Say it with us — “UG” and “Jer-vay” Streets | photo by COLAtoday team
Whether you’re a Cola native or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every Soda Citizen understands to be true.
We asked our readers to share Columbia’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo. You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from Columbia, these might be a little difficult to explain.
The unspoken rule everyone knows
“How to get to Williams Brice without crossing a railroad track” — @eking1231
“You know where Rockaway’s is.” — @d_cantelmi
“You know about the catacombs.” — @med_zeppelin_
“You know that Rush’s is a staple.” — @aishaaude_
We’ve learned a thing or two from commuting
“DON’T STOP MOVING IN MALFUNCTION JUNCTION” — @jaymesonhope
“No passing on the Gervais Street Bridge! Too dangerous!” — Michelle M.
Sometimes you just have to laugh
“Non-locals pronunciation of Huger St using ‘hew-Ger’” — Roy C
“Don’t wear orange or purple, wearing a shirt that says ‘COCKS’ is 100% appropriate, don’t drive down Main Street on Saturday mornings.” — Mia C.
Two words
“Dog West” — @myowngirlfriday
“The Whig” — @enchantpix
“Chicken Man” — @alyssalfarris
We remember when…
“Do you remember the newsprint smell of The Capitol Newsstand on Main? Or how much fun it was to spin on the barstools at The Seaboard Diner? Do you know where the Seaboard Diner was?” — @dremeboatannie
“Camping out for NUMEROUS concerts for sometimes numerous nights at the original Coliseum” — @thecorkedcook
Cola’s pro tips
“Hit up the restaurants in Five Points and Devine Street when USC is NOT in session for the least wait times.” — Linda L.
“Zestos has the best fried chicken. Just look for the chocolate cone in the sky!” — @cody_brodie_
EMERY - In Shallow Seas We Sail Anniversary Tour | Thursday, July 27 | 6:30-11 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia | $25 | Emery is a post-hardcore band known for their emotionally charged music and energetic performances and they have SC roots.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Carolina Mudcats | Thursday, July 27 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $5-$7 | Stand Up To Cancer Night pres by Aflac // Budweiser Thirsty Thursday ($1 fountain sodas, $2 domestic draft beers & $3 craft draft beers and cocktails)*
Friday, July 28
Cola Love x The Spice Dhaba: Indian Summer Night | Friday, July 28 | 5-10 p.m. | femme x Columbia, 1501 Richland St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy a culinary journey featuring crispy Pappadum, aromatic Pulao, and Mughal Korma.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Carolina Mudcats | Friday, July 28 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $5-$7 | Cayden Wallace Bobblehead Giveaway presented by SAFE Federal Credit Union (first 1000 fans)
Saturday, July 29
Seussical the Musical Jr. | Saturday, July 29-Sunday, July 30 | Times vary | Village Square Theatre, 105 Caughman Rd., Lexington | $12-$14 | This full-length musical, featuring our Summer Workshop Students, showcases many of the stories everyone loves and includes all the memorable characters.
Meeting Street Artisan Market | Saturday, July 29 | Times vary | Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting St., West Columbia | Free | The market includes vendors selling original art, crafts, foods, and produce.
The Hope Shop Grand Opening | Saturday, July 29 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | 1111 Taylor St., Columbia | Free | Join The Hope Shop for its grand opening event with prizes, food, and appearances from community partners.
A free event at EdVenture for rising kindergartners
Presented by a COLAtoday Partner
EdVenture and South Carolina First Steps are doing their part to make the transition to kindergarten a little more seamless with this free event. | Photo provided by EdVenture Children’s Museum
Starting school can be a tough transition for little ones — and their parents. Enter: Countdown to Kindergarten, hosted by South Carolina First Steps and happening Friday, August 4, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at EdVenuture.
Expect fun activities, tips, and resources to help get kids ready for kindergarten, like:
Experiencing a mock classroom
Walking through a cafeteria lunch line
Climbing into a real school bus
Grabbing some school supplies (first come, first served)
Aroma of India, a new authentic Indian restaurant is coming to 707 Harden St. in Five Points, which used to be The Barn Bar. An opening day hasn’t been announced. A few other businesses — like CB18 Bar and Grill + Break Point Cola will join the Five Points District in the coming months. (The State)
History
Historic Columbia is launching Building Richland County (BRC), an interactive geographic database showcasing historic places and districts in Richland County. The regularly updated and free-to-access platform serves researchers, preservationists, property owners, community groups, and tourists, by offering insights into the county’s architectural history.
Civic
Here’s what you missed during the City of Columbia Council meeting — Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department was recognized for National Parks + Recreation Month, the city received a Gold Certification for its energy efficiency efforts, contracts were approved to improve water infrastructure, and more. Stay up-to-date with a recap.
Edu
Lexington Two’s fall 2023 adult education program is open for registration. It will offer classes pertaining to GED, high school diplomas, career readiness, academic refreshers, and more. Classes start on Monday, Aug. 7. Find more information.
Sports
Registration for many of Richland County’s Recreation Commission recreational sports is open. Filter through age, sport, and category using this activity search tool + register for sports like dodgeball, kickball, racquetball, softball, flag football, and more.
Plan Ahead
Steel Hands Brewing announced its annual Oktoberfest will take place on Friday, Sept. 15. Guests will be able to enjoy Festbier, live German-style music, food specials, games, and a special beer release.
The kids will get a kick out of this. Fall Soccer Registration for kids ages 3-15 is now open at the YMCA of Columbia. The goal: To provide an avenue for players of any skill level to participate and enjoy the game of soccer. Learn more + register.*
History
💻 Explore 4,500+ pieces of art
Explore the South Carolina State Museum’s new online database
The new database offers an immersive exploration of the museum’s art collection. | Photo provided by the South Carolina State Museum
The South Carolina State Museum announced a new online collection database, offering locals (and beyond) an immersive exploration of the museum’s art collection, which showcases 4,500+ pieces of art spanning traditional portraiture, decorative arts, contemporary work, and more.
The digital initiative marks the beginning of a broader plan to include cultural history, science, and natural history collections in the coming months, with the majority of the collections available by November. Users will then be able to explore over 1.1 million artifacts + artworks.
Database details
The database features high-quality digital images + advanced search functions.
The project is a part of the museum’s Reimagine the Experience campaign, seeking to showcase more of its extensive collection and revitalize exhibitions.
To use the database — browse or search for specific items by keyword, object type, description, date range or by using advanced search functions.
One of my favorite unwritten rules for Cola is knowing about or hearing stories about the Three-Eyed Man in the tunnels and sewers of downtown. Not familiar?Let me catch you up to speed.
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