A Taste of Sophistication
Sam's Fine Wine, Beer, Spirits & More A wine tasting may sound like an expensive date, but one can actually end up costing less than a night at the movies! This is a great date for any stage of your relationship--meet new people, socialize with some friends, and enjoy great wine and food all in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Sam's Fine Wine, Beer, Spirits, and More has free tastings every weekend! Call 803-808-1830 for the tasting schedule.
samsfinewineandspirits.com
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Shopping for the Whole Family
Holiday shopping doesn't have to be an exercise in frustration. Why not bundle up, grab your sweetie, and get to know each other a little better while strolling through Five Points, the Village at Sandhill, of any of Columbia's great malls. Whether you're just starting out or you can't remember being apart, choosing that just-perfect gift for his mother and your best friend will teach you something new about the one you love!
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Skate Away Together
What better way to bring in the holiday season than ice skating! Plex Indoor Sports (Irmo) offers public ice skating lessons every Thursday and Saturday. Bundle up, hond onto each other, and see how you handle the ice! For prices and times, call 803-732-1900.
plexindoorsports.com
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Dating ABC's
This date is simple, yet interesting, and can be done anywhere! It consists of 26 activities in one date. Why 26? One for each letter of the alphabet! Take turns choosing an activity for each letter. They don't have to be extravagant, just fun! Go see some 'A'rt at the Columbia Museum of Art, try a new 'B'eer at Liberty Tap Room & Grill, go 'C'anoeing on one of the rivers, 'D'ance under the stars in the park, 'E'at some chicken wings at WG's and so on! This is a great way to get to know one another and the area!
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Date In the Sky
You might not think it, but the colder months are a great time for hot air balloon rides. It isn't too cold--the burner helps keep the basket and occupants worm, and the temperature only differs a degree or two from the ground! What a romantic way to spend an afternoon! Captain Telegram has been offering hot air balloon rides for 30 years! His motto is safety first, so if the conditions aren't right, there will be no flight. Call 803-256-3737 to schedule a ride today!
captaintelegram.com
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Wrestling on Wheels
Have you ever seen a roller derby bout? Then you should! Instead of standing in the same old bleachers, watching the same of plays, yelling about the same old calls, experience the bone-crushing, bodacious babes of Columbia's roller derby teams! The Columbia QuadSquad and the Richland County Regulators will provide an exciting date with the most face-paced and hard-hitting sport ever to take place on eight wheels! Visit richlandcountyregulators.com or columbiaquadsquad.com for a schedule of bouts.
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Let the Current Guide You
Tubing down the Saluda River is a very popular summer activity in Columbia. The Saluda River is located on a fall line and is a natural whitewater gem, right here in our backyard! Ger on your bathing suit, head to Palmetto Outdoors, and rent tubes for the day! A typical tubing trip can take up to 4 hours, and there's nothing to do but enjoy the scenery and each other's company. $15 gets you a tube and shuttled back to Palmetto Outdoors. 803-360-4697.
palmettooutdoors.com
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Drive-In Movie
If you've ever been to a drive-in movie, you surely know how much fun it is to go park and enjoy a movie in your own little private space. There aren't make drive-ins around these days, but you're lucky to be less than an hour from one! Just up the road from Columbia is "The Big Mo," that will give you the authentic drive-in movie experience! Take I-20 West to exit 33 (SC Route 39), continue on SC Route 39 to Monetta, take a right on US 1. The drive-in is about a mile down US 1, on the right. Call 803-685-7949 for shows and times.
thebigmo.com
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Blueberry Pickin'
Summertime brings great weather, great moods, and great blueberries! Blueberries are typically in season and ripe from July to early August. Grab your significant other, your favorite blueberry pie recipe, and head to Berry Hill Farm in Lexington (Bluefield Road). Call them at 803-957-4203 to make sure the blueberries are perfectly ripe beforeheading out there or head to billsberries.com to check out their picking schedule.
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Let's Go Fly a Kite!
