<p>DS finally made a reservation for Orientation (June 26; wish it could be earlier, but there were too many obligations earlier in the month...). Now I am making flight and hotel arrangements.</p>
<p>I remember seeing a thread on this forum about "places to stay and things to do" for visitors, but I can no longer find it. You computer-saavy people probably know how to pull something like that from the archives, but I am obviously and hopelessly challenged in the tech arena. </p>
<p>Anyway, I would appreciate any help/advice you can offer in regard to where to stay/eat for our visit. We will be flying down on Sunday, June 24 (evening) and leaving Wednesday, June 27 (late morning). I noticed that students can stay in Capstone if they choose and I suggested to my son that that might be a way for him to meet some fellow classmates. We did not make it down for Scholars' Day, although two kids he knows from middle school who moved south will be in his class at SC. Otherwise, he knows no one. He is an outgoing, sociable guy so I'm not concerned about him making friends, but it might be nice for him to make a few connections before the "big day."</p>
<p>you can stay with him at Capstone too.Its $25 per person per night.They supply linens but its bare bones all the way.
Do you want to be close by?If so the Marriott is nice.Use the code D56 when reserving to get a USC rate(somewhere in the 100 range). The Inn at USC is beautiful but costly.There is a Clarion also in close distance and a few other nice places.Look up the Columbia Convention and Visitors website,they have a big list of places.
You can stay cheaper in the Harbison Road area,but it'll be a drive in to campus.They are opening a new Courtyard by Marriott right next to the Koger Center/Coliseum block but the date got pushed back,I dont think it'll be open by then but will be open by move in time.
If you have some free time, the Patio Grill at the McCutcheon House (on the campus,on the Horseshoe) is open for lunch.Its run by students learning the Hospitality Industry.Very pleasant setting and the food is good!!
LOL I sound like a travel agent!!!! Have a great Orientation visit!!!</p>
<p>Too late to edit the other response
Do you want off campus eating ideas?Will you have a car available?
Theres good places in the Vista area and in the 5Points area.
We ate at the Blue Marlin (someone sent us...pricey for Columbia but not for us used to NY prices..very good food )
Right on the edge of campus is California Dreaming which is a chain something like Fridays/Houlihans.Large menu,can please alot of differnt types of people.Casual.
My S loves Moe's which is burrito type place right next to campus.Cheap and fills you up!!I got him a Moe's gift card for Christmas for 35$$ and he managed to get 7 meals off of it!
That same website will have lists of restaurants for you.
You will want to wander around the Vista one night.Its very pleasant.If you want the chain type familiar restaurant names you know, the Harbison Road area, where all the big box stores/malls/movies are will have them.</p>
<p>I've seen the house from the street,it's really pretty.Is it really that inexpensive?They don't give prices on the website.
College age kids might feel uncomfortable at a B&B,I know mine would! But it would be lovely for the parents if the kid stays at Capstone.</p>
<p>cathymee,
Can you fill me in on the driving time from Harbison Road area (Hampton Inn) to campus? Husband and S will be staying there for orientation and just wonder how much time they need to allow for driving in that morning. Thanks!</p>
<p>eadad answered for me! 10-15 minutes sounds right.Not sure if there's morning commuter type traffic into downtown,the desk people at the Hamptom Inn should be able to tell you that.
Parking is by the Koger,or across the street at the Coliseum I believe and shouldnt be much of a problem.
Have a great time,and come back with a report.I'm especially interested in how that Hampton Inn is on Harbison.</p>
<p>The Hampton Inn on Harbison is nice(right next door to Wendy's and a nice pond/lake with a playground/picnic tables and sidewalk around it -though they did dispose of the ducks that used to make it fun for the kids)....as for travel time to USC from Harbison...it depends on the time of day and day. On a good day 15mins from parking lot to parking lot.....during rush hour, Friday afternoon or the weekend Harbison traffic -time can vary a lot ....even to more than 30 min. During summer the traffic shouldn't be as bad.</p>