Plus, teachers can receive free tickets to a local museum.
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Today’s Forecast

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

Take a ride on the scenic side

Fresh air and scenic rides, biking in the Midlands
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The Timmerman Trail is located off of 12th Street and is part of phase four of the Riverwalk extension. | Photo by Eddie Newman
Feeling cooped up, Cola? It’s time to pump up your tires and embark on an adventure to explore the Midlands from the seat of your bike.

We’re highlighting three bike trails in Columbia that are perfect for some exercise and a little fresh air.
  • Three Rivers Greenway | Located near downtown, the Three Rivers Greenway stretches nearly 10 miles and is still expanding. This picturesque series of riverfront pathways connect the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree Rivers, offering skyline views. The paved paths are safe for riders and you may even see a gator.
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Harbison State Forest offers 60+ miles of trails and is just 20 minutes from downtown Columbia. | Graphic via Trailforks

  • Harbison State Forest | Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting Harbison State Forest, an oasis for bikers and nature enthusiasts alike. With over 30 miles of trails, you can explore various paths that cater to different skill levels. Enjoy the forest’s lush surroundings while challenging yourself on one of many bike trails.
  • Midlands Parks: Hamilton Branch + Sesquicentennial | For those seeking moderately difficult rides in forested environments, the Midlands Parks have you covered. Start at Hamilton Branch’s connector trail, which will lead you to Sumter National Forest’s popular Steven’s Creek trail. Stay closer to Cola and opt for the six-mile Mountain Bike Trail or the Loop Road Trail for a swift ride through the woods.
Grab your helmet + happy cycling.
Lowes Foods
 
Events
Thursday, May 11
  • Art Blossoms at the Columbia Museum of Art | Thursday, May 11-Sunday, May 14 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Event prices vary | For Mother’s Day weekend, the CMA will be home to four dazzling days of flowers and art, celebrated with special events, classes, demonstrations, and more.
  • KW Preferred RED Day Flea Market | Thursday, May 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | KW Preferred, 140 Wildewood Park Dr., Columbia | Free | All proceeds from the event will go towards giving back to local and real estate communities, including donations to Columbia Area Meals on Wheels Program and KW Cares.
  • Spotlight Comedy | Thursday, May 11 | 7-9 p.m. | Spotlight Cinemas, 527 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia | $30 | In addition to a comedy show, your ticket also includes an open bar with beer and wine.
  • Roses and Rosé with Lula Drake’s Tim Gardner | Thursday, May 11, Saturday, May 13 | 6-8 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St, Columbia | $80 | Take a flora-focused art tour through the galleries, then enjoy wine, cheese, and charcuterie boards expertly paired with Art Blossoms arrangements.*
Friday, May 12
Saturday, May 13
  • Irmo Library Donation Day | Saturday, May 13, Thursday, May 25 | Times vary | 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.
  • Accessibility Morning | Saturday, May 13 | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | Free | This program provides free access for families of children, teenagers, and young adults who would benefit from a sensory-friendly experience and quieter setting at the museum.
  • Ag & Art Tour of Aiken County | Saturday, May 13-Sunday, May 14 | Times vary | Participating Tour Sites in Aiken County | Free | This free event features farms, markets, and artists — this year, the tour includes nine tour sites across Aiken County.*
Sunday, May 14
  • Mother’s Day Comedy Brunch at Corley Mill House | Sunday, May 14 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Corley Mill House, 221 Corley Mill Rd., Lexington | $60 | Treat your mom to a unique brunch featuring delicious food and drinks, as well as comedy provided by some of the funniest moms in the southeast.
  • Main Street Walking Tour | Sunday, May 14 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Tour begins at Boyd Plaza, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $5-$10 | Participants will learn about the architecture and history of buildings along the 1300-1700 blocks of Main Street.
More fun calendar events here
Click here to have your event featured.
Lexington Medical Center
 
Arts

Culture

The South Carolina State Museum’s “Concrete City”
Presented by a COLAtoday Partner
Miniature concrete buildings on the edge of a body of water
“Concrete City” as seen in L.C. Carson’s home in Orangeburg in the 1980s. | Photo provided by the South Carolina State Museum
Welcome to “Concrete City,” a folk art environment composed of 32 miniature buildings created by Leslie Cosgrove “L.C.” Carson. L.C. created these works of art — which include versions of the Parthenon, the Sphinx, and the Colosseum — in his own backyard using cultured marble, concrete, and other found objects.

The artist and his family donated all of the handcrafted buildings to the South Carolina State Museum in the 1990s, and now, thanks to a generous grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission, “Concrete City” is being rehoused and cared for so that it can continue to be preserved for years to come.*
Explore "Concrete City" + what inspired its creator
News Notes
Civic
  • Stephen Oliver + Ryan Newton are now on the Forest Acres’ City Council after being voted in during the May 9 election. Thomas Andrews — who ran unopposed — was elected mayor. New council members will serve four-year terms. (The Post and Courier)
Community
  • As a way to celebrate teachers this week, The SC State Museum is offering teachers free general admission tickets to the museum. To receive four free tickets, submit a request by Sunday, May 14.
Active
  • HOTWORX fitness studio’s new location in the River District of West Columbia is currently offering discounted membership rates. Members will have access to 24-hour infrared sauna workouts with virtual 3D training.
Travel
Health
  • Have you heard of the 20/20/20 rule? It’s for giving your eyes on a break when using a digital device, and it works like this: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Here are more tips for avoiding eye strain.*
Try This
  • When City Editor Sam and her dog Casper cheered on the Fireflies at a Trash the Poop Dog Days of Summer game, they sat on the berm, shared a “Hot Dog of the Homestand,” and watched the sun set over Columbia. Pics this way. *
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. Unlock your home equity.*
Shop
Steel Hands Brewing
 
The Wrap
 
Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam
From the editor
Bach Pham — a local content and communications manager that sometimes writes about food — shared his top five Asian grocery stores in Columbia. Take a look. He also encourages locals to stay up-to-date with new markets opening and to get cooking.

Fun Fact: FuruSato Bento, located on Harden Street in Five Points, is a Japanese restaurant that also offers small grab-in-go snacks, sweets, and drinks in the back — think: chips, Pocky, cold teas, and more. I like to pop in here when I could use a little something-something but don’t want a full meal.
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