09.07.2023

Today’s Forecast

94º | Scattered thunderstorms | 40% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:02 a.m. | Sunset 7:42 p.m.

📖 Once upon a time

Bookstores to browse around the Soda City

All Good Books is located on Harden Street across from the fountain. | Photo by COLAtoday

A resident awoke one morning with a craving for the aroma of a new book + the adventure that awaited within. Their bookshelf, now bare, stirred a pang of nostalgia for the countless tales that once filled them. Determined to quench their literary thirst, the Soda Citizen slipped into a pair of shoes. Their quest for the perfect book had begun.

They strolled to All Good Books in Five Points, a local treasure trove with cozy nooks + a rich selection. They discovered events planned by the independent bookstore and promised to return if only to build community in the district they frequented many years ago as a student.

They explored the sprawling shelves of Barnes & Noble, the scent of fresh coffee and paperbacks stirring a twinge of sadness for its upcoming closure + relocation at the first of the year due to Richland Mall’s redevelopment.

The Soda Citizen’s quest then led them to the local Richland Library, a sanctuary of resources + stories. While browsing the local author’s section, they couldn’t help but become distracted by all of the non-book-related items locals could borrow.

Their journey continued to Ed’s Editions located along Meeting Street in West Columbia. The vintage charm of this quaint bookstore beckoned. Before making their selection, a rumbling stomach led to a delightful stop at Cafe Strudel, a local brunch staple.

As the afternoon sun dipped, they considered heading home. The golden sunlight guided them to a quaint Free Little Library, a heartwarming reminder of times when sharing stories with neighbors was a cherished tradition.

Inside, they unearthed a book seemingly awaiting their arrival. In the nearby West Columbia Riverfront Park, they lost themselves in its pages. The story’s pure magic brought a contented sigh as they turned the final page.

They knew they had found the perfect tale, discovered through exploration and a day full of nostalgia. With a smile, they placed the book back into the little library, hoping another reader would find it as enchanting.

The day reaffirmed the magic of books found in the city they loved. They returned home, their heart full, grateful for the literary treasures of Soda City, each waiting to be discovered in its own time.

Asked

If you were to write a short story about a day spent in Columbia, where would your main character go? What would they do, eat, see, and find?

We want to see you get creative. Who knows — we may share your short story in an upcoming newsletter.

Tell us a Soda City story

Events

Thursday, Sept. 7

First Thursday | Thursday, Sept. 7 | 6 p.m. | Main Street, Columbia | Free | On the first Thursday of each month, businesses in downtown Columbia participate in First Thursday on Main by keeping their doors open late, offering a mix of specials, events, entertainment, and more.

Friday, Sept. 8

Columbia Craft Kickoff | Friday, Sept. 8 | 7-9 p.m. | Columbia Craft Brewing Company, 520 Greene St., Columbia | $15 | Kickoff the USC football season at Columbia Craft with a tour of the brewery, live music, food trucks, and a free pint of your choice.
The Big Grab | Friday, Sept. 8-Saturday, Sept. 9 | 7 a.m.-7 p.m. | Various locations | Free | Shop the annual 50-mile yard sale and take home a few treasures.
City of Columbia Food Truck Fridays | Friday, Sept. 8 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | REI Co-Op Parking Lot, Bull St., corner of Bull and Colonial, Columbia | Free | Enjoy local food + support a local business.
Tunnel-Towers 5k Run & Walk | Friday, Sept. 8 | 7 p.m. | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia | Built upon the mantra, “While we have time, LET US DO GOOD,” the foundation supports our nation’s fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military heroes, and their families.

Saturday, Sept. 9

Fall Mystic Market | Saturday, Sept. 9-Sunday, Sept. 10 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy an enchanting market at NoMa Warehouse full of magical, mystical, metaphysical makers, and specialists.
Gamecocks Football vs. Furman University Paladins | Saturday, Sept. 9, Saturday, Sept. 9 | 7:30 | Williams-Brice Stadium, 1174 George Rogers Blvd., Columbia | $40-$95 | The Gamecocks look to go 1-1 on the year against Furman in the team’s home opener.
Soulja Boy | Saturday, Sept. 9 | 8 p.m. | The Senate, 1022B Senate St., Columbia | $35 | Rapper and record producer most known for his hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy.)”

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

Arts

Culture

This can’t-miss party is bringing runway vibes to the Columbia Museum of Art

Presented by a COLAtoday Partner

Woman wearing glasses and dress with large ruffled red sleeves

Put on your runway outfit and get to the CMA, because McQueen has arrived. | Photo provided by the Columbia Museum of Art

Something you should know about us: We’ve been counting the days until “Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous” opens at the CMA. (Today’s count? 30.)

