Marcus Munse and Rita Patel standing in front of two of The Dens in Cottontown. | Photo via Hotel Trundle
Hotel Trundle, Columbia’s first boutique hotel that houses 41 rooms on Taylor Street, is expanding once again. Hold the hotel receptionist’s phone — let’s recap.
Hotel Trundle owners, Rita Patel and Marcus Munse, recently announced the Flutter Wing, currently under construction above Drake’s Duckin’ on Main Street. Well, Cola’s very own Chip and Joanna Gaines are moving into the short-term rental space with a project they’re calling The Dens.
Beautiful swatches of paint littered the walls during the design process. | Photo via Hotel Trundle
The couple is currently renovating two duplexes in the historic Cottontown neighborhood, less than 700 feet from Indah Coffee, which will feature four apartment-style lodging spaces, offering guests most of the same amenities of Hotel Trundle.
The Dens
Fun Fact: The four Dens are named after terms of endearments for their two sons.
The Cutie Pie is the largest of the four dens with 1,450 sqft of heated space that sleeps eight with three king bedrooms, one pull-out sofa, and an office space.
The Honey Bee, The Sweet Boy, and The Sugar Baby all have 750-sqft of space that sleep four with one king bedroom and one pullout sofa.
The star-patterned bathroom floors are costumed designed by Rita and Marcus. | Photo via Hotel Trundle
Amenities
All four Dens will be fully furnished with a complete kitchen, living room space, smart television, WiFi, laundry room, on-site parking, a backyard, and patio space.
From paint colors and tile patterns to locally sourced artwork — Rita and Marcus have made an effort to shop locally as much as possible and do much of the work themselves.
Built in the 1930s, The Dens will pay homage to its historical architecture, details, finishes, and fixtures that fall in line with Hotel Trundle’s signature style.
The two duplexes are located across from one another, making them ideal for families or groups traveling together.
They are being renovated in two phases. Phase one — The Cutie Pie and The Honey Bee — is set to be completed sometime this spring. Phase two — The Sweet Boy and The Sugar Baby — is slated to open by the end of 2023.
In short —
If you want a boutique hotel experience, stay at Hotel Trundle.
If you want a hybrid model of boutique and private accommodations, stay in The Flutter Wing.
If you want short to long-term rentals with privacy, stay in The Dens.
Click the button below to book a stay at Hotel Trundle.
Books and Brackets Basketball Challenge | Friday, March 3 | 8 a.m. | United Way of the Midlands, Columbia | $10 | Enter Books & Brackets to support readers in Pre-K through 3rd grade.
2023 Greater Irmo Chamber Awards Night & Gala | Friday, March 3-Saturday, March 4 | 6:30-11 p.m. | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia, South Carolina, 2100 Bush River Rd., Columbia | $150-$250 | Enjoy an evening of fun for all including cocktails, dinner, dancing, and casino-style entertainment.
Irmo Farmers Market at Irmo Community Park | Saturday, March 4 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Irmo Community Park, 7507 Eastview Dr., Irmo | Free | Browse local homemade food and goodies from Irmo and the Irmo surrounding areas.
USC Baseball vs. Clemson University Tigers Baseball | Sunday, March 5 | 1:30 p.m. | Founders Park, 431 Williams St., Columbia | $20-$25 | Watch the Gamecocks take on the tigers this Sunday at Founders Park.
Monday, March 6
March Harvest Dinner at City Roots Farm | Monday, March 6 | 6:30 p.m. | City Roots Farm, 1005 Airport Blvd., Columbia | $85 | Be prepared for a family-style, four-course farm-to-table dinner featuring seasonal ingredients from local farmers and artisans.
Tuesday, March 7
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Dinner at Smoked | Tuesday, March 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Smoked, 1643 Main St., Columbia | $350 | This is a one-of-a-kind evening that will feature four limited-release bottles of bourbon and a five-course dinner.
We have a calendar filled with events and 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 Gamecocks Women’s Basketball team will take on eight-seeded Arkansas in the quarterfinal game of the SEC tournament today at 12 p.m. Tune in here to watch. 🏀
Development
Lafaye Custom Homes is looking to build32 townhomes on a 1.8-acre lot at the corner of Overbrook Drive and Suber Street in the South Kilbourne Neighborhood. The homes would be similar to the townhomes located across the street. Pending approval from the city council, construction could begin this year. 🏘️ (The State)
Number
$5 million. That’s how much the federal government will invest in upgrades to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). Thanks to the grant, an additional security lane operated by the Transportation Security Administration will be added and will help fund work to expand the terminal. (The Post and Courier)
Eat
Happy birthday toSweet Cream Co. For the past 11 years the husband and wife team of Joe and Jessica Kastner have been making small batch ice cream with specialty flavors — like rose and dark chocolate or lemon poppyseed. Stop by this week to celebrate.🍦
Pets
Columbia Animal Services is hosting an adoption special for St. Patrick’s Day. From March 13-18, drop by 127 Humane Ln. to find a new furry friend and take them home for $17. See what you need to bring with you here. 🐶
Community
The City of Forest Acres and Keep the Midlands Beautiful are hosting a “Sweep the Acres” event on April 1. Sign up here or at Lowes Foods for the community-wide clean-up event and cookout.
Job
Looking for a job in the arts? The Columbia Museum of Art is looking for a Gallery Attendant and a Visitor Experience Associate (and more). See current openings and apply.*
Health
Sometimes you need a medical opinion — quickly. Before you start worrying over Dr. Google’s advice, check out these vetted health sites(that you can actually trust) to find the medical answers you’re looking for. 💻 *
Drink
Looking for a refreshing spring cocktail? This Ultra Seltzer Hollywood Highball features fresh lime and cilantro — and looksperfect for porch sipping. 🍹*
Travel
Score big this March. Visit Greenville, South Carolina, the “Basketball Capital of the South” for the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament. Enjoy all the SEC action while exploring what Forbes names as one of “America’s Best Downtowns.” Plan your visit.*
Finance
Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
OUTDOORS
Plan the perfect Soda City picnic 🧺
Plan a Soda City picnic
Picnic or walk under the historic live oaks on the Horseshoe. | Photo via COLAtoday team
From historic gardens and riverfront spots, to convenient options for a quick bite to eat, it can be easy to plan an outdoor meal with friends + family.
🧀 Build your menu with local charcuterie boards
Abundant Graze | Choose from a variety of prebuilt boxes that include cheeses, pickles, nuts, and crackers. Try this: Order a dessert box of sweets for a balance of salty + sweet snacks.
💐 Pick out the decor
What’s a picnic without a vintage basket? Stop by Old Mill Antique Mall and choose from the selection of baskets, or pick up a vintage blanket or quilt.
🌳 Choose the perfect spot
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, 312 Laurel St. | It’s just a short walk to the riverfront where you’ll find a field next to the river to unfurl a blanket and soak up some sun.
🍿 Picnic Hacks
Gourmet Shop Charcuterie Box | When you preorder your custom cheese + charcuterie trays and pick up a pound of the renowned chicken salad, you’re halfway to your outdoor dining experience.
Click the button below for our full guide on how to plan a picnic around town.
Editor’s pick: David and I ran around town yesterday celebrating events and grand openings. We saw the ribbon cutting of Riverbanks Zoo’s new aquarium and reptile center, joined All Good Books for its grand opening, and kicked off the St. Pat’s Festival in Five Points. We live in a great city, and one of my favorite activities is celebrating it with fellow Soda Citizens.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read about new developments in the Five Points District, here.
Connect with us.
Editorial:Samantha Robertson, David Stringer, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith| Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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