Plus, the No. 16 USC women’s soccer team secured their spot in the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament.
 
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Today’s Forecast

70º | Cloudy | 10% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:57 a.m. | Sunset 5:20 p.m.
 

💭 A city can dream...

Columbians dream big for future riverfront development
congaree river
Walk along Columbia’s trails to enjoy river + skyline views. | Photo by @realadampowell
We asked, and you answered. We wanted you to think big and share with us the dream development you would bring to our rivers if you had the power to do so.

Here are some of the key themes:

Green Spaces and Environmental Stewardship

The protection of the river and its natural beauty was a top priority for some folks. Residents stressed that development should enhance and protect the river while ensuring environmentally friendly designs. Many locals suggested preserving the natural environment or developing green spaces with minimal impact on nature.

Restaurants and entertainment

A common theme was to create a vibrant entertainment district along the rivers. Residents envision restaurants, bars, cafes, and outdoor music venues that overlook the water. They seek a lively atmosphere with places to dine, socialize, and enjoy outdoor activities.

Bierkeller

The view from Bierkeller Columbia. | Photo by @bierkellercolumbia

Pedestrian bridges

Inspired by cities like Greenville, SC, Austin, TX, and San Antonio, TX (hey, GVLtoday, SATXtoday, and ATXtoday) many suggested the construction of bike lanes + pedestrian bridges that would connect different parts of the riverfront.

Good news for those who suggested this route — we recently shared about a new pedestrian bridge that’s planned for West Columbia to provide Saluda River access.

Unique attractions

Ideas ranged from historical exhibits about the canal and the area’s heritage to other outdoor unique attractions like mega chess, lawn bowling, or pickleball courts.

Saluda River.jpg

The Saluda River | Photo by COLAtoday

Mixed-use developments

While some locals resisted development, some called for mixed-use developments, featuring housing for various income levels — think apartments or tiny home communities. The goal would be to create a dynamic, diverse community by incorporating housing + entertainment options on the riverfront.

It’s evident that Soda Citizens have ambitious plans for the riverfront, aiming to transform it into a lively, nature-friendly, and inclusive space. While these are just dreams for now, they reflect a collective desire to make the most of the city’s river potential.

Click the button below to read through some reader’s comments.
Did your comment make the article?
Prisma Health
 
Events
Wednesday, Nov. 8
  • Silent Book Club | Wednesday, Nov. 8| 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Hotel - Columbia, 1619 Pendleton St., Columbia | Free | Grab your favorite book and join The Graduate Hotel for this non-social, but can-be social reading event.
  • Charles Wesley Godwin | Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 8 p.m. | The Senate, 1022B Senate St., Columbia | $27 | West Virginia native Charles Wesley Godwin fuses heartland rock with country roots, reflecting Appalachian life and storytelling.
Thursday, Nov. 9
  • Devine Night Out | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 5-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost Shandon, 709 Woodrow St., Columbia | Free | While you’re knocking out holiday shopping, make sure to check out the other local businesses that will be open late.
Friday, Nov. 10
  • Wingard’s Market Holiday Soiree | Friday, Nov. 10 | 9 a.m. | Wingard’s Market, 1403 N Lake Dr., Lexington | Free | Sip on mulled wine while you shop for holiday gifts.
Saturday, Nov. 11
  • USC Gamecocks Football vs. Vanderbilt Commodores Football | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 12 p.m. | Williams-Brice Stadium, 1125 George Rogers Blvd., Columbia | $65-$120 | Watch the Gamecocks take on the Commodores inside of Williams-Brice Stadium.
  • Irmo Community Park Holiday Market | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Irmo Community Park Holiday Market, 7507 Eastview Dr., Irmo | Free | Kick off the holiday season with this market that includes a cookie decorating class from Luna Rosa Cakes.
  • Holiday and Cookbook Pop-Up Sale | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Irmo Branch Library, 6251 St Andrews Rd., Columbia | Free | Holiday books, cookbooks, puzzles, and some specialty items will be available at this pop-up sale.
Sunday, Nov. 12
  • Stone River Fall Vendor Fair | Sunday, Nov. 12 | 12-5 p.m. | Stone River, 121 Alexander Rd., West Columbia | Free | Head to Stone River for food and cocktails while strolling and shopping with local artists and craftsmen.
Calendar events here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Seasonal

