also have a "holiday village" with an area to roast marshmallows during the Jingle Bells Bonfire, and an area to take pictures with Santa. Also, be sure to bundle up, because during this time, it "snows" every night at the zoo! This is a time that you won't want to miss!
In conclusion, Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens is a wonderful way for you to get some fresh air and spend a beautiful day in South Carolina's capitol city. The zoo is a very popular attraction among Columbia residents and is a must see if you have never been before! Check it out, I gaurantee you will love it!
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