Carolina Insider 2019

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

WRITERS

DESIGNERS

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA

CAITLIN NEBEL

LAUREN BUSMAN JON BUTTO HALLIE HAYES MARIA JUTTON JOE MCLEAN EMMANUELA MITZALIS LIANA PORTE EMILIE ROLLET CLEOPATRA SHABAZZ PRERANA SHIDHAYE TIA TERNBERG PHILICIA THOMPSON

CALISTA BERNER ABBY MEYER EMILY SCHOONOVER MEAGEN SIGMON KATIE SLACK GRACE STEPTOE

SARAH SCARBOROUGH

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

EDGAR SANTANA

THOMAS AIKEN VINCENT ARCEO JON BUTTO BARRON COLEMAN CAL DEAN EVAN JOHNSTON

ADVERTISING MANAGER

COPY EDITORS MARIA JUTTON RITA NAIDU

PHOTOGRAPHERS ZAHIDA ASHROFF LAUREN BUSMAN DAVID CHEN HANNAH WADE

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA SYDNEY PATTERSON

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

PATRICK DIDOMENICO

CONTENTS THINGS TO KNOW ATHLETICS

5

CAROLINACARD / STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER

6

STUDY ABROAD

8

WRITING CENTER / CAROLINA ALERT

9

MULTICULTURAL STUDENT AFFAIRS

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

24

INTRAMURAL SPORTS

25

COMMUNITY SERVICE

26

WHERE TO GO ON CAMPUS

WHERE TO EAT OFF CAMPUS THE GOURMET SHOP / KAMINSKY’S DESSERT CAFÉ

44

VILLAGE IDIOT / GROUCHO’S DELI / COOK OUT

45

RUSSELL HOUSE UNIVERSITY UNION

28

PAWLEYS FRONT PORCH

46

THE HORSESHOE

30

48

10

THE BAKED BEAR / BELGIAN WAFFLE TRUCK

THOMAS COOPER LIBRARY

31

OFF-CAMPUS LIVING & NEIGHBORHOOD RELATIONS

11

32

THE CORNER BLEND / TSUNAMI

50

GYMS BLATT & STROM

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

13

GREENE STREET

33

COOL BEANS

51

STUDENT TICKETING

14

ATHLETIC FACILITIES

34

THEATERS / GREEK VILLAGE

35

WHAT TO DO ON CAMPUS

WHERE TO EAT ON CAMPUS

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

17

FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE

18

INTERFAITH INITIATIVES

20

GAMECOCK ENTERTAINMENT

21

THE DAILY GAMECOCK / GARNET & BLACK

22

WUSC / SGTV

23

1801 GRILLE / COMMUNITY TABLE

37

CAFÉ VERDE / COUNSELOR’S CAFÉ / COLLOQUIUM CAFÉ

39

EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS AT HUMANITIES / GIBBES COURT BISRTO

40

TOP OF CAROLINA / GLOBAL CAFÉ

41

WHERE TO GO OFF CAMPUS MAIN STREET / THE VISTA

54

DEVINE STREET / FIVE POINTS / CONGAREE RIVER

55

RIVERBANKS ZOO AND GARDEN

56

GREENVILLE / ASHEVILLE

57

CHARLESTON / CHARLOTTE

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

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Hannah Wade / Garnet Media Group

ATHLETICS Cleopatra Shabazz Athletics are a significant part of the college experience at USC, especially since most of the university’s teams are in the Southeastern Conference, one of the most competitive in the country. Because of high demand, students must request tickets to attend football, basketball and baseball games (see pg. 14 for more information on student ticketing).

College football is king in the South, and throughout the season, students pack the student section of Williams-Brice Stadium, which includes the upper and lower decks starting in the north end zone and stretching almost to the 50-yard line.

Third-year journalism student Landon Stamper said that the best way to enjoy a football game is to get there early with a group of friends.

“I think it’s a really great way to

have community and eat and all that stuff before the game,” Stamper said.

“I really like getting into the games an hour early because you can get really good seats and see all the warm-ups and take in the experiences of an SEC football game.”

Basketball games also require students to request tickets and the seating is first-come, first-served.

This season, the women’s basketball team made its eighth consecutive NCAA appearance and advanced to the Final Four. Head coach Dawn Staley is a very prominent figure at USC, especially after the team won the national championship in 2017. The Gamecocks are headed into the 2019-2020 season with the top recruiting class of players in the nation.

Students will also have to request

tickets for baseball games, but these games offer a variety of seating locations for students.

Student can increase their chances of receiving a ticket to football, basketball or baseball games by attending other athletic events such as soccer, volleyball, softball and swimming and diving. This season, the Gamecock volleyball team made its first NCA A tournament appearance in 16 years and made it to the second round.

Stamper said his favorite athletic events to attend during the spring are tennis matches.

“I really like going to tennis because it’s super exciting and there’s always action,” Stamper said. “It’s usually a little bit earlier in the morning when it’s not so hot outside.”

This season, the women’s tennis

team won its first SEC championship against the previously undefeated Georgia Bulldogs.

South Carolina fans must also abide by a clear bag policy, which restricts what size and type of bag is allowed within athletics venues.

Information about the bag policy and other aspects of the game day experience can be found on the Athletics website.

No matter which athletic event they attend, though, Gamecock fans can find something to enjoy.

“It kind of helps put you inside of the community and shows that, ‘Hey, we’re all here rooting for the same team and we’re part of a family,’” Stamper said.

Athletics gamecocksonline.com

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

CAROLINACARD Cleopatra Shabazz Every student that attends the University of South Carolina is required to have a CarolinaCard.

Student s are not re quire d to carry their CarolinaCards with a lanyard around their neck, but it’s important for students to bring their CarolinaCard wherever they go.

In addition to student identification, CarolinaCards are also used to give students access electronically to buildings on campus through scanners outside doors.

Most commonly, CarolinaCards allow students who live on campus to access their residence halls. Every residence hall requires residents to scan their CarolinaCards before entering the building.

CarolinaCards are also the way

students use their meal plans. Every freshman is required to purchase a traditional meal plan, which is loaded onto the CarolinaCard. Meal plan options range from 10-21 meal swipes a week, with options to add different amounts of Meal Plan Dollars (MPD), which can be used for snacks or small items that aren’t worth an entire meal swipe or in case the meal goes over the allotted meal cost.

After their first year, students can instead choose to purchase a declining balance meal plan, which provides a set amount of MPD that students can budget throughout the semester to cover their meals.

Each level of declining balance plan includes a certain number of guest

meals, which are the equivalent of a normal meal swipe. This allows more freedom in when and how to use the meal plan, a great option for commuting students.

C a ro l i n a C a r d s a l s o co n t a i n students’ CarolinaCash, which can be used like a debit card to purchase food and other items on campus and at participating off-campus locations. CarolinaCash is accepted at many off-campus restaurants, certain grocery and convenience stores, bowling alleys and even hair salons. Students often use CarolinaCash to buy concessions at Gamecock athletic events instead of bringing their personal credit or debit card. Money can be reloaded on to the CarolinaCard by using one

of the ATMs located in the Russell House or online at my.sc.edu/ carolinacard.

If a student’s CarolinaCard gets damaged, lost or stolen, they can go to the CarolinaCard office for a replacement. The replacement fee is $25 for a damaged card and $35 for a lost or stolen card. The CarolinaCard Office is located in the Russell House basement across from the Student Mail Center and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CarolinaCard Russell House basement my.sc.edu/carolinacard

STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER Joe McLean At a university as large as USC, students sometimes find themselves needing just a bit more individualized support than large lecture classes, even with the best professors, can provide. From group supplemental instruction to peer tutoring, the Student Success Center can give students multiple ways to meet all kinds of academic needs and goals.

Housed on the mezzanine level of the Thomas Cooper Library, the Student Success Center offers a variety of resources to assist students in their studies and with life as a college student, and the best part: SSC services are included in tuition.

One of the most used services in the SSC is peer tutoring. Students can make appointments online to meet one-on-one with peer tutors for more than 100 courses.

These tutors are students who have

previously taken and done well in the class, and they are specifically trained to help students learn and understand course content.

The Student Success Center also offers drop-in tutoring at various locations across campus, including Columbia Hall, Green Quad, and Swearingen Engineering Center, with no appointment necessary.

These sessions are still run by peer tutors, but students looking for help can drop-in at any time within the scheduled windows and a tutor will be available.

The SSC gives students an option to request a tutor for a course if tutoring for that particular one isn’t already offered. Requests should be made in person at the front desk of the SSC by mid-semester.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions are another popular option

for students looking for a little extra support. These tutoring sessions are taught by fellow undergraduates who attend the class sessions with students and plan sessions to help build off of the material from the lecture. Some of the classes included in SI are ACCT 225, BIOL 101, CHEM 102 and MATH 141 and 142.

A full list of classes supported by peer tutoring or supplemental instruction can be found on the Student Success Center’s website.

In addition to course-specific assistance, the Student Success Center offers students help with writing through the Peer Writing and Communications (PWC) Lab, guidance on academic research from peer research consultants trained by Thomas Cooper Library staff, academic success workshops that train students on general skills

like time management, and even money management workshops and consultations designed to help students feel empowered to make better financial decisions both in college and afterward.

The SSC also offers support for specific student populations that may have their own unique needs, like transfer students and veterans.

Students from either population can make one-on-one appointments with consultants to find relevant resources and support for their transition to the university.

Student Success Center Thomas Cooper Library, Mezzanine sc.edu/success

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3 You must be 18 years or older to qualify for a loan. Qualifications for a loan are based on the credit union’s criteria, including applicant’s income and credit history.

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

Courtesy of Study Abroad

STUDY ABROAD Cleopatra Shabazz USC offers many study abroad programs that allow students to complete courses all over the world. Students have the option of traveling abroad to take courses for their major, minor or Carolina Core requirements. The Study Abroad office hosts a study abroad fair every September in the Russell House ballroom to help students get a head start on planning their trip.

“We have hundreds, probably thousands of students come by that, because it is kind of a fullday event,” said Rebecca Alba, a Study Abroad peer adviser. “There’s lot of tables set up where they can just go get information. We have lots of booklets that come in from our partner programs and from our exchange programs.”

Students who are unable to attend the study abroad fair are encouraged to stop by the Study Abroad office in suite 453 of the Close-Hipp Building. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There are also two informational sessions held during each weekday: a morning session beginning at 10:30 a.m. and an afternoon session at 3 p.m. Students are required to attend one

informational session before meeting with a Study Abroad adviser and applying to study abroad.

“It’s kind of giving the basic process of study abroad,” said Study Abroad peer adviser Andy Co. “How to apply, how to make sure you can pay for it, all the different scholarship options and going over each of the different program types.”

Last spring, Co spent a semester in Barcelona, Spain, taking business courses for his marketing and sport and entertainment management double major and three Spanish cultural electives.

One of the electives Co took was called “Urban Interventions and Public Art.” “The final project was spray painting on the walls of Barcelona led by graffiti artists,” Co said.

“I don’t think you can take a class like that at USC.” Although some students choose places to travel abroad based on their fluency in another language, students are not required to speak another language before studying abroad.

Alba, who spent a semester abroad in Thailand, said she knew “zero Thai” before she went. “While I was there, I did take an ‘Intro to Thai Language and Culture’ class, which did teach us more

conversational things.”

Alba attended an international school with students from all over the world. She says that the most surprising thing she was able to do abroad was travel to other countries in Southeast Asia.

“One thing I never thought I would be able to do was travel to India and see the Taj Mahal,” Alba said.

The Study Abroad office has a representative in the Financial Aid office and offers many scholarships to help students afford to travel abroad. For many students, studying abroad enhanced their college experience and changed their perspectives.

