Artists' Salon Series: Bob Trotman | Columbia Museum of Art

Friday August 31, 2012 Noon

This series features gallery talks led by working atists about a wide range of subjects, topics and disciplines. North Carolina artist Bob Trotman discusses his wood sculptures Martin and Kaitlin, 2008 on display at the CMA. Trotman received a B.A. in philosophy from Washington and Lee University and for 35 years has maintained a studio in the foothills of Western North Carolina. Self-taught in art, he has received two NEA grants and four grants from the North Carolina Arts Council. Go to the Columbia Museum of Art website for information.

The New Nickelodeon Theatre Opens Friday!

Friday August 31, 2012
After years of fund-raising and renovation, the new Nickelodeon Theatre opens on Main Street in downtown Columbia. Housed in what used to be the Fox Theater, the Nickelodeon will open its 99-seat, first-floor theater and offer a screening of Beasts of the Southern Wild, "Waters gonna rise up, wild animals gonna rerun from the grave, and everything south of the levee is goin’ under, in this tale of a six year old named Hushpuppy, who lives with her daddy at the edge of the world." Visit the Nickelodeon website for info.

The Twitty Triplets: Trustus @ Tapps' Old Fountain Room

Friday August 31, 2012 - Sunday September 2, 2012

“Melodic tunes from a professional act in a casual atmosphere” is what you’ll hear when Aynor, Monetta and Cayce - The Twitty Triplets - bring their musical melee of disco era favorites and personal stories of love gone wrong to the Fountain Room of Tapp's Arts Center. The Fountain Room at Tapp’s, known to generations of hungry department store shoppers, will be transformed into an elegant nightclub where keg beer and convenience store wine will flow steady in a cash only bar. The Friday night performances convene with disco karaoke. Tickets for The Twitty Triplets are $15 with general seating. Cash bar opens at 7pm, and the show is at 8pm. For reservations call Trustus Theatre at 803-254-9732 Tuesday-Saturday from 1-6. Visit the Trustus website for more information.

LAST CHANCE! Saluda Splash to Close for Season

Now - Monday September 3, 2012

Saluda Splash is the coolest place to be on a hot summer day! This interactive, zero-depth water playground is a place your children are sure to enjoy. Splash closes for the season on September 3, 2012. The fee is $3 per person. Wristbands may be purchased at the park entrance. See details at ICRC.net.

Recommended Restaurant:

Hola Mexico

There are Mexican restaurants and then there are really good Mexican restaurants. Consider Hola Mexico in category "dos". The finest in Mexican cuisine is offered in comfortable, impeccably clean surroundings. Full bar, outside tables, lovely dining room. Servers are cordial, food is beautiful and fresh and Manuel Salazar and his family invite you to join them for a great dining experience. Conveniently located on Two Notch Road, not far from I-20. Visit the Hola Mexico website for more information. Join them for a special Happy Hour, Tuesday - Thursday from 4pm - 7pm where 12 oz. drafts are $1.50 and 32 oz. drafts are $3!

A Midlands' Tradition: Labor Day Weekend in Chapin!

Saturday September 1, 2012 - Monday September 3, 2012

Saturday events include a 5K Run or Walk at Crooked Creek Park to benefit Meals on Wheels and a Firefighter Appreciation Day from 10am - 2pm. Sunday brings Willie Wells and the Blue Ridge Mountain Grass to the Chapin Presbyterian Church from 4pm - 6pm... a free concert with free food and a playground for your kids! Sunday night from 7pm - 10pm, Chapin Bandstand Sock Hop on Clark Street in downtown Chapin - come in costume or in the spirit of the Sock Hops of Bandstand Days! Dance contests, fun for all ages. Monday brings the fabulous Labor Day Parade, followed with a host of fun activities including a children’s carnival, the Chapin Idol talent contest, a classic car show by the Newberry Car Buff’s and an AMROC model train display, arts and crafts and vendors, food concessions, and an old-fashioned gospel concert at Chapin Christian Counseling & Grace Chapel, on East Boundary Street. For details, see the Labor Day Festival web page.