A seasonal escape is just ~3+ hour drive away in Jackson County, NC | Photo provided by Jackson County TDA
How does a front row seat to frost-covered mountains, frozen waterfall hikes, and the best seats at award-winning restaurants sound? Some may say it sounds like a dream, but it’s actually the charming reality of Jackson County, NC’s Secret Season — the time of year when thecrowds thin out in January to March.
In addition to offering great lodging specials(read: a very affordable time to visit), Secret Season transforms the North Carolina county into the perfect place for a winter getaway with family, a significant other, or friends.
Here’s what there is to see and do:
🛍️ Hit the Town
Less crowds in the mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva mean more time to freely explore all that the picturesque streets have to offer, including:
Shopping experiences that abound, with everything from clothing boutiques to upscale antiques to one-of-a-kindmountain goods, like pottery by local artisans and Appalachian-inspired handmade crafts.
World-class, luxury spa options for those needing some R+R.
Restaurants with little to no wait times. (Read: Trying the local eats just got better.)
🏔️ Experience the great (winter) outdoors
See the scenic views open up as the leaves fall from trees and reveal the landscapes around them. Some must-see natural wonders + winter activities include:
The beautiful spectacle of frozen waterfalls.
A naturally-occurring phenomenon known as Shadow of the Bear, which will return mid-February to March.
Outdoor sports for tubing-loving families and beginner skiers and snowboarders, who will love hitting the slopes at Sapphire Valley Ski Resort.
Winter fly fishing, which is oft considered to be the best time to go fly fishing.
Ready to escape the crowds and take in the clean mountain air and long-range mountain views? Get more travel tips below (and start planning).*
Titos Tuesday at Boku | Tue., Nov. 22 | 4-11 p.m. | Boku Kitchen + Saloon, 916 Gervais Street, Columbia | Every Tuesday Boku will have $5 Titos cocktails open to close on top of its happy hour which includes $4 Sake Bombs, $5 appetizers, $6 wine and $7 cocktails from 4-7 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 23
Bingo Night | Wed., Nov. 23 | 7 p.m. | Molto Vino, 2822 Devine St, Columbia | Free | Enjoy six rounds of bingo and several chances to win gift cards up to $100
The Nutcracker | Wed., Nov. 23 - Fri., Nov. 25 | The Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor St, Columbia | Enjoy the seasonal ballet show to usher in the winter + holiday season.
Mannheim Steamroller | Fri., Nov. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St, Columbia | $45.00 - $65.00 | Experience the music that has become the hallmark of the holidays and a tradition for multi-generational families.
We Care Christmas Drive | Fri., Nov. 25 | 7 a.m.-10 p.m. | Chophouse of Chapin or Bakon Southern Eatery, 105 Ellett Rd, Chapin | Bring in items to donate and receive 10% Off Any Entrée at Bakon.
Tuesday, Nov. 29
Sweet Seasons | Tue., Nov. 29 | 5-8 p.m. | Lowes Foods , 4711 Forest Dr., Columbia | Free | Enjoy live music, food + drinks, free entertainment for the kids like face painting, balloon artists, an appearance from Santa, and more at this annual tree lighting.*
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Holiday Swing: A Charleston Jazz Tradition | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., Charleston | Swing into the holiday spirit with Maestro Robert Lewis and the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s big band arrangements of winter classics and holiday favorites.*
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.
This sleep apnea treatment could change the way you experience a night’s sleep.|Photo provided by Inspire
If you or someone you know struggles with CPAP for sleep apnea, now there’s hope. Meet Inspire, an FDA approved sleep apnea treatment that works inside your body with the click of a button. No mask. No hose. Just Sleep.™
Want to learn more?Attend a free webinar to hear from Inspire-trained doctors about how Inspire works.*
In case you missed it, the Benedict College Marching Tiger “Band of Distinction” will perform at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Can’t wait? Don’t wait — the band previewed their skills for WIS News 10. 🎷
Biz
Chick-fil-A Supply will invest $80 million in West Columbia, planning a facility in Saxe Gotha Industrial Park alongside the existing Nephron and Amazon campuses. The facility will bring 165 jobs to Lexington County. (WLTX)
Civic
Street parking will be complimentary citywide between Thursday, Nov. 24 and Sunday, Nov. 27 (excluding Five Points). City decks will be free to use from tomorrow evening through Black Friday. See more parking options around Columbia for the holiday, here. 🅿️ (ABC Columbia)
After spending just $3 million of its $9 million in revenue, the Town of Irmo announced plans to continue building its reserve of capital. The goal is to save up enough surplus to match the town’s operating budget, city leaders said. (The Post and Courier)
Seasonal
See one million lights at Segra Park through the end of December. The new holiday tradition, Fireflies Holiday Lights, offers holiday shopping + festive foods while collecting donations for partners across Columbia. 💡 (Cola Daily)
Shop
Why wait to start shopping this holiday season? Check out our gift guidesfeatured on our online shop Six & Main. Shop for the pet lover, party host, and foodie in your life. There’s something special for everyone. Let the shopping begin. 🛍️
Biz
To help fuel growth for the healthcare industry in Lexington County, Nephron Pharmaceuticals announced a partnership with Sharps Technology, a medical device and pharmaceutical packaging company. The partnership will allow the companies to share best practices in innovative manufacturing as well as aid the launch of Nephron’s latest expansion project.*
Real Estate
As a full-service commercial real estate firm, Trinity Partners serves clients ranging from corporate users and investors to private developers and businesses. Bonus:The firm boasts 10 service lines including office leasing, property management + project management.*
Eat
Still looking for a dish to bring to Thanksgiving dinner? Enter: Mayo boards. Yep, that’s right — mayonnaise boards have been getting a lot of attention. Would you dig in or dodge? If you choose to indulge, find a base for your board.*
“A sea of garnet and black” after the win over Tennessee. | Photo by COLAtoday team
It’s always good to be a Gamecock, but especially this week. In case you couldn’t keep track of all the news — good, bad, or ugly — let us take you on a walk through some of the top headlines:
📰 “Rattler Named Walter Camp National FBS Offensive Player of the Week” The USC quarterback was also named the Division I-A National Performer of the Week + set a school record of six touchdown throws against Tennessee.
📰 “Gamecocks End Impressive Run in Sweet 16" “Impressive” means:
14 shutouts
The team’s tenth straight season with 12+ wins
Their tenth season appearing in the NCAA tournament
Their seventh consecutive season in the Sweet 16 tournament
📰 “The Gamecocks just could not be stopped” Read also: “63 points: most points scored by unranked team against an AP top-5 opponent in the Poll Era.”
📰 “Gamecocks fined by SEC after fans storm field in victory” Fans (sand)stormed the field in celebration of their win over Tennessee which marked the last of their home game + SEC schedule during the 2022 season, costing the school a whopping $100,000.
📰 “Boston rallies No. 1 South Carolina past No. 2 Stanford” The defending champions South Carolina (No. 1) defeated Stanford (No.2) 76-71 on Sunday.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Dayten.
Editor’s pick: Howdy, Cola. In case you don’t recognize my name, I’m a National Content Editor based in Kansas City, MO, meaning I’ll pop in to help out Editors Sam and David every once in a while. Pleased to meet you. 👋
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We’re wishing you a happy (almost) Thanksgiving with some Soda City recipes.
* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.