Yes, I mean that literally. Columbia is full of parks and green spaces for your kite-flying pleasure. Pick up a $10 kite from Target (or a less expensive one from the Dollar Store) and heat out to Finlay Park. With the large field, busy playground, calming pond, and beautiful fountain, you'll fit right in! Use this experience to find out more about your date. Does he have a sense of humor? Does she have a short temper? Is he outrageous and competitive? Or does she just love having fun, no matter what you're doing? Finlay Park is located at 930 Laurel Street in downtown Columbia.
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Get Off the Land and On the Water
The great thing about Columbia is the 41-mile long, 14-mile wide playground we call Lake Murray! Grab your bathing suit, towel, and snack, and rent a jet ski for the day. Wet & Wild Rentals offers hourly, half day (4 hours), full day, and extended rentals of Yamahas and Kawasakis. They even offer waterproof lake maps so you won't get lost, unless that's part of your plan! 803-354-1581
wetandwildrentals.com
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I Got Your Back
Paintball probably wasn't your first idea for Date Night, but there are few better ways to learn about your significant other. Is she the girlfriend that snipes you no matter what team she's on? Is he supper-competitive and a poor loser? At one of Triggertyme's five woodsball fields, you'll find out. After all, what says romance like fresh air, teamwork, flanking maneuvers, and sneaking through rolling midland hills? For rental information, call 803-786-4539.
triggertyme.com
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A Cinderella Story
Whether you consider yourself a romantic or not, this date will certainly make you seem like one! Carriage rides are a great way to cuddle together on a chilly night, listen to the cloppity-clop of horse's hooves, and see downtown Columbia from an entirely new perspective. Columbia Carriage Works can arrange a number of different horse-drawn carriage tours throughout the downtown area! Call 803-227-3833 to schedule a carriage ride today!
columbiacarriageworks.com

Frankie's Fun Park Frankie's Fun Park is a great way to hang out with your sweetie, eat some pizza, and play some games. With 3 go-cart tracks, 3 different mini-golf courses, laser tag, batting cages, a rock climbing wall, and more than 100 games in their state of the art arcade, everyone can hang out. After all, nothing spells romance like fun, games, and laughter!
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Harbison State Forest Harbison State Forest is one of the area's best ways to get away from the business of life, boasting several picnic shelters, over 30 miles of trails and roads open for recreational use, and a canoe landing with public access to the Broad River for canoes and kayaks. For only a $5/day or $25/year parking permit, Harbison State Forest is just waiting to help you reconnect and relax together--so get out and take run, dust off your bike, or paddle through the Broad River with your sweetheart!
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Saluda Shoals Park Sometimes, that trendy cafe is just too loud, and holding hands through the mall is great, but the onlookers take the intimate out of your big date. Saluda Shoals Park is a beautiful 400-acre park with an Environmental Education Center and Exhibition Hall, an Observation Deck, and picnic shelters. There are paved and unpaved paths for hiking, biking, and horseback riding as well as a boat ramp/canoe/kayak launch. This is the perfect place to be with your special someone and enjoy some peaceful, uninterrupted conversation. For directions and seasonal hours of operation, check out icrc.net!
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Dreher Island State Park. There's so much you can do at this wonderful State park located on Lake Murray. Enjoy fishing several types of bass, take a leisurely boat ride or pack a picnic and enjoy the fresh air under one of the 13 shelters.
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Sesquicentennial State Park situated in the middle of the Sandhills region, features a beautiful 30-acre lake surrounded by trails and picnic areas.
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Lake Wateree State Recreation Area. Yet another great place to experience the outdoors!
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Congaree National Park Activities at Congaree National Park include hiking, primitive camping, bird watching, picnicking, canoeing & kayaking, Ranger guided interpretive walks and canoe tours, nature study, and environmental education programs.
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Columbia Riverfront Park & Historic Canal This 167-acre park features a jogging and walking trail, as well as picnic tables and benches. You can learn about the history of the Columbia canal while walking through one of the old pump houses at the park or enjoy running, bicycling, and fishing activities. 803-545-3100
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SC Department of Natural Resources has a packed calendar. Also, you can find information on freshwater and saltwater fishing, locate fish attractor maps, purchase your license or renew your watercraft registration among other things. Check it out to see what's going on!