“After college, I actually plan on moving internationally,” Co said. “Seeing how much of the world is out there, seeing the unique cultures, I’d love to be a part of that experience.”

Study Abroad Close-Hipp Building, suite 453 sc.edu/studyabroad

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

WRITING CENTER

CAROLINA ALERT Jon Butto

Philicia Thompson One of the many academic suppor t s ystems available for students is the Writing Center. Open to every student in every major, the Writing Center offers support in all stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to reviewing final drafts.

A ssistance is not limited to classwork and help can be received on personal statements, cover letters, and writing samples.

While the writing center is not an editing service, it does assist students with formatting and MLA/ APA/Chicago Style questions. The center’s mission is to “help writers in all academic disciplines develop their writing abilities, to promote collaborative learning, and to provide writing resources to our academic community.”

Students can make up to two oneon-one appointments a week for either 30 or 50 minutes. Coming prepared with your assignment, any writing you have star ted, and any questions you have will help consultants most effectively assist you. If you simply need help

9

understanding an assignment, you will draft an outline and plan with your writing consultant.

Open weekdays and during finals, the Writing Center has appointment avail abilit y that c ater s to all schedules. If you need help but don’t think you need an appointment, check out the resources on the center’s website. Services like Ask a Librarian, Purdue Owl Online Writing Lab, and other helpful tools can get you started on your assignments and help answer many questions you may have.

O ther writing resources on c a m p u s i n clu d e t h e Stu d e nt Success Center’s Peer Writing and Communications Lab, which offers weekly drop-in hours and one-onone appointments as well.

The Writing Center is a free resource — utilize it! Improve not only your writing skills but your confidence in your own ability.

Writing Center 703 Byrnes Building sc.mywconline.net

803.791.8940 1094 Chris Drive West Columbia 29169 hamptoninn3.hilton.com Complimentary Breakfast • Local Area Transportation • Fitness Center • Pool • Business Center

From severe weather to crime near campus, Carolina Alert keeps the USC communit y informed in emergencies and large-scale event s through more than 20 different modes of communication.

Carolina Alert is a system that sends notifications to students, faculty and staff of urgent situations and safety procedures that are appropriate during these situations.

In emergency situations that require immediate action, like severe weather or an evacuation, the Carolina Alert system sends out text messages to all registered phone numbers of students, faculty and staff. Contact information for emergency notifications can be added or updated in Self Service Carolina. Recently, alerts were used to notif y the community about

precautions to take as hurricanes neared USC ’s campus. In less urgent situations, like in cases where crimes are reported on or near campus, Carolina Alert may forgo a text message alert in favor of a social media post on Twitter (@ CarolinaAlert) or Facebook.

Effective communication is crucial for large campuses like USC’s, and Carolina Alert is one way for students, faculty and staff to stay informed and, most importantly, stay safe while attending Carolina.

Carolina Alert carolinaalert.sc.edu

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

Courtesy of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs

MULTICULTURAL STUDENT AFFAIRS Hallie Hayes The University of South Carolina has a vision for all students to have equal opportunity to succeed. To help achieve this goal, the University of South Carolina created the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. As stated on the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs’ website, its mission is to “build a supportive environment across multiple dimensions of diversit y through ser vices that promote social justice and student success.” The of fice works to unite all students no matter their background, race, sex, etc., offering marginalized students an equal oppor tunit y for success within the University of South Carolina community.

To do this the office sponsors multiple different programs. One program the office is especially known for offering is the Safe Zone program, where students and faculty can attend training workshops to identify themselves as Safe Zone allies. The Safe Zone program is one that offers a safe place for students and faculty who support or identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Workshops are offered throughout each semester and include student Safe Zone workshops, faculty and staff Safe Zone workshops, and trans advocacy workshops.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs also holds various events throughout the year that are open

to any student. Ever walk by Greene Street on Wednesday to see people dancing to blaring music? This office is the root of Hip Hop Wednesday, where organizations can table while a DJ spins old and new hip hop music. Multicultural Student Affairs also holds the Diversity Dialogue series, a dinner at which peers can share their ideas about social justice in the modern political climate, immigration and more. Queer Talks, or QTs, are another popular event.

The QTs take place at dinner time with free food and casual discussion about atonal and local LGBTQ+ issues. The talks are open not only to LGBTQ+ students, but allies too, allowing students the opportunity

to expand their knowledge about communities outside their own.

You can find other programs to get involved in held by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs by visiting Garnet Gate. To contact Multicultural Student Affairs, you can reach out at 803-777-7716 or email the office at saomsa@mailbox. sc.edu.

Multicultural Student Affairs Russell House West Wing Suite 115 sc.edu/multicultural

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

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Courtesy of Off-Campus Living & Neighborhood Relations

OFF-CAMPUS LIVING & NEIGHBORHOOD RELATIONS Cleopatra Shabazz Though all freshmen are required to live on campus their first year, most upperclassmen end up moving off-campus either for convenience or necessity, as USC’s on-campus housing cannot accommodate the full student population. With such a large portion of the student body taking on the challenge of a housing search, the OffCampus Living and Neighborhood Relations office is an important resource to help make the transition easier.

“We get quite a bit of traffic from freshman and transfer students that want to know about their options as far as living off campus or concerns,” said Julian Capel, the student and community outreach director for the office.

The office is located on the lower level of the Russell House West Wing and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Our office does a lot of University 101

presentations in the fall to give that information out to students,” Capel said.

Off-Campus Living also participates in multiple housing fairs during the year, which showcase student housing complexes and proper t y management companies from around the Columbia area.

According to Capel, the office can also discuss other housing options with students, including house rentals from private landlords in nearby neighborhoods and communities. Off-campus Living even has a message board on its website that helps students find roommates, subleases and up-to-date housing options.

Of course, the biggest challenge with living off campus is keeping students engaged with the university culture and student life.

“If you live off campus, there’s obviously a disconnect to the heartbeat of what the campus

has going on,” Capel said. “We try to reach out to them and stay connected to them, but we also remind the students that you’re going to be connected as much as you want to be connected.”

Capel says that the best time for students to look into off-campus housing for the next academic year is the beginning of their second semester. See the Off-Campus Living website or visit the office on the lower level of the Russell House’s west wing for more useful information.

Off-Campus Living and Neighborhood Relations Russell House West Wing Lower level sc.edu/offcampusliving

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

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Robert Carter / Garnet & Black

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES Jon Butto Student Health Services provides students with state-of-the-art physical and mental health care services in the recently built Center for Health and Well-Being and renovated Thomson Building in the center of campus.

Students have access to care from general practitioners, physical therapists, psychiatrists, gynecologists and nutritionists, among others, for everything from check-ups, immunizations, women’s and LGBTQ+ health, therapy and more.

The costs of many of these services are covered by the student health fee, including office visits for primary and women’s health, up to 10 individual

counseling sessions and all group counseling, and preventative care. For other services, like additional psychiatric care or sports medicine visits, the health fee offsets the cost. All students taking six credit hours or more must have health insurance, and Student Health Services offers a student health insurance plan to students who do not already have coverage.

Conveniently, the Center for Health and WellBeing also has an in-house pharmacy on the first floor that can fill prescriptions, even from outside the university or even the state.

Add in a plethora of option for wellness

and prevention workshops, programming and consultations, and students can find everything they need for comprehensive health care right on campus. Visit the Student Health Services page on sc.edu for more detailed information.

Student Health Services Center for Health and Well-Being/ Thomson Building sc.edu/healthservices

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

STUDENT TICKETING

Victoria Richman / The Daily Gamecock

Courtesy of Calista Berner

Tia Ternberg South Carolina sporting events are usually wellattended by those from all areas of the Carolina family, so students need to keep a few things in mind in order to make sure they can attend even those events that are most in-demand.

Every student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours is eligible to receive free admission to sporting events. Part-time students taking less than 12 hours may be eligible to pay the optional Athletic Event Fee to receive the same benefits. Most sporting events only require a valid CarolinaCard for entry, but students must complete a request-and-claim process to get free tickets for football, basketball and baseball. USC’s student ticketing is all managed through the SC Rewards app, so the first step to requesting tickets is for students to download the app and log in using their university email address.

For football games, the request period begins at 9 a.m. the Monday before each home game and ends at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Students will use the SC Rewards app to “purchase” a ticket for $0.

After the request period closes, students who received a ticket will be notified of their ticket

location by email and can then claim it within the app until 4 p.m. on Thursday. If students claim their tickets but then decide not to attend the game, they must cancel the ticket before Friday afternoon to avoid getting a strike against their ticket privileges. Receiving two strikes disqualifies students from attending any more games for the rest of the season.

Sometimes, especially for football games, requests will exceed the number of tickets that are available for students. For those who do not receive a ticket during the normal request period, there’s another option. After the end of the claim period on Thursday, the on-demand period will begin and any cancelled or unclaimed tickets will become available to students first-come, first-served.

The time period for requesting and claiming tickets for baseball and basketball games is a little different than for football games. The request period for baseball and basketball opens on the 20th of each month for the following month’s events, and the ticket, once it’s claimed, will be available three hours prior to the game’s start. In

order to claim a ticket for these events, students can follow the same steps used to request a ticket for home football games. For basketball and baseball, students must cancel tickets at least six hours before the game starts to avoid receiving a strike. Strikes are sports-specific, so issues with eligibility for one sport will not affect others.

Guest tickets are also available for purchase for baseball, basketball and, newly in 2019, football.

For basketball and baseball, tickets are purchased during the claim process and allow guests to sit in the student section. For football, students will indicate while requesting their ticket whether they’d like the option to buy a guest ticket, and they’ll be notified during the claim period if tickets are available to buy. For football, students and guests will be seated outside of the student section.

Visit the Student Ticketing website for detailed instructions on requesting student tickets.

Student Ticketing gamecocksonline.com/studenttickets

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

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Courtesy of the Leadership and Service Center

Liana Porte With a campus full of over 30,000 students with varying interests, it’s no surprise that the University of South Carolina has more than 500 student organizations. From service-oriented clubs to Quidditch teams to worship groups, there is something for everyone to be a part of.

Getting involved on campus is an easy way to get to know Columbia, make new friends and perhaps discover new interests. Student organizations introduce students to people who share their passions and interests, helping to easily expand their Gamecock network. Joining some clubs can also be a great opportunity to get immersed in the Carolina community and potentially push students out of their comfort zones.

Finding an organization that matches any

student’s interests is a breeze. Each semester, there are multiple student organization fairs held right in the heart of campus on Greene Street, where groups promote themselves to potential new members. This is a great chance to explore, network and ask the club members questions.

The university also has an online tool called Garnet Gate that connects students with all of the clubs on campus. Garnet Gate has descriptions of each organization, along with pictures and information about events the group will host.

The online portal can also put students in direct contact with the organization’s officers to make joining a little simpler.

For student s who can’t find the exact organization they’re looking for, the university also offers an option to found a new student

organization. There are only eight steps in the process: Complete the New Student Organization Intent Form, find an adviser, recruit at least 10 members, create a constitution, apply to Garnet Gate, await feedback from the Leadership and Service Center, gain approval and accept memberships on Garnet Gate. It’s simple, and staff members in the Leadership and Service Center is always available to help with the process or answer any questions.

Student Organizations garnetgate.sa.sc.edu sc.edu/leadershipandservice

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

Zachary McKinley / The Daily Gamecock

FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE Hallie Hayes

Fraternities and sororities are a big part of the culture of the University of South Carolina.

In addition to the lifelong friendships formed between members, USC’s 46 fraternities and sororities make up a community dedicated to scholarship, leadership and service.

