Under $100: Columbia, S.C.

Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina, is also known as The City of Dreams. There is no bad time to visit.

Start your day with a delicious plate of peaches and cream pancakes at DiPrato’s for brunch, with dishes less than $12.

Take a leisurely stroll around the Congaree River before your water adventure. Activities include kayaking and canoeing for $30, or renting a tube for only $20, and floating down the river. If you prefer to stay dry, check out some of the Congaree National Park Trails.

Head to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, where your adventure awaits for $13.95. Check out Ndoki Forest, an African sanctuary for gorillas, elephants and meerkats.

Be sure to pay a visit to the Gourmet Shop. This café features an extensive menu as well as a boutique store, offering tableware, wine, cigars and gourmet specialties. Regular customers rave about their Famous Chicken Salad Sandwich, a staple since 1982. This delectable sandwich comes on a buttery croissant. Dishes range from $6.95–10.95.

After lunch, walk around the beautiful campus of the University of South Carolina and its infamous Horseshoe, where you will find many historic buildings.

End your day at Pawley’s Front Porch, which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Try one of the more popular burgers like the Wadmalaw ($10.75), or have fun creating your own! If you are lucky enough to be there on a Tuesday, all burgers are half-priced.

If you have left room for dessert, head over to Kaminsky’s in the Vista. Here you will find an abundant selection of in-house desserts, specialty coffees, adult milkshakes, martinis and a full bar under $10.