Parents Weekend

cathymee · 09-30-2009, 11:21 PM

So, S being a senior we decided it's time to finally attend a Parents weekend! Heading out tomorrow (thursday) late morning.Flying into Charlotte and driving from there.
Anyone else attending?
I'll report back afterwards, if anyone is interested in hearing about it.....

fendrock · 10-01-2009, 07:29 AM

Cathymee, I will be interested in hearing about it!

PA Mom · 10-01-2009, 05:12 PM

I will be attending my first Parent's Weekend as well....it's about time since she is a senior LOL Hope it is a good time- the weather looks to be lovely!
Have fun cathymee!

wahine · 10-01-2009, 05:25 PM

We'll be there. We are attending a "Parent's Cocktail" for her sorority on Fri. pm and will go to the tailgate Saturday (4:30) but nothing really interests us in between. Don't get me wrong we are HAPPY to see our D! We are driving from Charlotte and spending the pm in Columbia. Any recommendations on what to do on Saturday before the Tailgate???

eadad · 10-01-2009, 10:55 PM

We're actually in Columbia right now; we flew into Charleston this morning and are planning to spend Sun-Tues there since we are so close and have never been there before. In Columbia we're staying at the new SpringHill Suites in the Vista- it's very nice, very modern and surprisingly upscale look at a moderate price. Honestly it was a pleasant surprise when we checked in.

We will also be attending D's Parent's cocktail tomorrow night; Wahine, what sorority is your D in?

Our plans are to just chill, spend some time with D and her friends, have a few good meals with them and enjoy our last visit to Columbia prior to commencement this May.

PAmom, if you have a few minutes after the kids are on their own and want to have a drink, give us a call. If you need my cell PM me.

By the way, the weather is terrific but bring a light jacket or sweater, supposed to be in the low-mid 50's tomorrow night and upper 50s Saturday nite.

DON HO · 10-02-2009, 06:19 AM

Reading these posts makes me a bit sad that we can't make Parent's Weekend this year. Had a fabulous time last year and hate to miss the fun -- enjoy!

cathymee · 10-03-2009, 12:31 PM

here in Columbia right now.so far we attended the reception at the Presidents House (beautiful gardens!) where i was impressed that he and his wife greeted everyone at the door.Decent food,nice jazz music.Gorgeous weather!Then we ate at Gervais and Vine, tapas were wonderful!The Vista area was hopping last night.Thursday night S took us to a Thai restaurant on Devine,tiny..but very good..Bar sawaan I think was the name..He gave D a campus tour as shed never been here,we stopped into the Honors College and his major dept.Today is the Presidents tailgate and then the game,we're doing it all since we've never done it before.Oh yes also last night we went to the Beach bash at the Strom with a DJ,dancing,lots of food and drinks.Saw S and his GF do the shag,they're on the intermediate class and can move pretty good!Lively crowd there lots of dancers.
Sunday we stay until afternoon for the Honors College picnic (more free food!).
We couldnt get a spot in a Vista hotel so we're in a Homewood Suites on Greystone Blvd near the zoo abt 2 miles,5 minutes away.
Fendrock, S called your D so we could meet but was only able to leave a message.

PA Mom · 10-05-2009, 06:53 AM

Well we are back now- had a lovely weekend and lovely weather. Really got to enjoy spending time with our daughter. Sad that we missed meeting up with eadad and family, but we were out so late with the "kids" I was exhausted at the end of the day!
Since our daughter is a senior we did the things she likes to do rather than the "fancy" parents stuff...so we got to experience the "Flying Saucer" and the "Salty Nut" for example. We got to spend gameday at her BF's fraternity's tailgate and went out for some awesome barbecue as well. All in all an enjoyable weekend with the daughter and her pals. Can't ask for much more.

cathymee · 10-05-2009, 08:46 AM

back home as well.Did the "fancy stuff" b/c we had never been before.In hindsight, would have skipped the Presidents tailgate...it meant you had to not only make your way down to the stadium but find that certain spot and entrance.Quite a scene down there! My fave parts were seeing the Presidents house/garden and meeting S's dept faculty and Honors Colege faculty..that picnic was excellent.
Weather was excellent all around.Being from "up north" I didnt think the nighttime weather was chilly at all! Everyone is hospitable and helpful. Ate well at Gervais and Vine and Mellow Mushroom after the game.
For the Greek parents:What is a Parents Cocktail?Do they really serve alcohol at the house events?

PA Mom · 10-05-2009, 09:14 AM

In my experience the events are not held at the house, but at another location, such as a hotel banquet room. I know at my daughter's house there is no alchohol allowed at all, even for the sisters that are over 21.

New Gamecock Mom · 10-05-2009, 09:36 AM

Got back last night from our second Parent's Weekend. Our daughter's sorority also had a cocktail party Fri. night. They are not held in the houses, last year it was at the Koger Center and this year at the State House Museum. Because the party is Fri. night we have not been able to go to the beach bash at the Strom. We usually just do the cocktail party and the parent's tailgate party and football game on Sat, and then spend the rest of the time strolling Columbia. It is so much fun especially watching the student section at the game. This weekend we went to see some off campus housing as D is thinking of that for next year. Our 13 year old son came with us this year and now is thinking he wants to go to USC!

PA Mom · 10-05-2009, 10:17 AM

Cathymee, I saw the place at Gervais and Vine and wondered how it was....I love tapas!
Maybe my daughter and her BF will try it sometime. Would you recommend it?

wahine · 10-05-2009, 01:16 PM

We did the "fancy Stuff" too, since my D is a freshman....Sor. Cocktail party was very nice at the convention ctr. Which just happened to be next to the hotel we stayed in (Hilton) Then had a great dinner there (Ruth's Chris.) Saturday we just hung out with D and her roommate (who's parents were unable to come) Then the Parents Tailgate.....ok that was terrible! Sorry but very unorganized...LOOONNNG walk from shuttle, very limiting. Couldn't even buy a ticket for the roomate to join us. Rdiculous. All in all, We've done it don't have to do it again. I think we will just go to a random football game next year, and spend time with D not so close to fall break.

PA Mom · 10-05-2009, 01:42 PM

Oh, I am sorry to hear that the tailgate was not up to par. At least the team won!LOL

We had never attended Parent's Weekend before, but have gone down later in the fall for a football game. It was fun to do as well. If you go when they play LSU, be prepared for some rabid fans!!! Our entire hotel seemed to be purple and gold...I have never seen so many grown men in purple in my life! LOL

USCTexan · 10-05-2009, 04:21 PM

PA mom- Gervais and Vine is delicious and i highly reccommend it! The food was great, the wines were great and the atmosphere was great! i love it!