Plus, the Black Rooster trades French for Italian.
 
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Today’s Forecast

59º | Mostly sunny | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:25 a.m. | Sunset 5:18 p.m.

 

Hey, Google... what did Cola google this year?

What Soda Citizens googled this year

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Did you search “Eras Tour dates” this year? So did the rest of the US — but this is what Soda Citizens were googling on a more local level. | Graphic by 6AM City

It may come as no surprise that Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour was one of the most-searched terms on Google this year, but what about the fact that Columbia was the only place in the US with “podiatrist near me” as the top search? Soda Citizens are always looking to put their best foot forward.

2023’s Google Year in Search is out, and its local search function provides an interesting peek into our city’s queries. Take a look at what we were searching most this year (plus, our answers to your searches — we may not be Google, but we know a thing or two about where to find Cola’s coffee shops).

Unique local searches

  • Top trending TV show | “The Last of Us” on Max
  • Top trending tour | Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour
  • Coffee shops near me | If you’re looking for coffee in the Soda City, this guide has you covered.
  • Tow truck near me | No tow truck here, but we can help you with the latest traffic and construction updates.
  • Podiatrist near me | Let the doctors at Prisma Health help you with those foot issues.
  • Welcome to Tha Carter Tour | Our events page will keep you up to date on all upcoming concerts and tours.
  • Pediatrician near me | Prisma Health’s Children’s Hospital is a great source of care for young children through adolescence.
The fact that “COLAtoday” wasn’t a top local search only hurts our feelings a little bit. There’s always next year.
Asked

What was the top trending “Movies” Google search in the US this year?


A. “Oppenheimer”
B. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”
C. “Cocaine Bear”
D. “Barbie”
Lights, camera, action
 
Events
Tuesday, Dec. 19
  • Sip and Plant Workshop: DIY Wreath Workshop | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $55 | Beautify your own personalized wreath to hang on your front door, or use to decorate around your hearth and home.
  • Gamecocks Mens Basketball vs. Winthrop Eagles | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $10-$45 | Root for the Gamecocks as they take on the Winthrop Eagles at Colonial Life Arena.
Wednesday, Dec. 20
  • Holiday Market | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Price of purchase | Browse local vendors from your community to get tasty treats, interesting pieces of art, and other holiday gifts.
  • Broadway in Columbia • Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | 58+ | From delicate traditional Irish carols to magnificent uplifting anthems, Celtic Woman has a wealth of seasonal music to gladden your heart.
Thursday, Dec. 21
  • Winter Solstice Lantern Parade | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 5 p.m. | Riverfront Park South, 312 Laurel St., Columbia | Free | Rangers and volunteers will provide poles for your lights and lanterns, and the parade will move into the park around dark.
  • Levvy performing as Manchester Orchestra | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 7-11 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia | $10 | Local rock act Levvy covers Manchester Orchestra to say goodbye to New Brookland Tavern before the venue’s move to Five Points.
  • Home for the Holidays | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 7 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $5-$40 | The SC Philharmonic is bringing you a merry and warm evening of holiday fare that the whole family will enjoy.
Calendar events here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Coming Soon
  • Re-Find, a popular vintage mall, is relocating from Two Notch Road to South Edisto Street in the Rosewood neighborhood. Doubling its size to 10,000 sqft, the store, known for its blend of retro and modern items, anticipates an early March opening. (The Post and Courier)
Development
  • Irmo’s Rawls Creek Park transformation is one step closer to completion with the approval of a skate park. This final phase follows the successful launch of a dog park and community garden. Completion is expected by the end of 2024. (The Post and Courier)
Sports
  • The Gamecocks men’s and women’s basketball teams each won their game on Saturday. The women defeated Presbyterian 99-29, and the men won a close matchup against Charleston Southern, 73-69. (Gamecocks Online)
Eat
  • Black Rooster, a popular rooftop bar and restaurant in West Columbia, is transitioning from French-inspired dishes to Italian cuisine in January. This move, made by owner Kristian Niemi, attempts to fill a culinary gap in the area after the recent closure of Al’s Upstairs — a long-standing Italian eatery. (Free Times)
Community
  • Columbia earned the No. 24 spot on Livability.com’s 25 best places to live in the Southeast, praised for its vibrant lifestyle, safety, healthcare, and revitalized downtown. The city’s proximity to beaches and mountains and its arts scene contribute to the appeal. (The State)
Older Adults
  • The Central Midlands Council of Governments introduced the “Serving our Seniors” program, providing aid to locals. Funded by Federal American Rescue Plan Funds, the initiative offers dental, medication, hearing aid assistance, and home modifications. (WLTX)
Wellness
  • Golf or baseball? Cooking classes or yoga? We’ve got the top 10 local experiential gifts to give this holiday season — from COLA’s best sporty activities to the self-care gifts not to be missed. And ICYMI, this was part of our monthly COLA Wellness newsletter. See the latest edition.*
Finance
Stat
  • 37% of all frozen pipe failures happen in the basement. Pro tip from Cool Care Heating, Air, Plumbing & Refrigeration: Prevent frozen pipes by letting your hot and cold faucets drip overnight + open cabinet doors to let in heat to warm uninsulated pipes under sinks.*
Seasonal
  • Looking for a present for a friend who loves to shop local, or want to share a slice of your home with family far away? Here are five gift ideas from Lowes Foods that we would love to receive.*
The Buy

The Buy 12.19.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

This Adams Apple Company apple butter. It’s made in the USA + you can use it to make these amazing apple butter snickerdoodle cookies Lifestyle and Recipe YouTuber Jessica O’Donohue whipped up (just save a few for Santa).
Answered
 

Here are your 2024 Gamecock Football win predictions:

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What our readers predict next season to look like. | Graphic by COLAtoday

With a tough schedule that includes games at powerhouses like Alabama, Oklahoma, and LSU, it looks like next season will be a tough row to hoe. Good news — the coaching staff is working overtime on next year’s team.
 
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The Wrap
 
David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor
Speaking of The Black Rooster transitioning to Italian cuisine, The State is running a contest to find your favorite Midlands Italian restaurant. Select from their list of locally curated options. I’ve been suggesting to my friends that they try Bar San Grasso.
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