There are times I just need a walk. My easy go-to is taking Columbia's Main Street for a stroll. Sometimes, I put my headphones and sunglasses on to walk briskly in my zone for an escape. However, the best strolls are when I walk for leisure, fully attentive to my surroundings, embracing the whole journey through all senses.
Usually, it's an evening after all work is complete, I find parking around the State House complex. Many times I run into a press conference, demonstration, or an event on the grounds of the State House. Taking the outer ring walking paths through the arboretum grounds activates my nature appreciation like Henry David Thoreau approaching the “T” intersection of Main and Gervais, and the boulevard effect of the passing traffic. As I take the crosswalk across Gervais, I enter the plethora of restaurants, retail stores at ground level, offices, and residences above.
The community feeling of walking through sidewalk dining spaces, seeing familiar faces is a refreshment that quenches my soul. Whenever it's sunny, I appreciate the trees that lines the sidewalk to keep me cool. There's art on the left, art on the right, many murals, and even some interactive hands-on pieces to explore. Various history signage takes me time traveling through both challenging and goods times.
Now, that I have ushered you to Main Street, you can get lost into your own senses, experiences, and personal lens of our wonderful city.
Enjoy!