Did you know that Columbia was recently named in the Top 8 Cities You Should Visit Before They’re Too Popular? If you have spent more than 5+ years in Columbia, SC, you know that the city is booming. We have a new minor league baseball team, Fort Jackson celebrated 100 years old of service and Main Street is seeing an influx of new breweries, coffee shops and restaurants. If you haven’t checked out some of Columbia’s “real southern hotspots” here are a few that you don’t want to miss out on. Riverbank Zoo and Garden: This spring the zoo opened up a brand new Sea Lion exhibit that you don’t want to miss! The zoo offers activities for all ages including zip line tours, children’s waterfall junction, and of course, lots and lots of animals. Columbia Fireflies: The brand new Spirit Communications Park has drawn more than 155,000 people to watch the Columbia Fireflies take on other South Atlantic minor league teams. The Park is located in the new Bull Street Development which has a 20-year plan in place that will draw in retail shops, apartments, restaurants and much more. Main Street: If you haven’t made your way to Main St. in the past year, you are missing out! Main St. offers everything you could imagine for the perfect date night. Cocktails at Bourbon, dinner at Public House, a movie at The Nickelodeon and finishing with ice cream at Sweet Cream, you can’t go wrong. Look out for a boutique grocery (Local Yocal), boutique hotel (Hotel Trundel) and a high-end bowling alley. Need more of a reason to love Columbia, check out the video >> >
14,000 people experience water damage at home or work each day. Yes, you read that right, EACH DAY! Whether a leaky water heater turns into a geyser or a toilet overflows, water damage can cost you in more ways than one.
Electric bill + Columbia weather = one hefty price tag. Living in Columbia, SC we all prepare for the summer months by lowering our thermostats, constantly drinking ice-cold water and spending the least amount of time possible outside. When we get that June electric bill, we know it will be higher than that of our “winter” months. So how can we save our bank accounts while making sure we don’t melt in the process? Here are a few tricks and tips to help you stay cool this summer. Keep your freezer full. Experts note that the food acts as insulation, and items packed together stay cooler and lighten the load on the refrigerator. Make use of ceiling fans to cool rooms, decreasing the demand on the air conditioner. Turn off heat dry on the dishwasher. Lots of energy goes to heating the dishes to get them dry. If you have the time, letting them air dry can save energy. Turn down the heat on the hot water system (or ask your property manager to assist you). About 13 percent of a home’s electric use goes to heating water in the hot water tank. A lower temperature setting uses less energy. Close doors and vents. If you are spending time in the family room, why waste energy trying to cool the basement or guest room? Turn off your lights. I know, sounds silly, but it really can save you money in the long run. Inspect your AC unit. This is a great time to reach out to your landlord or property manager to make sure that everything in the unit is running properly and efficiently.
