Columbia

"Due to the nature of the schedule, Amtrak's arrival into Columbia is in the middle of the night in both directions. The southbound Silver Star is slated to arrive at 1:41 a.m. ET, while northbound comes through at 4:00 a.m. Unfortunately, it is the reality of running a train that traverses over 1,500 miles of track and sometimes the bigger cities will have service at off hours. If you can get past the arrival times, Columbia station is located in the heart of the city about two blocks from the Congaree River. Meanwhile, two blocks to the opposite direction is the University of South Carolina. Due to this, there is no shortage of hotels, motels and restaurants, some within walking distance and the others a short drive away. Columbia has numerous parks, some along the riverfront, as well as stadiums for the Gamecocks programs. The South Carolina State Fairgrounds are about two miles away from the station. "

"Columbia is a city rich in history and culture, with historic districts, well-maintained gardens, family-friendly museums, and a range of outdoor activities. For history buffs, visitors can learn about the state's history at the South Carolina State Museum. You can also tour the South Carolina State House, which is the seat of the state government. For shopping enthusiasts, there are local boutiques, antique shops, and locally made gifts. I recommend packing a picnic and settling down in the Riverfront Park for a relaxing afternoon under the shade trees."