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Logo of Chesnut Cottage Inn, established in 1850.

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: Business Travel
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 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
The exterior of The Oyster Bar with bright signage against a twilight sky.

Hidden Gem Restaurants in Columbia SC: 10 Off-the-Radar Spots Locals Love

Columbia, South Carolina has plenty of great restaurants, but most visitors tend to stick to the same popular downtown spots. If you’re staying at Chesnut Cottage Inn and want to eat where locals actually go, there are some excellent hidden gems wort… 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