Today’s Forecast

66º | Heavy thunderstorms | 90% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:30 a.m. | Sunset 5:32 p.m.

Roll out the red carpet

High-profile visits to Columbia, SC over the past 250 years, including a legendary rock band and a pope

Pope John Paul II waves to onlookers from the popemobile in Columbia, SC. | Photo via Richland Library Digital Archives..

When President George Washington rolled into Columbia 232 years ago for a short stay at The Lafayette House located at 1407 Gervais St., he said:

“Columbia is laid out upon a large scale; but in my opinion had better been placed on the River below the falls. It is now an uncleared wood, with very few houses in it, and those all wooded ones. The State House, which is also of wood, is a large and commodious building, but unfinished.”

His 1791 trip was part of a tour of the southern states and Columbia’s first high-profile visit. Today we’re looking at four other visits in Cola’s history.

Lafayette House.jpeg — The Lafayette House was built in the Eighteenth Century and was located at 1407 Gervais Street in Columbia. | Image via Richland Library Digitial Archives

Pink Floyd | April 16, 1972

Their album “The Dark Side of the Moon” spent 14 years on the “Billboard” album charts, sold ~45 million copies, and is the No. 4 selling album of all time. In 1972, Pink Floyd stopped by the Township Auditorium on tour for the album. The rest is rock ‘n roll history.

Pope John Paul II | September 12, 1987

The first and only visit of a pope to the state of South Carolina — Pope John Paul II spoke to USC students and attendees at an interchurch worship service at Williams-Brice Stadium and to parishioners at St. Peter’s Catholic Church downtown.

Dr. Maya Angelou | September 13, 2003

The Poet and author came to Columbia to host The State’s Women’s Life & Style Expo at The Carolina Center. The State Newspaper ran a series leading up to the event highlighting “Phenomenal Women” in SC.

Oprah Winfrey | December 9, 2007

In 2007 Oprah was Forbes Magazine’s most influential celebrity. When she brought Oprah-mania to Cola, her event with then-Senator Obama had to be moved to Williams-Brice Stadium to hold the crowd of ~30,000.

Events

Monday, May 1

Beginning Wheel Throwing | Monday, May. 1 | 6-8 p.m. | Columbia Art Center, 1227 Taylor St., Columbia | $90 | If you’ve ever wanted to learn to make pottery on the wheel, this class is for you.

Tuesday, May 2

Midlands Gives 2023 | Tuesday, May. 2 | 6 a.m. | Virtual Fundraiser, Columbia | Price of donation | Donate to your favorite local nonprofits through the Central Community Foundation.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | Tuesday, May. 2 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $5-$7 | Enjoy Miller Lite $2 Tuesday with $2 Hot dogs, popcorn, fountain sodas & 12oz Miller Lites.

Wednesday, May 3

The Market at Richland Library | Wednesday, May. 3 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Price of purchase | Shop local artisans, authors, and creators at the Richland Library market at the Main Branch.

Thursday, May 4

First Thursday on Main| Thursday, May. 4 | 6 p.m. | Main Street, Columbia | Free | Explore the Main Street District with businesses open late and live music in front of Mast General Store and the CMA.
Jazz on the River | Thursday, May. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater, 109 Alexander Rd., West Columbia | Free | Jazz on the River free concert series returns to West Columbia’s Riverwalk Amphitheater every Thursday evening through June 1.

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

Try This

Trash the Poop Dog Days of Summer at Segra Park

Try This: Trash the Poop Dog Days of Summer at Segra Park

Presented by a COLAtoday Partner

Attend one of this season’s Trash the Poop Dog Days of Summer at Segra Park. | Photo by COLAtoday team

City Editor Sam here. Back in April, my pup Casper and I had the opportunity to head to Segra Park and participate in the Trash the Poop Dog Days of Summer. We sat on the berm, both grubbed on the new “Hot Dog of the Homestand” (think: a specialty hot dog related to our team or the opposing team), and watched the Fireflies play as the sun went down over Columbia.

What not to miss:

There are only five Trash the Poop Dog Days of Summer games this season, so don’t miss the opportunity to go. Guests have the choice to relax on two different berms where dogs can sit.

Pro tip: Dog owners can also sign their pups up for Mason’s K9 Klub, a kids club for dogs that includes dog giveaways, perks, and tickets to all five Dog Days of Summer games.*

What we're still talking about

News Notes

Coming Soon

The Donut Guy — a popular food truck at Soda City Market — is opening a second location in the Village at Sandhills in Northeast Columbia. In late 2021, the bakery opened its first sweet spot in the Vista at 1215 Lincoln St. No opening date has been set for the new space.
Music venue New Brookland Tavern is opening a new space named The Attic Lounge down the block at 134 1/2 State St. where they’ll host more mellow concerts and art shows. The upstairs spot was once home to a comedy club called the Red Door Tavern but has since been renovated.

Opening

Icon on Taylor is hosting its grand opening today from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Stop by the new shop to explore its selection of clothing, jewelry, home decor, and more. The new shop next door to The Good Life Cafe also hinted at a special event at First Thursday.

Arts

The Midlands Clay Arts Society is hosting its annual Spring Sale on June 2-3 at Stormwater Studios. Browse local ceramic artists showcasing their sculptural, functional, and whimsical wheel-thrown + hand-built ceramic art.

Shop

Planning a family cookout — or a kid’s birthday party? These s’mores cups are perfect for pint-sized party-goers, and they’re easy to make. Pro tip: Top with gummy worms (and let the adults dig in too).*

Eat

With new and exciting restaurants opening regularly and a robust roster of local favorites (including two 2023 James Beard Award finalists), it’s safe to say we’re big fans of Columbia’s food and bev scene. Let us count the ways.*

Number

14 days. That’s how long you have until Mother’s Day. The good news? That gives you just enough time to order a gift from Quince — a brand offering high-end and sustainable products at affordable prices. Think: European linen shorts, silk slip dresses, cashmere crewnecks + Italian leather totes. Shop now.

Plan Ahead

Hey Siri, set a reminder for...

Plan ahead for these May events in Columbia, SC

Photo by @columbiasc + @theangrywhale

Happy May, Cola. Here are four fun events to keep on your radar over the coming weeks.

Rosewood Crawfish Festival | Saturday, May. 6 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | SC State Fair Grounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia | $10-$15 | Enjoy live music, family fun, Rosewood artisans, and 10,000 pounds of fresh Louisiana crawfish at this annual festival.

Art Blossoms at the Columbia Museum of Art | Thursday, May. 11 | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Prices vary | Registration is open for the weekend events.

WWE Friday Night SmackDown | Friday, May. 19 | 6:45 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $23-$113 | Watch these athletes fly from the top ropes.

The Wrap

David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

My new Saturday routine involves trying different farmer’s markets around the Midlands to pick up fresh veggies for the week. So far, we’ve made it out to the State Farmer’s Market, the Cayce Farmer’s Market, and Soda City. This week we made some house-pickled green tomatoes. They didn’t last long.

Missed yesterday's newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY