08.17.2023

Today’s Forecast

93º | Mostly sunny | 22% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:47 a.m. | Sunset 8:08 p.m.

🐐 Local farm bleats the odds

Goat Daddy’s Farm: a viral sensation in our backyard

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Goat Daddy’s Farm host field trips to help teach kids about farming and animals | Photo by Goat Daddy’s

Millions of eyes are on Goat Daddy’s Farm located just outside of Columbia. With 4.4 million followers on TikTok, animal lovers from across the world are tuning in to watch everything from baby goats getting their bottled breakfast to tips on how to kiss a camel.

It all began in Lake Carolina, where the founders, Josh Slade and his husband Jason Southers, found themselves adopting a baby potbelly pig from the flea market. As the pig outgrew their property, the search was on for a larger space in Northeast Columbia.

More than a dairy farm, Goat Daddy’s (144 Tomahawk Trail, Elgin) is an animal sanctuary with over 100 animals from across the world, and even one from Main Street.

“We’ve got a ferret that was found running loose in downtown Columbia.” Jason said.

goatdaddys_344337634_1429437894497498_1704291302442535513_n.jpg — Best friends come in all shapes and sizes. | Photo by Goat Daddy’s

Today, the farm is a 501c3 nonprofit, and its goat dairy products like milk and cheese can be found at Wingard’s Market and 14 Carrot. The farm also offers a fridge farm stand at the gate.

The heart of the farm lies in its mission: education and providing forever homes for animals. Open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for $10 the public is welcome to meet the animals and walk two miles of shaded trails through the forest. It’s a unique opportunity to get up close with Zaboo and Cleo, the resident kinkajous. Plus, if you need a nap, it’s not unusual to see someone snoozing with the baby goats.

Goat Daddy’s also offers field trips for students, open days for bottle feeding the animals, and baby goat yoga with mimosas some evenings. Every visit and purchase directly aids in covering vet bills and animal care.

In a world full of viral videos and fleeting trends, Goat Daddy’s shows the power of community, care, and a little bit of quirkiness. What’s next? They’re preparing to represent at the upcoming Animal Con in Florida, the top conference for animal content creators.

Events

Thursday, Aug. 17

Full Tilt Comedy Vol. 4 | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 8-11 p.m. | Bang Back Pinball Lounge, 741 Saluda Ave., Columbia | $10 | Enjoy stand-up comedy in a pinball bar.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $5-$7 | Country Night pres. by The Blood Connection // Budweiser Thirsty Thursday ($1 fountain sodas, $2 domestic draft beers & $3 craft draft beers and cocktails)*

Friday, Aug. 18

Eddie Montgomery | Friday, Aug. 18 | 6 p.m. | Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St., Lexington | $44 | Eddie is the Montgomery half of popular country act Montgomery Gentry.
Friday Night Laser Lights | Friday, Aug. 18 | 6-10 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $10 | Enjoy the last Friday Night Laser Lights of the summer — this special experience features the music of Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Queen, and Prince.*

Saturday, Aug. 19

Soda City Comic Con | Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 20 | Times vary | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia | $5-$40 | With over 150 artists, vendors, guests, and cosplayers, there’s something for every member of your family.
Love, Peace, and Hip-Hop presents: Hip-Hop Family Day | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 12-6 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | Free | Founded a decade ago by FatRat Da Czar on the principles of love, peace, unity, and having fun, Hip-Hop Family Day offers a free, family-friendly hip-hop music festival.

Sunday, Aug. 20

Columbia Punk Flea Market | Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 20 | Jamil Shrine Temple, 206 Jamil Rd., Columbia | $5-$10 | If you are a fan of weirdo art, vinyl records, vintage clothes, or possibly a collector of strange and unusual things, this event is for you.
Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 1-4 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens, 1615 Blanding St., Columbia | Free | On the third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for free.

Calendar events here

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Wellness

🍽️ Doctors’ Orders: Eating healthy at Black Rooster

Mussels and French friends at Black Rooster.