More than 6,500 students take part in Greek life, as it is colloquially known. While making new friends and connections is a big part of Greek life, academics and scholarship are still a major focus. Every organization chapter has a designated academic or scholarship chair who helps connect members with helpful resources like the tutoring and supplemental instruction services in the Student Success Center. According to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, fraternity and sorority members are around 10% more likely to graduate than students who don’t participate in Greek life.

Nearly 15% of USC’s Greek life obtained a 4.0 GPA during the fall 2018 semester.

Outside of the classroom, members of fraternities and sororities better their community through fundraising and volunteering efforts yearround. In 2018, Carolina fraternity and sorority members completed nearly 107,000 hours of community service and donated more than $1,140,000 to philanthropic partners. Beyond their community, members also better themselves by participating in various leadership programs.

Success, both on the chapter and individual levels, is celebrated through annual awards.

The many diverse Greek organizations at USC are led by four councils: the Intrafraternity Council (IFC), the College Panhellenic Association (CPA), the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). All four

councils recruit new members beginning with events early in the fall semester and, for some, continuing throughout the year.

Greek life is a great opportunity for students to make memories and to better themselves as people, students and friends. The bonds that people form within fraternities and sororities are something many members appreciate for years after graduation.

For recruitment dates, registration deadlines and specific information for every fraternity and sorority, visit the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life’s website and read the comprehensive guide.

Fraternity and Sorority Life Russell House Suite 115 sc.edu/fraternitysororitylife

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

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Download “Rave Guardian” in the Apple or Google Play store.

Enter your USC email address and phone number to join USC’s customized Rave Guardian app.

See Something, Text Something When you need to contact campus safety, you don’t want people overhearing.

Rather than risk not reporting a loud party, someone who drank too much or suspicious character, submit a text message directly to campus safety or other key departments.

Access the tools and resources USC has to offer

Only they will see the tip, and your tip will be confidential for ultimate discretion.

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR PRIVACY With Rave Guardian, you choose what information you want to share. You can share your location to receive geo-targeted alerts and faster response to an emergency call. However, you do not need to share your location or other personal information to use the app. You can access resources and submit tips even without your organization knowing who or where the information is coming from.

Any information you enter into the app is housed in top-tier secure facilities complete with 24/7 physical security, video surveillance, and alarms. The facilities and applications are regularly audited and subjected to intrusion prevention testing. We utilize the same secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate authority and encryption technologies used by leading financial institutions.

INTERFAITH INITIATIVES

Sara Yang / The Daily Gamecock

Caitlin Nebel Within the diverse C arolina community, spiritual organizations and initiatives are an important part of life for many Gamecocks.

USC’s Department of Religious Studies works with the Interfaith Par tners of South Carolina, a statewide advocacy organization, to co-host educational events and provide additional resources to the USC community. Past events have included a lecture on anti-Semitism as well as an ecumenical Christian gathering. The partnership organizes and hosts Peace in the Park, a festival showcasing art, crafts, music, dance and entertainment from 11 different faiths. This year, the festival will take place on Sept. 29 on Greene Street in front of Russell House.

In addition to official university programs and sponsored events, USC has nearly 40 faith-based and

spiritual student organizations that provide community and fellowship for students of different faiths and walks of life. There are organizations fo cu s i n g o n m a n y s e c t s o f Christianity; clubs geared toward specific populations like athletes, women or Chinese students; and an organization that helps students of any faith or none at all practice mindfulness, called The Meditation S o ciet y. Student s c an find a comprehensive list of religious or faith-based organizations through a quick search on Garnet Gate.

Visit the Department of Religious Studies’ website to find more information on events co-sponsored with Interfaith Partners of SC.

Interfaith Initiatives interfaithpartnersofsc.org

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

GAMECOCK ENTERTAINMENT

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Hannah Wade / Garnet Media Group

Prerana Shidhaye G a m e co ck Ente r t a in m e nt is students’ main source for free entertainment programming both on campus and off. It’s home to Carolina Productions, a studentrun programming board, as well as important Carolina traditions like Homecoming.

Gamecock Entertainment is home to the Gamecock Picture Show, an outdoor mobile movie theater.

GPS takes full advantage of South Carolina’s often-beautiful weather by showing movies on Davis Field and the pool deck at Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center.

Gamecock Enter tainment ’s Thursday After Dark event series provides students with late-night enter t ainment ever y T hursday throughout the semester. Many TAD events are off-campus, including escape rooms, bowling, trivia and Columbia Fireflies baseball games.

Transpor tation is provided, so students have an opportunity to get

off campus and experience Columbia as a source for entertainment.

A major par t of G amecock Entertainment, Carolina Productions strives to meet student needs through diverse events that offer a free alternative for students seeking fun on campus, including concerts, comedians and movies.

Students just need a CarolinaCard for entry to most events. In the fall semester, Carolina Productions is bringing new events such as a Fresh Faces of Comedy series that will highlight up-and-coming stand-up comedians. This will take place the first Wednesday of every month in the Russell House Theater.

A new concept of festival events will also be introduced, such as a Glo Night during the first week of classes on Greene Street and a “FestiFall,” which will feature fall activities on the Russell House Patio. “The Office” fans can mark their calendars for National Bosses Day as Office Olympics will

be taking place on Davis Field!

Carolina Productions’ events change each semester, though students can always look forward to exciting opportunities to engage with their peers and fellow Carolinians.

Students can attend and enjoy Carolina Productions events, or they can go behind-the-scenes and help plan them. You can always find out what Carolina Productions is up to through social media (@usccp) or the Gamecock Entertainment calendar!

Gamecock Entertainment also helps celebrate and continue important Carolina traditions, starting with First Night Carolina on the night before classes begin in August and continuing into Homecoming.

This year’s Homecoming theme is The Power of Garnet, and students can expect a week of fun events that celebrate USC like Cockstock, the annual Homecoming concert.

The football season wraps up with the most-anticipated game of the

season, the rivalry game against the Clemson Tigers, and one of the most beloved traditions at Carolina: Tiger Burn. Engineering students spend weeks building a huge, wooden tiger and the week of the big game, students gather and light it on fire – truly a sight to behold.

Gamecock Entertainment also helps students give back to their community with Dance Marathon, a student organization that raises money and awareness for the patients in the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital – Midlands, right here in Columbia. Last year, USCDM raised its highest total yet: $1,038,156.

With so many different offerings an d o p p o r tunitie s , G am e co ck Entertainment has something for everyone.

Gamecock Entertainment Russell House, Suite 318

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

GARNET & BLACK MAGAZINE Philicia Thompson

Courtesy of the Leadership and Service Center

THE DAILY GAMECOCK Hallie Hayes Completely student-run, The Daily Gamecock news organization is the University of South Carolina’s oldest student media and one of Garnet Media Group’s partner organizations.

The Daily Gamecock is an awardwinning publication that has been recognized statewide and nationally for overall excellence and outstanding individual work. The newspaper was first published in 1908, and in its current form, The Gamecock comes out every Monday during the spring and fall semesters. The Daily Gamecock also produces an email edition that is delivered to readers every weekday during the semester and contains up-to-date coverage of campus news, sports, arts and culture and student opinion.

In just the past year, The Daily Gamecock has covered everything from various presidential candidate visits to investigations of JUUL culture on campus to local celebrities such as Carlton Thompson, better known as Gamecock Jesus. The newspaper also offers opinion pieces from student columnists and letters to the editor, providing the insight of students and community members alike. Student

photojournalists provide awardwinning coverage of major news, sports and arts events. Throughout the year, The Daily Gamecock publishes special editions including a Welcome Back edition the first week of the fall semester, followed by an annual Football Preview to kick off the Gamecock football season.

The Daily Gamecock also publishes a commencement issue at the end of the spring semester to recap and celebrate the last four years for graduating seniors.

For students interested in a career in journalism or media production, involvement in student media is a must. The Daily Gamecock provides excellent hands-on experience in repor ting, writing, editing, photography, layout and graphic design, and many other aspects of media production. Visit TDG’s website, dailygamecock.com, to subscribe to the email edition, find exclusive digital content and get information on getting involved.

The Daily Gamecock Russell House 333 dailygamecock.com

Garnet & Black is the University of South Carolina’s entirely studentproduced magazine and one of Garnet Media Group’s par tner o r g a n iz at i o n s . T h e m a g a zi n e publishes online with four yearly print editions and is created and curated by a growing team of students.

From a student and community perspective, the magazine’s content “seeks to give voices to those on campus that may not have a chance to tell their story otherwise,” according to the magazine’s 20182019 Creative Director Grace Steptoe.

Garnet & Black gives students a channel to pursue their interests in mediums like editorial and feature writing, photography, graphic design, illustration, fashion and multimedia.

It is a professional-quality publication crafted by talented and passionate students.

The magazine has been recognized statewide, regionally and nationally for its work in a variety of categories.

Garnet & Black won six ADDY awards for design from the American Advertising Federation’s Midlands chapter in 2019, including Student

Best of Show. It has previously been recognized by the Associated Collegiate Press and the College Media Association, both national organizations.

Focusing on ar ts & culture, community and diversity, Garnet & Black strives to publish and highlight underrepresente d voices . T he magazine hopes to build community through partnerships with local staples like Tapp’s Art Center and Historic Columbia, a pop-up art show featuring student work and issue release parties.

If you have a passion and want a platform to express it, no matter your major, information on getting involved can be found at gandbmagazine.com.

Look for the summer 2019 edition and other feature stories on the website as well. Follow the magazine on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates or stop by Garnet & Black’s office in Russell House to say hello.

Garnet & Black Russell House Suite 339 gandbmagazine.com Steven Tapia / Garnet & Black

WUSC

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

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Philicia Thompson

File photo / Garnet Media Group

On air since 1946, WUSC is USC’s student-run radio station and one of Garnet Media Group’s partner organizations. The station is broadcast to a 30-mile radius at 90.5 FM and can be streamed anywhere on wusc.fm.

Unique among radio stations, WUSC is entirely noncommercial and broadcasts strictly non-Top 40 music.

This allows the station to educate its DJs as well as its audience as they work to build diverse and unique programming for their individual shows. Listeners who enjoy specific genres will often hear something new during specialty shows like the long-running local music show, The Columbia Beet, which features live in-studio performances from local musicians. Free-format shows include some music from WUSC’s carefully curated rotation and some of the DJ’s choice – though always non-Top 40.

WUSC also works to give listeners updates on events at USC and in the Columbia community through

a thrice-weekly news show and podcast called Cock-a-Doodle News.

The station hosts regular community events and concerts showcasing local musicians and fundraising for the station.

There is no prior experience necessary to become a DJ, just a willingness to learn. WUSC welcomes USC students, faculty, staff and alumni to join the station by attending an interest meeting and completing a training process early in each semester. DJs get the real-life experience of planning and producing a live radio broadcast and can also build writing skills by writing music and concert reviews for the station’s website.

Check out WUSC’s social media accounts for updates and follow its Spotify @wuscfm for curated playlists.

WUSC 90.5 FM Russell House Suite 335, 338 wusc.fm

SGTV Hallie Hayes SGT V, or Student Gamecock Television, is a Garnet Media Group partner and the university’s official student television station. The media organization is completely studentrun and produces a variety of news, sports and entertainment content that is broadcast on campus on channel 4 and posted to YouTube and other digital platforms.

The station has five main shows: Capital City Sports, Talk of the Town, 1080C, News 4 and Carolina Tonight. News 4 and CCS produce live news and sports shows and other video coverage, while Talk of the Town focuses on entertainment and student life with YouTuber-style videos. 1080C and Carolina Tonight both showcase student talent: 1080C through film and other creative

productions and Carolina Tonight in a live sketch comedy show.

