It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Saluda Factory gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in West Columbia, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Terra or visit Robert Mills House and Gardens, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in West Columbia, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in West Columbia, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in West Columbia, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
West Columbia and Cayce are evolving differently as development progresses. Both cities have witnessed transformation recently, but West Columbia rapidly issues building permits, while Cayce has maintained a deliberate pace. The State continues to follow closely development trends in the neighboring cities across the Congaree River from Columbia. Here are seven stores that chart the cities' trajectory through the first half of 2025.Across the Congaree River from Columbia, two cities in Lexington County have developed differently over ...
West Columbia and Cayce are evolving differently as development progresses. Both cities have witnessed transformation recently, but West Columbia rapidly issues building permits, while Cayce has maintained a deliberate pace. The State continues to follow closely development trends in the neighboring cities across the Congaree River from Columbia. Here are seven stores that chart the cities' trajectory through the first half of 2025.
Across the Congaree River from Columbia, two cities in Lexington County have developed differently over the last decade. As more people move to South Carolina, what does their future hold? | Published January 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hannah Wade
The developer says the new Midlands development shouldn’t cause any traffic problems. | Published January 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hannah Wade
Anecdotally, it seems townhomes are all the rage in the Midlands. Is that really true? | Published February 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hannah Wade Morgan Hughes
The longtime Midlands senior living community will add around 200 housing units and a clubhouse to its campus. | Published March 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hannah Wade
The Canadian-based company, with locations across the United States, is set to bring its first Southeastern site to South Carolina. | Published April 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hannah Wade
Officials for the Midlands city highlighted vacant, blighted buildings as an area to improve. Real estate agents say things are looking up. | Published April 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hannah Wade
The oyster bar with an extensive menu makes plans to move in as the city near Columbia aims to add to its developing arts district. | Published June 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Riley Edenbeck
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
West Columbia City Council approves a $26.3 million budget with a slight property tax decrease, benefiting homeowners from July 1.WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — The City of West Columbia Council has given final approval to its financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year, adopting a $26.3 million general fund budget with no increase but rather a slight decrease in the city’s property tax millage rate.On Monday night, the council held a seco...
West Columbia City Council approves a $26.3 million budget with a slight property tax decrease, benefiting homeowners from July 1.
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — The City of West Columbia Council has given final approval to its financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year, adopting a $26.3 million general fund budget with no increase but rather a slight decrease in the city’s property tax millage rate.
On Monday night, the council held a second and final reading of the ordinance, officially enacting the 2025–2026 budget, which sets spending priorities, fees, and tax policy for the city beginning July 1.
RELATED: Lexington County homeowners might see relief in property taxes
"Multiple years we've been able to keep the same millage… Just good fiscal responsibility and good budgeting practices," said Justin Black, the city’s senior assistant administrator and treasurer.
According to Black, the city will see "no increases in our tax millage. We're actually experiencing a slight reduction in our tax millage for the fiscal year 2025–2026."
Although the decrease is modest, it provides real savings for homeowners. A property currently valued at $100,000, which now pays about $264.97 in taxes, will pay $264.80 under the new rate.
"We budget very conservatively and our council does a great job with fiscal responsibility and have tonight unanimously approved our budget for the fiscal year 2025, 2026 with a minimal decrease to our operating millage," Black said.
City officials say the new budget allocates significant funding for water and sewer system upgrades, improvements to parks and sanitation, and maintaining emergency services.
So you want to go tubing down the river in Columbia because it’s famously hot in summer, but don’t know where to start. No worries — we won’t leave you up the creek without a tube. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back float or a little splash of adventure, Columbia has a few great options for tubing the Saluda River.We recommend the Riverbanks Zoo to Gervais Street Bridge Route (aka, the Z-G route) for a more active float with gentle rapids. First things first: Check current water-q...
So you want to go tubing down the river in Columbia because it’s famously hot in summer, but don’t know where to start. No worries — we won’t leave you up the creek without a tube. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back float or a little splash of adventure, Columbia has a few great options for tubing the Saluda River.
We recommend the Riverbanks Zoo to Gervais Street Bridge Route (aka, the Z-G route) for a more active float with gentle rapids. First things first: Check current water-quality reports at How’s My SC River, which shows real-time testing data for the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree rivers before heading out.
The Z-G route is a ~3-hour, 2.5-mile float that begins near Riverbanks Zoo and ends at the West Columbia Riverwalk. This section of the lower Saluda River includes Class I + Class II rapids — small but active stretches of water flowing over rocks — so children must be 10+ to participate.
Palmetto Outdoor | Meet at the West Columbia Riverwalk (131 Alexander Rd., West Columbia) at the kiosk by the bathrooms, 30 min. early to check in. Online registration is encouraged, but walk-up reservations are also available. If you choose to walk up, be sure to bring cash and arrive ~45 minutes before shuttle departure to complete registration and waivers.
