Vista Guild

Making your flying process plane and simple đŸ›«
CAE Sunset.jpeg

Passenger pick up and drop off are a breeze at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). | Photo provided by CAE

Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.

The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s 25 nonstop flights.

What to know

  • TSA | According to the CAE’s Airport’s website, passengers should arrive 90 minutes to two hours prior to scheduled departure for domestic flights. Here are tips for a smooth security experience.
  • Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, this map of the airport will be your saving grace.
  • Food and drink | If you have spare time — because your check-in experience was so quick — you’ll probably want to grab a bite to eat. A breakfast sandwich from Riverbanks Bar and Grill and coffee from Red Eye Coffee will satiate you until your next destination.
  • Reminder | By May 3, 2023, you will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
  • Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.
Parking garage

New Parking Guidance System at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) | Photo provided

Parking, shuttles, and rideshare

Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from their late-night landing. Each surface lot offers 30 minutes of free parking with each additional 30 minutes costing $1. Beyond that, the price per day is as listed:
  • Surface lot parking | $10/day
  • Covered parking garage | $14/day
  • Premier parking lot | $1000/per year for frequent flyers
Because CAE only has one terminal, all of these parking options are within walking distance of TSA and your gate.
TAKE FLIGHT
Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Click here to have your event featured.

Wednesday, Nov. 16
  • 1 Million Cups | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 9-10 a.m. | Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Free | A weekly event for local entrepreneurs to meet and present their startups to the thriving peer network of founders in Columbia.
  • Santa’s Pub at Publico Five Points is back! | Wednesday, Nov. 16-Saturday, Dec. 31 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Publico Kitchen and Tap, 2013 Greene St., Columbia | Free | Publico turns into Santa’s Pub and will have everything Christmas with floor to ceiling decor, twinkling lights, and a Christmas tree.
  • Colonial Life Arena 20th Anniversary Treasure Hunt | Wednesday, Nov. 16-Wednesday, Nov. 30 | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St, Columbia | As Colonial Life Arena prepares to commemorate 20 years, fans are encouraged to sign-up for the Treasure Hunt Escape Room for the chance to win a golden ticket.
  • 3rd Annual Colaroo Music Festiva | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 7-10 p.m. | Five Points, Santee Ave. between Harden and Blossom St., Columbia | Free | The Colaroo micro-music festival is managed by students from the Sport and Entertainment Management program.
Thursday, Nov. 17
  • USC Professional MBA Happy Hour - Columbia | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 5-7 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center St., West Columbia | Free | Alumni, current students, and prospective students in the Columbia area are invited to network and learn more about USC’s top-ranked Professional MBA program.*
  • Smoked’s One Year Anniversary Oyster Roast | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 6 p.m. | Smoked, 1643 Main St., Columbia | $75-$125 | Celebrate 365 days of Smoked with an oyster roast and crafted cocktails from two award-winning bartenders.*
  • Vista Lights presented by Prisma Health | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 6-10 p.m. | The Vista, 1200 Lincoln St., Columbia | Free | During this free, annual celebration that kicks off the holidays, over 60 restaurants, shops + galleries open their doors.*
  • Manchester Orchestra | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 8 p.m. | The Senate, 1022 Senate St., Columbia | $30 | The Atlanta-based alt rock band returns to Columbia in support of their latest album “The Million Masks of God.”
Friday, Nov. 18
  • Steel Hands Brewing Friday Pre-Party | Friday, Nov. 18 | 5 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | Free | This free event features an oyster roast (while supplies last), live music from three Nashville Nights Alumni, a tailgate giveaway + more.*

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS
Steel Hands Brewing

A members-only opening party at the Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia, SC

Try This: Celebrating the Columbia Museum of Art’s new fall exhibitions in Columbia, SC
Presented by a COLAtoday Partner
Columbia Museum of Art, Fall Exhibitions
The outdoor area in which the celebration was held was relaxed and airy. | Photo by the COLAtoday team
Hey, COLA, Lindsey here. 👋 Recently, I had the opportunity to go to the Columbia Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of two new fall exhibitions: “European Splendors: Highlights from the Kress Collection” and “The Art of Elizabeth Catlett: From the Collection of Samella Lewis.”

Columbia Museum of Art, Fall Exhibits 2

All the hors d’oeuvres? Yes, please.

Photo by the COLAtoday team

What we tried:

The Members’ Only Opening Celebrations are the best way to be the first to see new exhibitions at the CMA — and for members, they’re free.

Not a member? No worries — both the “European Splendors” and “Elizabeth Catlett” exhibitions are now open to the public with museum admission.

