Setting the scene

Where does the meet cute happen?

• Riding bikes at Owen’s Field Park — Chloe J.
• Their cars have a fender bender at the lights at Saluda Shoals — M. N. G.
• Gallery in the Columbia Museum of Art — Sally B.

How do they bond?

• They both reach for the last loaf of fresh sourdough bread at a booth at Soda City. They explain why the other needs it more, and they learn they are more similar than they thought. — Jill W.

• Both are walking their dogs at Soda City, the dogs are drawn to each other, so they strike up a conversation and there is chemistry! — Jill P.

Where is the final scene?

• State House tree proposing — Rachel R.
• State House steps where it “magically snows” for the first time in years, coating the State House steps in a fresh blanket — Jill W.

• John Hollier: Nashville Hits the Roof | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 8 p.m. | Tin Roof, 1022 Senate St., Columbia | Free | The Louisiana-born and Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist shares honest stories over a backdrop of gruff heartland rock.
• Sushi Making Class | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 6-8 p.m. | Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi, 1624 Main St. #100, Columbia | $75-$130 | Your ticket includes a welcome sake, a specialty cocktail, appetizers, and two sushi rolls.
• Holiday Lights on the River | Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 31 | 6-10 p.m. | 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.

• Holiday Weekend Market | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy this three-day holiday market full of local vendors, delicious food, hot chocolate, spirits, live music, and entertainment.

• Gamecocks Women’s Basketball vs. Presbyterian Blue Hose | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 1 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St, Columbia | $25-$35 | Watch the Gamecocks as they look to stay undefeated.
• Nutcracker | Saturday, Dec. 16, Saturday, Dec. 16, Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $35-$60 | Columbia City Ballet brings this beloved classic to life with a captivating twist and new custom backdrops.
• Cola’s Christmas Comedy Jam | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Bluetile Skateboards, 621-23 Harden St., Columbia | $10 | Join Christian and other top comedians for a night of festive fun.

• Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 1-4 p.m. | Modjeska Monteith Simkins House, 2025 Marion St., Columbia | Free | This month’s featured property is the Modjeska Monteith Simkins House.

• Cartoon-themed parade floats for the Kinetic Sculpture Parade
• Kid and adult sized soap box cars for the Soapbox Derby
• Cars to race on the obstacle course

• The Epicurean Table — a restaurant located at 9661 Horrell Hill Rd., near Garners Ferry Road — features a diverse menu, including shrimp + grits, rib-eye steaks, and vegetarian options. The restaurant aims to be a comfortable, elevated family-oriented spot for residents. (The State)

• Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s Phase Two of Bridge to the Wild received support from Richland + Lexington County Councils, so the zoo will begin with a year-long design process. The project aims to feature a primate forest, a riverfront restaurant, an aerial tram system, and more.

• Chad Leaphart, Gilbert High School’s winningest football coach, is stepping down to become the athletic director for Lexington One School District. In his eight seasons, Leaphart led the team to a 78-18 record, four region titles, and consistently deep playoff runs. (The State)

• The SC housing market is expected to show signs of easing house prices + sales slumps. The Federal Reserve’s decision not to raise interest rates in 2024 is anticipated to stabilize the market. However, variations can occur among different markets in the state. (The State)

• The South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 includes notable athletes such as Marcus Lattimore, Lucas Glover, and Ivory Latta, among others. The largest class in the hall’s history, they will be honored at the induction banquet on Monday, May 20 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. (Gamecocks Online)

• Craig Melvin, “Today Show” host + WIS News 10 alum, saved his great-grandmother’s SC home from auction. In honor of his mom, Betty Jo Melvin, he decided to lease the home to the nonprofit Family Promise for 25 years for one dollar a year. Renovations, supported by local businesses, created a new home for a family in need. (WIS TV)

• Join Wreaths Across America at Fort Jackson National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 16 to honor fallen service members. Volunteers are invited to the 12 p.m. ceremony + wreath-laying on 17,000 graves. For those unable to attend, sponsor wreaths in memory online or via mail. (Cola Daily)

• We recently served up another helping of Doctors’ Orders, our series in which Midlands doctors share what they like to eat at some of our favorite local restaurants. New OB/GYN Nancy Sarmiento, DO, at Carolina Women’s Physicians shares her platos favoritos at Coa Agaveria y Cocina.*

• This FDA-registered, doctor-recommended vibrator is clinically proven to heighten arousal and help alleviate dryness, thanks to its ultra-flexible shape designed to hit all the right spots. (Even better? Our readers get 30% off.)*

• 60,000. That’s how many meals were donated thanks to Hawthorne Pharmacy’s Flu Shot for a Cause campaign through Harvest Hope Food Bank.*