Ellen

OK, talk about OLD! My son and I were in Dutch Square Mall this week and HE remembers the monkeys in Cromers when they were there! He also remembers the Krispy Kreme on Main Street. <<<sigh>>> I really miss those days.

http://capitolplaces.com/1520mainstreet2.htm Check it out. Prices start at 179,900 for 700 square feet. Too high for me! More power to th efolks who can afford them.

Where's Birds on a Wire? Is it in the new highrise, where Garden Bistro bambed?

I pray I never live to see the day. You're talking about the Wateree River and surrounding swamplands. When malls and condos are built in those places Hell will freeze over. I hope.

Maybe the locally-owned newsstand that's already there could fill that niche. I try to purchase reading material there at every chance. I like to support my neighbors in their retailing efforts. Yes, I do buy at BAM. But I check with the locals first. May cost a bit more, but I think it's worth it.

You may have noticed them this time because there are fewer of them! The large trees are being thinned out in the renovation process. For the most part, they're leaving the old trees on corners, and planting palmettos mid-block. Also, they aren't replacing the twinkling lights that were so beautiful. I really liked the effect of the twinkling, tree-lined street. Gonna miss that. Sigh.

Already have a Senate Street. Capitol sits in the middle of it. I like the street names the way they are.

I usually feel pretty safe in Columbia. Here's one thing missing from Main Street: PARKING. Two nights ago i needed to use the ATM on Main at Gervais. The new streetscaping has taken away a lot of spaces! Plus, there's a turn lane in the center now, where people used to be able to park short-term. WOLO's people had many of the spots taken. And folks going to the Whig had the rest. That's a busy come-and-go corner. We need more street parking there.

It's good news that Sherlock's is coming back. I'll sure spend money with them wherever. Just hope their old location gets used well - such a neat space! ***dreaming of S.H. pot roast and mashed potatoes*** Ahhhh...

Anyone know the status of the Palmetto Building renovation? Sherlock Holmes Restaurant? I sure wish that would happen. Theirs were the best lunches in town.

From what I understand, the inner route would make use of Smith Branch. That's practically in my front yard. Can't wait to see more details... Of course, funding has not been secured.

Everyone come back to Main Street! It's all open and most of the construction's finished. I had a delicious sandwich at Gervais Street Deli last week and a yummy slice of quiche today at Cat and Clever. I love Columbia.

Hey. A friend and I tried out The Whig at lunch yesterday. Pretty good. Mid-scale southern-ish food. I had bacon-bleu-cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. Very pleasant. In the $6 - 7 range. Friend did not care for her cheese grits, as they were a coarse grain variety. Still, the burger was not as good as the Blue Dog's. And no raw fries. Becomes more bar than restaurant at night. Happy hour 4-7 and most nights live music. There seemes to be a crowd there last night when I passed by at 8:00.

No, but it's beginning to look like a street again. However, now they've taken the Main Street workers and put them on Lady Street. The restaurant owners I've talked with are hugely frustrated. Anyone tried out The Whig yet?

North Main Street has lots more food. I'm making list of some you missed as I walk up the street in my mind... Geeze it's dark in here. Cat and Cleaver Just Fresh Capitol City Club Newsstand (coffee) Garden Bistro Chic-fil-a That little place in the Barringer Bldg. Drake's Duck-In Rising High Jammin Java Findley's Hennessy's Mac's Within a block: Eddie's Gervais Street Deli Roly Poly Hampton Place Cafe Soup Nazi (I can't remember the name.) Hampton Street Vinyard Camon There are two Italian places whose names evade...