SGTV as a whole is a great way for students to keep up with what’s going on at USC from the student perspective. Even better, students can help create that content for their peers and build skills they can use in the future. SGTV accepts staff members no matter their major, interest or previous experience.

The station also offers services such as creating videos for websites, YouTube or television. Visit SGTV’s we bsite to f in d co nte nt an d information getting involved.

SGTV Russell House Suite 344 sgtvonline.com File photo / Garnet Media Group

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

Hannah Wade / Garnet Media Group

STUDENT GOVERNMENT Hallie Hayes The University of South Carolina has many ambitious and leadershipminded students. One place those students can get hands-on and impactful experience with leadership is Student Government. SG, as it’s known for short, is a body of students who work together with the USC administration to represent students and voice their interest, all in an effort to better the university.

SG consists of Freshman Council, the student senate, Constitutional Council, the elections commission, Congressional Advisory Board and the Legislative Action Network, which all work in concert with the four executive positions: president, vice president, treasurer and speaker of the senate. Many positions in SG, including the executives and student senators, are elected by the student body in annual elections. President Luke Rankin, Vice President Sophie Davish, Treasurer Kate Lewis and Speaker of the Senate Davis Latham will serve the student body through most of the 2019-2020 year.

The student senate includes

representation from every college within the university and serves as USC’s student legislative body.

Senators draft, amend, discuss and vote on legislation that affects the entire student body. Over the years, SG has coordinated successful initiatives like Pillars for Carolina, an extended freshman orientation program, and Carolina Closet, a service where students can rent professional attire they may not have access to otherwise.

Freshman Council is a great opportunity for first-year students to begin their SG service as soon as possible and build a foundation of experience that will make them more qualified for later opportunities.

T h ro u g h t h e Co n g re s s i o n a l Advisory Board and the Legislative Action Network, students can work with legislators to advocate for the university community’s interests.

Student Government sc.edu/sg

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

INTRAMURAL SPORTS

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Jon Butto The University of South Carolina allows its students to expand their horizons in every way, including athletically. Intramural sports are a great way to become involved on campus and to make memories and friends. There are no skill requirements or tryouts; everyone is welcome to play whether they won the state championships or they’ve never worn a softball glove.

Along with open invitation, there are no travel demands or required practices. Teams usually have one game a week for 3 to 4 weeks, usually after 3 p.m. on weekdays or on Sundays. There are also schedules for each sport online so students can go watch games and cheer on their Courtesy of the University of South Carolina

friends.

Joining an intramural team requires just four simple steps: choose a sport, find teammates, select a captain and register. Teammates often find each other through their residence halls or student organizations, or by signing up as a free agent. Register by having a team representative visit the Intramural Sports Office before the deadline, then sign up on the IMLeagues online platform. Visit the Campus Recreation website to find more about intramural sports at USC.

Intramurals Strom Thurmond Wellness & Fitness Center sc.edu/campusrec

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

Courtesy of the Leadership and Service Center

COMMUNITY SERVICE Tia Ternberg Giving back to the community can be an important and rewarding part of a student’s time in college, so USC and its various offices and organizations make sure to provide plenty of opportunities to get involved. At USC, one of the main resources for students who want to give back is the Leadership and Service Center, housed in the Russell house. According to its website, the LSC aims to “equip students to positively give back to their communities through involvement, leadership, development, ser vice and civic engagement.”

The LSC provides opportunities ranging from a few hours for a monthly Service Saturday project to a week attending an Alternative Break service trip or a year leading and planning those trips as an Alternative Break Leader.

Gamecock Pantry is an on-campus food pantry that provides students with food assistance and

other resources, while creating awareness about food insecurity. Student volunteers can staff the pantry, its farmers market or commit to a more indepth service experience as a Pantry Pal. Monthly Service Saturdays are projects held every month by the university where volunteers get to pick from a variety of service sites and go on a universitysponsored trip to serve at those locations.

The LSC partners with Student Government and others to organize various community service programs and events, including an annual day of service aptly named The Big Event, where students gather on campus and then deploy into the surrounding community to perform various service projects and say “thank you,” to the area that houses USC’s campus and students.

Another easy way to get involved in community ser vice at USC is through joining ser vice organizations and other student organizations

with a community focus, like Dance Marathon, St. Jude’s Up ‘til Dawn and Relay for Life. These organizations host annual events that are great ways for USC students to raise money for a good cause while also having fun with their friends.

Getting involved in community service is a rewarding way to enhance your time at Carolina.

From organizations to campus-wide involvement opportunities, there is always something for students to be a part of. For more information on service projects and a list of different ways to get involved, visit the Leadership and Service Center’s website.

Leadership and Service Center Russell House Suite 217 sc.edu/leadershipandservice

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

Courtesy of the Russell House

RUSSELL HOUSE UNIVERSITY UNION Lauren Busman The Russell House University Union is the campus hub for entertainment, dining, special events and many student ser vices. Russell House is the main meeting place for student organizations and houses Garnet Media Group and Gamecock Entertainment. It has a theater, a post office, a bank, a hair salon and a game room.

For many students, especially first-year students and those who live on campus, Russell House is a home away from home.

The basement of Russell House is where students will go to get a CarolinaCard or pick up a care package from the Student Mail Center.

There’s also the Golden Spur game room, which offers pool tables, ping pong and video gaming consoles for students to use.

The first floor houses the Barnes & Noble University Bookstore, which includes a cafe serving Starbucks coffee and a convenience-store selection of necessary items alongside the vast choices of books and textbooks.

The rest of the first floor is dedicated to dining, including a Panera and a well-loved and oftenbusy Chick-fil-A, serving the classic chicken sandwich and fries. Also on the first floor are Congaree River Smokehouse, Carolina Creamery

and a rotating restaurant that has previously served Greek and Italian fare like pasta and gyros.

The Carolina Creamery is a student favorite.

Open every day until 2 a.m., the Creamery offers hand-dipped, gourmet ice cream in a cup, cone, waffle bowl, as a milkshake or sandwiched between two cookies. Smoothies are another fan favorite, and provide needed fruits and vegetables in choices like “Green Vitamin” and “Berry Good.”

On the second floor, students flock to Einstein Bros. Bagels for bagels and Caribou Coffee in the morning. You can also create your own pizza at Oath Craft Pizza or order a signature or classic pie. Twisted Taco offers mouth-watering tacos, burritos, quesadillas and bowls. Beside Twisted Taco you can find the Horseshoe Deli, popular for its Boar’s Head sandwich meats.

If you want something different every day, Southern Kitchen serves classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and macaroni and cheese, but its changing menu is sure to satisfy many tastes.

Sushi with Gusto offers hot ramen, rice bowls and freshly made sushi.

When you’re looking for a grab-and-go snacks and drinks, Gamecock General conveniently provides a variety of fresh and frozen options. You

can also find the Leadership and Service Center, theater, Founders Federal Credit Union and the ballrooms and information desk on the second floor.

On the third floor are additional event and meeting rooms often used for student organization meetings. Garnet Media Group and Gamecock Entertainment are also located on the third floor, near the Carolina Styles hair salon, which offers services from professional stylists.

With a separate entrance on the side of Russell House next to Davis Field, Preston’s dining hall is a hidden gem well-known for its tasty fried chicken and decadent desserts. This dining hall, which features an all-you-can-eat buffet, is reserved for Preston Residential College residents during the dinner period until 7 p.m., but anyone can enjoy it for lunch or after 7 p.m. All dining locations accept meal plans and CarolinaCash.

Whether you want a meal, need to grab a new planner or want somewhere to meet for your group project, Russell House is a necessary oncampus destination.

Russell House sc.edu/russellhouse

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

Hannah Wade / Garnet Media Group

THE HORSESHOE Liana Porte The Horseshoe at the University of South Carolina is a picturesque representation of the college’s culture. This landmark was where the footprint of the university began and is a serene, on-campus escape from studies and stress. In the heart of campus, this tree-lined stretch is a reminder of the university’s rich history and tradition.

When you’re feeling stressed out, this is the place to go to take a breather. Sunny days are best spent sprawled out on the patches of grass, taking in the fresh air and greenery.

You can always walk across the brick

paths and see people doing the typical reading, studying, relaxing or sunbathing. More uniquely, you’ll find groups practicing Tai Chi or acrobatic yoga. It’s a popular spot for friends to chill and frisbee teams to practice.

When the weather is nice, you’ll also find that the Horseshoe is a hub for dog owners. People often walk their furry friends or sit and play catch with them. What provides more stress relief than being surrounded by adorable puppies?

The Horseshoe’s bricks, which can be purchased and engraved to commemorate important events,

are rich with memories including graduations and marriage proposals.

Plaques that line the paths explain the history of the area’s construction.

As a historic part of campus, the Horseshoe hosts many events essential to life as a Gamecock. Many prospective students begin their first campus visit with a tour across the Horseshoe. Presidential addresses and certain graduation ceremonies for master’s and doctoral programs are often held on the Horseshoe’s lawn. ESPN’s College GameDay pro gram has even ma de the Horseshoe its home multiple times

over the years, prompting students to camp overnight and the university president, whose house is on the Horseshoe, to order a midnight pizza delivery for enthusiastic fans.

With all that it has to offer, the Horseshoe offers a sense of calm and Gamecock pride for students. So, if you’re feeling stressed or homesick, take a stroll through the Horseshoe and you’ll be reminded of the welcoming nature of South Carolina.

Horseshoe Sumter Street

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

THOMAS COOPER LIBRARY

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Joe McLean Columbia and USC have a lot of things to offer, but at the end of the day, students are here for one reason — to succeed academically.

There’s no better place on campus to prepare for that goal than the Thomas Cooper Library.

Referred to as “ T-Coop” by students, Thomas Cooper Library is next to Russell House, making it extremely convenient for students, and there’s an iconic fountain in front, making it impossible to miss.

Inside, students can find resources to help them succeed in all of their classes. The library has seven floors filled with areas and services for students to study, research or get extra help for their classes.

Students enter Thomas Cooper on the main ground level, even though

that is technically the sixth floor, top to bottom. This floor is where a lot of the activity in the library happens.

There is even a full-service Starbucks toward the back for those that need a caffeine fix or a snack.

Most of the library is actually underground, and the lower you go, the quieter it is. Levels one to three are quiet floors, meaning that they are completely silent. Because of the quiet rules, those floors are a popular place for students to study during midterms and finals. Desks and study carrels are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while private study room are also available. These study rooms must be booked online.

For research papers, Thomas Cooper is a one-stop shop. Books on every imaginable subject are, as one

would expect, spread and organized throughout the building. Students are free to roam the shelves to check out books they need for their classes.

If you need help finding one, the employees at the help desk on the main floor can locate any book in the library.

T-Coop also includes plenty of digital resources and has multiple computer labs throughout the building.

Thomas Cooper also has resources for help outside of the classroom. On the mezzanine level, the floor above the ground level, is the Student Success Center. In the Student Success Center, there are an abundance of resources to help students who need extra reinforcement in their classes and

help navigating other areas of student life. For more information on the Student Success Center, see page 10.

With the amount of resources available, Thomas Cooper Library is vital for any USC student. Whether it’s for studying for a midterm until 2 a.m., or finding the perfect source for your research paper, the library can help any student.

Thomas Cooper Library is open 24 hours, 7 days a week during the semester for those with a CarolinaCard and has abbreviated hours during the summer months.

Thomas Cooper Library 1322 Greene St. sc.edu/libraries Hannah Wade / Garnet Media Group

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

GYMS BLATT & STROM Emmanuela Mitzalis

The university offers two on-campus fitness facilities for students, faculty and staff to improve their physical wellbeing depending on their needs and location.

The Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center, lovingly called Strom, is a state-of-theart fitness facility that offers everything you can possibly imagine for users to achieve their goals.

