From cheesesteak sandwiches to tapas, from a vibrant music scene to upscale art galleries, and from holiday festivals to Gamecocks sports, the Vista district of Columbia is sure to provide a fun and exciting night out.

The area includes more than 60 restaurants and nightclubs, Colonial Life Arena, the South Carolina Philharmonic, Nickelodeon Theatre, the Richland County Public Library, Finlay Park and many more sites of interest.

Who holds it all together? The Congaree Vista Guild. The nonprofit organization plays an integral role in the economic development and viability of the Vista.

But the Vista wasn’t always the bustling city center that it is today. The area, formerly a cotton warehouse district and commercial railroad terminal, was in a state of decline in the late 1970s.

That began to change in the early 1980s, when Columbia Mayor Kirkman Finlay, along with several business owners, created the Congaree Vista Guild. Soon thereafter, old and rundown buildings were morphing into trendy shops and popular eateries. The growth continues today, to the point that the Vista is a frequent destination for tourists and residents alike.

Membership in the guild affords numerous benefits, including: discounted rates for cooperative advertising; access to membership meetings; e-mail notifications about upcoming events; and a subscription to the VistaNEWS newsletter.

The work of the Congaree Vista Guild has allowed the Vista to become a thriving, energetic area of Columbia. To contact the guild, call (803) 269-5946, or go to visitcolumbia.com.