Coming back! A few questions? (Columbia, Charleston: beach, park, company)

[EmmyGrace]

I'm so happy to post that my husband's company is sending him back to Columbia to work for a while. We haven't been there since August of last year and I have truly missed it. We just love Columbia. Anyway, we were there last year in March, May, June and August. Right now, the plan is to be there in April. What is the weather like? Should we bring summer clothing? We will probably take a weekend trip to Charleston while we are there, as well. Should we plan for the same type of weather?

Also, we enjoyed hiking at Columbiana Forest last year. I can't remember which month, but mosquitoes were not an issue. Will they be an issue in April? Our son and I must have big mosquito targets painted on our backs, so I want to come prepared if need be.

And finally, are there any goings-on in April that shouldn't be missed? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Sorry for all the questions! I'm counting the days...

Thanks so much!
EmmyG

[HowardRoarke]

Originally Posted by EmmyGrace

I'm so happy to post that my husband's company is sending him back to Columbia to work for a while. We haven't been there since August of last year and I have truly missed it. We just love Columbia. Anyway, we were there last year in March, May, June and August. Right now, the plan is to be there in April. What is the weather like? Should we bring summer clothing? We will probably take a weekend trip to Charleston while we are there, as well. Should we plan for the same type of weather?

Also, we enjoyed hiking at Columbiana Forest last year. I can't remember which month, but mosquitoes were not an issue. Will they be an issue in April? Our son and I must have big mosquito targets painted on our backs, so I want to come prepared if need be.

And finally, are there any goings-on in April that shouldn't be missed? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Sorry for all the questions! I'm counting the days...

Thanks so much!
EmmyG

Charleston's great; we like Folly Beach and James Island.

Check out Congaree Nat. Park when you get a chance, if you haven't already. It's a gem that's a stone's throw from Columbia. You can go Bluff Rd. and follow the signs, or I-26 to Orangeburg/St. Matthews, then north on 601 to Bluff Rd. It's another one that you want to avoid later on in the year due to the bugs, but it's a must-see. Lots of trails and whatnot.

[Columbiadata]

In April I'd be prepared for anything from damp, chilly weather to hot afternoons. If the weather stays warm enough long enough during April to give mosquitoes a chance to start stirring, you'll want to be prepared for them too, especially in the woods. In the spring watch out for chiggers (red bugs) in the woods, too. Don't sit on any stumps or logs. Check out First Thursday on Main Street downtown on the first Thursday of the month. Read Free Times for other events. It publishes online by noon on Wednesdays at free-times.com.

[Ceezer]

Originally Posted by HowardRoarke

Check out Congaree Nat. Park when you get a chance, if you haven't already.

And if you're here the weekend of April 16-17, Congaree will be doing the 15th annual NatureFest with plenty of guide-led humps, tours and classes.

And the skeeters were out at my place in the evenings this weekend...

[waccamatt]

April weather can change in a minute so be prepared for anything from 50's during the day to the upper 80's. Check the long range forecast before packing.