Sleigh Bell Stroll - Part II

 

One of my favorite aspects of the Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park is the unexpected subjects of the displays.

Holiday dragons, peacocks, huh? The peacock opened up all the way but the camera did not want to take a good photo when completely open. I love the butterflies suspended from the trees.

There was a lot of fantasy on display too.

A squirrel getting to make a wish from a genie in a bottle.

Nothing says Christmas like a mosquito.

A wooded nature trail was decked out with woodland creatures.

This wooded trail lead to the wetlands of the park.

There were some pretty reflections in the water. The camera captured the bird's reflection better than the actual display!

Dinosaurs are another interesting subject to a holiday light show. This setup of was really fun. The animated pterodactyl was flying across the sky and the volcano erupts and leaves lava on the ground. One of those moments the camera did not want to capture.

Penguins sort of make sense here.

Flowers do bloom here in winter so I guess they sort of make sense too.

So many charming lights!

Canine themed lights are by the dog park.

One of the draws to this region of South Carolina is Lake Murray that residents enjoy year round.

This display was large although it looks tiny in the photo. The other side of the street shows the iconic towers that generate power from the dam as well as water activities residents enjoy.

Lady Liberty can be seen here too.

The most magical part of the stroll was walking down a street covered in twinkling and falling lights. Exhilarating!

So as you can imagine, I am already looking forward to this next year! The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission puts this together each year along with local businesses and organizations who sponsor displays throughout the park.

If you go, the drive through is nightly now thru December 31st from 6pm - 10pm.

The Holiday Lights entrance is 6071 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia, SC. 

website

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

Sleigh Bell Stroll - Part 1

Jim and I attended the Sleigh Bell Stroll at Saluda Shoals Park for the first time and were quite impressed! The stroll was the kick off of Holiday Lights on the River.

It is the largest drive through light show in the Midlands of South Carolina.

More than 3 miles of lights, makes this an incredible treat to get one in the spirit. 

This was a 4 mile walk and worth every step! I would love to see the park offer more than 1 walking night for this amazing display. 

The creativity here is marvelous with suspended over head displays, lots of animation and unique designs.

All 12 days of Christmas were here from 12 drummers drumming

 to a partridge in a pear tree.

There are displays with a southern touch. This animated display shows Santa’s elf running away from an alligator.

Here Santa is shooting gifts over our heads into the bag on the other side of the street. The animation showed the gift moving along over head.

One of my favorites was the Polar Express which was quite long and elaborate.

The coal is in the caboose for the naughty kids!

There was no shortage of Santa delivering gifts via various modes of transportation.

Grandma got run over by a reindeer.

A laser show plays to iconic tunes.

There were some amazing scenes but the photos do not give them justice. They look so tiny on the computer screen.

The bridges over the Saluda River are decked out. 

This is a park Jim and I walk at least once a week. We have seen the unlit lights many times but seeing the park lit up at night was so much grander than I expected!

Yup, the rocking horse rocks!

If you go, the drive through is nightly now thru December 31st from 6pm - 10pm.

The Holiday Lights entrance is 6071 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia, SC. 

website

This post shows relevant holiday decor. The next post will be the unexpected lights that add so much fun to the experience!

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

Saluda Shoals Park

 Saluda Shoals Park is a 400 acre spot to escape safely into nature.

A paved trail runs the length of the park along the Saluda River. So even if it has been raining, there are no worries of mud! It has been perfect for social distancing too since this park does not get crowded the way the free riverwalks do.

There are overlooks leading to the river. The walkways are well shaded so in the hot, summer months it can be comfortable for a morning walk.

One can relax with a snack, a book or whatever.

Fishing is permitted here so one is likely to see a sportsman or 2 along the river.

Kayaks and canoes are also common to see.

If unpaved nature trails are your thing, the option is here as well.

The park is fantastic for biking and walking the dog.

This gigantic acorn just got a face lift. The twig topper was worn by nature so it was replaced to appear new again.

Fragrant wildflowers fill the olfactory senses. They may also stuff up those senses depending on allergies!

Gigantic thistle makes occasional appearances.

In spring, pretty tulip poplar flower droppings decorate the walkway.

Southern snow can be seen in spring (I believe this is from the Eastern Cottonwood Tree).

Like any great park, there is locally made artwork.

Usable artwork is a bonus.

The park has nature programs for the kids. Art made by the little ones is also on display.

Other pluses to this park include:

• a boat ramp for kayaking and canoeing
• dog park
• picnic shelters
• splash pad for the kids
• playground

If you go, the park is located at:

5605 Bush River Road

Columbia, SC

Open daily:

March thru October 7am - 8pm

November thru February 7am - 5:30pm

Visitor admission is $5 per vehicle. An annual pass is $55.

Park Website

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val