Ready, set, glow: Celebrate the holiday season at the South Carolina Aquarium
The outside of the South Carolina Aquarium lit up for Aquarium Aglow.
Whether you’re planning a seasonal family night out, fun with friends, or a date night, you can celebrate the holidays at Aquarium Aglow. | Photo provided by South Carolina Aquarium
Head to the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston this season for the must-sea Aquarium Aglow, happening select nights from November 16 through December 30.

During the event, the Aquarium will open its doors at dusk for a dazzling light spectacular featuring:
  • A chance to wave to Scuba Claus in the Great Ocean Tank
  • Festive refreshments (including adult beverages)
  • Plenty of frame-worthy photo moments
  • And more
Snag tickets + start planning your trip
News Notes
Open
  • The City of Columbia will host a ribbon-cutting for Arepa South on Friday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. at 1212 Hampton St., near Greek Boys. This new restaurant is an extension of Paella’South — a Soda City vendor.
Holiday
  • The 45th Annual Veterans Day Parade in Columbia will be held on Friday, Nov. 10, beginning at 11 a.m. Grand marshals for this year’s parade are Vietnam Veterans, and the parade will travel southbound on Sumter Street, ending near the State House.
Sports
  • The No. 16 USC women’s soccer team secured their spot in the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament for the 11th consecutive season. They will host James Madison (the No. 7 seed) and gameday details will be announced at a later date. (Gamecocks Online)
Arts
  • Gervais & Vine — a tapas and wine restaurant — is showcasing fine art by award-winning artist Rob Shaw. Patrons can enjoy + purchase his oil paintings while dining in the restaurant.
Biz
  • Small Business Saturday is just around the corner — Nov. 25, to be exact. What local businesses will you be supporting + which local deals should we check out? Let us know and we may feature your recommendation in an upcoming newsletter.
Seasonal
  • The holiday season is approaching, and Carolina Lights is returning to the Lexington Medical Center Fair Park at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds from Friday, Dec. 8 through Sunday, Dec. 24. Discount passes are available.
Fact or Fiction
 
Seasonal

📮 Santa’s Mailbox is back

Santa’s Mailbox and 19th Annual Tree Lighting Return to West Columbia
West Columbia Santa Mailbox
Santa’s Mailbox is located at Carraway Park, 212 Hudson St., in West Columbia | Photo provided by City of West Columbia
Santa’s Mailbox is back at Carraway Park in West Columbia, and it’s time for kids to send their lists to Santa.

Pro tip: You can also use the provided postcards at the Santa Post Office + drop them in Santa’s mailbox.

Remember — Santa will accept letters until Wednesday, Dec. 13 for a holiday response. Two lucky letters mailed by Wednesday, Nov. 22 will be read by Mrs. Claus at the City’s 19th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

Be sure to include the child’s name, age, and address. All letters with a return address will receive a letter from Santa.

Plus, the tree lighting event on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. will feature local school contests, performances, carols, greetings, and (of course) the lighting of the West Columbia Christmas Tree.
The Buy

The Buy 11.08.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
One of these gifts. All under $25, all adorable.
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The Wrap
 
Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam
From the editor
As I was reading through hundreds of responses from both our readers and followers, I was so inspired by your dreams, and I found myself agreeing with almost all of you. I would love to see riverfront developments that safeguard the natural beauty of our rivers while also providing more outdoor recreation. Next steps — how to make these dreams a reality. I’ve got some phone calls to make.
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