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Dog-friendly businesses guide for Columbia
Explore these dog-friendly businesses in Columbia that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, and stay the night.
September 10, 2025 03:30 PM
 · 
Samantha Robertson
An image of a Christmas tree in Cayce, SC.
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3 ways to celebrate Christmas in Cayce
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Arts
Try This: A visit to Newberry Opera House
The Newberry Opera House, a historic venue located halfway between Columbia and Greenville, is a beautiful historic 400 seat venue surrounded by a charming downtown.
November 22, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
The South Carolina State Museum's planetarium is illuminated to resemble a snow globe. Through large glass windows, the spherical structure is lit with a festive blue glow, with light projections of holiday trees and snowflakes creating a wintry atmosphere. Wreaths hang on the doors, enhancing the holiday theme. The sleek metal framework of the building and the decorations lend a seasonal charm, making the planetarium look like a magical winter display from the outside.
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There’s a 100 percent chance of snow at the SCSM
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Rotating images of a family and kids playing at EdVenture.
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Holiday Pick: Unlimited adventures with an EdVenture membership
Share the joy of curiosity and learning with a year-long museum membership — the ultimate holiday gift that keeps on giving.
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Columbia’s skyline at night. | Photo by Timothy M.
Arts
Introducing our 2024 Picture of the Year contest
Following the success of hundreds of submissions in 2024, we are getting a jump on our 2025 contest.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Ted Bauer
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City
Pack your bags for one of these unique places to stay in and around Columbia
From cottages to treehouses, our area is full of unique places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
November 14, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A GIF of attendees at the Vista Lights event in Columbia.
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✨ Kick off the holidays at Vista Lights
Enjoy an evening of twinkling lights, a towering Christmas tree, and live entertainment for the whole family during this annual holiday tradition.
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Events
Usher in the holiday season with these 10 local holiday lighting ceremonies around the Midlands
We’ve rounded up 10 local holiday lighting ceremonies to attend that feature warm glows, festive feels, thousands of lights, and family-friendly holiday activities.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "COLAtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
COLAtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
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Education
A Midlands Technical College team of six is conducting research to help NASA
This week, Midlands Technical College students conducting calcium oxalate research saw their project launch into space on Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Mission 18.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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City
Celebrating The Great Gatsby at USC
USC’s exhibit celebrates The Great Gatsby at 100 with rare artifacts, first editions, and global literary context.
April 8, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A brick building with the word "Anderson's" over the door. There's a yellow Papa Jazz sign over the door and a placard outside with the store name and an illustrated vinyl record saying the store buys, sells, and trades record.
City
Record Store Day 2025 in Columbia, SC
Celebrate Record Store Day and support your favorite local record shop.
April 8, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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10 Columbia area ice cream scoops
Cool off with a handscooped cone at one of these Columbia area ice cream shops.
April 7, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Gamecocks players stand on the court with their arms around each other before a basketball game.
Sports
Gamecocks women’s basketball finish 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament as runners up
USC lost in the championship game, but they an impressive season — look at their accomplishments and successes in the Women’s NCAA Tournament.
April 6, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Culture
13 free things to do in Columbia
You don’t need to spend a lot to have a good day in Columbia. With this guide, you won’t need to spend anything but time.
April 3, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Conagree National Park
Events
Catch Congaree’s fireflies glow
Enter the lottery for a chance to experience Congaree National Park’s synchronous firefly display.
April 3, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A black and white photo of a man standing outside the Joyful Alternative's Greene Street shop front.
History
Celebrating 8 with stories of Columbia’s past
To celebrate COLAtoday’s eighth anniversary, we’re highlighting eight favorite local history stories that shaped Columbia’s past and present.
April 2, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
City
Columbia’s April Fools’ roundup
Columbia businesses brought the laughs this April Fools’ Day with fake expansions, secret snacks, and imaginative (but fake) announcements.
April 2, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A white brick building with a stepped roofline houses a bookstore named "All Good Books." The store's name is painted in bold, dark blue letters with a small lantern logo on the left. A leafless tree casts branch-like shadows on the facade under a clear blue sky.
Culture
5 independently owned bookstores in Columbia
Find your next page-turner at these bookstores in Columbia where you can browse titles and literally support small businesses.
April 1, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Yellow flowers outside
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Dig into sustainable gardening at this free workshop
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