Feeder types 🪶

• Seed feeders are the most versatile. Black-oil sunflower seeds appeal to the greatest number of birds, according to the Audubon Guide to Bird Feeding. They’ve also got homemade recipes that everyone will be chirping about.
• Suet (or beef fat) is a high-energy treat for bug eaters, and you can make a DIY feeder from an onion bag. Be warned: Warmer weather turns suet cakes rancid, which keeps birds away.
• Nectar feeders give hummingbirds and orioles a sweet treat. Opt for a low-capacity feeder to make sure you’re cleaning it regularly.

The perfect setup 🪶

Maintenance 🪶

• Week of the Young Child | Tuesday, April 4-Friday, April 7 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais St., Columbia | Free | Each day this week features a different theme, including Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family Friday.
• Smoked Oyster Series | Tuesday, Apr. 4 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Smoked, 1643 Main St., Columbia | $60 | Learn to appreciate oysters like a fine wine and discover the flavors by the climate of origin, taste, texture, and salinity.

• Forest Acres Farmers Market | Wednesday, Apr. 5 | 12-6 p.m. | Richland Mall, 3400 Forest Dr., Columbia | Price of purchase | The Forest Acres Market concentrates on vending food and fresh produce.

• Garden Asana - Grass Roots Yoga | Thursday, Apr. 6 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $15 | This class is for everyone, focuses on breath, and there will be opportunities for alignment guidance.
• First Thursday on Main Street | Thursday, Apr. 6 | 6 p.m. | Main Street, Columbia | Free entry | Explore the Main Street District as businesses stay open late and live music takes over Boyd Plaza.
• Columbia Fireflies vs. Augusta GreenJackets | Thursday, Apr. 6 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $5-$18 | Enjoy the game and post-game fireworks on Budweiser Thirsty Thursday.

• Spring Plant Sale | Friday, Apr. 7-Saturday, Apr. 8 | Times vary | Hampton-Preston Mansion, 1615 Blanding St., Columbia | Prices vary | Arrive early for the best selection of native plants from Historic Columbia’s gardens.

• Accessibility Morning - The Lorax | Saturday, Apr. 8 | 9-11 a.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St, Columbia | Free | Accessibility Morning returns to the State Museum with special guest, The Lorax — enjoy a sensory friendly 4D show, a museum tour with ASL interpretation, and more.*

• Dominion Energy will open the Irmo Side Boat-Launch Area and Lexington Side Beach and Recreation Area public parks on Wednesday, April 5 and remain open through the summer season to Labor Day. Parking fees are $5 per vehicle or you can purchase a season pass for $50.

• The Tony and Pulitzer Prize award-winning Broadway hit “Hamilton” is making its Columbia debut at the Koger Center on Feb. 27 through March 10, 2024. Secure your seats by purchasing season tickets at the Koger Center Box office at 806 Park St. (The State)

• The Dragon Room — a new Asian tapas restaurant coming to the Vista from restaurateur Kristian Niemi (Black Rooster, Bourbon) — is hosting a pop-up on Sunday, April 9 from 4-8 p.m. at WECO Bottle & Biergarten. The chefs will cook and serve dishes like Lobster Rangoon and Dandan Noodles on site.
• Love hummus? Here’s another reason to chow down: Chickpeas (the main ingredient, typically) are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and B vitamins. See more health benefits — and a delicious recipe for chickpea curry.*
• Looking to spice up your snacks (literally)? You may want to add harissa to your shopping list. This flavorful, versatile spice goes with just about anything, featuring a burst of heat from Aleppo peppers. Pro tip: Try it sprinkled over these foods.*

• The Gamecock softball team won their series vs. No. 11 Florida last weekend, giving them a 26-9 record for the year. This is the first series win against Florida since the 2003 season and included a one-hit shutout on Sunday from pitcher Donnie Gobourne.

• This month, SC is celebrating its first-ever Innovation Month. Governor Henry McMaster made a proclamation yesterday, Monday, April 3 at 2 p.m. celebrating our state’s robust ecosystem of academia, entrepreneurship, government, and industry. Check out the full lineup of statewide innovation events taking place in April.

• Palmetto Wine Sellers has moved to a new location at 2640 Gervais St. at the corner of Woodrow Street. The new spot offers more space, a convenient location near downtown, and more parking. Follow here for events and wine tastings.
• The most polished organizational item in your kitchen: the Fellow Atmos Coffee Canister, which not only looks great but keeps coffee fresh by sucking oxygen out of the jar. Pro tip: You can use it to store any snack and it will stay fresh longer.