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
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Morgan O’Neal
A top-down view of a laptop sitting on a table with an open notebook and pen sitting on top of it. Next to the laptop is a latte in a mug atop a white saucer. The latte has a foam heart on top.
Culture
Read the winning poem from our 2024 poetry contest
Check out the poems below, including the contest winner our readers voted for.
April 24, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
people doing chair yoga outdoors in front of the Columbia Museum of Art
Sponsored
New, free programming coming to Boyd Plaza
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Musician Jason Isbell looks at the camera, wearing a black striped jacket in front of a dark background
Sponsored
Road trip: Spoleto Festival USA is back May 22-June 9 in downtown Charleston
Sponsored by
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Culture
19 local gift ideas to celebrate motherhood
April 16, 2024
 · 
Staff
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City
Exploring Columbia, SC: What is COLAtoday?
Every April we celebrate the anniversary of COLAtoday — Columbia, SC’s resource for all things Cola. Allow us to introduce our daily, five-minute newsletter, full of information for local citizens.
April 9, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A spacious bedroom is shown, with a king-size bed set against a backdrop of inviting decor at The Honey Bee at The Dens.
Sponsored
This hotel is a welcome re(treat) for every kind of traveler
With a focus on providing travelers with a diverse selection of experiences, Hotel Trundle aims to make each guest’s getaway magical through its three distinct properties.
Sponsored by
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Culture
The SC Philharmonic is coming to your neighborhood
April 4, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
A collection of handmade post-modernist lamps with unconventional designs at Lewis + Clark, a studio, workshop and gallery in Columbia.
Sponsored
7 reasons to experience this year’s Artista Vista
With 5 events over 3 days and plenty of public art, immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of creativity while celebrating local talent.
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Three volunteers kneel as they loosen the soil in a plant bed, preparing it for planting.
Sponsored
It’s United Way’s Volunteer Week — here’s how you can help
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Soda City
Culture
Wait, is the term “Soda City” cringe? Let us know
We had a reader provide feedback and share their thoughts about the term “Soda City” and we want to know if you agree.
March 28, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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More from COLAtoday
The exterior of the Richland main library with a banner for Read Freely Fest hanging about the rounded, glass front doors.
Culture
Richland Library’s inaugural Read Freely Fest coming to Columbia
The library’s free, family-friendly festival will feature author talks, book sales, and entertainment across across three day.
March 25, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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History
Columbia’s Historical Markers: Columbia College
Explore the rich legacy of Columbia College, a historic campus once exclusive to women, now celebrating over 150 years of change.
March 21, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Village Idiot
Live
A guide to Columbia’s pizza scene
Dig into Columbia’s must-try pizza shops including local legends, fancier fare, cross-country crusts, and more.
March 20, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Three people are working together in what appears to be a warehouse or workshop with doors and windows. Two individuals wear blue "volunteer" shirts, while one person in a hoodie uses tape and a marker. They seem to be organizing or preparing materials for a project.
Culture
Where to make spring cleaning donations in Columbia
Doing some spring cleaning and have items to donate? Check out these 14 spots in the Columbia area accepting clothing and supply donations.
March 19, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
State House -0313
Travel and Outdoors
Surviving pollen season in Columbia, SC
Does pollen season have you wiping your eyes and nose? Blame the hidden tree pollen as spring allergies kick into high gear.
March 18, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A pothole in the middle of concrete, filled with water.
City
SCDOT announces its ‘Pothole Blitz’
The statewide effort invites residents to report potholes so crews can patch them and improve safety for drivers.
March 17, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Food
Where to watch the NCAA Tournament in Columbia
It’s tournament time, and Columbia has plenty of spots to catch every buzzer-beater.
March 14, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A close up of the white blossoms of the Bradford pear tree.
Culture
The Bradford pear tree in Columbia, SC
You may see — or smell — these trees around Cola this spring.
March 14, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Black and white photo of two men unpacking boxes with paintings
Sponsored
Celebrating 75 years of the CMA
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City
Segra Park gearing up for its 2025 season
The Columbia Fireflies will return, but the ballpark has a schedule filled with other events, promos, and food-themed festivals.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil