• Journey: Freedom Tour 2023 with special guest TOTO | Friday, Feb. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $35-$198.50 | Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will take the stage with their catalog of chart-topping hits, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Any Way You Want It,” and “Lights.”
• “From the Mothers With Love” Sketch Show | Friday, Feb. 10-Saturday, Feb. 11 | Times vary | Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St., Columbia | $5 | The Mothers, Trustus’ award-winning improv and sketch comedy group, will present their latest sketch show, “From the Mothers With Love.”
• Hillmouse, Thousand Dollar Movie, Sunhouse, Ben Walker | Friday, Feb. 10 | 7-11 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia | $10-$12 | Local indie rock band Hillmouse will feature Emily McCollum of Stagbriar on guitar for the first time.

• Dinner Detective Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Show | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 6-9 p.m. | Cambria Columbia Downtown the Vista, 1000 Lady St., Columbia | $59.99 | At The Dinner Detective, you’ll tackle a hilarious and challenging crime while you feast on a dinner.
• SwordFest 2023 | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | Free | Just when you thought it was safe to go out without your sword and shield, SwordFest is back at the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum.
• Donation Days at Irmo Branch Library | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Irmo Branch Library, 6251 St Andrews Rd., Columbia | Free | Books may be dropped off curbside at the side entrance to the library, where Friends volunteers will assist in unloading.

• University of South Carolina Gamecocks Women’s Basketball vs. LSU Women’s Basketball | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 2 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St, Columbia | $15-$25 | The hottest ticket in town — don’t miss the No. 1 Gamecocks take on the No. 3 Tigers.
• Sweetheart Market | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | Featuring 20+ local makers and curators, live music, food, card-making station, photo ops, and mimosa flights.
• River Rat Valentine’s Chocolate Beer Pairing | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 2-6 p.m. | River Rat Brewery, 1231 Shop Rd., Columbia | $25 | Enjoy four 8oz pours with artisan chocolates.

• Amore Under the Stars | Tuesday, Feb. 14 | 6-9 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St, Columbia | $80 | Celebrate Valentine’s Day at this exclusive after-hours event, featuring an evening champagne bar, stargazing, romantic gallery tours, live music, food + more.*

• The Columbi-Yeah Reddit is talking local chicken wings in preparation for the Super Bowl on Sunday. Check out our fly rundown. 🍗

• Tickets are on sale for the Columbia Food and Wine Festival happening Wed., April 19 through Sunday, April 23 at venues across the Midlands. Learn more about this year’s unique events here. 🍇

• Have the trains in Columbia ever made you late for a meeting or class? We know the feeling and made a reel about it. 🚆

Why go?

• As far as themed winter destinations go, Leavenworth wears the ice crown. It offers fun activities for every age, like Nordic and downhill skiing, unique holiday shopping, German dining, sleigh rides, and spa time.
• Did we mention the incredible natural landscape? Towering mountain peaks surround the town, lending the feeling of being inside a snow globe. One could spend days just learning the history of the surrounding land, which was prized by Indigenous populations and, later, white settlers.

Where to stay

• Vrbo: Alpine View Haus on Main, a Bavarian-themed condo for up to four people (~$240/night)*

• Here’s your reminder that Valentine’s Day is next Tuesday. Don’t forget to order that special someone a bouquet of flowers that will leave a lasting impression. Psst — check out Floom, an online marketplace that partners with florists that deliver locally. Shop Floom’s selection of special edition Valentine’s Day arrangements.*

• Dreaming of a tropical summer vacation? Us too. We’re eyeing this romantic villa with pristine views in Costa Rica and this charming beachfront cottage in St. Kitts. Or maybe we’ll splurge on a trip to Tahiti and stay in this beach house with a private pool.*

• What’s getting us through February: Our humidifiers. We love the Levoit Blue Cool Humidifier for its quiet design, multiple mist levels, and how easy it is to clean. Do your skin (not to mention, your houseplants) a favor and up your home hydration.*