Plus, share your thoughts with the South Carolina State Museum
 
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Today’s Forecast

85º | Partly cloudy | 18% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:13 a.m. | Sunset 8:30 p.m.
 

Tourism and Hospitality

Meet John Sherrer, Director of Preservation for Historic Columbia
Presented by a COLAtoday Partner
Two men standing in front of river and trees wearing life jackets
Sherrer (right) enjoys all our city has to offer, including our access to the outdoors. | Photo provided by John Sherrer
On account of his job title, we imagined John Sherrer would know a ton about local history — so we asked him to share a piece of historical trivia our readers might not know.

“For me, I love the fact that Columbia holds the distinction of being the first planned city in the United States,” John told us. “Yes, Savannah, Georgia and Philadelphia are planned cities, but they predate the United States, as they were designed and founded while we were under English rule!”

Put that in your pocket for your next dinner party, and read on for our full Q+A with John.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and what brought you to Columbia.

A: I am a Columbia native, although I moved to the Upstate to go to college. After completing my undergraduate degree in English and history from Clemson, I lived in Charleston, Washington, DC, and Maine. Graduate work at USC brought me back to Columbia in 1996, at which time I became a graduate assistant at Historic Columbia.

During my many years with the organization I have worn many hats, but the majority of my work has involved museum management, local history research and interpretation, and historic preservation.

Q: What’s your favorite “hidden gem” in our city?

A: I’m not sure that they are very hidden, but I love the gardens at both the Seibels House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion. These consistently awe me in their beauty and how they evolve each season. They are a great place to spend time, whether it’s a picnic lunch, concerts in the garden, or a festival or other special event.

Q: You can choose one local restaurant menu to bring with you to a deserted island — which is it and why?

A: If I were on a deserted island and had just the menu at hand, it would only make me hungrier! Seriously, I’d probably have to go with Black Rooster’s offerings, as I consistently enjoy what Kristian Nemi’s folks are dishing out. Delicious, diverse, and French-ish.*
John's ideal Saturday + more
Asked

In which historic building did Soda City Market get its start?
A. The Curtiss-Wright Hangar
B. 701 Whaley
C. The Tapp’s Building
D. Trick question — it’s always been on Main St.
Answer here
Lexington Medical Center
 
Events
Thursday, May 18
  • Follow the Heron: Easel Cathedral’s Solo Show | Thursday, May 18 | 6-9 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy this immersive art experience of painted landscapes, local fare, and live music.
  • Jazz on the River | Thursday, May 18, Thursday, May 25, Thursday, Jun. 1 | 6-9 p.m. | West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater, 109 Alexander Rd., West Columbia | Free | This event features talented local musicians coordinated by ColaJazz Foundation, food trucks, and drinks for purchase.
  • 52 Windows: An Evening of Art to Benefit Mirci | Thursday, May 18 | 6-9 p.m. | 701 Whaley, 701 Whaley St., Columbia | $175 per couple | Enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and bid on more than 115 original works of art from SC artists.
Friday, May 19
  • Paddle and Pint | Friday, May 19 | 6-8 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd. | $47 | After an hour on the water, sample several craft beers.
  • DÅZR at Savage Craft Ale Works | Friday, May 19 | 7-10 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center St., West Columbia | Free | Sip on some beer as you listen to classic rock, brought to you by DÅZR.
  • Kountry Wayne: Help Is On The Way Comedy Tour | Friday, May 19 | 8 p.m. | The Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor St., Columbia | $25-$75.50 | The American comedian and social media personality is known for his humorous skits “blue collar” skits and stand-up comedy.
Saturday, May 20
  • Mystic Market | Saturday, May 20 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | This mystical market event features herbalists, crystals, hand-made jewelry, tarot readings, human design, reiki mini sessions, art, and more.
  • Battle of Congaree Creek | Saturday, May 20 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 12,000 Year History Park, 1120 Fort Congaree Trail, Cayce | Free | Join this free guided tour of the battlefield and visit the earthworks where you’ll learn about the strategies and tactics of both sides.
Sunday, May 21
More fun calendar events here
Click here to have your event featured.
Allsouth Federal Credit Union
 
News Notes
Biz
  • Xerxes, a manufacturer of fiberglass-reinforced plastic underground storage tanks, will establish its first SC, $6.4 million facility in Blythewood. The company will create ~80 new jobs + is expected to be operational in 2024. (The Post and Courier)
Edu
  • USC will invest $10 million in five new research institutes to advance innovation in things like infectious disease mitigation, STEM education, and the quality of SC’s water. Each research institute will receive $500,000 per year over four years.
Civic
  • The City of Columbia is looking to fill several vacancies on several boards and commissions. Click here to see all current board openings and the application deadline is Wednesday, May 31.
Try This
  • Local park rangers are hosting a Mushrooms and Melliferous plants workshop at the Saluda Riverwalk on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The workshop will provide information, free seeds for plants and mushrooms, and learn how to make a bee house.
Plan Ahead
  • The Nickelodeon Theatre is hosting an early screening of Spider-Man: Across The Spider-verse on June 1 and will be at The Nick from June 1 through June 4. The film is rated PG. Watch the trailer and then purchase your tickets.
Shop
  • The new J.Crew Factory location in Trenholm Plaza is opening today at 10 a.m. It will be running a sweepstakes through Sunday, May 21 where shoppers can enter to win a gift card. The store will be 40-60% off this weekend, with an additional 50% off clearance styles.
  • Life hack: Order your paper towels online and avoid trekking home a giant pack from the store. This Bounty eight-pack is a best seller, or try the Amazon Basics twelve-pack.*
Eat
  • Did you know eating olives comes with major health benefits? They have an abundance of minerals, like iron, iodine, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium. They also bring in much-needed calcium, along with vitamins — here’s which ones, plus a tasty recipe for Greek mac and cheese.*
 
Lifestyle

📣 Have your voice heard
SC State Museum asking for feedback
The SC State Museum is asking for local input. | Photo via @scstatemuseum
The South Carolina State Museum is looking for local input about some potential renovations.

A few weeks ago, we shared that the local museum is considering renovations by re-imagining its exhibition galleries to feature immersive multimedia experiences. It’s now asking locals to share their thoughts on the future of the State Museum.

Is there something you would like to see represented in the museum’s galleries or — this is for you, history buffs — know of an important SC history story that you think the State Museum should be telling?

Share your thoughts and shoot them an email at the button below.
Share your thoughts
 
Answered

The correct answer is D.
Soda City Market started in the historic 701 Whaley building before making the move to Main Street.
The Wrap
 
Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam
From the editor
I came across a new local account on Instagram that’s all about experiencing Columbia-area bathrooms and giving them each a poop emoji rating. If you’re curious about which bathrooms to avoid and which ones are worth going in, follow Soda City Toilets.
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