If you love playing sports, Strom offers a variety of indoor options such as six badminton courts, five basketball/volleyball courts, five racquetball courts and a squash court.

If you prefer outdoor activities, you can enjoy a soccer and floor hockey field, two sand volleyball courts and a general-use sports field. If you’re looking for strength training and cardiovascular workouts, Strom offers 70 cardio machines, 77 resistance training machines, eight power racks, four competition benches, a strength and conditioning area, a lifting platform, free weights and preset barbells.

If all of these amenities weren’t enough, Strom also offers an indoor track, a 52-foot rock climbing wall with various path difficulties, indoor and outdoor pools and a sauna. Make the most out of Strom with its towel service, lockers and equipment rentals so that you won’t have to worry about a thing. Get your workout in Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to midnight and Saturday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.!

The Solomon Blatt Physical Education Center is another great option located on the other end of campus. Blatt is home to a multi-purpose field where students can play soccer, softball, rugby, flag football and more.

Along with that field, students can find a ropes challenge course often used for team-building workshops and two sand volleyball courts.

Inside the facility and similar to Strom, you’ll find three dance studios, six badminton courts, three basketball courts, six racquetball courts, two squash courts, three volleyball courts, and a pool with a

diving well.

If you’re looking for strength and conditioning workouts, you’ll find 56 cardio machines, 66 resistance training machines, four power racks, six standard benches, free weights and preset barbells.

Blatt is a facility that has it all, including a bike shop where students can get advice on maintenance and care and find tools to repair their bikes for free.

Check out Blatt Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.!

Both centers offer unlimited group fitness classes like cycling, dance, yoga and more for only $20 a semester, so you and your friends can have fun and work out together.

Strom and Blatt are both well-equipped fitness centers where you’ll be able to find the right workout for you.

Campus Recreation campusrec.sc.edu Brian Almond / The Daily Gamecock

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

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File photo / Garnet Media Group

GREENE STREET Jon Butto Stretching for a few miles and touching some of the most historic pieces on campus, Greene Street lies in the heart of the University of South Carolina itself.

Starting near Colonial Life Arena, the street cuts across campus past the Koger Center for the Arts and the Darla Moore School of Business, then bordering the Historic Horseshoe and passing directly in

front of the Russell House University Union before making its way through and ending in Five Points. The path is thoroughly trekked by students during their time on campus.

The area of the road directly in front of Russell House is a central h ub fo r o utd o o r eve nt s a n d celebrations at USC. There’s a large Gamecock painted on the street, and the mural serves as a landmark

and photo-op for everyone from prospective students to graduating seniors.

At multiple times during fall and spring semesters, G reene Street plays host to the student organization fair, where students can explore rows and rows of tables with information on the clubs at USC. Throughout the school year, organization will continue to host

tables on Greene Street to attract more members and promote their work.

Other fun events are held on the main area of Greene Street in front of Russell House as well, like the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs’ weekly Hip Hop Wednesdays, a weekly farmers market and assorted concerts by performers of all types.

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

ATHLETIC FACILITIES Jon Butto From a sunny Saturday game in Williams-Brice Stadium to an invigorating Thursday night at the Colonial Life Arena, South Carolina’s athletics programs are housed in multiple state-of-the-art facilities that are designed to help players’ talents and abilities shine.

South Carolina has about a dozen major facilities that allow for an array of sports to practice and compete throughout the year and provide students, faculty and fans a place where they can watch and support Gamecocks.

Thousands of fans come to Columbia every year to watch Saturday football games in William-Brice Stadium, fondly known as “Willy B.” Colonial Life Arena, at one end of Greene Street, is home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the Garnet Army that supports them at each and every home game The Gamecock baseball team plays at Founders Park, a short drive over the Blossom Street bridge from campus. The men’s and women’s soccer teams play in Eugene E. Stone III Stadium, and the newly constructed and quickly growing Athletics Village has various courts and facilities for the softball, tennis, track & field and other athletic teams.

Some of many students’ fondest memories have happened in and around these facilities, from tailgating with Athletics friends to learning elaborate cheers to gamecocksonline.com the ever-crucial “Sandstorm.”

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Courtesy of the University of South Carolina

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

THEATERS

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Emmanuela Mitzalis USC’s campus boasts a variety of theaters that cater to all sorts of entertainment interests. The Russell House Theater, located on the second floor of the Russell House, hosts free showings of current blockbusters and throwback classics courtesy of Carolina Productions. If you are a part of a student organization, you can arrange movie screenings at the theater as well.

The historic Longstreet Theatre, the building with the beautiful staircase on the corner of Greene and Main, provides a more traditional theater experience. It was originally built as a chapel and auditorium before the Civil War, during which it was used as a hospital for both Confederate and Union soldiers, as was most of the campus. Longstreet is now home to the Department of Theatre and Dance as a performance arena.

Similarly, the Drayton Hall Theatre, the Lab Theatre on the first floor of

the Booker T. Washington Building and the Center for Performance Experiment provide spaces for theater and dance performances.

T h o u gh n ot te chnic ally on campus, the Nickelodeon Theater on Main Street is nearby and serves as a popular option for students looking for a unique movie theater experience. The Nick , as it ’s affectionately known, was founded by two University of South Carolina alumni and continues as a haven of film appreciation, cultural exploration and community-building. Many films and events center around larger social issues and feature question-andanswer sessions with local filmmakers and the theater’s curators before and after screenings With so many options on and off campus, students can find movies and live productions of all types to enjoy while they’re at Carolina.

File photo / Garnet Media Group

File photo / Garnet Media Group

GREEK VILLAGE Hallie Hayes The University of South Carolina’s Greek Village is where the student housing for the university’s fraternities and sororities is located on campus, and it provides a community that is truly welcoming to those who live there. More than 6,500 USC students are involved in fraternities and sororities. Of these, 700 students live in the 20 Greek Village houses during the school year, including members of Sigma Nu, Alpha Gamma Delta, Lambda Chi Alpha, Kappa Kappa Gamma and more.

Students who live in the houses can also choose to purchase Greek Village meal plans that allow them to eat meals cooked by in-house chefs.

Having meals alongside fraternity brothers and sorority sisters is a way for those students to find community and strengthen relationships.

Greek Village sits, conveniently for those who live there, right next to the Strom, and it’s just across the street from a Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Jersey Mike’s and 9Round Fitness. There are also plans for a long-awaited parking garage to be built on Devine Street for those living in Greek Village.

Greek Village houses have spaces for the organizations to hold chapter meetings, meaning most students involved in fraternity and sorority life will be able to enjoy the houses at some point. If you are considering rushing or have any interest in gaining a sorority or fraternity family, you could potentially call Greek Village your future home!

Greek Village sc.edu/fraternitysororitylife

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

COMMUNITY TABLE

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Hallie Hayes

Abigail Braun / Garnet Media Group

1801 GRILLE Cleopatra Shabazz 1801 Grille, named after the year USC was founded, is a slightly more up-scale restaurant option located just across the street from Colonial Life Arena and below the 650 Lincoln student apartments.

The restaurant’s top sellers include pimento cheeseburgers, goat and smoked Gouda cheese dip served with fried pizza dough and what executive chef Jason Bruner calls “Not your Grandma’s Meatloaf.”

1801 Grille serves as a gathering place for families, students, state of ficial s and G amecock head coaches to enjoy unique Southern cuisine. Bruner says that football head coach Will Muschamp has used the private dining room for recruitment, men’s basketball head coach Frank Martin has dined in the restaurant a few times and women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley brought the national championship trophy to the restaurant.

Every Sunday, 1801 Grille offers a

$15 student special, which includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and an allyou-can-drink special for students 21 and over. The restaurant also has an outdoor area called Foundation Square.

“You’ll see a lot of students using Foundation Square to study, for meetings and things like that,” Bruner said. “They can order pizza inside and still bring it out there. We have the cornhole boards out there so it’s kind of a good, fun environment.”

1801 Grille is open every Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (or later), and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“We’re not exactly Five Points or the Vista,” Bruner said. “We’re kind of our own little spot.”

1801 Grille 700 Lincoln St. 1801grille.com

Perhaps it’s the wide variety of food options, or maybe it’s the late hours of operation, but Gamecocks tend to flock to The Community Table. The Community Table is located at 650 Lincoln, across the street from Strom, and operates daily from 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. This is great for students who want to grab a quick lunch or dinner or for those who need a pick-me-up after a long night of studying. This dining hall does not hold back when it comes to meal options. They offer appetizers, entrees, salads, pizzas, sandwiches and desserts. A fan favorite is The Community Table’s boneless chicken wings, which come smothered in the flavor of your choice. If you’re in the mood for something heavier, grab a bowl of mac and cheese and pair it with a glass of sweet tea for some Southern comfort. For dessert, The Community Table offers warm brownie and cookie skillets that can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a winning combination. There

is also a limited-service Starbucks in the corner of The Community Table for those who just want to grab a coffee before or after classes. The Starbucks is open the same hours as The Community Table, so if you ever need some caffeine for that all-nighter, The Community Table’s got you covered. On top of all that, there is a small grocery section that includes microwave lunches and dinners, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream pints, milk, eggs, chips and other groceries you may need in a pinch.

The Community Table makes it convenient to eat a meal and buy your next one on the way out! The best part is that you can use a meal swipe or CarolinaCash to purchase these delicious options. It’s a dining location you can’t go wrong with!

Community Table 650 Lincoln St. sc.edu/dining

Lauren Busman / Garnet Media Group

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

CAFÉ VERDE Lauren Busman Café Verde in Green Quad is the go-to on-campus spot to satisfy dinner and late-night snack cravings.

Open Sunday through Thursday until 2 a.m., Café Verde will easily become a favorite for students who stay up late studying or spending time with friends.

Café Verde serves everything! You can get a made-to-order flatbread pizza or enjoy tacos, quesadillas and nachos. On another side of the restaurant, Café Verde’s employees are happy to make fresh sandwiches, wraps and salads. If those options don’t make your mouth water, there is a huge selection of snacks and drinks. For those with a sweet tooth,

you can find many flavors of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream by the pint, and the best part is that one pint is just one meal swipe.

Like ever y on-campus dining location, Café Verde accepts meal swipes, meal plan dollars, and Carolina Cash. So next time you find yourself hungry between the hours of 5 p.m. and 2 a.m., stop by Café Verde.

Café Verde Green Quad sc.edu/dining

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

COUNSELOR’S CAFÉ Hallie Hayes The University of South Carolina’s dining options are extensive, but for law students with endless work to do and barely time to eat at all, there are none more convenient than Counselor’s Café, located right in the School of Law’s new building.

The café offers breakfast and lunch options with different items to fit appetites of all sizes. Counselor’s Café features a rotating daily menu of breakfast items, tasty specialty sandwiches, fresh salads and an appropriately themed “daily docket” of hot food specials. Those not

looking for a full meal can also enjoy a pastry or dessert paired with a Starbucks coffee.

Counselor’s Café is open for breakfast Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Stop on in and enjoy a quick meal to get your day started or keep it going!

Counselor’s Café Law School sc.edu/dining

COLLOQUIUM CAFÉ Emilie Rollet Colloquium Café, located just across the Pickens Street bridge, is a hidden gem of university dining. The always-packed cafe has undergone many changes in the past two years with the food it serves, but through it all, Colloquium has offered campus’s best lunch food in the best location.

In the past, the café has served coffee and paninis on one side of the restaurant and chicken salad, pasta salad, sandwiches and more on the other side. Now, it serves flatbread pizzas on one side and made-toorder sandwiches on the other side.

Along with the sandwiches, they have salads, sushi, fruit cups, coffees, smoothies and more.

