Business

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City
New boutique hotel opens in historic fire station in the Vista
The 59-room Lantern Columbia opens inside the former fire station as the Vista continues evolving.
January 21, 2026 02:53 PM
 · 
David Stringer
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Business
Two new businesses coming to the Midlands
PHENOGY and Cardiff Products announce major investments in Columbia, boosting sustainable energy and manufacturing industries while creating new jobs.
January 15, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A mentor smiling at a mentee and holding a clipboard
Sponsored
How to make a difference in COLA’s small business community
SCORE Midlands is helping budding entrepreneurs achieve new levels of success through its mentorship program.
Sponsored by
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Sponsored
3 tips to start fresh with your finances in 2025
Sponsored by
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Business
Richland County approves public-private partnership to boost economic growth
Richland County is transitioning to a public-private partnership (P3) model to boost job growth, attract businesses, and mirror successes like Greenville’s Fluor Field revitalization.
November 18, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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Business
Take a look at Scout Motors’ newest line of electric SUVs and trucks
Scout Motors hosted an unveiling of its newest SUV prototypes set to be built in its manufacturing plant in Columbia. Take a look.
October 25, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Business
Circa Barber Shop opens a new location in Lexington
With the renovations complete, thanks to Chapin Commercial Construction, another Circa Barber Shop, is now located at 101B E. Main St. in Lexington.
October 24, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A person with hands on a laptop with a credit card and blurred bokeh lights
Sponsored
3 scams to avoid this holiday season
Sponsored by
An image of Drs. Drew Brannon, Cory Shaffer, and Milt Lowder from AMPLOS.
Sponsored
👏 This inspiring podcast is celebrating 300 episodes
“The Growth Project” podcast’s main goal is to help people become their best, no matter what challenges come their way.
Sponsored by
Peak Drift Brewing Facility
Food
Updates on Peak Drift Brewing
Peak Drift Brewing Company is expanding locally + globally, announced a new taproom menu, an shared updates on the brewery.
October 16, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Business
As Well As: a coffee shop, boutique, wellness studio, and community space rolled into one
From specialty coffees to infrared workouts, As Well As — a multi-concept space in Rosewood — blends wellness and cafe offerings.
September 20, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Events
JerryFest 2025: Celebrating 60 Years of the Grateful Dead
JerryFest returns to Five Points on Sunday, Oct. 5 with two stages of live music, food, art, and family fun.
August 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Williams-Brice stadium during a day game.
Gamecock season preview: Tailgates, Sandstorm, and Saturdays in Columbia
A look at the 2025 Gamecock football season, including key players, biggest games, and what’s new on gameday at Williams-Brice.
August 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Local authors section at Richland Library
Outdoors
Where would you put an outdoor library in Columbia?
The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in Soda City.
August 27, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
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City
Start streaming these local podcasts
Whether you’re interested in hearing from local business leaders, exploring the art world, or just hearing a good story, there’s a Cola podcast for you.
August 26, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Play
Date night ideas for every type of Columbian
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date night in Soda City.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Close-up of a dire wolf skull cast with sharp canine teeth, displayed at the Florence County Museum in South Carolina.
5 animals that used to roam the Midlands
Unbury Columbia and Florence’s prehistoric past by looking at these five animals that once called the region home before they went extinct.
August 19, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
European café–style brasserie + market coming to Gervais Street
A European café–style brasserie and market is opening in Melrose Heights in 2026, with local roots.
August 14, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Columbia-SC
Live
Local Gov. 101: Understanding Columbia’s City Council
Class is in session — become familiar with how Columbia’s City Council works, and explore your role as an active citizen.
August 13, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Weather
How to prepare for hurricane season
This hurricane guide will help you prepare for the 2025 season, which is expected to produce above-normal storm activity in the Atlantic.
August 12, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial concept rendering of Williams-Brice Stadium filled with fans, highlighting proposed renovations such as expanded premium seating on the west side, two large videoboards in the south end zone, and updated concourse areas.
Development
USC announces new partnership to benefit Williams-Brice Stadium
Blanchard Machinery is partnering with USC, funding Williams-Brice upgrades and debuting the first-ever on-field logo.
August 11, 2025
 · 
David Stringer