By the numbers

• -36% | Percent change in walking trips in South Carolina
• -36% | Percent change in walking trips in Columbia
• 35 | Our score out of 100 on Walk Score’s walkability meter

Where to walk the walk

• USC campus | Use USC’s interactive campus map to plan your stroll.
• Three Rivers Greenway | Enjoy 12.5 miles of trails through Columbia, West Columbia, and Cayce. Use this map as a resource.

• Sew Divine: A Gathering of Crafters | Monday, Dec. 4 | 9-11 a.m. | Richland Library - Blythewood, Meeting Room 218, Blythewood | Free | Bring your current craft project + work on it with fellow crafters.
• Holiday Lights on the River | Monday, Dec. 4-Sunday, Dec. 31 | 6-10 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia | $25-$75 | Journey through more than two miles of lights featuring colorful, animated light displays of all shapes and sizes.

• Silent Book Club | Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Hotel, 1619 Pendleton St., Columbia | Free | Grab your favorite book and join the Graduate Hotel for this non-social, but can-be social reading event.
• USC Symphony Orchestra • Soul Bass | Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $5-$28 | This program will feature Xavier Foley on the double bass.

• “Joyous Creatures” Opening Reception | Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 5-7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | Free | View the Koger Center’s new exhibition at its upstairs gallery featuring wildly creative artwork by Cola resident Marius Valdes.

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

• USC’s women’s basketball team brought home two back-to-back wins on the road. The Gamecocks defeated the Duke Blue Devils by a score of 77-61 on Sunday, Dec. 3, just a few days after winning 65-58 against the Tar Heels. They’re back in Cola for a game on Wednesday, Dec. 6.

• The Riverbanks Zoo is celebrating the arrival of its newest animal — an eight-armed cephalopod named Susan. You can spot Susan the giant Pacific octopus in the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center.

• $25,000. That’s how much the YMCA of Columbia received from Kohl’s as part of the major retailer’s $5 million Giving Tuesday campaign. The YMCA of Columbia was one of 200 orgs nationwide that received a grant to improve family health and wellness. (Cola Daily)

• The Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park has a new addition — the Fireflies Express. The trackless train takes children ages 12 and younger on a ride through the lights + costs $3 per rider (in addition to the event’s entrance fees). The Fireflies Holiday Lights is happening until Sunday, Dec. 31.

• Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Angie Aparo will headline the Rockin’ Resolutions Fundraiser concert on Sunday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. The concert is organized by the USC School of Music and ticket sales support the Music Industry Studies program. (Midlands Biz)

• The SC Dept. of Health and Environmental Control launched its Sickle Cell Disease Registry. The tool allows state residents with SCD to voluntarily register their information and become connected with fellow SCD patients and educational resources. (WLTX)

• Two principals from Richland School District Two received awards from the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. Dr. Mosso-Taylor, principal of Jackson Creek Elementary School, received 2024 SC Elementary Principal of the Year and Mrs. Mazyck, principal of Blythewood Middle School, received 2024 SC Middle-Level Principal of the Year. (Midlands Biz)

• Join the Gardener’s Outpost at its Franklin Street location on Tuesday, Dec. 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. for its Sip & Plant Workshop: DIY Wreaths. You’ll have the chance to make your own Fraser Fir wreath with festive adornments while enjoying drink specials. Tickets are $55.

• Did you know? There are 300+ “event days” in Greenville. From signature events like Fall for Greenville and Artisphere, there’s always a reason to visit. Check out the calendar of events and plan your 2024 trip.*

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• We’re hiring a National Content Editor to support our markets nationwide. Responsibilities include planning, writing, editing, and publishing the most relevant, engaging, and conversational daily content about our cities. We’re seeking a person with a strong and diverse knowledge of content relevant to growing communities. See details and apply.

Santa’s Pub at Publico 5 Points

Miracle at Publico Bull Street

Naughty at Boku Kitchen and Saloon