Pro parking tips: Park for free in the lot at 109 Alexander Rd. If you run out of space by the river, park in the lot across the street (212 Hudson St.) If that lot is full, head to the multi-level parking garage (310 Court Ave.) located on the corner of State Street — just a 3 min. stroll from the riverwalk.
Saluda Shoals Park | Check in at the Saluda Shoals Park East Entrance (5605 Bush River Rd., Columbia) at the Tube Rental Office, located near the boat ramp. Reservations are not required, but all participants must complete a waiver before heading out. Rental fees include shuttle service to the put-in location upstream on the Saluda River. Return shuttles are also provided.
Pro tip: Admission to the park is $5 per vehicle, and tube rentals are first-come, first-served, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.
Palmetto Outdoor | Shuttles run from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturdays and 12–4 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Shuttles leave promptly at the top of each hour. After check-in at the West Columbia Riverwalk, you’ll board the shuttle to the put-in spot near Riverbanks Zoo. Shuttle service is available from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and closed on Wednesdays. You can call ahead for availability outside of those dates.
Saluda Shoals Park | Tube rentals at Saluda Shoals Park include round-trip shuttle service. After checking in at the East Entrance, you’ll be driven upstream to launch your tube. The float ends back at the park, and a return shuttle is available. Tubing hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, and the last float must be on the water by 3 p.m.
Palmetto Outdoor offers four options to enjoy your river adventure. Choose between:
Note: Dogs and coolers require their own tube rental. No glass or Styrofoam coolers allowed, and all dogs must wear a life jacket. Pro tip: You can grab river gear at REI, Half-Moon Outfitters, River Runner Outdoor Center, or Barron’s Outfitters.
What’s included: Your shuttle ride, life jacket, and selected tube.
Saluda Shoals Park tube rentals are $15 per person and include a standard single tube, life jacket, and shuttle service. Tubes are first-come, first-served, and no custom tube types are available.
Walk-ups are welcome, but online registration is encouraged. Check in at the East Entrance (5605 Bush River Rd.) and head to the tube rental area near the boat ramp. Last float must be on the water by 3 p.m.
What’s included: Tube, life jacket, and round-trip shuttle from the park.
Looking for more flexibility? Palmetto Outdoor offers a Grab-n-Go rental option for $15, which includes a tube and life jacket — perfect for floating on your own schedule at public put-ins like Lake Murray. Just note: this option does not include shuttle service, and gear must be returned by 7 p.m.
Want something calmer and more kid-friendly? Saluda Shoals Park offers a flat-water float with included shuttle service — scroll up for full details.
More than 10,000 customers had no power Sunday morning, hours after powerful storms lashed the Midlands region of South Carolina with strong winds and heavy rain. More severe weather is in the forecast for Sunday and Monday, according to the National Weather Service.A ...
More than 10,000 customers had no power Sunday morning, hours after powerful storms lashed the Midlands region of South Carolina with strong winds and heavy rain. More severe weather is in the forecast for Sunday and Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Columbia, Lexington and West Columbia, the National Weather Service said Sunday at about 10:40 a.m. The warning is in effect through 11:15 a.m., as wind gusts traveling at 60 mph and hail could rip through those areas, according to the National Weather Service.
It would be a repeat of the last series of storms, when winds moving as fast as 60 mph blasted their way through parts of the Columbia area Saturday night, some for sustained periods of 20 minutes, the National Weather Service said. This led to downed branches, trees and utility poles across the Midlands, which caused treacherous driving conditions and thousands of power outages, according to officials.
While the cleanup and repairs from Saturday night continue, Columbia area residents need to prepare for another round of storms.
Damaging winds continue to be the greatest threat in the severe weather that’s forecast to impact the area Sunday, National Weather Service meteorologists said in a morning briefing.
Activity to the west of the Midlands already started and the Columbia area could start feeling the effects in the morning, the National Weather Service said. Severe weather is most likely from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., according to the briefing.
This round of storms is not expected to be as widespread as the ones that battered South Carolina Saturday night, but the storms that do develop Sunday will likely be strong-to-severe, meteorologists said.
The area south of the Interstate 20 corridor — running from the CSRA, toward the state line between South Carolina and Georgia, and up to the Midlands — is most likely to feel the greatest impacts of Sunday’s severe weather, according to the briefing.
Gusts exceeding 60 mph in Columbia could cause even more power outages, the National Weather Service said. Richland, Lexington and norther Calhoun counties were included in that severe thunderstorm warning.
“Boaters on Lake Murray should seek safe harbor ... (and) if outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building,” the National Weather Service said.
Powerful winds hit in Saluda, Edgefield and McCormick counties, where a severe thunderstorm warning was issued earlier Sunday morning.