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The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation You guys might consider taking part in the numerous classes and recreational activities available at City of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation Community Centers. There’s something for all ages and abilities available at a neighborhood center near you. And if your interests range more toward unstructured recreation, your local parks will be filled with people enjoying the weather with their friends and families. We hope we will see you out there, too. This is one of the best times of the year to be outside, whether you are throwing the football, training for a marathon, bird watching or simply enjoying a park bench.

Saluda Shoals Park is a premier, environmentally sensitive riverfront park that invites visitors to experience the treasures of the Saluda River through exceptional educational, recreational and cultural opportunities. Paved and unpaved trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding are open.
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Congaree National Monument Restaurants are nice and gifts have always been a crowd-pleaser. But, when you just want to keep it simple and honest, nothing matches a sunset enjoyed together after an active day. Congaree National Park is a great way to enjoy some fresh air and experience 'hiking and paddling.' Ranger-guided hikes and canoe trips can be reserved, or take a job around the 2.5 mile boardwalk loop. Limited primitive and back-country camping are also available. Best thing about Congaree National Park? Everything is FREE!
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Botanical Gardens at the Riverbanks Zoo The Botanical Gardens at the Riverbanks Zoo provides 70 acres of unparalleled beauty! Enjoy formal gardens where something blooms each day of the year, or enjoy a riverside woodlands walk, hand-in-hand. Natural river views and valley overlooks along the Garden's Woodlands Walk and River Trail add to a scenic path to historic ruins from the 1800s, the site of South Carolina's first water-powered textile mill. A river overlook is at the bottom of the paved hillside path, where rapids and very wild river scenery can be appreciated.
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USC's Horseshoe USC's Horseshoe is the ideal place for an afternoon picnic with the one you love! Enjoy the tranquil scenery as you walk hand-in-hand, discovering the unique architecture of historic buildings and museums. Serene surroundings capture you and your sweetheart's breath as you take in lovely gardens and paved walkways.
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Harbison Lake Harbison Lake takes you through well shaded trails, passing by backyards of homes, encircling two small lakes, and passing through a wilderness wildlife habitat. A variety of birds and animals live in this area, especially near the lakes where you will see large numbers of ducks and geese.
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Riverfront Park & Historic Columbia Canal The Riverfront Park and Historic Columbia Canal is wonderful place to get in a quiet walk, enjoy a picnic together, and just spend some time appreciating one another. You can walk, jog, or bike the 2.5 mile canal; picnic; or fish.
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Harbison State Forest features 18 miles of trails designed for walking, jogging, hiking and bicycling and range from moderately easy to difficult.
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Cayce Riverwalk Extension. The Cayce Riverwalk opens the Congaree River for walking, jogging, bicycling, and just gazing at the natural beauty. Its bridges, boardwalks, overlooks, and lighted central path will accommodate all levels of physical access. Its design evokes the natural quality and echoes the first riverfront settlement of 1750's Granby. You can fish for Striped Bass in the Congaree or watch for eagles in the towering pines. It is a place of wonder in the heart of Cayce. You can walk the two and a half miles to old Cayce or linger in the over 46 acres of river park. Historical markers have been placed throughout the park to provide visitors with the background of the area.

Take the pressure off a first date and have some real fun. Frankie's Fun Park offers go carts, bumper boats, a rock climbing wall, miniature golf, laser tag, an arcade, batting cages, a fun house and a drop zone.
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Southern Pottery Workcenter and Gallery Southern Pottery Work Center and Gallery offers classes in handbuilding and wheelthrowing throughout the year. These are a wonderful opportunity to shake things up and get creative. For an updated schedule, check out the website! (803) 251-3001
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The Visual Art Center has everything from classes and shows to specials events.
