Sally Salamander
Expiration: 365 days after purchase
They say the best way to explore a new place is on foot. So lace up your sneakers and learn all about iconic landmarks throughout Columbia, SC through the eyes of Sally Salamander. Sally, Columbia’s official amphibian ambassador, has 20 stops out and about the city to provide information about cultural and historical icons of South Carolina. Happy searching!
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See locations on an interactive map.
Adluh Flour Mills
Even as small as I am I can’t miss this giant and iconic landmark! Adluh Flour Company, built in 1900, is the only flour mill still operating in South Carolina. You can find some of their stone-milled grits as part of the main course in some of our local restaurants. We’re halfway through the walking tour, so you won’t find my statue here. I’ve already scurried off to the next spot.
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Arcade Mall
Not that kind of arcade, silly! Built in 1912, the Arcade was Columbia’s first indoor mall. The architecture features terra cotta and marble detailing. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 17, 1982.
Blue Marlin
You are now standing in what used to be Columbia’s train station. Yep, what once stood as the Seaboard Diner is now the Blue Marlin. Our city has done a great job of preserving history while looking toward the future.
Columbia Museum Of Art
Columbia’s world-class museum features fantastic art inside and out. Now that you’ve found me, poke around the museum to see the colorful paintings. Or walk around Boyd Plaza and notice the Keenan Fountain, Apollo’s Cascade with its many waterfalls, Henry Moore’s Upright Motive, No. 8, and the large steel and fiberglass sculpture Homage to Abbot Suger.
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Columbia SC Visitors Center
Sally here! You’re at stop no. 1 of your journey! Here at the Columbia SC Visitors Center, you’ll find me outside, but venture inside for your brochure and any further information you may need. This is your one-stop-shop for information on anything and everything Columbia has to offer.
Halls Chophouse Columbia
Do you think they can make me a slice with earthworms on it? Opened in 1940, Villa Tronco is South Carolina’s oldest restaurant. However, the building was originally home to the Palmetto Volunteer Fire Engine Company, constructed in 1866. The Troncos were one of the first families to introduce pizza to Columbia!
Hanging Drums
Don’t miss me down here! I’m just relaxing after my drum solo. The Hanging Drums are a public art sculpture created by local artists, Eileen Blyth and Mark Finley, consisting of five steel drums constructed from propane tanks. The drums, which are meant to be interactive, immediately draw the curiosity of visitors to Main Street.
Lincoln Street Tunnel
Join me for a walk around the 100-year-old railroad tunnel, formerly part of the Seaboard Air Line Railway, a major eastern rail route. Recently renovated to include landscaping and lighting, it is utilized by bikers and pedestrians. Within the tunnel, local artists were hired to paint murals within the tunnel of Columbia’s history, including “Watermarked”, which depicts the historic flood of October 2015.
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Mast General Store Columbia
The building that houses Mast General was built in the 1870s, and originally housed Efrid’s Department Store. Mast General was awarded the Preservation and Restoration award in 2012. Families visit Mast General for the large selection of toys and overflowing candy bins, and outdoor and sporting gear.
Never Bust Chain
Look up and discover a unique piece of work created by Columbia’s own famous artist, Blue Sky. His inspiration came when the wall between the two buildings was torn down. Blue Sky didn’t want Sylvan’s to “float away” from the rest of the block, so he chained it down.
Nickelodeon Theatre
The Nickelodeon Theatre was founded in 1979 as home to the Columbia Film Society. The non-profit organization supports the arts and education. The theatre showcases a wide variety of independent films and is home to different film festivals throughout the year. I sure would love some popcorn!
Palmetto Building
You are now standing next to a building nearly 100 years old. I can’t imagine ever being that old! The Palmetto Building was built in 1913 and featured a bank on the first level. Notice the architecture of the building. Take a walk inside and channel your inner salamander to feel the different stones. Can you tell what they are?
Richland Library Main
Shhhh! I’m finishing a new book! This library is one popular spot because of the contemporary architecture and more than 20 pieces of original artwork. Downstairs, children go wild over the thousands of books, puppet stage, listening center, and puzzles. Characters from “Where the Wild Things Are” greet you as you enter the Children’s Room. Do you know the author of the book?
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South Carolina State House
I love to brush up on my history when I’m here! Notice the home of democracy at the State House, located in the heart of Columbia and at the end of Main Street. It sure is a historic building with a storied past of war, struggle and accomplishments. The State House grounds are home to more than two dozen monuments. Can you find all 6 bronze stars located on the building?
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Sweet Cream Co.
Who else is craving a sweet treat? Sweet Cream Company makes small batch ice cream using locally grown seasonal ingredients. All products are handcrafted in their store on Main Street and are also shipped anywhere in the United States.
The Big Apple
I love to dance and shake my spots so that’s why I had to stand in front of the Big Apple Club. In the late 1930’s, Columbia’s young African-American teens would come here to dance the night away. This is where the Big Apple dance craze was born – not New York City, it’s too cold for me there anyway!
The Gong
Sound the gong! This landmark was created by local artists Clark Ellefson and Matthew Kramer, who said that Marvin Chernoff, considered a public relations mastermind, inspired the idea to create the Gong. The men said they remembered the late Mr. Chernoff having a smaller version of the gong that he used to signify the end of a conversation and a need to move on.
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Trinity Cathedral
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is one of the oldest houses of worship in Columbia, founded in 1812. Several prominent figures are buried here, including several Episcopal bishops; South Carolina governors; a U.S. Secretary of State, Senator and Supreme Court justice; officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary War and Civil War; three presidents of the University of South Carolina; and a poet laureate of the Confederacy. Modeled after York Minster in England, the church is an example of English Gothic Revival architecture with 56 stained glass installations added between 1847 and 1998.
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USC Horseshoe
This is where I would spend my time between classes if I was a Gamecock! The Horseshoe was the original campus of the University of South Carolina when it was founded in 1801. Federal and regency architectural styles are represented in the buildings, including the South Caroliniana Library, designed by SC native Robert Mills, the United States’ first federal architect.
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Villa Tronco Italian Restaurant
Opened in 1940, Villa Tronco is Columbia’s oldest Italian restaurant. However, the building was originally home to the Palmetto Volunteer Fire Engine Company, constructed in 1866. The Troncos were one of the first families to introduce pizza to Columbia.