South Carolina’s first Graduate Hotel celebrated its’ grand opening with a Launch Party and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The first class gala dazzled attendees with an open bar, roaming hors d’oeuvres (waiters roam, not the food) and tours of the newly renovated hotel.

A give-away was set up on the patio. Big fans (it was HOT) blew over a wheel hopefuls spun to win prizes. Station Seven Band provided entertainment underneath fans on the front porch.

Tanya Black, General Manager, cut the ribbon after a few words from Leanna Lee, Graduate Columbia’s Director of Sales.

Our history with the hotel made my first peek inside a heart-stopper. Where am I and who moved the Inn at USC? I LOVED the changes! Think, sorority house meets chic boutique, meets classy bar on the corner where all your favorite people hang.

Pale walls and bare wood floors were replaced by bright colors and butterfly wallpaper. A trendy bar sits in a space once occupied by the traditional registration desk. Instead of hot coffee and cold water, visitors “belly up” to the bar for drinks and food! Plaid wallpaper covers the ceiling in the bar (guess it’s now ceiling paper?).

The reception area, once decorated to resemble a time gone by, has been opened up and screams “sit and chat.” Guests can still visit the original library. To honor history, some things remain the same.

The Guest of Honor was the last private owner of the house. Mary Black, ninety-six years old, charmed everyone she met. And hello. She does NOT look ninety-six! I’ll be happy to look like her at seventy-six.

A fresh new look for an iconic site in Columbia. Thanks for having us out, guys! We CAN’T WAIT to come and stay!