Oysters are steamed by the dozens and are still steaming as they’re delivered to tables. | Photo by COLAtoday
We’re in the heart of oyster season in SC, so we did a little digging to round up some of the oyster roast events happening in the Midlands. Here are several flavorful events to look forward to.
Earlewood 2025 Membership Oyster Roast | Sunday, Jan. 12 | $30-$50 | Join neighbors for the Earlewood 2025 Membership Oyster Roast, featuring oysters, alternative kid-friendly options, and BYOB fun. The ticket includes a 2025 membership, event entry, and a neighborhood item.
Foxfield Oyster Roast | Friday, Jan. 17 | $25-$35 | Enjoy an evening at the Rosewood staple with oysters by the bucket, chicken bog, spiked cider, hot chocolate, and oyster shots.
Winter Oyster Roast | Saturday, Jan. 18 | $25 | Blossom Plant and Produce in Five Points is hosting its inaugural oyster roast featuring brews by Columbia Craft, Wine by Middleton Bartending, raw and steamed oysters, chili, and live music from Jon Rooks.
YLS Oyster Roast | Thursday, Jan. 23 | YLS Donor $35, Guest $50 | United Way of the Midlands Young Leaders Society hosts the event at City Market Place with live music, a silent auction, delicious catering by Southern Way, and an open bar, supporting its cause.
Barrel and Vine Pig and Oyster Roast | Saturday, Feb. 1 | $65 | The 12th annual event will take place at City Roots Farm with a relaxed afternoon, featuring steamy oysters, a savory pig roast, and even better company. Don’t forget your Toadfish cloth and oyster knife.
Wishful Shuckers Oyster Roast | Saturday, Feb. 22 | $60 | Attend the third annual oyster roast at The Coop benefiting Make-A-Wish SC. Enjoy raw and steamed oysters, chicken bog, live music, craft exhibitors, a cigar lounge, a 360° photo booth, and a silent auction — all for a great cause.
Jurassic World Live Tour | Friday, Jan. 19-Sunday, Jan. 21 | Times vary | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $25-$105 | Get up close and personal with some of your favorite Jurassic World dinosaurs and vehicles.
Electric Avenue: The Ultimate ‘80s Experience | Friday, Jan. 19 | 7 p.m. | Newberry Opera House Performing Arts Center, 1201 McKibben St., Newberry | $45-$55 | Pull out your scrunchies and leg warmers for a pre-show ‘80s party with all the ‘80s snacks, games, and a costume contest while you groove along to popular tribute band Electric Avenue.
Broadway’s Next Hit Musical | Friday, Jan. 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Harbison Theatre, 7300 College St., Irmo | $40 | Every song is fresh, every scene is new, every night is different, and it’s all improvised.
Saturday, Jan. 20
PartlyCloudy Band | Saturday, Jan. 20 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Venue |1626 on Main, 1626 Main St., Columbia | $5-$10 | Stop in and hear the local brass band while you’re at Soda City Market.
The Rendez-Vous Experience | Saturday, Jan. 20 | 6-9 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $24-$30 | Head to the CMA during closing weekend of “Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous” to celebrate this remarkable exhibition in an evening of creativity, collaboration, and connection.*
Quick relief close to home: New urgent care opens in Cayce
Presented by a COLAtoday Partner
“Urgent” Care is the right choice when you can’t wait a day or two to see your primary care provider. | Photo provided by Lexington Medical Center
Sometimes you need medical attention right away, but don’t need the level of care of an emergency room. At times like these, Lexington Medical Center’s new Urgent Care can help.
Imaging center with X-ray, CT, and MRI capabilities
On-site laboratory
Bonus: The on-site imaging services and lab allow providers to diagnose illness + injury (and get you the help you need) faster.
Visit the 15,422-sqft location at 1111 Knox Abbott Dr. for treatment of minor illnesses and injuries when you can’t get in to see your doctor or when you need care after hours — no appointment needed.
Pro tip: Use the MyChart app to let providers know you’re on the way and reduce your waiting time.
Midlands staple for country cooking, Lizard’s Thicket, opened its newest location at 1772 South Lake Dr. near Red Bank. Known for its Southern classic sides, fried chicken, and early morning breakfast, this marks the chain’s continued expansion in the Midlands. (The State)
Environment
Scout Motors’ $2 billion electric vehicle factory project received a crucial environmental permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, clearing the way for construction. The development plan includes environmental commitments, like protecting 5,000 acres, and restoring streams to offset wetlands impact. (The State)
Development
The historic Basilica of Saint Peter Church on Assembly Street is adding an $8.2 million, three-story facility to accommodate its growing community. The new addition will include classrooms, a multimedia center, and a dedicated youth floor. (WLTX)
Cause
United Way is hosting “Driving Down Main” at Players Club on the 1600 block of Main Street from Monday, Feb. 5 to Tuesday, Feb. 6. Tee off for charity with various Bay Experiences and help reach the $35,000 goal for Midlands Reading Consortium (MRC). Register your team.
Arts
Columbia-based artists can showcase their talent at Columbia Open Studios 2024. Registration, open until Wednesday, Jan. 31, is hosted by 701 Center for Contemporary Art. The March event offers a self-guided tour of artists’ studios for community engagement and networking.
Health
The Cola Rosé Shower, set for Saturday, Feb. 3 at Williams-Brice Stadium, turns the spotlight on feminine healthcare. This third annual event, advocating for awareness of period poverty and women’s health, includes an open bar and festivities in support of Sistercare and The Period Project.
Is there a gym or fitness studio around town you’ve been wanting to check out? Get a free month of ClassPass + sample multiple gyms with just one membership.*
Development
🍔 A cheeseburger intermission
Rockaway Athletic Club to temporarily close
Rockaway’s pimento cheeseburger is a hometown favorite. | Photo via Rockaway Athletic Club
Rockaway Athletic Club, a long-standing Rosewood favorite known for its pimento cheeseburgers and laid-back neighborhood feel, is set to close on Sunday, Jan. 21. Don’t fret, the closing is only temporary.
Since opening in 1982 by Paul and Forrest Whitlark, Rockaway’s has grown into a beloved local haunt, expanding from its original space to occupy a larger area on the corner of Howard Street and Rosewood Drive.
Its unassuming exterior, with a signless brick facade has become a familiar sight to locals, hosting events like the Hat Contest during the Kentucky Derby and trivia nights.
Stay tuned for updates to see how this local landmark will evolve.
The Buy
The Buy 1.18.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Sleep mist, a cozy sweatshirt, or tea from Six & Main’s homebody collection. That’s right, there’s a collection specifically devoted to staying comfy and cozy at home (count us in).
I’m a huge fan of local podcasts and my new favorite is Lake Murray Country’s exploration of our region and some of the people doing big things behind the scenes. The latest episode is with Michael Geddings, a muralist who painted the “Cayce Chameleon” in the River Arts District.
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