Beautiful Lake Murray has seventy-eight square miles of recreation, elegant homes, inspirational sunsets and lazy, hazy iced-tea-sipping summer days. Lake Murray offers boating pleasure for all types of boaters. Whether you enjoy canoeing through calm waters, navigating your sails through cutting winds, fishing in that early spring morning as the sun begins to rise, water skiing on that hot summer day or leisurely cruising in your motor or fishing boat.

Lake Murray is named for William Murray, the engineer who helped conceive the plan to build "the world's largest earthen dam" in 1927. The 200-foot dam was completed in 1930 and created the Lake, which now serves as such an important part of the lifestyle Midlands residents enjoy.

Cruising Lake Murray in the Southern Patriot is another way to enjoy the beauty of the Lake. This 65 foot custom cruise boat with enclosable lower and upper decks, and the 100 passenger capacity can handle any event you desire.

There are numerous nature areas that are within close proximity of The Village at Hilton. For starters, the walking trails and beautiful lake located right here in The Village at Hilton makes a nice place to relax in the early mornings or the late afternoons.

Dreher Island State Recreation Area is located on Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre reservoir in the Midlands. The park consists of three islands linked to the mainland by a causeway and two bridges. Its 348 acres and 12 miles of shoreline provide guests with a variety of outdoor water recreation opportunities. The park offers lakeside camping, picnicking, lakeside villas and a nature trail.

Chapin's newest recreation facility, Crooked Creek Park , at 1098 Old Lexington Highway, was opened and dedicated on Sunday, Nov. 20, 1994. The park is on a 57-acre tract adjacent to Chapin Elementary and Middle Schools. It holds a 50,000-square-foot community center and a double gymnasium. A running track, exercise areas, and two racquetball courts are available. The outdoor area features three baseball fields, three soccer fields, tennis courts and a jogging trail. The park also has a playground and picnic area. Crooked Creek Park offers athletic, cultural, educational, social and recreational opportunities throughout the year for all ages

There are many other parks and recreation areas in the Midlands.

Since Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina, is right around the corner, there are endless shopping opportunities. Downtown Chapin has many little shops that will meet your interests. Columbiana Centre, is a shopping mall that is within miles from The Village at Hilton.

The Chapin Community Theatre, located in the heart of Chapin, will provide you with a variety of entertainment. Within the midlands there are numerous other Theatres in the area like the Columbia City Ballet, the Newberry Opera House, the Koger Center for the Arts, the S.C. Philharmonic Orchestra, the South Carolina Shakespeare Co., the Township Auditorium and much more.

Whatever you are in the mood for, The Village at the Hilton is right around the corner to a variety of entertainment to fit your needs.

South Carolina is know for it's golf. With a number of local public and private golf courses in the area, you are bound to find a course to fall in love with. Myrtle Beach, the golf capital of the world is only a couple of hours away as well.

Timberlake Planation, one of Columbia's best golf courses, is right here in Chapin, SC. Timberlake Plantation captures the essence of South Carolina: the lake, woods, wildlife. For the golfer, you'll find breathtaking views that provide the perfect setting for a round you'll never forget. When your standing on the fairway of the 18th hole making your approach shot to the green on this par-5 hole, you will enjoy the perfect views of beautiful Lake Murray.

Lake Murray Golf Center offers the Columbia area and vicinity the best, most complete golf practice facility around. Lake Murray Golf Center offers the absolute best driving range, 9 hole par 3 course, and a spectacular 18 hole miniature golf facility that the whole family can enjoy.

If you are not one who enjoys relaxing on your front porch of your beautiful new patio home, the Columbia area has numerous attractions that will fit your interests.

For the kids, EdVenture Children's Museum is a must. From the moment they walk in the door, children will marvel at the wonder around them. Their eyes will sparkle and their mouths will giggle with glee at the marvelous, fantastical feast of discovery.

The Carolina Center is the largest arena in the state of South Carolina with 18,000 seats, and the tenth largest on-campus basketball facility in the nation.  Located on the beautiful University of South Carolina campus, this one-of-a-kind facility features 41 suites, four Entertainment Suites, and the Frank McGuire Club, a full-service hospitality room that will have a capacity of 300. The state-of-the-art facility also features plush seating, a technologically advanced sound system, a four-sided video scoreboard, and a one-of-a-kind selection of unique concession foods that will delight fans of all ages.

The Carter and Holmes Orchid Greenhouse is the nations third largest orchid nursery with two acres of greenhouses. Orchids, houseplants, and foliage plans are available, as well as a guide provided with group tours.

At the corner of Main and Hampton Streets in downtown Columbia, the Columbia Museum of Art has one of the largest collections of Baroque and Renaissance Art in the Southeast. The Columbia Museum of Art has a diverse artistic heritage and welcomes all art lovers in the area.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, named the Southeastern Tourism Attraction of the Year by Southeastern Tourism Society and ranked among the top 10 in the nation, features more than 2,000 animals from 7 continents, and offers a relaxing, entertaining and unique educational experience for the entire family.

The newly $43 million renovated South Carolina State House is within several miles from the Village at Hilton. The granite structure is full of history, from its many monuments to the bronze stars marking cannon hits by Sherman's Army during the Civil War. Although the State House houses both the Governor's office and the General Assembly, guided tours are available and can make for a enjoyable day for all.

In the South Carolina State Museum, under one roof you'll get a comprehensive view of the Palmetto State - its arts, history, natural beauty, science and technology. There are four large floors of exhibits to explore.