Boku Kitchen and Saloon, 916 Gervais St.

• Try the Apple Blossom: Made with white cranberry peach, apple cinnamon syrup, and lime juice
• The Red Panda: Made with Blood orange, pineapple aloe, and lemon juice.

The Dragon Room, 803 Gervais St.

• Order the PA-NO-MA — a carbonated Zero Proof agave, lime, sugar, and grapefruit drink.
• Also enjoy the Gin Civilian — made with a Zero Proof gin alternative, lemon, orgeat, and nonalcoholic Aztec bitters

Kao Thai Cusine, 1307 Main St.

• The Lumpini Lotus: Made with Jasmine tea, Thai basil, sweet cream, lemon, and homemade honey ginger syrup.
• The Ferry to Pattaya: Made with Pineapple, coconut water, fresh lychee fruit, mint, and soda.
• The Bird’s Eye View: Made with hibiscus syrup, Thai chili, liquid aminos, lime, and ginger beer.

Publico in Five Points, 2013 Greene St. + Publico at BullStreet, 2180 Boyce St. Suite A

• Try Publicos’ Dry January menus featuring non-alcoholic spirits from Ritual Zero Proof and order the Matcha-Tini, the Kiwi Mockjito, the Hibiscus Margarita, or the Whiskey Berry Smash.

Smoked, 1643 Main St.

• The Green Machine — an invigorating green blend
• The Back in Black — a fruity blend of fresh pressed juices
• The Country Pumpkin — a coffee-infused treat

Tazza Kitchen, 4840 Forest Dr. #20

• Ask for the Friendly Fire — a pomegranate, spiced hibiscus, lime, fizz, and mint sip.

• Gallery Opening Reception: The Wonders of an HBCU | Friday, Jan. 19 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Richland Library-Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy a reception celebrating the exhibit’s opening and meet the artists, the project director, and the graphic novel artist.
• 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.

• Stroller Tour: Rendez-Vous | Saturday, Jan. 20 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $0-$15 | Bring your little ones along for the ride on a stroller-friendly tour for caregivers with babies up to age two — fussy, crying, or wiggly babies are welcome.
• Wicks & Wine: Candle Making Social | Saturday, Jan. 20 | 7-9 p.m. | AR Workshop, 4711 Forest Dr., STE#14, Columbia | $40 | Create your custom candle while vibing to your favorite tunes and sipping on complimentary wine.
• 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.

• Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | Sunday, Jan. 21 | 1-4 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Manion, 1615 Blanding St., Columbia | Free | The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for free.
• Audition for Something Rotten at Town Theatre | Sunday, Jan. 21-Monday, Jan. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Town Theatre, 1012 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | Prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theatre song you love to sing and an accompanist will be provided for those who bring sheet music.

• Making plans for Valentine’s Day? Spend 6 to 10 p.m. at the SC State Museum on Wednesday, Feb. 14 gazing at the stars and sipping champagne with your honey, bestie, or just yourself. Grab tickets to the Amore Under the Stars experience. Tickets start at $60 for museum members.

• Applications for the Leadership Columbia Class of 2025 are now open and will be accepted until Friday, March 15 at 5 p.m. This 10-month program, which includes a two-day retreat + monthly sessions, equips participants with skills to better serve the Midlands while strengthening the community.

• Local Chef Javier Uriarte — head chef at Ratio located in Elgin — was recognized as one of Discover SC’s 2024 SC Food Ambassadors. Chef Leslie Rohland from Bluffton + Chef Michael Sibert from Greer were also recognized. Explore each chef’s accomplishments and their restaurants across the state.

• Tune in for the launch of Richland One Story, a new podcast from Richland School District One. Each episode will showcase ways the district is uplifting, highlighting + celebrating students and staff alike, along with school programs.

• Another Lowes Foods is coming soon to Lexington County in the Red Bank area near Platt Springs Road + South Lake Drive by the Chick-fil-A and Walgreens pharmacy. This location will join other Lexington stores, located on Sunset Blvd. and Augusta Road. There is no current construction timeline. (The State)

• Protect your pipes, pets, and plants, Soda Citizens because below-average temperatures will be affecting our area over the weekend, beginning tonight. Be prepared for the lows to be in the 20ºs and drop into the teens. (WLTX)

• Been meaning to catch “Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous” at the Columbia Museum of Art before the exhibition closes on Sunday? (Or want to see it again?) You’re in luck — the museum is extending its hours this weekend.*

• Dance throughout the day and into the night at Savage Craft Ale Works on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. to celebrate their third anniversary. The event features a special menu, a new anniversary barrel-aged stout, live entertainment, and more.*

• Erasing interest on purchases and balance transfers into 2025 can really make a difference. Throw in no annual fee, and there’s no wonder why thousands are lining up for these cards.*

Amy Beth Franks

• Owner of The Gourmet Shop and Five Points advocate

Crush Rush

• A local and nationally published photographer + photojournalist

David Laird

• Director of Strategic Initiatives for Able South Carolina + active member of Krewe de Columbi-Ya-Ya

Pamela Bynoe-Reed

• Director of Marketing and Community Affairs + Public Information Officer for the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET)