Food

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Food
The Taste of Lake Murray returns
Tickets are on sale now for Taste of Lake Murray, supporting Lake Murray’s Independence Day fireworks.
January 26, 2026 11:26 AM
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Toast of the town: Drink Up Week has arrived
This week — Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26, 2024 — we’re shining a spotlight on the vibrant drink scene in Columbia.
July 19, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Rotating images of brunch food, drinks, and dogs at Publico.
Sponsored
Cheers to this can’t-miss Sunday brunch in Five Points
What’s brunch without creative dishes, mimosa pitchers, and four-legged friends?
Sponsored by
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Food
Godspeed coffee opens pop-up shop
Godspeed, a new specialty coffee pop-up by Roger Caughman and Kailey Cunningham, focuses on building community connections with each pop-up.
July 15, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Coa Agaveria Y Cocina
Food
Raise a glass — Drink Up Week is coming
We’ve got details and a map full of drink deals: We’ll be highlighting the vibrant beverage scene across Columbia, SC from July 22 to July 26, 2024.
July 15, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
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Food
Q+A with Alex Strickland, chef at The Dragon Room and frontman of local band Abacus
Chef Alex Strickland of The Dragon Room, also the lead singer of metal band Abacus, discusses his favorite dishes, local foodie spots, and balancing his culinary and musical creativity.
July 11, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Boyd
Food
Columbia’s Restaurant Summer Games in Boyd Plaza
The Restaurant Summer Games will feature seven restaurants competing in Olympic inspired games and showcasing a dish and cocktail for charity.
July 9, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
A look inside Alimentari Don Luigi in the Mills District
Alimentari Don Luigi is the new Italian market and bottle shop from Bar Gran Sasso co-owners Joe Cardinale and former Terra chef, Joby Wetzel.
July 9, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
A cocktail on the counter at The Hollow in the Vista.
Sponsored
5 happy hour spots to visit in the Vista
Experience the Vista’s vibrant arts scene, plus amazing restaurants + bars.
Sponsored by
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City
Soda City Market celebrates local culture and global flavors
Search some of these fresh finds from flowers to clothes and much more every Saturday morning at Soda City Market in downtown Columbia, SC.
July 7, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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
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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
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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
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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
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