Located near the Kelly Mill Rd entrance, Ashland Downes is a mainly all brick home section of the Ahsland section of Lake Carolina. Homes in Ashland Downes were originally built by Essex Homes and have remained popular after completion of the community.  All homes are very close to both Lake Carolina Elementary upper and lower campuses as well as Kelly Mill Middle School. Homes in Ashland Downes also offer access to Lake Carolina amenities such as walking trails, parks, playgrounds, and the 200 acre lake in the center of Lake Carolina.   There is currently 1 home under contract in Ashland Downes at Lake Carolina. A 5 Bedroom 3 bath 4,453 square foot home listed at $350,000.   In the past six months 3 homes have closed in Ashland Downes at Lake Carolina for an average sold proce of $3... 07/21/2018

  Located outside Columbia, SC near Camden South Carolina, Goodale State Park offers a no frills escape from the concrete of the city. There are not a lot of shinny new things out there, but what it lacks in modern refinement, Goodale more than makes up for with it's serene beauty. The crown jewel of the park is a form Civil War era mill pond that now serves as a center piece. Cypress trees stretching out of the black water of the 140 acre lake welcome visitors they make their way across the trails that wind around the body of water. An ample supply of bream, Bass, and catfish await anglers who try their luck and landing a few of the residents of Goodale.  It is my understanding that fish are not the only residents of this lake, as there are Alligators present as well. Though I have nev... 07/20/2018

  New construction homes continue to be a huge part of the real estate market in all of Columbia, SC and Lake Carolina. One particular example is Pinnacle Ridge at Lake Carolina where Essex Homes, a popular locally owned builder, has a detached town home style product that had been selling very well.   A new construction home in Lake Carolina for under $200,000. Selling well by the way is a bit of an understatement, but again a brand new home in Lake Carolina at the reasonable of a price is obviously very tempting.       There are currently 8 homes for sale in Pinnacle Ridge at Lake Carolina with an average list price of  $181,269.   There are currently 5 homes under contract in Pinnacle Ridge at Lake Carolina.   In the past 6 months 13 homes have closed in Pinnacle Ridge at Lake Carol... 07/17/2018

  Located near the Kelly Mill Rd in Northeast Columbia, SC, Ashland Grove is a small area of the Ashland section of Lake Carolina. This community was originally built by Essex Homes and has continued to remain popular. Ashland Grove like all Lake Carolina communities offers access to the developments many amenities such as walking trails, parks, playgrounds, community pools, and a 200 acre lake in the center of Lake Carolina.         There are currently 2 Homes for sale in Ashland Grove at Lake Carolina for an average price of $235,893.   There is currently 1 home under contract in Ashland Grove at Lake Carolina.   In the past 6 months 5 homes have closed in Ashland Grove at Lake Carolina for an average sold price of $236,665.   If you would like additional information about homes for ... 07/17/2018

  Just up the road from Jeep Rogers YMCA in Lake Carolina and across the street from the campuses of the Lake Carolina Elementary Lower Campus and Kelly Mill Middle School is Woodleigh Park. Woodleigh Park at Lake Carolina has a wonderful mixture of townhomes at the beginning of the community and single family Charleston style homes throughout the rest of the Neighborhood. there are currently new construction homes available as well from Fortress Homes and Mungo Homes. Home ownership of course allows access to Lake Carolina amenities.     There are currently 7 homes for sale in Woodleigh Park at Lake Carolina. The average list price is $213,127.   There are currently 2  homes under contract in Woodleigh Park at Lake Carolina.   In the past 6 months 7 homes have closed in Woodleigh Park... 07/16/2018

  Ashland Mills is a community in The Ashland section of Lake Carolina off of Kelly Mill Road in Northeast Columbia, SC. Ashland Mills in Lake Carolina is a small community with only two street, Pennywell Ct and Parnell Ct with a round about and a green area between the two street at the entrance.   Homes in Ashland Mills are single family detached townhouse type home with vinyl siding and were built by Mungo Homes, the largest builder in Columbia, SC. Home ownership in Ashland Mills provides access to Lake Carolina amenities such as play grounds, parks, the lake, and dog parks.       In the past 6 months 7 homes have closed in Ashland Mills at Lake Carolina for and average sold price of $176,882.   There is currently 1 home for sale in Ahsland Mills at Lake Carolina. A 3 bedroom 2 ful... 07/16/2018

