Skip to main content
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: Sports
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 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
A close-up of a football being prepared for a snap on the field.

Gamecocks Football in Columbia, SC: A Generational Tradition

Who is this for? Fans of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, those visiting for the SEC conference, or anyone who loves football. "White 80, set, hut, hut!" The center snaps the ball to the quarterback. He drops back to pass. You hold your br… Read more