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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 12:43 PM
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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City
What Soda Citizens googled this year
2024’s Google Year in Search is out — check out what Soda Citizens were searching most this year (it might surprise you).
December 17, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
Christmas tree lighting Columbia SC
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Winter events happening in and around Columbia
Check out winter and holiday-themed events happening in and around Columbia in this seasonal guide.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
763 Meeting Street Antique Mall
Small Business
Happy Hauling: flea markets, trade, vintage, and resale shops in Columbia
Here’s the deal — the flea market and vintage shopping scene is stellar in the Soda City
November 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A mom, dad, and their two small kids under a large holiday light display.
Sponsored
💡 A bright idea for your holiday plans
Sponsored by
A group of people watching a laser show in the SCSM planetarium.
Sponsored
Last chance: See lasers dance in time to iconic music
Sponsored by
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Sports
Dreaming of gold: Olympians with ties to Columbia and SC competing in the Paris Summer 2024 Olympics
Cola is well represented on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics — these are some locals to watch.
July 16, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Two burgers topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and other fixings sit on a table at Grill Marks in Columbia; there are baskets of fries and a milkshake topped with whipped cream in the background.
Restaurants
Let’s eat, kids: Family friendly restaurants in Columbia
Grab the little ones and hit the town — these spots are tried and true with Cola kids.
July 3, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A bright blue car sits on a field with its hood open as part of a car show in Columbia, SC.
Events
Vroom, vroom: Car shows in and around Columbia
Around these parts, car show culture rolls deep.
July 2, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A headshot of Ansley Stewart.
Sponsored
Can’t-miss concert: See Ansley Stewart ‘create life out of thin air’
Sponsored by
Sally Salamander walking tour Columbia SC
City
Your ultimate guide to tours of Columbia
Explore the Soda City through its history, food, drink, and art on these tours.
July 7, 2023
 · 
Robin Schwartzkopf
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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
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
Image showing South Carolina’s new driver’s license and ID card designs, including adult and under-21 versions. The cards display state symbols, updated fonts, security features, and both front and back sides of each card.
City
New SC licenses roll out with fresh design and security upgrades
New SC licenses feature iconic imagery and upgraded security with laser engraving.
July 29, 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
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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
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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
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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