 Located in the middle of Main Street in downtown Columbia, SC the South Carolina State Capitol Building and Grounds stares out at the city in all directions. The copper dome is visible throughout the city and the immaculate grounds invite visitors to explore the walking paths and various statues and monuments throughout the complex. From June through December tours of the State House are offered every 30 minutes starting at 9:30AM to 3:30PM. 07/15/2018

  A kaleidoscope of humanity twisting and swirling throughout one another across the asphalt of Columbia South Carolina's Main street while the copper dome of the State Capitol Building looks on from a distance. The sights, the sounds, the smell, a full on assault on the senses that leaves visitors with only one thought. I WANT MORE.   This sea of people drift their way back and forth between vendor lined streets that have something for everyone. From food trucks, craft displays, street performers, smaller food vendors of all kinds, artists, and much more. Anything from burgers, cotton candy, paella, empanadas, Asian noodles, to BBQ and local brewed beer.   From it's tiny beginning as more or less a small farmer's market in the square in front of the museum of art, Soda City's popularit... 07/13/2018

   New Construction Homes for Sale in Elgin, SC   If you are looking for new construction homes for sale in Elgin, SC then maybe the Villas at Woodcreek Farms is an option you should consider. The Villas is an all brick, low maintenance new home community that offers several floor plan with designer and energy efficient features. All floor plans are one level and start at just over 2,000 square, topping out at around 3,300 square feet for the largest homes.   As if the wonderful finishes on these new construction homes are not enough to command your attention, The Villas not only enjoys a private gate but are located in the highly desired Elgin, SC community of Woodcreek Farms. Homes for sale in The Villas start in the $320's and are sure to not disappoint. So if you are in the market f... 07/13/2018

 Years ago I arbitrarily started a Longest Fry Contest with my Son. The basic point was that anytime we had fries we would dig through to find the longest one we had and the square them off against each other to see who would be the last spud standing. Monkey being somewhat competitive by nature gripped onto this contest and will still take on any challenger to this day. He even passed the contest on to Bug, who herself has a pretty healthy love for competition as well. I think this fight resulted in a tie. 07/12/2018

 The other night on the way home I snapped this quick picture of the fountain at the main entrance of Lake Carolina.  The fountain looks great lit up an night and makes an excellent greeting for those of of headed home or visitors. It's even become a favorite place in Northeast Columbia, SC for prom pictures to be taken as each year I see tons of young folks with either parent or photographers busy posing them and their dates out in front of the fountain. Search Homes for Sale in Lake Carolina 07/11/2018

  Along Summit Ridge that runs between Summit Parkway and the Centennial section of Lake Carolina, you will find the quiet and highly desirable community of Founders Ridge. The single family community features mainly vinyl sided homes with some brick front and brick accents throughout.   Founders Ridge in The Summit offers access to all Summit Amenities which include green areas, community playgrounds and tennis courts, walking trails, and community parks. Founders Ridge is only minutes away from shopping and dinning in the Village at Sandhill and is zoned for Richland 2 schools.     There are currently no homes for sale in Founder's Ridge at The Summit.    In the past 6 months 3 homes have sold in Founder's Ridge at The Summit for an average sold price of $203,766.   The average days ... 07/11/2018

  Just a short drive outside Columbia, SC in Winnsboro and located on Desportes Island on Lake Wateree, Wateree State Park is a great way to get out and enjoy nature. With 238 acres of park and 13,800 acres of lake to explore, there is plenty of room to roam throughout Wateree State Park.  Campsites, 72 in all, allow visitors to bring RV's or campers to the park for a weekend visit or longer. 15 of these sites are located right on the lake itself. Campers can find plenty at the park to keep them busy.   There is a great playground located on site for the little ones to play on. Two boat ramps allow access to the lake and of course fishing is allowed both from boats or the bank. An on site store also sells bait and tackle as well as gas and other snacks or needs that campers or visitors ... 07/06/2018

