Don't just learn about Geography...Experience It!

Geography is about exploration and travel. The conference field trips have been designed with this in mind.
During the days surrounding the conference, we offer you the opportunity to join one of our exciting, informative and enjoyable excursions.
Field Trip Schedule*
*Will be updated as details become available
Historic Columbia
Space is limited | Registration required
$
Free but registration required
-
Thursday, October 26th
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4:00 - 5:30 PM (EST)
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Guides: John Sherer, Historic Columbia Foundation
Register Here
Offering more than 150 years of architectural trends, Columbia's Main Street is a physical legacy of its citizens' aspiration and accomplishments. See the city's oldest "skyscraper," an IBM-punch-card-inspired office building and the State Capitol. Walk through Columbia's first indoor shopping mall and learn how an old department store became an art museum.
Recommended Attire: casual, tennis shoes
Walking Tour
Historic Columbia
Space is limited | Registration required
$
Free but registration required
-
Friday, October 27th
-
4:00 - 5:30 PM (EST)
-
Guides: John Sherer, Historic Columbia Foundation
Register Here
Offering more than 150 years of architectural trends, Columbia's Main Street is a physical legacy of its citizens' aspiration and accomplishments. See the city's oldest "skyscraper," an IBM-punch-card-inspired office building and the State Capitol. Walk through Columbia's first indoor shopping mall and learn how an old department store became an art museum.
Recommended Attire: casual, tennis shoes
Walking Tour
Congaree National Park
Space is limited | Registration required
$20 shuttle fee
-
Friday, October 27th
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8:00 AM - NOON(EST)
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Guide: Dr. John Kupfer, USC Geography
Register Here
Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem Recommended Attire: casual, tennis shoes
Shuttle
Starbucks Roastery
Space is limited | Registration required
$
$20 Fee for Shuttle Service
-
Friday, October 27th
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12:30 - 4:00PM
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Guides: Mike Mewborne, USC Geography
Register Here
You will have an opportunity to get an inside looks at how the Starbucks Experience starts. They take green coffee beans, full-leaf tea and fresh juice and provide a vast array of Starbucks products flowing—from supplier to customer. A dedicated team of professionals includes experts in roasting, planning, warehouse management, packaging, maintenance, engineering and logistics.
Please Note: a Valid I.D. and closed-toed shoes are required. No mobile phones/electronic devices will be allowed in the building during the tour.
Shuttle
Jogging with Jerry
Space is limited | Registration required
$
Free but registration is required
-
Saturday, October 28th
-
7:00AM
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Guide: Jerry Mitchell
Register Here
Meet in the Cambria lobby, the conference’s host hotel, at 1000 Lady Street, for a 3-mile roundtrip run with former NCGE President, Jerry Mitchell.
Runners will head toward the Congaree River Walk, stopping approximately each half mile to learn about Columbia’s physical and human geography. All paces welcome.
Jogging Tour
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