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
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.
Sponsored
There’s a 100 percent chance of snow at the SCSM
Sponsored by
Rotating images of a family and kids playing at EdVenture.
Sponsored
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.
Sponsored by
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.
Sponsored
✨ 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.
Sponsored by
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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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Culture
How to participate in the Philosophy of Five Points
Explore Five Points through the Philosophy of Five Points event and participate in the Curiosity Crawl. Participants will come across activation site features and experience a merge of art, philosophy, and local culture of Five Points.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
An image of the Boston Brass band performing on a stage.
Sponsored
🎺 Add to cal: A brassy Christmas celebration
Since 1986, Boston Brass has given audiences a unique musical experience, blending classical + jazz styles with original brass compositions.
Sponsored by
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Aerial image showing the expansive 33-acre Lake Murray Golf Center property in Chapin, SC, surrounded by trees, open grassy areas, and nearby roadways.
Development
Lake Murray Golf Center set for comeback
Lake Murray Golf Center sold to local owners with plans to reopen in phases and rebrand later this year.
July 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Heat dangers
Travel and Outdoors
Tips for staying cool while the Midlands is under heat advisories
They don’t call Columbia famously hot for nothin’, but while the heat stays in the triple digits and the Midlands is under heat advisories, here are tips and recommendations for other activities.
July 28, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Exterior of 747 Saluda Ave. in Five Points, showing the storefront window with Sparrow Construction and Godspeed Coffee branding. Brick columns and greenery frame the entrance.
Development
Godspeed Coffee puts down roots in Five Points
Godspeed Coffee is looking to open its first permanent location in Five Points by the end of the year, with Sparrow Construction leading the buildout.
July 24, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Palmetto Trail-9950.jpg
Play
11 hiking trails to try in and around Columbia
Check out these 11 hiking trails catering to all skill levels in and around Columbia, SC, for outdoor adventures.
July 23, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Gateway 737-0167 2 Medium.png
Development
Gateway 737 opens as USC’s largest student housing project
With 940 beds and rooftop views, Gateway 737 marks a major milestone in USC’s campus-adjacent growth.
July 22, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Live
Farmers markets in Columbia
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.
July 16, 2025
 · 
Vagney Hampshire
Betty Lane Cherry smiling and holding a small box of peaches next to a large wooden crate labeled “South Carolina Peaches” on an airport tarmac.
Food
Before Instagram, there was Miss Fruit Salad
Betty Lane Cherry promoted South Carolina peaches nationwide during a 1950s agricultural marketing campaign.
July 15, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Tunnell Vision.jpeg
Live
40+ murals in Columbia
Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.
July 9, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Group photo of the Riggs Partners team standing outside in front of a weathered red building during CreateAthon 2024.
Nonprofits
Free creative help for SC nonprofits
From logos to strategy, SC nonprofits can get free creative help through CreateAthon.
July 8, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Saluda Shoals Park
Play
28 parks in the Midlands of South Carolina
We’re highlighting the 28 best parks the Midlands has to offer — complete with scenic trails, splash pads, riverfront views, and plenty of space to play, picnic, and relax.
June 25, 2025
 · 
David Stringer