The best part of Colloquium Café for many is the staff that works there.

If you eat there often enough, you might not need to ask for your order because they already know it. There can be long lines, but don’t let that turn you away; the staff is really good at serving customers efficiently and

getting people through the lines.

Along with the food, the location is perfect. Colloquium is a 10- to 90-second walk from Gambrell, Columbia Hall, Capstone House, Close-Hipp, Hamilton and LeConte.

Many classes are held in these locations, so being able to leave class, grab some food, and get to your next one is way easier than going to Russell House and then back. As if this place could get any better, there are about 16 fourperson tables in the bottom level of Colloquium for studying or hanging out before your next class. The second level also has tables and chairs where you can eat and get some homework done. Colloquium Café is a great on-campus place to eat with an incredible variety of food to grab on the go.

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Colloquium Café Humanities Area sc.edu/dining

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS AT HUMANITIES Maria Jutton If you’re craving an Einstein’s bagel but aren’t near Russell House, don’t worry – Einstein Bros.

Bagels has a second location on the ground floor of the J. Welsh Humanities Building, where many students’ core classes are located.

The restaurant offers a large assortment of bagels and cream cheese spreads, in addition to coffee and pastries. Some of its more distinctive bagel sandwiches are the Farmhouse bagel sandwich (egg, cheese, bacon and ham) and the nova lox bagel sandwich (smoked salmon, capers, tomatoes and red onion). If you’re tired of

Starbucks and want a change, Einstein’s also has a selection of coffee and tea for a caffeine boost before your classes.

This Einstein’s can also be a great place to meet friends and study or to work on a group project.

Unlike the Russell House Einstein’s, the restaurant in the Welsh Humanities Building has a large seating area and Wi-Fi, making it a great place to work on homework. The building has floor-toceiling windows too, so students can see activity near Colloquium Café and other nearby buildings.

However, if you’re craving a bagel, go to

Einstein’s early in the day, since it usually runs out of bagels before closing time. Einstein’s in the J. Welsh Humanities Building is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Einstein Bros. Bagels Humanities Area sc.edu/dining

GIBBES COURT BISTRO Maria Jutton Located on the first floor of Capstone House, Gibbes Court Bistro is a buffet-style dining hall that is sure to offer something for every student.

Gibbes accepts meal swipes, and since it is all-you-can-eat, you can get the most for your swipe.

There are several main food stations in Gibbes. In the middle of the dining hall, there is a deli, soup and salad counter. In addition, there is a grilling section, a pizza counter and a dessert case on the left side of the room. At the back, students can find a “home cooking” buffet line, waffle station and soft-serve ice cream machine.

Gibbes’ menu rotates daily in order to provide a variety of options to attract students. Although there are some ever-present classics, like the soft-serve ice cream, pizzas and waffle station, there are also more unique options, such as Korean-style fried chicken drumsticks or cream cheese marbled brownies for dessert.

With an ever-changing assortment of options, students will always find something yummy to enjoy on any

given day.

Gibbes’ location is convenient for students living in Capstone House and Columbia Hall. However, it is also close to several buildings where many classes are located, such as Gambrell Hall, the Close-Hipp Building and the Welsh Humanities Buildings. Stop in for a sandwich between classes or grab dessert while taking a quick study break.

If you’re not looking to sit and eat a meal, Gibbes offers reusable takeout containers that only cost one meal swipe. When you bring your container back, turn it in to be washed and take a clean one from Gibbes for your next meal.

Although Gibbes does not have late night hours, it is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Gibbs Court Bistro Capstone sc.edu/dining

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41

Jessica Snyder / The Daily Gamecock

GLOBAL CAFÉ Liana Porte

Parker Jennette / The Daily Gamecock

TOP OF CAROLINA Jon Butto The Top of Carolina restaurant combines an upscale menu with a spectacular view of Columbia.

From the moment they step off the elevator into the rotating topfloor restaurant, guests are greeted by amazing hosts and seated at a fine dining table with immaculate silver ware and table dressings.

The real star, though, besides the delicious food, is the amazing view outside the windows. The restaurant was built on the top floor of Capstone House and rotates slowly all the way around, allowing every customer to see all of Columbia in every direction.

Because of its on-campus location, d e le c t ab le m e n u an d uni qu e experience, the Top of Carolina is

an extremely popular choice for students celebrating impor tant milestones like receiving a coveted internship or even graduating with a degree. Due to this popularity, Top of Carolina requires reservations for every customer as they have limited seating available and limited hours of operation.

All in all, the restaurant provides a beautifully unique dining experience that everyone should enjoy at least once while they are students at or visiting the University of South Carolina.

Top of Carolina Capstone sc.edu/dining

Global Café is the perfect lunch choice for students looking to try something new. Located in the Darla Moore School of Business, home to the No. 1 international business program in the U.S., it makes sense that the eatery offers meals with flavors inspired by Brazilian, South African and Greek cuisines. Its hotline options change daily, and the portions are sure to fill you up.

The location is open on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and until 2:30 p.m. on Fridays. The restaurant has two sides that cater to different tastes.

On one side is a limited-selection Starbucks and deli. In the morning, you can order delicious crepes or breakfast wraps, and during lunch you can get some awesome ciabattas and banh mi. The Starbucks also has Tapingo services, so you can order your pick-me-up coffee on the go.

The other side of Global Café is the hot-line and grill, featuring global flavors and delicious healthy options.

This side is only open during lunch time from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., so don’t miss the chance to try it. The offerings change daily in the hot-line, but you

can often find premium dishes like orzo, mahi-mahi and stuffed bell peppers. The restaurant is also a proud participant in Chicken Finger Wednesday, so you never have to miss out on getting your fix.

There is also the grill, featuring some delectable burger options, plus Cuban paninis and vegetarian quesadillas. If you’re in the mood for something healthier, the salad bar is a great option, with ingredient choices like chickpeas and sun-dried tomatoes that will help you easily combat the freshman 15. Global Café also has a seasonal section with ramen for the winter weather and cold Italian desserts for warmer days.

Global Café is a great local way to expand your horizons with flavors from all corners of the world.

Next time you’re in the mood for international cuisine, go to Global Café and let your taste buds travel.

Global Café Moore School of Business sc.edu/dining

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

43

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

KAMINSKY’S DESSERT CAFE Prerana Shidhaye

Zahida Ashroff / Garnet Media Group

THE GOURMET SHOP

date nights and even to celebrate birthdays. Some of the most popular items at Kaminsky’s are its cakes and sundaes. The cookie sundae is a best-seller. This dessert includes a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie served in a skillet with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup on top. The cookie sundae is served hot, and there is no better feeling than taking your first spoonful of the sweet dish. The warm gooeyness of the cookie along with the rich, creamy vanilla ice cream complement one another perfectly.

So next time you’ve got a nagging craving for something sweet, just stop by Kaminsky’s for a treat.

Kaminsky’s 930 Gervais St. kaminskys.com File photo / Garnet Media Group

Hallie Hayes A retail location that doubles as a café and offers a little bit of everything, The Gourmet Shop is a local favorite.

Located in the heart of Five Points, The Gourmet Shop offers items such as cookware, spices, coffee and chocolates and refers to itself as “purveyors of fine foods, wines, and wares.” However, it is the café that really brings in Columbia locals.

The Gourmet Shop café serves delicious original brunch and lunch.

Offering coffee, salads, sandwiches and more, you can sit inside or outdoors to enjoy a nice meal with friends and family. Though you can’t go wrong with any option, The Gourmet Shop is known for its homemade chicken salad, a good choice for any time of day. Don’t hesitate to pair your meal with a glass of wine, too. The Gourmet Shop offers a vast selection of wines with

Kaminsk y’s Desser t Cafe has multiple locations throughout the state of South Carolina, and its broad dessert array makes it a hit among audiences of various ages. When people walk into the Kaminsky’s location in the Vista in Columbia, they will immediately be greeted by an assortment of different baked goods protected in glass casing.

These items include cakes of all different shapes and sizes, pies and fruit cobblers.

The cakes are very extravagant, and guests can find flavors like s’mores, tiramisu and German chocolate, among others. If you’re in the mood for something different, Kaminsky’s offers crème brûlée and adult milkshakes in addition to its baked goods.

C o l u m b i a l o c a l s c o m e to Kaminsky’s for casual cups of coffee,

more than 1,500 labels. The wine is imported from all over the world, including New Zealand, Chile, Spain, Bordeaux and Germany just to name a few. Wine tastings – just $1 at the door – are held almost every Saturday and typically feature four wines. There are also special tasting events with throughout the year to feature guests with backgrounds in winery. But you can’t have wine without cheese! The Gourmet Shop is passionate about making a wide variety of cheeses, which you can go in and sample at any time. The shop offers trays of cheeses and charcuteries topped with nuts, grapes or dried fruits and paired with crackers and bread. The Gourmet shop operates seven days a week; go online for hours.

The Gourmet Shop 724 Saluda Ave. thegourmetshop.net

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

VILLAGE IDIOT

GROUCHO’S DELI

Joe McLean

Hallie Hayes

Village Idiot Pizza & Pub, located at 2009 Devine St. in Five Points, is one of the most popular off-campus eateries for students. There are also locations on Whaley Street and in Forest Acres, but most students flock to the Five Points location.

With a large menu, it is bound to please just about anyone in your group, but Village Idiot is best known for its pizza. The pizza is hand-tossed and served New York style — the slices are thin, but also wide.

Customers can select from a list of “Idiot Suggestions,” which are specialty pizzas that have an array of toppings on them. Customers can also create their own pizza with each topping costing an additional $1.59 to $2.09. Pizza come in 12 and 16-inch sizes, but you can also order pizza by the slice. In addition to pizza, Village Idiot serves sandwiches, calzones, salads and chicken wings.

The restaurant also has a full bar for patrons who are of-age.

Village Idiot is especially popular during sporting events. While the venue itself is small, there are an abundant number of televisions throughout the restaurant. It is a popular location to watch events such as away Gamecock football games or NFL games. The restaurant has an NFL Sunday Ticket special, consisting of a large pizza and two pounds of chicken wings for just $30.

In addition, the restaurant is a popular location for percent night fundraisers for campus organizations.

Percent nights at the Five Points location are held on Thursday nights.

More information about reserving percent nights can be found on Village Idiot’s website.

Village Idiot is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. until midnight.

homemade potato chips, a pickle and Groucho’s specialty sauce, Formula “45.” The specially made sauce will leave you wanting to take home a pint of your own (which you can).

Groucho’s is a friendly environment in a cozy diner-style venue. If the Five Points location is loaded with a lunch-crowd, there’s are other locations around Columbia, Lexington and Irmo. Groucho’s is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Bring your friends and dine in or carry out, and don’t forget to order a fresh glass of Southern sweet tea!

Groucho’s Deli 611 Harden St. grouchos.com

Village Idiot 2009 Devine St. villageidiotpizza.com

COOK OUT Liana Porte

Picture this: It’s 2 a.m., you’ve just finished a Netflix binge and your stomach is grumbling, but most oncampus dining halls are closed. You don’t know what to do, but you need food in your stomach and fast – that’s when Cook Out saves the day.

Cook Out is located in Five Points next to Food Lion, just a short trek from Capstone House. The fast food joint is popular for its cheap meals and late hours.

If you’re interested in getting the most bang for your buck, Cook Out is the place to go. The menu offers a variety of typical fast food burgers and fries but adds in items like quesadillas, hush puppies and hot dogs, and the original Cook Out sauce comes highly recommended.

If you are in the mood for a deli sandwich or a fresh salad, Groucho’s Deli is the place to visit. With a location in the heart of Five Points, a short five-minute drive from USC’s campus, Groucho’s is a community favorite convenient for any USC student.

