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Columbia offers fun for parents, too Deuon Ulceh for The Gamecock When parents come to visit Columbia, a common complaint is that the city has little to offer its visitors. Rather than limiting a family visit to the necessary trip to Wal-Mart, take advantage of Columbia’s hidden treasures. Many students opt for shopping and a break from the meal plan. “When my parents come down, I usually make them take me out to dinner and maybe do some shopping,” said Kirsten Walsh, a first-year advertising student. Five Points has a variety of small shops perfect for spending your parents’ money at. From Loose Lucy’s to Luna and a few vintage consignment stores make for a fun day in Five Points with the 'rents. Browse through all the boutiques with Mom while Dad waits outside. Five Points is also home to many affordable restaurants where families can find nourishment after a long day of shopping. Campus also has many fun activities for families. The McKissick Museum changes its exhibits frequently, and the Horseshoe, on a beautiful day, is ideal for out-of-town visitors. USC athletics are a fun and exciting way to bond with parents. University theater groups are always hard at work with new productions. Most shows offer relatively cheap tickets, and they are a great way to spend a few hours. Also the Koger Center frequently has live entertainment such as December’s “Nutcracker.” The Vista has an eclectic events calendar filled with music, athletics and outdoor events. Two of the Vista’s most popular events are Vista Lights, which happens every November and Artista Vista in the spring. Each event features the artwork of area artists and galleries. As for other forms of live entertainment, Five Points has a steady lineup of bands and musicians and other free performances. Finlay Park also offers various theatre and outdoor events. The 18-acre park also shares some of Columbia’s Civil War history. Columbia has enjoyable activities for the unfamiliar visitor. Take a tour through historic spots with a horse-drawn buggy or visit the wild animals in the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens for a childhood flashback. A day trip to Lake Murray is always a relaxing break from studies and parents’ hectic work schedule. An hour east is Charleston, the perfect destination for stressed students and their families. Whether interests are in sports or music, Columbia has something to make everyone happy. Instead of sitting in the dorms or wandering through the mall, take time to enjoy the city with loved ones. Congratulations! We wish you the best of everything that life has in store for you. We are very proud. Good luck! We love you. Stef, Congratulations! We are all very proud of you and your accomplishments. Best of luck in your new adventures. We love you, Daddy, Momma, Cole, Jason, Amanda & Jace Yvonne, We are very proud of you. Love, Mom, Dad & April The sky is the limit, reach high. We are proud of you. Love, Mom & Dad I You are everything we hoped for in a son. You have filled our hearts & lives with love & joy. We are very proud of you. Follow Proverbs 3:5-6 Mom, Dad, Steve, June, Brooks, Spencer, Penny, Richie I It’s time, take the bottle out of your mouth, you’ve entered maturity with many adven tures ahead. You’re a futurist young lady, never bottled up in the past. We’re, well please! Love, Dad, Mom, Henry & John