Sally Salamander: Columbia’s amphibian-lead walking tour

Experience Columbia SC is relaunching the Sally Salamander Walking Tour, created by the Leadership Columbia Class of 2009. This free, walkable scavenger hunt guides visitors through Columbia’s downtown historic landmarks, businesses, and art installations.

Sally Salamander

Follow Sally to learn more about the Soda City. | Photo by Sally Salamander on Facebook

Have you ever seen small, numbered salamanders around Columbia?

When we first spotted them, we thought they were just an artistic ode to the state amphibian, but did you know that they also lead tours? The original numbered statues were first created in partnership with the Leadership Columbia Class of 2009.

The seven-inch salamander — named Sally Salamander — guides visitors through famous Cola landmarks + notable businesses. If you follow each statue’s number, Sally will lead you through Soda City’s history + give you some good photo-ops along the way.

Experience Columbia SC is relaunching the Sally Salamander Walking Tour and holding a press conference to share what’s new on Wednesday, March 13, at the Columbia SC Visitors Center (1120 Lincoln St.) at 10 a.m.

Here’s a sneak peek of the updates — the tour will now boast new designs by local artist Cait Maloney, an online check-in, and printed collateral.