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Chesnut Cottage Inn Blog

Discover the charm of Columbia, SC

Here, we share insider tips, stories and resources to enjoy the area of Columbia, SC and your stay at Chesnut Cottage Inn. Whether you're interested in our rich Civil War history, Southern hospitality, or hidden gems around town, our blog is your go-to resource for inspiration and information. The purpose of this page is to connect with guests past and future, offer travel advice, and showcase all that makes Chesnut Cottage Inn—and Columbia—so special.

Category: Bed & Breakfast
A man and a woman pose for a selfie with a cityscape in the background.

Why Owning a Bed and Breakfast Still Feels Like the Best-Kept Secret in American Hospitality

Fifteen years ago we were two California health-insurance veterans who thought our futures were claims, premiums, and conference rooms. Christal had built an agency. Ken had spent 37 years inside a Fortune 50 brand, then a national general agency. We… Read more
A wooden walkway curves through lush greenery beside a misty body of water at sunrise.

A Slower Pace: Nature Walks and Restorative Stays in Columbia, SC

The Quiet Power of a Mental Reset Modern life moves quickly. Schedules fill, screens stay on, and the pressure to keep producing rarely pauses. Many people now seek something different when they travel: not more stimulation, but less. They look for s… Read more
A vibrant stadium filled with fans celebrates under fireworks during a night football game.

Game Day in Columbia: Why SEC Football Weekends at Williams-Brice Are Unforgettable

There Is Nothing Quite Like an SEC Saturday College football saturates the South every fall, but SEC football sits in a category of its own. The crowds are louder. The stakes feel higher. The entire city seems to lean into the weekend. In Columbia, t… Read more
A collage featuring scenic views, a bed and breakfast sign, and various architectural details from a town.

Bleisure Travel in Columbia, SC: Chesnut Cottage Inn is the Perfect Home Base for Work and Leisure

The way professionals travel is changing. More and more people are no longer separating work trips from personal time. Instead, they’re blending the two into what’s now known as bleisure travel — business travel combined with leisure. Whether you’re … Read more
A decorative wreath featuring red roses and greenery with the word "love" in gold.

A Romantic Getaway in Columbia, SC: The Perfect 2-Night Stay for Couples

Columbia, South Carolina offers a wonderful mix of Southern charm, walkable historic areas, excellent restaurants, and relaxed vibes — making it an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, or ch… Read more
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