Read along to learn more about the celebration, my favorite pieces of artwork, and how you can Try This. đŸ–Œïž *
WHAT NOT TO MISS

Weather
  • 60Âș | Partly cloudy | 7% chance of rain
Open
  • Tee’d Up, a new indoor multisport simulator + restaurant, is now open at 1605 N. Lake Dr. in Lexington near Lake Murray Public Park. Reserve a bay and swing away on a variety of PGA Tour golf courses on the simulator. ⛳
Sports
  • The Gamecock’s kick-off time is set for 12 p.m. on ABC as they go on the road to take on in-state rival Clemson in the final game of the regular season. This will be the Gamecock’s first trip to Clemson since the 2018 season. 🏈 (Gamecocks Online)
Listen
  • A tale of two cities. On the latest episode of Around Town with @Colamayor, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann speaks with West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles. The two talk about improvements and development happening in both cities, food, and much more. 🎧
Kids
  • With a little help from elves, Santa’s Mailbox is back at Carraway Park (212 Hudson St., West Columbia) and is accepting letters through Wed., Dec. 14 for a response from Santa by Christmas. Children can bring their own letters, or use the provided postcards to share their wish lists. 💌
Holiday
  • The South Carolina State Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will take place on Sun., Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Governor’s Candlelighting event. Can’t attend? Watch it live on SCETV as they sing carols and flip the switch on the 35-ft-tall Norway Spruce. đŸŒČ
DYK
  • Did you know this is your last chance to share your Black Friday deals with our COLAtoday readers? Promote your business with us by submitting a deal to be included in our Fri., Nov. 25 newsletter. Pricing varies by market + must be submitted by today, Wed., Nov. 16.
Health
  • Dedicated Senior Medical Center, a primary care practice focused on seniors, is opening two Columbia area locations. The former CVS at 2571 Forest Dr. will be converted to a primary care office along with the former Walgreens at 5900 N. Main St. Both are expected to open early next year. (The Post and Courier)
  • Ever tried Care Finder? The easy, online healthcare tool lets you type in a symptom that matches you to the best care options based on your description. Give it a try — and find the care you need, when you need it. đŸ©ș *
Travel
  • Heads up, travelers: The deadline for needing a Real ID for air travel is Wed., May 3, 2023. If you’re planning on taking a flight this spring, it’s time to head to the DMV to update your license. ✈ *
Featured Job
  • Pure Barre Columbia-Five Points is hiring a Studio Manager who will be responsible for driving sales, generating leads, interacting with clients, and servicing excellence to create a supportive + meaningful community for the luxury fitness brand. Interested? Email your resume to Kristen Gandy.*
Shop
  • Psst — Thanksgiving is next Thursday, Nov. 24. If you’re planning to serve turkey, don’t forget that a meat thermometer is essential to avoiding a potential case of food poisoning. Try this waterproof digital meat thermometer with 53,000+ five star reviews or splurge on this smart meat thermometer that connects to your phone via Bluetooth.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
Lowes Foods

Crown jewel renovation 💎

Design plans for Finlay Park renovation
Screen Shot 2022-11-15 at 2.41.32 PM.png
The updates to Finlay Park include a new lake and renovated fountain. | Rendering via City of Columbia
Design plans to revitalize Finlay Park in downtown Columbia include an improved event stage, playground, climbing wall, splash pad, and pathways to enhance a pedestrian-friendly environment.

Work on the $21.5 million renovation will likely begin next spring and take up to 18 months after the completion of the design process, according to The State.

A key feature of the new park will be the renovated fountain that flows into a new central pond which will be surrounded by lush plants.

The landscaping of the park will be a significant part of the update with the addition of a shaded strolling garden, new shrubs, grasses, and flowers planted along the hillside. The proposal plans to preserve the existing canopy of trees and plant new ornamental trees in key areas.

Plans to update the park have been in the works since 2019 but are now moving forward quickly, thanks to $8.5 million from the city + $1 million from state funding.
Prisma Health
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by David.

Editor’s pick: One of my favorite parts of flying out of CAE is checking out the rotating Art in the Airport exhibit that features works from local artists. Currently on display is art from Cait Maloney, an award-winning graphic designer, and muralist whose art shines with Soda City pride.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Get all of the details for the 37th annual Vista Lights, here.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Samantha Robertson, David Stringer, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Lindsey Rhinesmith | Advertise with us.

ADVERTISE | SHOP | CAREERS | ETHICS

Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you?
SUBSCRIBE

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY