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
cafe strudel
Play
40+ great brunch restaurants to try in Columbia
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Cola, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Food
Philly Flavor arrives in Columbia: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks expands to Five Points
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks opens in Five Points, bringing authentic Philly cheesesteaks to Columbia with family ties, big flavors, and a hometown legacy.
March 4, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A plate of fried ribs at The Grand
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A Piggly Wiggly sign reading "Thank you for shopping Pig on Devin. The Social Pig."
City
Piggly Wiggly on Devine Street announces its closure
The long-standing Columbia location, also known as the Social Pig, announced it will close its doors in the near future.
March 3, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
HSV July 2024
Food
Chef Wesley Fulmer joins Hampton Street Vineyard as executive chef
Chef Wesley Fulmer joins Hampton Street Vineyard as executive chef and managing partner, bringing fresh ideas to Columbia’s upscale French restaurant.
February 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Dozens of large, white eggs in a Trader Joe's cooler.
Food
Columbia egg prices compared to the national average
Egg prices are increasing due to avian influenza, but you’re likely to find a dozen below the national average in Columbia.
February 27, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Food
Here’s what you’d like to see at GATHER COLA
Readers shared their wishlist for Gather Cola, requesting gluten-free options, Italian, Asian, Greek, Southern food, coffee, seafood, and boutiques.
February 18, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Mardi Gras Columbia brings 18 local bands to City Roots
The 15th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival features 18 local bands across three stages, plus a parade, food vendors, and craft beer.
February 14, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Fern Studios Vtines | COLAtoday
Culture
Where to find last-minute Valentine’s gifts in Columbia
There are many local spots selling flowers, chocolates, and other sweets that make perfect gifts for Valentine’s day and beyond.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Development
GATHER COLA coming to BullStreet District
GATHER COLA, a 32,286-sqft open-air food hall with dining, retail, bars, and office space, opens late 2025 in The BullStreet District.
February 10, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Business
Can you build a startup in 24 hours?
Startup Sprint returns for a free 24-hour challenge at Boyd Innovation Center where teams build and pitch startup business ideas.
November 3, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City

Beat the end of daylight saving scaries with these activities in Columbia
The sun may be setting earlier, but Columbia still has plenty to do.
October 30, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City

Just how bad is the traffic in Columbia?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial view of Main Street District buildings at sunset
Business
The local wish list: What Columbia readers say we’re missing
Columbia readers shared their wish list of new businesses they’d like to see in the Midlands.
October 27, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A pothole in the middle of concrete, filled with water.
City

Who ya gonna call? Jot down contact info for these Midlands resources
Don’t be afraid. Concerns about everything from flood damage to environmental health can be solved by getting in touch not with the Ghostbusters, but with these Midlands resources.
October 27, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A graphic that says "Their perfect gift is on this list. Our holiday gift guide just dropped." surrounded by images of gift tags.
Small Business
COLAtoday’s 2025 holiday gift guide: 90+ finds for everyone you love
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
October 24, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
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Events
Vista Lights celebrates 40 years
Vista Lights returns Nov. 20 with live music, local vendors, and the annual tree lighting to kick off Columbia’s holidays.
October 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
5 family-friendly Halloween happenings
Celebrate spooky season with Halloween happenings around Columbia, from trunk-or-treat trails to eerie zoo nights and family carnivals.
October 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
The South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition returns for year three
Get out your rolling pins + roll up those sleeves, Soda Citizens because the South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition is back with its annual gingerbread house competition benefit.
October 22, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Education
It’s Homecoming weekend at USC
USC’s Homecoming Weekend returns Oct. 24–26 with events, tailgates, and a Saturday showdown vs. Alabama.
October 21, 2025
 · 
David Stringer