We’re officially one month out from the opening of this iconic exhibition, which means we’re also one month out from its much-anticipated opening party.

Whether you’ve been planning your runway-ready outfit for weeks or prefer to stick with a subtler look, you’re invited to revel in the moment and celebrate with specialty cocktails, heavy hors d’ oeuvres, and an exclusive sneak peek at the exhibition.

Each ticket includes a reserved time slot to see the exhibition (read: the crowds you enjoy at the soiree won’t be clustered in the galleries), which includes 50 garments designed by McQueen and 60+ photographs taken by Ann Ray, the only photographer permitted to document the behind-the-scenes culture of his runway shows.

Ready to get creative with your couture and celebrate a fashion icon at an unforgettable party? Snag your ticket.

Party details this way

News Notes

Development

St. Anns Alley, a nearly completed urban community in West Columbia, is in its final phase of construction. This phase consists of eight homes offering two models, the Taylor and James, and is expected to be ready for occupancy by mid to late September.

Sports

Gamecocks Online released a “know before you go” rundown of what to expect at this week’s first home game opener against Furman. It’s full of information, including times, Gamecock Walk + pregame pep rally, gameday timeline, and more.

Coming Soon

Whataburger, the national burger chain, is set to open its first Midlands location in Irmo, with bids currently being accepted for construction at 1185 Dutch Fork Rd. The bids are due on Monday, Sept. 18. (The State)

Civic

During this week’s City Council meeting, they greenlit a contract for city entrance signs’ design and installation as a beautification initiative. An amendment for stormwater utility funding was also approved, along with two projects aimed at enhancing wastewater conveyance. Read through the highlights.

Arts

Columbia launched “Columbia Streams Art,” a $200,000 project involving 36 fiberglass fish sculptures to celebrate our rivers. The initiative, funded by Hospitality Tax revenue, has mixed opinions. The Post and Courier has the details.

Number

3,405 pounds. That’s the amount of food Riverbanks Zoo’s Toucan Tuesdays collected in food donations that were sent to Harvest Hope Food Bank. The food provided 2,837 meals for those in need in SC.

Holiday

Celebrate the holiday season at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, where sunshine and splendor mingle with decked halls and salt-kissed air. Enjoy fun festivities like Santa’s island arrival, the unveiling of a chocolate masterpiece, a tree-lighting ceremony, and award-winning Lowcountry holiday feasts. Start planning your holiday getaway.*

Finance

This leading credit card touts 0% intro APR on balance transfers for guess how many months… with no annual fee. (Hint: The 0% intro APR period lasts until 2025.) Details revealed here.*

Answered

Last week we asked, “What’s the Carolina football memory or game that will forever stick in your mind?” Here’s what you said:

“The Citadel beating USC”

“The very first time I stepped onto the field of Williams Brice Stadium as a member of the Carolina Band Colorguard in 2011. The energy in the stadium was electrifying!”

“Erik Kimrey’s last-minute pass to win the game against Mississippi State in 2000. The Gamecocks looked set to lose, and when that pass was caught, I can’t tell you how crazy the crowd went.”

“The Catch” and “The Hit”

“I met the love of my life at the Carolina vs. Clemson game in 2004. Married in 2007, we celebrate the rival game more than our anniversary.”

“Mannnnn.... that blowout win against Bama at home!”

“I remember going as a child in the 80’s and listening on AM radio from the Fair Grounds. My mother made me dress up (blouse, trousers, etc.) but my little brother was allowed to wear his Sterling Sharpe jersey....As a tomboy, I was jealous. I didn’t let that stop me from enjoying the great food and throwing the football around. Go Cocks!”

“Beating #1 Alabama”

“In 2010, being in the student section when we beat #1 ranked Alabama at home!”

“Michigan Bowl game. So many outstanding plays: Debo’s return, JD’s hit, and Dylan Thompson coming in and throwing a gorgeous TD pass.”

“Michigan Bowl game”

“Beating #1 Alabama at home in 2010!”

“13-9! In Clemson! Unforgettable game!”

“2010 Alabama vs. USC and Gameday being in town”

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The Wrap

Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam

From the editor

Though the first game of the season wasn’t the best, I am very excited about the Gamecock’s first homegame of the season kicking off on Saturday. I really can’t wait to see Cocky’s new entrance. My final guess to the new opening is that Cocky will parachute onto the field. Buy tickets so you don’t miss the surprise beginning.

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