Groucho’s has an array of items on its menu, from a multitude of unique deli sandwiches and fresh garden salads to specialty side items, such as its potato salad or homemade potato chips. Enjoy the Apollo Dipper, a sandwich filled with hot ham, turkey and Swiss, or the most popular item, the STP Dipper.

The STP dipper is a blend of roast beef, turkey, bacon and melted Swiss cheese piled on a sub roll.

Every sandwich is served with their

The Cook Out Tray is a popular option since it comes with your choice of entrée, two sides and a large drink for only about $5.

The eatery is also a good spot to quench your thirst. Not only does Cook Out offer a Carolina favorite, Cheerwine, but it also has a vast assortment of more than 40 flavors of creamy milkshakes. Here’s a secret: you can mix flavors to create your own killer combination.

Cook Out is cheap, accessible and most importantly, delicious. For a college student on a budget, there’s nothing better.

Cook Out 1101 Harden St. cookout.com

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

PAWLEYS FRONT PORCH

File photo / Garnet Media Group

Emilie Rollet The first and most important thing to know about Pawleys Front Porch is it was featured on the popular Food Network show, “Diners Drive-Ins and Dives” with Guy Fieri. On the show, customers describe the restaurant as being “premium bar food.” It’s also stressed on the show and on Pawleys menu that the meat is freshly ground in the kitchen with “special” spices, so the burgers are always fresh.

The featured burger on the show is called the Fripp Island burger. It has Southern salsa, boursin cheese, lettuce, tomato and a gorgeous fried green tomato. With some extremely unique burgers (not to mention the fries), Pawleys definitely

deserves the fame. Other out-there burgers on the menu include the Edisto with grape jelly and caramelized onions, the Sullivan’s with pineapple and guacamole and the Beaufort with onion rings and a fried egg.

But it doesn’t end there. On top of the intricate burgers, there is a wide selection of buns and sides to choose from such as Kaiser, ciabatta, brioche and pretzel rolls. Sides include pasta salad, spicy onion rings and sweet potato fries with cinnamon and sugar. Pawleys has burgers for those who are a little less brave too, with a mix of different kinds of cheeses, caramelized onions, applewood smoked bacon and fried pickle chips.

Located in Five Points, Pawleys Front Porch is walking distance from campus, and the burgers are under $12, making it one of the more affordable restaurants in the district. On top of that, there is a bar with televisions always playing a number of sports, which fully makes Pawleys Front Porch the place to be for an upscale, and even somewhat famous, meal at a great price.

Pawleys Front Porch 827 Harden St. pawleysfrontporch.com

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

What a Great Year Serving our Gamecocks!

Stay up to date on what will be happening over the summer in dining.

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

BELGIAN WAFFLE TRUCK Philicia Thompson

Zahida Ashroff / Garnet Media Group

THE BAKED BEAR Maria Jutton Last year, Five Points got a little bit sweeter when San Diego-based specialty ice cream sandwich shop The Baked Bear opened its doors.

According to the company’s website, its mission is “to spread joy and create memories, bringing a smile to every customer’s face, one ice cream sandwich at a time.”

Located at 631 Harden St., the shop offers custom ice cream sandwiches made from its all-natural original ice cream recipe and baked-fromscratch cookies. You can also order The Baked Bear from Grubhub, Uber Eats and Postmates.

In addition to the popular ice cream sandwiches, customers can also order ice cream and cookies separately, or even choose a hot fudge sundae with a cookie or brownie added to it.

Fo u r th-ye a r inte rd i s cip l in a r y studies student Grace Wilkerson works as The Baked Bear’s marketing manager and says customers love The Baked Bear’s bear batter ice cream and chocolate chip cookies.

Wilkerson said the store also features some desserts that will make your social media followers jealous.

“If people are wanting to take an Instagram picture, most people will get the funfetti cookies, bear batter ice cream, with fruity pebbles on the outside,” Wilkerson said.

If you don’t know what to order from The Baked Bear, Wilkerson recommends her favorite items on the store’s menu: the cookies & cream cookie, a brownie or the salted caramel fudge ice cream.

The Baked Bear is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. According to Wilkerson, many students stop at The Baked Bear for a sweet treat during weekend late nights, although the store is also open during the day.

The Baked Bear 631 Harden St., Suite C thebakedbear.com

Since 2014, the Belgian Waffle Truck has been a popular treat in Columbia. At Soda City Market, festivals, campus and other events throughout the city, it is impossible to miss the Belgian-flag-waving food truck. Everything about these waffles are Belgian, from owners Jean-Louis and Yvette Ledent to the waffle iron and the ingredients! A recipe originating from Liege, G ​ aufre de Liege is made from pearl sugar dough. Every waffle is made from scratch and described as “thicker, heavier and chewier.”

T h e o n-th e- g o w af f le s a re traditionally served plain or “naked.”

However, at the waffle truck you

can get sweet and savory toppings.

A fan-favorite is the “Strawbwaffle” topped with — you guessed it — strawberries, along with Nutella and whipped cream.

They also offer breakfast, lunch and vegetarian waffle sandwich options. For a detailed schedule of its locations and events, check out the Belgian Waffle Truck’s Facebook page or head to the truck’s website for additional information.

Belgian Waffle Truck thebelgianwaffletruck.com Abigail Green / Garnet Media Group

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

TSUNAMI Hallie Hayes

Zahida Ashroff / Garnet Media Group

THE CORNER BLEND Prerana Shidhaye The Corner Blend serves bubble tea, frozen yogurt, coffee and acai bowls in a cool and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is located near Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center, and many students can be seen making their way to The Corner Blend following a rigorous workout. The Corner Blend offers a variety of frozen yogurt flavors that change on a daily basis. Since the flavors change so often, people are allowed to try samples of the yogurt before buying it. Some popular yogurt toppings are Oreo bits, sprinkles, boba, blueberries, mango and strawberries. The Corner Blend also offers caramel and fudge sauces in addition to whip cream to add to frozen yogurt.

But if you’re not in the mood for

yogurt, don’t worry! The Corner Blend’s açaí bowls are just as well known as its yogurt. Customers can choose from a variety of smoothie bases and top it with fresh fruit, honey, granola, Nutella and more.

The bowls provide a healthy and filling choice if you’re in need of a fresh meal, and if you just want a drink, you can get a smoothie, too.

The menu is endless with various fresh fruits, veggies and grains available, so after your next workout, or maybe just next time you want a delicious and healthy choice, head to The Corner Blend.

The Corner Blend 601 Main Street thecornerblend.com

If you’re in the mood for delicious Japanese dishes, Tsunami has every component imaginable covered!

Tsunami is a Japanese restaurant that serves everything from crab wonton appetizers and delicious hibachi to a multitude of different sushi rolls, including specialty rolls!

A fan favorite is the Duffy, filled with tempura shrimp, crab and cucumber and topped with avocado, shrimp, spicy mayo and a drizzle of eel sauce.

It’s a sushi roll large enough to be a meal and then some! If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try out the Black Dragon roll, a deep-fried crab salad roll with sliced eel on top.

If you aren’t in the mood for sushi, keep it simple and get fried rice with hibachi steak or chicken. For those who are especially hungry, the restaurant offers a bento box complete with a house salad, edamame, rice, a sweet potato fritter,

and tempura vegetables with your choice of hibachi, chicken or sushi as an entrée.

Don’t forget to finish off your meal with one of Tsunami’s delicious desserts! The restaurant offers not only standard ice cream and lava cake, but also mochi ice cream, a Japanese treat of ice cream wrapped in rice cake. Tsunami is also known for its cocktails. With two locations, one in Harbison and one in the Vista, Tsunami is a great dinner option for a night out with friends. Tsunami on Gervais Street is open Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The food is great, the atmosphere is calming and the drinks are delicious!

Tsunami 700 Gervais Street, Suite A The Vista tsunamicompany.com Jordan Warren / Garnet Media Group

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

WINNER OF BEST NAIL/ WAXING SALON

BEST OF CAROLINA 2019

Hannah Wade / Garnet Media Group

COOL BEANS Prerana Shidhaye Cool Beans coffee shop has been known as one of the top hang-out spots for USC students for years. The coffee shop is located on campus, right across the street from Wardlaw School of Education, near the Historic Horseshoe.

Cool Beans has a quaint, rustic atmosphere with charming décor.

When you walk up the steep stairs of the two-story building to the counter, you’ll come across a global map.

People place stickers on the map where they are from while waiting on their orders to be prepared, a great way to see the cafe’s global reach.

At Cool Beans, you can find student s studying in bet ween classes, grabbing a bite to eat with their favorite professors or even just relaxing after a busy day. The coffee shop has cozy seating areas with

board games available to grab and play with friends.

Co o l B e a n s of fe r s cre ati ve beverages that prove themselves worthy of praise time and time again.

One fan favorite that stays on the menu all year is the Zebra Mocha, which consists of rich coffee topped with chocolate and caramel sauce.

The Zebra Mocha is most commonly enjoyed iced, but, like most drinks on the menu, can be made hot as well.

Cool Beans also offers sandwiches and other baked goods to round out a mid-morning or afternoon meal.

Stop by and check it out next time you head to the Horseshoe.

Cool Beans 1217 College St. coolbeanscoffeecompany.net

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

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Urgent care when you need it.

Open late & weekends.

Walk-ins welcome.

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Services available as medically appropriate and determined by a Doctors Care provider. Additional charges may apply due to unforeseen circumstances or complex procedures.

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

MAIN STREET Hallie Hayes

David Chen / Garnet Media Group

Every city has a location with a little bit of everything. For Columbia, that location is Main Street, also known as “The Heart of the Capital City!”

Main Street is in the middle of Columbia and is home to dining, shopping and much more. With many restaurants to choose from, Main Street offers options such as Cantina 76, Carolina Wings, Albert’s Deli, The Whig and a local favorite, Michael’s Cafe, where you can try anything from chicken and waffles to a bowl of lobster mac and cheese.

After a nice meal, enjoy a bit of shopping at destinations such as Granger Owings, Coral ’s Ladies Fashion or Gotta Dance. Better yet, go enjoy a film at the local Nickelodeon Theater. The dining and shops are wonderful, but what really makes Main Street special are the festivals and events that can be found on the bustling street.

A Columbia community favorite is Soda City Market. Soda City is a weekly market full of local vendors

that takes place every Saturday starting at 9 a.m. Enjoy local food, produce, handmade gifts and art!

Speaking of art, you can’t forget First Thursday on Main. First Thursday on Main takes place every first Thursday of the month, where local artist and musicians showcase their talents along Main Street starting at 6 p.m. The different art galleries on Main Street, such as Tapp’s Art Center and Columbia Museum of Art, showcase different art exhibitions, while local musicians often play on the streets, and it’s all free to the public!

With Main Street within walking distance from campus, there is always something for students to do.

So, instead of spending a Saturday in your dorm, walk to Main Street and enjoy the local beauty!

Main Street mainstcolasc.com

THE VISTA Emmanuela Mitzalis Just a few blocks away from campus you will find the Vista, a popular entertainment and dining district in Columbia. Located primarily along Gervais Street from the Statehouse to the river, the Vista is full of spots to explore and have fun.

The one thing the Vista is most known for is all its restaurants. Here, you’ll be able to find a wide variety of offerings that’ll satisfy any craving you have. The Vista has restaurants for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, so no matter what time of the day you’re hungry, you’ll find somewhere to eat. Restaurants include delis, cafes, glutenfree and vegetarian, American, Asian, dessert, fine dining, Mexican, pizza, Southern, seafood and plenty more. If you’re over 21, you can also visit a variety of breweries and pubs.