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Everybody wants to be wooed--but wine and chocolates can be overdone. Laughter, on the other hand, is never cliched. Check out who's performing at the Comedy House and enjoy an evening together like few others. Stand-up Comedy Shows are offered nightly throughout the week. Speaking of wine and chocolate, the food is no joke either! The Comedy House in Columbia has been in operation for over 17 years and is considered by many in the comedy business to be one of the top 10 stand-up comedy clubs in the country! (803) 798-9898
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Vista Ballroom offers an open floor night every Friday night (unless otherwise noted) for two hours. Instructors are available to answer any questions and help perfect your dancing. Also offered are Ballroom, Shag, Salsa, Swing, Argentine Tango, Adult Ballet, HipHop and Jazz Classes. 803-546-3705
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Let's go to the movies!! Search by the movie you want to see, the time you want to go or by the theater you want to go to.
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Three Fountains Recreation offers late night skating, video games and other fun things to do.
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West Columbia Riverwalk has a concert every Saturday from April 24-June 6.
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Lanier Sailing Academy offers sunset or special event sails for only $20 per person at Lake Murray. (803) 317-9070

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
If you and your sweetie love seared-to-perfection beef, Ruth's Chris offers a memorable dining experience that says, "special" in a big way. Call early for your Valentine's Day reservation!
803-216-6666. Or, reserve your table online at www.ruthschris.com. 924-A Senate Street
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♥ Enjoy romantic favorites from movies, theatre, and opera at the USC Symphony Orchestra's
Valentine's Day Program, "Amore" on February 14. www.music.sc.edu/events.html
♥ In the South, nothin' says love quite like the thrum of bluegrass. Twang out your feelings
during Friday night Jam Sessions at Bill's Music Shop and Pickin' Parlor.
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Liberty Tap Room & Grill
With cozy booths in their dining room on Gervais Street, Liberty offers couples an intimate dining experience with fabulous food. From lowcountry dishes like She-Crab Soup and Shrimp & Grits, to fresh fish prepared to your liking, and sizzling steaks, Liberty will make you and your honey happy, indeed! Especially if you order the Bananas Foster Cheesecake-Unbelievable! 803-461-4677. www.libertytaproom.com
828 Gervais Street in the Vista
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♥ Enjoy an afternoon stroll together through USC's romantic Horseshoe and plan the adventures you'll have for a lifetime together.
♥ Nothing communicates devotion like shared passions. Channel your love into service for others and volunteer together! Get involved with Sustainable Carolina, United Way of the Midlands, or join the Light Brigade. www.lightthewaycolumbia.com
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Pearlz Oyster Bar
Pearlz Oyster Bar is a recent addition to the Vista, but is already a local favorite. With great dishes like Baked Oysters Rockefeller, a daily selection of fresh catch, and Mussels Fettucini, a better way to relax and enjoy a night out with your sweetheart is hard to find. Live music, great drinks, and an amazing staff are sure to please your valentine! 803-661-7741. www.pearlzoysterbar.com.
936 Gervais St
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♥ Love may, indeed, hurt. Ease the tension with a traditional full body massage, aroma therapy,
essential oils, hot stones, and/or heated towels from Belladonnas licensed massage therapist.
http://belladonnasgifts.com
♥ Who says life's not like the movies? Recreate Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard's iconic
kiss in the rain on the grounds of the beautiful State house!
♥ Rekindle your love with a romantic walk through Cayce Riverwalk. Hold each other and gaze
out at the beauty of the river.
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Inakaya
Greater Columbia's most authentic Japanese sushi bar and restaurant allows sushi lovers to indulge their culinary desires. Start with a bowl of Edamame, a Rainbow Roll, and toast your love with Sake or Plum Wine. Inakaya boasts an intimate atmosphere with soft-spoken waitstaff.
Two locations: 803-731-2538. 655 St. Andrews Road · 803-699-2626. 224 O’Neil Court
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Camon
Camon takes sushi presentation to a whole new level with the freshest seafood, a master sushi chef, an authentic Japanese menu, and an incomparable staff who will send your Valentine's over the top! From sashimi to tempura, from teriyaki to yakizakana, Camon offers something for everyone. 803-254-5400. www.camonsushi.com · 1332 Assembly Street
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♥ Bad rhyme or not, nothin' says lovin' like somethin' from the oven. Instead of breaking out the mixer, though, treat your sweetie to something fancy and playful from Cupcake in Columbia.
www.freshcupcakes.com
♥ Enjoy at Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise aboard the Spirit of Lake Murray. www.spiritoflakemurray.com
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Mudbones Swamp Shack
Mudbones Swamp Shack, brand new to the Irmo area last fall, is now the go-to spot for Cajun, Creole, and Southern grubbin'! A Willie Nelson song, sweet tea drunk out of a mason jar, and now Mudbones: sure-fire ways to woo your honey in the Deep South! Choose from specialties like Jambalaya Pasta, Oysters on the Half Shell, and Seafood Etouffee! 803-749-3004.
www.mudbonesswampshack.com. 7949 Broad River Road, Irmo.