These cold water Maine mussels are paired with beef tallow fries. | Photo by @lexgeteating

We’re back with another round of Doctors’ Orders, a series in which Midlands physicians weigh in on what to eat at some of our favorite local restaurants. Today, we’re dining at Black Rooster, a “Frenchish” eatery in West Columbia.

First, we asked Dr. Trevor Morris, MD, primary care physician at Spring Valley Family Practice, what he’d order.

“I like sharing plates tapas style,” Dr. Morris said. “This provides variety and decreases my portion sizes. I would order the Moules Frites (mussels and fries) to split with the table, and a side salad or vegetable. I always try to add a healthy option to supplement my meals.”

Next up is Dr. Venkata Sai Bhavana Chinnakotla, MD from Lexington Endocrinology.

“I like trying vegetarian options,” Dr. Chinnakotla said. “Well-seasoned veggies taste amazing, and Black Rooster knows how to get it right. I’d choose the Vegetables Du Jour — a good balance of greens, protein, and fiber.”

More healthy eating tips

News Notes

Open

Hoi Hoi Hoi. Raise your steins, Soda Citizens. Bierkeller Columbia, Cola’s first riverfront Biergarten, is in its soft opening phase. Stop in for German-inspired beers and food, and have a little patience with the staff as they work toward its grand opening on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Sports

USC Athletics introduced “Forever Garnet,” a fan experience program offering rewards and engagement opportunities like photo ops, concession discounts, and game day experiences. Accessible via an app and online portal, it features three pillars: memories, rewards, and concessions.

Development

Camp Cole, a retreat for individuals with disabilities and life challenges, will initiate Phase Two construction on Tuesday, Aug. 22. The new 20,000 sqft Activity Center, designed for inclusivity, will feature a gym, artist workshop, and more.

Award

Taqueria Jalisco on St. Andrews Road clinched the top spot in The State’s 2023 Taco Poll highlighting local restaurants. Out of 20 Midlands-area restaurants, readers voted it their favorite taco destination. With nearly 1,300 votes, it surpassed Cantina 76 and Tacos Nayarit.

Civic

Geraldene Robinson is Eastover’s new mayor, succeeding Phillip Gunter, who recently resigned. Geraldene won by 10 votes, narrowly defeating Leroy Faber. Both have previously served as Eastover’s mayor. (The State)

Edu

Ronald Rhames, president of Midlands Technical College, SC’s third-largest technical college, announced his retirement. He will retire by June 30, 2024, as the college initiates a nationwide search for his successor. (The Post and Courier)

Eat

Chia seeds may be tiny, but they are a nutritional powerhouse. Check out some of their biggest health benefits, plus a delish recipe for quinoa and chia seed protein bowls with grilled chicken.

Finance

One card, all the perks. A $200 welcome bonus, unlimited cash back, and 0% interest into 2024 all with no annual fee almost sounds too good to be true — but this card has it all.*

Fun Fact

Moe-vin’ on up

Giant Staghorn Fern on the move

Moe is a 35 year old Staghorn Fern who is relocating to downtown Columbia. | Photo via Historic Columbia

Meet Moe, a magnificent Staghorn Fern with a history spanning over 35 years. Originally at B.B. Barns Garden Center (previously known as Woodley’s), Moe has been a favorite among plant enthusiasts for decades. Moe now has a new home in Historic Columbia’s Boyd Horticultural Center on the northwest section of the Hampton-Preston Mansion grounds.

Moe’s distinct appearance is characterized by its shield fronds, which evolve from green to layered, papery structures. Beneath the antler-like fronds, you’ll find brown patches, which are Moe’s spores, ready to give life to future ferns.

Fun fact: The bluish tint on the fronds comes from its trichomes, which play a crucial role in moisture retention.

For those eager to witness Moe’s splendor, the grounds are open for strolling at the Hampton Preston Mansion where you’ll be able to take a peek at the Platycerium bifurcate.

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The Wrap

David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

I’ve heard rumors that there are baby Moe’s around Columbia. I was recently gifted a Staghorn Fern (I had to Google how to water it ) but it was purchased at Reese’s Plants so I assume mine is unrelated. I’ve decided to name mine Curly. Let us know if you have Larry.

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