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Logo of Chesnut Cottage Inn, established in 1850.

Chesnut Cottage Inn

Posts by Chesnut Cottage Inn

A group of ten people poses on the steps of a charming cottage adorned with fall decorations and pumpkins.

Why So Many USC Parents Choose Chesnut Cottage Inn - And Keep Coming Back for Four Years

As summer winds down and Fall 2026 quickly approaches, thousands of families across the country are preparing to send their children to the University of South Carolina. For many parents, the excitement of this new chapter is mixed with a quiet nervo… Read more
A cozy porch with rockers, a small table, and a green plush toy surrounded by flowers.

Columbia SC Summer Activities: Lake Murray Boating, Purple Martins, Saluda River Tubing & Congaree Kayaking - The Smart Way to Do It

Most people completely wreck their Columbia summer. They fight traffic, deal with packed parking lots, rent equipment from overpriced outfitters, then collapse at night in a loud, generic hotel room with screaming kids down the hall and a 7 a.m. chec… Read more
Cozy bedroom with a four-poster bed, inviting decor, and natural light.

Hush-Stays: Why Smart Business Travelers Are Choosing Quiet Over Convenience

If you travel for business regularly, you already know the drill. You check into a hotel that looks fine online. The room is clean enough. The bed is acceptable. But then the noise starts — doors slamming in the hallway, the ice machine humming outsi… Read more
A man walks toward Chesnut Cottage Inn, which promotes unique Father's Day gifts in Columbia, SC.

The Best Father's Day Gift in Columbia SC Isn't What You Think

The Best Father’s Day Gift in Columbia SC Isn’t What You Think Most people get Father’s Day completely wrong. They buy another tie, another tool, another box of golf balls, or drag the family to a crowded restaurant where everyone waits an hour for a… Read more
Aerial view of a city skyline with a bridge and river in the foreground.

Exploring Columbia Over 2-3 Days: History, Nature, and Fun from Your Chesnut Cottage Base

Discover Columbia's Charm: A 2-3 Day Itinerary from Chesnut Cottage Inn Nestled in the heart of downtown Columbia, South Carolina, Chesnut Cottage Inn offers a perfect historic retreat with its antebellum charm, luxurious suites, and gourmet breakfas… Read more
A platter of oysters and seafood arranged on crushed ice with lemon and greenery.

Columbia's Thriving Food Scene: Michelin Guide Gems, Upcoming Festivals & Local Favorites Steps Away

Columbia's culinary scene is experiencing an exciting rise , with Southern cuisine gaining well-deserved recognition in the Michelin Guide . In the inaugural Michelin Guide America South (released in late 2025), Columbia proudly features two recommen… Read more
Historic cannons and a red flag on a sandy beach at sunset.

How Mary Chesnut's, A Diary from Dixie Captured the Civil War in SC

Who Was Mary Chesnut? Mary Chesnut (1823-1886), was a South Carolina author and diarist best known for her firsthand account of Southern life during the Civil War. Her father was Stephen Decatur Miller, a prominent South Carolina politician who serve… Read more
A cozy living room featuring a sofa, two armchairs, a coffee table, and soft lighting.

Hotel vs Bed and Breakfast: Why Chesnut Cottage Offers a Better Stay

Who is this for? Travelers who are deciding between a hotel and a bed and breakfast and want a more personal, comfortable, and locally inspired place to stay. Hotels vs Bed & Breakfasts Let’s face it. Booking a hotel has become the default travel mov… Read more
Aerial view of a historic red brick building with turret-like towers, surrounded by lush greenery.

Your Complete Guide to Visiting the University of South Carolina (USC)

Who is this for? Prospective students and families, alumni returning for a game or reunion, sports fans traveling for Gamecock events, and out-of-town guests seeking lodging near the university. If you're planning a trip to Columbia, South Carolina, … Read more
A visitor admires a collection of classic paintings in a dimly lit gallery.

Discover Local Treasures: Museums and Historical Sites Near Columbia, SC

Who is this for? Travelers, families, history buffs, and curious locals who want to explore the rich art, culture, and heritage of Columbia, SC. What are the ingredients to a perfect family vacation? Do they include history? Art? How about some old-f… Read more