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♥ Begin the month of love with the timeless romance of “Romeo and Juliet,” presented February
3-4 by the Columbia City Ballet. www.koger.sc.edu/02cal/cityballet.html
♥ For a low-key evening, enjoy a picnic and a bottle of wine together. Finish the evening with a stroll down the West Columbia Riverwalk as the sun sets. www.scgreatoutdoors.com/parkwestcolumbiariverwalk.html
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Virtu
Virtu on Devine Street in Shandon offers Valentines a modern take on tapas style cuisine and dinner entrees from around the world paired with a wide selection of wine, craft beer, and spirits. Menu offerings include: Goat Cheese Bruschetta, Beef Tenderloin Medallions served with a Dijon Peppercorn Sauce, and Carmel Toffee Crunch Cheesecake. An elegant and refreshing Valentine’s Day! 803-376-8888. www.virtucolumbia.com · 2406 Devine Street
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♥ Not up for elaborate, ritualized love? Stop by the Backpacker and pick up all the supplies you’ll need for dinner and dancing--under the stars! Roughing it doesn’t have to be all that rough with sleeping bags, tents, and the right cookware! http://backpackerqualitygear.com
♥ Enjoy Columbia’s rich cultural scene together and view Masterpieces of the Hudson River
School Painters at Columbia Museum of Art. www.columbiamuseum.org
♥ Who says games are for kids? Play an old favorite or learn a new game with your honey every
Tuesday evening during Game Night for grownups at Toys & Games, Etc.
www.facebook.com/pages/Toys-Games-Etc. 803-732-3242.
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Columbo’s Italian Eatery and Prime Steaks
Nestled in the DoubleTree Hilton, is a casual intimate setting perfect for a romantic dinner for two. Unique Italian dishes like Chicken Scallopini, Meyer’s Natural Angus Beef Filet or New York Strip, and sweet endings like their Warm Chocolate Dome Cake will make this Valentine’s celebration hard to beat! 803-744-2200. Or, reserve your table by emailing reservations@columbos.net.
2100 Bush River Road
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Mr. Friendly’s/Solstice Kitchen and Cellar on Greene
Ricky Mollohan always makes sure Valentine's Day at his establishments is an unparalleled pleasure. Whether you choose Solstice Kitchen in Northeast Columbia (841 Sparkleberry Lane, 803-788-6966, www.solsticekitchen.com) Mr. Friendly's downtown (2001 Green Street,
803-254-7828, www.mrfriendlys.com), or Cellar on Greene downtown (2001 Green Street, 803-343-3303, www.cellarongreene.com), their Valentine's Special and excellent wine pairings will delight and woo your sweetheart and guarantee one of the most romantic evenings of your lives together.
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Miyo's and M
For the last fifteen years, the numerous Miyo's and M locations throughout Greater Columbia have served the freshest and finest Asian cuisine. Ditch the ordinary and ensure a refined, non-tradtional Valentine's evening with dishes like their Dynamite Roll, Love Boat sampler, Edamame and Hong Kong Style Ginger Salmon. Visit www.miyos.com to find one of their numerous locations for your special night! www.miyos.com
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Spirit of Lake Murray
Cuddle up with your Valentine at the rail of the Spirit of Lake Murray this Valentine's Day | Weekend.  It's smooth sailing over the sparkling waters this time of year.  Choose from a scrumptious luncheon on Saturday February 12 or board for an evening cruise and elegant dinner on Tuesday, Valentine's Day, February 14.  Visit the Spirit of Lake Murray website for more information.

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