If you’re in the mood to get off campus and explore Columbia, there are a variety of different

museums, art galleries and other fun activities for you to check out and learn more about Columbia and its community. You can watch artists create hand-blown glass at One Eared Cow Glass, learn how to cook at Let’s Cook Culinary Studio or simply admire art or history at the Gallery at Nonnah’s, South Carolina State Museum or if ART Gallery. You can even explore stores such as Urban Outfitters for a little shopping therapy or Publix if you’re in need of groceries.

If you have parents, siblings or friends visiting, consider looking for a hotel in the Vista where they can easily get around while you’re in class. Hilton Columbia Center, Hyatt Place Hotel, Hampton Inn Downtown Historic District and Aloft Hotel are just some of the available options to choose from.

If you have some free time and want to relax or change up your look, Studio O2, Vista Tanning

& Nail Salon, Jon Morgan MD Skin Products and other stores can help do the trick. Everyone needs to find a new favorite hairdresser or nail tech in college, and lucky for you, the Vista has plenty.

Lastly, the Vista is home to a variety of entertainment and events throughout the year. In the past, they have had concerts at venues like Tin Roof Columbia and The Senate, events like Vista After Five and Galentine’s day. Keep a look out and find an event that you’ll be interested in!

The Vista is the place to be if you want to get away from campus and explore Columbia, so make sure to check it out. You may find your new favorite off-campus place.

The Vista vistacolumbia.com

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

DEVINE STREET Emmanuela Mitzalis If you have yet to leave campus and explore Columbia, Devine Street is one of the places you should check out. Along with popular streets such as Greene Street and Main Street, Devine Street has something to offer students as well.

If you’re looking for a new spot to shop, you’re in luck because Devine Street is home to many chic boutique stores, such as Copper Penny, Brittons, and Pink Sorbet, that are so unique you won’t find them anywhere else but in Columbia.

Hungry and looking for your next go-to restaurant? Look no further because Devine Street has a bunch of restaurants for you to enjoy. Get your Mexican fix with Cantina 76, your pizza fix with Za’s or Il Giorgione Pizzeria & Wine Bar, and if you’re looking for something different, stop by Urban Cookhouse, Silver

FIVE POINTS Jon Butto

Spoon Bake Shop or any of the other restaurants that reside nearby. Along with shopping and dining, Devine Street is home to wellness centers, churches and other services that you might want to check out while you’re exploring the area.

A fun and unique fact about Devine Street is that it also holds occasional events that bring the street to life.

For example, in April this year, a fashion event called Devine in Bloom was held for the community and to showcase the many options for stores and restaurants.

You can find all you need to shop, eat and more on Devine Street all while enjoying a beautiful weekend with your friends.

Devine Street

From a beautiful place to walk around and grab some food during the day to the hot spot for fun at night, Five Points is one of the most well-known places in the city of Columbia and provides the community a plethora of fun and entertainment. Many people visit Five Points every day, whether for a jog to Starbucks at eight in the morning, getting a haircut, grabbing a nice lunch at The Gourmet Shop or going to Jake’s on Devine for a quick drink with co-workers. No matter what, where, or when, Five Points has something for everyone. Standing in the center of it all is a beautiful water fountain that provides a fun backdrop for the lively area; city officials even dye it different colors for different holidays.

Columbia staples like Pawleys Fro nt Po rch , Ye s te rd ay ’s a n d Groucho’s have made their home in Five Points over the years. This area of Columbia is very special for students at the university because it allows them to escape the stress of college and enjoy themselves with all of their friends.

With an array of many restaurants, bars and stores, there is always something happening in Five Points that brings the community to life.

Five Points fivepointscolumbia.com

devinestreetcolumbiasc.com

CONGAREE RIVER Philicia Thompson A short 10-minute drive from campus will bring you to the Congaree River. The 47-mile river forms right here in the capital where the Saluda and Broad rivers meet.

Multiple riverfront parks throughout the city offer walking trails, biking, fishing and bird watching, and there are multiple access points for enjoying the beach or entering the water with canoes, kayaks and tubes.

The parks are popular places for runners, dog owners and nature enthusiasts alike. There are multiple events and concerts held in the parks each year as well. From dog adoption events and free yoga to live music, there’s something for everyone.

The Cayce Riverwalk has 12 miles of lighted trails, pavilions and picnic tables, public art installations and

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scenic overlooks. Riverfront Park is the original waterworks site for Columbia. Walk through the old water plant buildings, relax in a hammock in the park or take the two-mile paved trail to the canal diversion dam, which after heavy rains looks like a roaring waterfall!

Congaree National Park is located halfway down the river and only 30 minutes from campus. Go camping, canoeing or hiking in the largest bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeastern U.S. Park services offers multiple guided walks and hike days each month.

The Congaree River is great for studying, exercising, escaping to nature and exploring Columbia’s history. The parks are open dawn to dusk.

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

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RIVERBANKS ZOO AND GARDEN Emilie Rollet The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, a 170-acre zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden located along the Saluda River, is the perfect place for a weekend day trip. It’s a nationally known zoo, but it’s only 20 minutes away from USC’s campus.

Riverbanks is home to more than 2,000 different animals. The zoo has at least 10 different species of monkeys, including cute little spider and squirrel monkeys along with

the bigger baboons. There’s even a monkey exhibit that doesn’t have any fences or cages, just a big pile of rocks surrounded by water.

Along with the monkeys, there are elephant and giraffe exhibits that even feature babies in the spring. The aquarium and reptile exhibit is a fanfavorite. It houses all sorts of snakes, frogs, fish, sharks and even an alligator. If you get there at the right time, you can watch the alligator get

fed. The zoo also hosts a big daily show where the seals do tricks while they’re being fed.

Guests can take a trolley ride to the botanical gardens, where they’ll be able to see dramatic and themed gardens of more than 4,200 species of native and exotic plants.

If you spend a bit of time at each exhibit, you can make a whole day out of going to Riverbanks. You can bring your own lunch or eat burgers,

sandwiches and hot dogs at the food court. They also have two food trucks, one of which sells ice cream, slushies and soft pretzels.

Make sure to check it out while you’re in Columbia!

Riverbanks Zoo 500 Wildlife Parkway Columbia riverbanks.org

CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

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ASHEVILLE Philicia Thompson

Courtesy of Edgar Santana

GREENVILLE Maria Jutton A popular day trip or weekend destination for many USC students is the city of Greenville, South Carolina. Located just an hour and a half away from Columbia, the city features many activities that are sure to lead to fun times. The website has all the information you need to plan, but here are a few experiences you probably want to put on your itinerary.

If you want to spend some time in nature, Falls Park on the Reedy is a must-do. The park features scenic walking trails and is open everyday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. with free admission.

Falls Park is conveniently located near the hear t of downtown Greenville’s Main Street, and there are several parking options available.

Take a picnic and eat outside on the grass near the Reedy River Falls, or choose from a variety of nearby restaurants.

If you’re looking to see a show while in Greenville, visit the Peace Center. The venue has many different types of shows each season and

is sure to include something for everyone.

The Peace Center’s 2019-2020 Broadway Series has already been announced, and it features several popular favorites. In October, revisit your childhood by seeing Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” In December, watch the true story of Carole King in “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical.” Finally, theatergoers can look forward to “Cats” at the Peace Center in March 2020.

Greenville also hosts several annual festivals throughout the year, including Fall for Greenville, “the Southeast’s most popular outdoor festival,” according to its website.

This year’s festival takes place Oct. 11 to 13 and will feature more than 40 restaurants and free entertainment and is sure to be a fun time for any college student looking to relieve their stress.

Greenville, SC visitgreenvillesc.com

Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest from the University of South Carolina will take you to Asheville, North Carolina, a bustling mountain town filled with art, culture, architecture and nature. Music resonates throughout the city from its many street performers, music festivals and performance venues.

The culinary scene in Asheville is that of a foodie’s dream with vegan, ethnic and homestyle restaurants on every corner.

Asheville has several notable buildings with deep-rooted history.

The Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in America, is one of Asheville’s most popular tourist destinations and features gardens, a lagoon, equestrian centers, a winery and a resort.

For nature lovers, the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville offers 434 acres of gardens and nature trail s. Additionally, the Western North Carolina Nature Center features over 60 animal species and provides insight into the natural flora found in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Botanical Gardens at the University of North Carolina Asheville have over 700 different species of plants and offer a focused look at native botany for free.

Art can be found throughout

Asheville, from various art galleries downtown to the River Arts District, which is full of working studios, galleries, graffiti and sculptures. For visitors wanting to take home a piece of Asheville, there are street vendors that sell handmade art downtown.

Other stops include honey stores, thrift stores, bookstores and the farmers market. A short drive south will take you to the Asheville Outlet Mall with more than 70 stores.

Whether making a day trip or staying a week, the Blue Ridge Parkway a is a scenic drive and a must-stop detour. It stretches 470 miles up and down the Appalachian mountains and provides unparalleled views of the mountain range. Take the parkway as a scenic route into town, or jump on it on the way to your next destination.

A city bursting with art, history and nature is the perfect weekend getaway for students wanting to recharge and get fresh air. Bring some snacks for the drive, have the road trip playlist ready to go and discover Asheville, an eclectic and inviting mountain town.

Asheville, NC exploreasheville.com Courtesy of Tribune News Service

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CAROLINA INSIDER 2019-2020

CHARLESTON

CHARLOTTE

Tia Ternberg

Liana Porte

From its beaches to its downtown, Charleston, South Carolina, has a lot to offer. Roughly two hours outside of Columbia, Charleston is a great weekend destination for students.

O n e o f C h a r l e s to n ’s m a i n attractions is its beaches. Charleston has five different beaches for public access, including Kiawah Island, Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms and Seabrook Island. Kiawah Island offers 10 miles of beaches with preserved maritime forests, sand dunes and marshes, where you may also find a variety of wildlife.

In addition to its beaches, Kiawah Island is also a hot spot for golfers.

Folly Beach is the closest beach to downtown Charleston and is familyfriendly and laid-back. Sullivan’s Island, while only 3.3 miles long, offers a variety of beautiful and serene beaches.

Apart from the beaches, downtown Charleston also offers landmarks like Fort Sumter, the City Market, Waterfront Park, South Carolina Aquarium and the Battery. The City Market is one of the nation’s oldest public markets and is the home to more than 300 diverse vendors. The Waterfront Park features beautiful views of the Charleston Harbor and Cooper River and includes more than 10 acres of land. The Battery is a paved public walkway where you will get to see Southern mansions, old cannons and historical plaques.

Whether you are looking for a beach day, history or shopping, Charleston has something for you.

Charleston, SC charlestoncvb.com

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, Charlotte’s got a lot, as the city’s slogan announces. Only about a 90-minute drive from Columbia, the Queen City is always bustling with things to do and see.

From the Carolina Panthers to the Hornets, sports fans can always find a game to catch in real time. The city is also home to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, where people can go to enjoy rafting or kayaking on the man-made rapids. Outside the city, people can also practice their golf skills on the driving range at Topgolf and get a thrill on the roller coasters at Carowinds.

The city houses a number of historical collections with Levine Museum of the New South, The Charlotte Museum of History and Wells Fargo History Museum. You can even take a look at the timeline

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Between high-end fashion selections at South Park Mall, the typical retailers at Concord Mills and Charlotte Premium Outlets, the Queen City’s got your shopping needs covered. Charlotte also has its own homegrown boutiques sprinkled around town to browse through.

Got cravings Columbia can’t fulfill? Charlotte can satisfy them.

With restaurant s from worldrenowned chefs and a bustling food truck scene, high-quality meals are accessible at every corner.

Whether it’s a weekend excursion or a simple day trip, you’ll always find things to do in the Queen City.

Charlotte, NC charlottesgotalot.com

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