Picture this — a cozy independent bookstore in the heart of Five Points that sells the best new releases, offers a space for author events, highlights local book releases, and has a cafe.
All Good Booksaims to be just that and construction is underway in the 3,000 sqft building at 724 Harden St. The new bookstore plans to open in early 2023.
The bookstore is a collaborative effort between Soda Citizens Clint Wallace, a tax law professor at USC, and Ben Adams, owner of Odd Bird Books in the Arcade Mall. The two were inspired by college town bookstores across the country — think the original Borders Book Shop in Ann Arbor, MI, or Square Books in Oxford, MS — and have been searching for a space to open their own for a few years.
“My whole family is from Columbia, miss places like Happy Bookseller, and grew up coming to Five Points,” Clint said. “We started by casting a pretty broad net, but then we really zeroed in on Five Points as the right vibe.”
On Wednesday, All Good Books hit its goal of $60,000 on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. The owners are giving everyone who has pledged a membership for 2023, which entails a 10% discount on books + coffee for the year. Once the store is open, memberships will cost $25 per year.
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.*
The NoMa Flea | Friday, Nov. 18-Friday, Dec. 16 | 6-9 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St, Columbia | Free | The Friday market features vintage curators, candle makers, fine artists, herbal healers, fashion designers, local jewelers, and expert collectors with beverages + foods available.
Santa’s Pub at Publico Five Points is back! | Friday, Nov. 18, Saturday, Nov. 19, Sunday, Dec. 25 | 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.
Soda City Market | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Main Street, 1300-1500 blocks of Main St., Columbia | Free | Brave the cold weather in the Soda City this weekend and shop down Main Street at the weekly market.
Sunday, Nov. 20
Governor’s Carolighting | Sunday, Nov. 20 | 6 p.m. | SC State House | Free | Watch as they flip the switch and light up the state Christmas tree.
Palmetto Concert Band Concert | Sunday, Nov. 20 | 4-5 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St, Columbia | Free | The concert band is comprised of professional and semi-professional musicians from throughout South Carolina as well as North Carolina and Georgia.
Friday, Nov. 25
A Christmas Story: The Musical | Fri., Nov. 25-Sun., Dec. 18 | Times vary | Town Theatre | $15+ | Don’t miss this nostalgic show that follows the holiday adventures of Ralphie, who knows exactly what he wants for Christmas and will do whatever he can to get it. 🎄*
We have amonthly 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.
The former Walmart at 1326 Bush River Rd., near I-26, has been sold to computer wholesale company Executive Personal Computers, Inc. The $9.5 million investment aims to create 133 new jobs in the 203,819 sqft space that will be used as the company’s East coast warehouse. 🖥️ (Columbia Business Report)
Outdoors
Come sail away. The Spirit of Lake Murray — an 80-foot Skipperliner Yacht that takes people on sunset dinner cruises, sightseeing trips, and more — will set sail again next spring. The boat was purchased by Lake Murray Tour Partners in October and is currently going through an overhaul. ⛵
Seasonal
Head to Five Points on Sunday for a photo withSanta and Mrs. Klaus at the fountain thanks to Curated with Lynn. The first 25 spots in line will receive a $25 gift card to a Five Points merchant. Yes, dogs are family too and are welcome in the photos. ⛲
Active
The Columbia Fireflies announced the third annual Mason’s Jingle Jog will take place on Sat., Dec. 17 at Segra Park. The run goes through the BullStreet District and the Fireflies Holiday Light displays before ending at home plate. Register through Strictly Runninghere. 🎽
Arts
Columbia artist Jordan Sheridan won the 701 CCA Prize for South Carolina artists 40 and under. The award recognizes SC artists whose work is original, shows artistic development, and is of high merit. The exhibition is on display at 701 CCA through Sun., Jan. 15. 🎨
Concert
Former child actor turned musician Corey Feldman, known for his roles in “The Goonies” and “Stand by Me,” is bringing his band to New Brookland Tavern on Sun., Dec. 11. Tickets are going fast, so snag one here to catch the entertaining live act. 🎸
Development
Curious how a manufacturing company turns rubber intoprotective nitrile gloves? Get a first glimpse at Nephron Pharmaceuticals’ new 400,000-sqft Nitrile Glove Plant(set to begin production in December) — and see what a mass production glove former looks like. 🧤*
Health
Do you know the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer? Known as a “stealthy” cancer, ovarian cancer’s symptoms are so similar to other minor illnesses that it can be difficult to suspect one has it. Find out the factors that lower your risk — and how catching it early is key.*
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ICYMI: We asked you, our readers, to submit fall photos of Columbia... and you did not disappoint.
And we have a winner. Congratulations to readerEryn B. on the stunningfall-tography submission above. Thank you to everyone who participated, your City Editors loved seeing the Soda City through your lens.
Editor’s pick: The Post and Courier reported that a deal is in the works that would be the largest investment in Richland County’s history if it works out. The unnamed manufacturer would bring in $970 million in investment + 1,800 new jobs. We’re keeping a close eye on this exciting development.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out our holiday gift guide, here.
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