Culture

A hand holds a vibrant cross-stitch depicting a witch and a haunted house against a blue, starry sky, bordered with green polka dots. Vinyl records form a colorful background.
Arts
Needlepoint is back: Here’s how to try it in Columbia
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
February 23, 2026 02:16 PM
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
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Sports
5 nuggets of Gamecock news you may have missed
From awards to NIL deals, coaching staff changes, and more, here is recent Gamecock news you may have missed this week.
December 11, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Santa standing in front of a shark at the SCSM.
Sponsored
Discover countless adventures at the SCSM
From Santa to sharks, the fun doesn’t stop with the holidays at the South Carolina State Museum.
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🎁 ‘Tis the season to shop local
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Culture
Where to see holiday lights around Columbia, SC
Nominate your neighborhoods, share your holiday light-seeing traditions, or even brag about your own house if you decorate at level 10. We’re looking for reader recommendations on where the best holiday light displays are in the Midlands.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
COLA-SC Philharmonic-Nov. 2024
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Celebrate the season with live holiday hits
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Culture
Hit the Road: an outdoor adventure to Asheville, NC
December 3, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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City
How walkable are Columbia’s neighborhoods?
This interactive map can help you determine how walkable certain blocks are to destinations like supermarkets, parks, restaurants, and schools.
December 2, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
A GIF of attendees at the Junior League of Columbia's Holiday Market.
Sponsored
🎄 Sleigh the season at this can’t-miss market
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An image of a Christmas tree in Cayce, SC.
Sponsored
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
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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
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City
Want to reach Columbia locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Reach your local community with our help.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
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City
Lighting up Columbia: What the skyline should glow for, according to our readers
COLAtoday readers shared ideas for lighting up Columbia’s skyline, from Gamecock wins to local causes and holidays.
August 7, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Azalea Coffee Bar
Live
Your guide to Columbia’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some with our coffee guide, featuring 25+ local coffee shops.
August 6, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
GIF showing the Vista district in Columbia, SC, with a view of the historic brick railroad depot at the corner of Gervais and Gadsden Streets, where Sylvan’s Jewelers is relocating.
Sylvan’s Jewelers first tenant in Vista Depot District
Sylvan’s Jewelers is moving to the Vista this fall, expanding its showroom and Rolex offerings in the SC Railroad Depot.
July 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer