Spread the local love with COLAtoday’s Best

From coffee shops to event venues, we’re asking for your insight on the top-tier spots Columbia has to offer.

TodaysBest-NominateNow-NL-06.25.24_COLA.png

What local businesses will you nominate?

Graphic by 6AM City

At COLAtoday, we share hyper-local and need-to-know information about your Columbia faves. Now, it’s time for you to tell us the best biz in the city.

Meet: COLAtoday’s Best. From coffee shops to event venues, we’re asking for your insight on the top-tier spots Soda City has to offer. Let’s take a look at what you need to know to participate and vote for your number ones.

How do I nominate a business?

Nominations are officially open and close Friday, Aug. 16. Click on this form to start nominating in various categories.

To nominate a business:

  1. Navigate to this page and click on the map.
  2. Select the “Add Nomination” button.
  3. Select a category. Click the selected category to view the other available categories.
  4. Type in the name or address of the business or venue you would like to nominate.
  5. The name of your selected business or venue will automatically populate in the “Business or Venue Name” field.
  6. If you are the business or venue owner, you can let us know by selecting “Yes” from the dropdown under “Is this your business?”
    1. If you are the owner, you will have the option to provide us with your email address and phone number.
  7. Once you have entered in the information for the business or venue that you are nominating, you can submit your nomination.
  8. To add another nomination, click the “Add Nomination” button at the top of the map and follow the above instructions.

If you’re having troubles nominating, please contact todaysbest@6amcity.com.

What are the categories?

We’re recognizing a wide range of local businesses across the following categories:

  • Adult Crowd (21+)
  • Kid-Friendly Activities/Venues
  • Venues for Family
  • Pet-Friendly Places
  • Brunch
  • Outdoor Dining
  • Music/Event Venues
  • Brewery/Distillery
  • Coffee Shop
  • Golf Course
  • Apartment Complex
  • Fitness Center/Gym
  • Restaurant
  • Staycation Location
  • Home Service Provider
  • Salon/Spa/Wellness
  • Real Estate Agent/Group
  • Childcare
  • Road Trip
  • Coworking Location
  • Community Impact Brand

When does voting start?

Hold tight. We will crunch the numbers and announce the final nominees on Monday, Aug. 26 — and don’t worry, we’ll remind you when voting opens on Monday, Sept. 2 and ends on Friday, Sept. 20.

What about the winners?

The winners for each category will be announced Friday, Oct. 4.

Now that you have the details, it’s time to celebrate our local biz. Ready, set, nominate.

More from COLAtoday
The free May 15–16 festival features Martin Bejerano, Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso, Endea Owens, and more at Finlay Park.
Columbia-born artist Rodney McMillian debuts a wide-ranging solo exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art this spring.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Spring football gives way to a Darius Rucker–headlined concert and free Garnet & Black block party on Saturday, April 11.
SOCO opens a 9,500-sqft coworking space inside Gather COLA in the BullStreet District.
Dining in Columbia is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
A Mount Pleasant artisan’s massive sweetgrass basket is now on display at the South Carolina State Museum.
Lexington’s Wingard’s Market leads USA TODAY’s Best Plant Nursery vote, and supporters can cast ballots daily through March 9 to keep them at No. 1.
Anchor Investment Management is celebrating 25 years by awarding $25,000 in grants to Midlands nonprofits focused on health and education.