 This photo was taken at the Robert Mills House in downtown Columbia, SC. Bug and Monkey were hanging out in the gardens after we finished taking a tour of the historic home that now serves as a museum managed and owned by The Historic Columbia Foundation. Once scheduled to be demolished, the Robert Mills House, named for it's designer, is now open daily and well worth the visit.  07/04/2018

  Among the many amenities in Lake Carolina, Sunset Park on the Lake stands out. Sunset Park is located on the far end of Lake Carolina next to the Sandy Glen community. This wonderful park offers stunning views of the lake from the dam where visitors are invited to walk along the trail that crosses the dam itself or just relax on any of the swings that face the lake as well.   There are several picnic areas with tables and even built in grills within the park as well. Two docks also welcome visitors to try their hand at catching a fish or two or just dangle their feet in the water while enjoying the view.  07/03/2018

  Let's face it, it gets hot here in Columbia, SC during the Summer time and I mean really hot. So sometimes you simply have to find a place with a roof overhead and some air conditioning that allows you to have a little fun without the fear of heat stroke or melting. And if you're going to find such a place, you may as well find one that has a bar and games right?    The only thing better than surviving an epic battle with a virtual army of the living dead is doing so with a cold adult beverage in hand. So if one were so inclined to find this type of establishment in Columbia, South Carolina, then I guess Dave and Busters may be the place that you should stop by and check out.   Did I happen to mention that kids really love this place? Because they really do. There are tons of various ... 06/29/2018

 I was recently discussing Disney World in Orlando with a friend of mine as my wife and I took our children for the first time earlier this year. He wanted to know what I thought of the place since it was the first time I had been as well. I described the experience with the picture above. This was our first day and we were at the Magic Kingdom. My wife received a phone call and while talking our 5 year old daughter, Bug, laid on the rock she was leaning on, put her head on my wife's hand, and fell asleep. Exhausted is the word I think. 06/28/2018

  Columbia, SC Homes for Sale in Lake Carolina - The Bluffs     Located off of Lake Carolina BLVD between the main entrance and the Centennial section of Lake Carolina in Northeast Columbia, SC is the beautiful and highly desired community of The Bluffs. The Bluffs at Lake Carolina start out in the low 200's, but with lot of homes on the lake, you can see lake front estates here stretch to close to the $1,000,000 mark as well.   The Bluffs in Lake Carolina has on main road that drives along the lake in a loop with just a few interior streets. Homes are mainly brick and custom built with all the upgrades you would expect. The community is zoned for award winning Richland Two Schools which include Lake Carolina Elementary, Killy Mill Middle School , and Blythewood High School at this tim... 06/27/2018

  Columbia, SC Homes for Sale in Lake Carolina The Peninsula   Along Lake Carolina BLVD between the main entrance off  Hardscrabble Road and the Centennial section of Lake Carolina is the exclusive and highly desired gated community of The Peninsula. As the name may recommend, The Peninsula is surrounded on three sides by the beautiful 200 private lake at the heart of the Lake Carolina community. These custom built homes start around $300,000 and stretch North of $1,000,000 for lakefront estates.     While the community of The Peninsula itself is nothing short of astounding given it's location and lovely, well appointed homes and exclusive community amenities like a private pool only for Peninsula residents, home ownership in the community also offers access to Lake Carolina amenities ... 06/26/2018

  Just on the other side of Jeep Rogers YMCA in highly desired Lake Carolina, near the last Kelly Mill Road entrance you will Brookhire. Brookshire is an established single family home community with many of the homes in the neighborhood being built around 2005.   Homes in Brookshire are mostly brick sided with vinyl accents and can range widely in size with some homes reaching North of 4,000 square feet in living space. Tree lined streets and large lots continue to make Brookshire a popular community.         There are currently 2 homes for sale in Brookshire at Lake Carolina with an average list price of $290,723.   There is currently 1 home under contract in Brookshire at Lake Carolina. A 6 bedroom 2 full and 1 half bath 4148 square foot home that was listed for $250,000.   In the p... 06/25/2018