No other warnings, watches or advisories have been issued for any part of the Midlands, but that is subject to change as the storms get closer.
Large amounts of rain are not expected to accumulate Sunday, when there’s a 40% chance of precipitation, the forecast shows. Localized amounts could be higher, especially during thunderstorms.
More of the same severe weather is forecast for the Columbia area on Monday, including the possibility of tornadoes, according to the briefing.
Damaging winds are expected during several rounds of strong storms Monday, meteorologists said. An isolated tornado also is possible, according to the briefing.
Powerful winds and tornadoes could cause considerable damage to trees and branches, in addition to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings. Vehicles would also be under siege in the case of a tornado.
Damage to trees and branches creates the possibility of more downed power lines and further power outages.
The greatest risk of severe weather Monday is early in the afternoon and continuing through the night, according to the briefing. Monday’s storms could more closely resemble what affected the Midlands Saturday night, and might be more widespread than what’s forecast for Sunday, the National Weather Service said. Several waves of strong storms are predicted in the briefing.
Up to an inch of rain could accumulate by the times the storms wind down Monday night, the forecast shows.
The Columbia area is not expected to dry out this week, as chances of rain and showers and thunderstorms persist every day — except for Wednesday — through next weekend, according to the current long-range forecast. Conditions will also be hot, as temperatures are forecast to reach highs around 90 most days.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
Three riverside trails in the Columbia area are partially closed at the same time.The city of Columbia announced a six-month closure of a portion of the Riverfront Park trail in a May 30 Facebook post, part of continuing work on the Columbia Canal and that feeds into the city’s water treatment plant there. Sections of the trail south of the Interstate 126 bridge and r...
Three riverside trails in the Columbia area are partially closed at the same time.
The city of Columbia announced a six-month closure of a portion of the Riverfront Park trail in a May 30 Facebook post, part of continuing work on the Columbia Canal and that feeds into the city’s water treatment plant there. Sections of the trail south of the Interstate 126 bridge and railroad trestle have been closed since June 2 for the construction of a new water intake. Two miles of trail are still accessible from the park’s northern entrance, and half a mile can be reached through the southern entrance.
Cayce closed Phase Two of its riverwalk between Lyles Street and Kelley Jones park after a sewer overflow on May 24. There is no timeline yet for the section’s reopening, according to a city spokesperson.
And a half-mile portion of West Columbia’s riverwalk has not reopened since taking damage from Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The city chose a company to lead the repair effort on May 6 of this year, but an exact timeline for reopening the trail has not been announced.
While these popular trail options near downtown Columbia are closed, here are six other options you might consider:
The only section of the Three Rivers Greenway along Columbia’s rivers that is currently open in its entirety, Saluda Riverwalk has about three miles of paved walkways and boardwalks for pedestrians and cyclists. There is also access for fishing and boating.
The riverwalk is close to downtown for those looking for an alternative to the closed trails near the city center. It’s located adjacent to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and has an entrance at 650 Candi Lane off I-126.
While Phase Two of the Cayce Riverwalk is closed, the city’s Timmerman Trail loop circles Congaree Creek for 3.5 paved milesand connects with the third and fourth phases of the riverwalk. The trail is dog-friendly and accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, strollers and wheelchair users, according to the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber.
There are two entrances to the Timmerman Trail. The northern entrance is on the corner of Scana Parkway and the 12th Street Extension, and the southern entrance is behind the Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center at 1120 Fort Congaree Trail. There are also multiple spots to park and access the third and fourth phases of the riverwalk leading to the trail loop.
About 30 minutes southeast of Columbia is Congaree National Park, which contains “the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States,” per its website. It has a mix of trails, kayak and canoe access and campsites to reserve. Fishing is allowed, except if within 25 feet of any manmade structure.
The park’s boardwalk begins at the visitor center. However, sections of this boardwalk are closed for construction on a rolling basis, as part of a renovation project. The park’s website shows which areas are closed.
Sesquicentennial State Park in the Sandhills region has four trails, including a six-mile mountain biking trail. A 30-acre lake sits in the center of the park, where visitors can fish or ride non-motorized boats. A variety of boats are available for rent, including kayaks, canoes and paddle boards.
This park requires a paid ticket to enter, which is $6 for adults. Children five years old and younger have free admission, and other discounts are available.
About 30 minutes from downtown, Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve has six trails, a waterfall and a number of sandstone formations. The namesake rock toppled years ago, but a smaller “Little Peachtree Rock” sits on the blue trail.
The preserve’s rock formations are a product of the prehistoric coastline that once existed in the area. As a result, the sandstone contains numerous fossils of prehistoric marine animals.
Harbison State Forest contains 18 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Bordered by the Broad River, the forest has a canoe landing which can be accessed after filling out a float plan.
A day pass to the park is $5.
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