Plus, see how Riverbanks Zoo is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
 
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Peak Drift Brewing

Today’s Forecast

56º | Clear skies | 0% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:18 a.m. | Sunset 5:59 p.m.

 

🏗️ Forest Acres’ changing landscape

Forest Acre’s Richland Mall is set to transform into a new city park

Richland Mall Redevelopment
Drone image of the Richland Mall site | Photo provided by the City of Forest Acres
The City of Forest Acres announced the redevelopment of the former Richland Mall site in a press conference yesterday. The city secured $3 million in state funding for a new city park. Southeastern Development, LLC., purchased the 32-acre property last year + plans to reimagine it as a modern space for the community.

Vision for the park

  • Outdoor performance area
  • Green space
  • Walking trails
  • Other amenities that mix outdoor space with retail shops and restaurants
“The City of Forest Acres is committed to this project not just an economic development, but as the creation of a true city center, " Mayor Andrews said. “We are planting a park here that will serve as a community space not just for the residents of Forest Acres, but for all of the Midlands.”

Screenshot 2024-02-05 at 3.21.20 PM.png

A conceptual rendering from Southeastern Development LLC of what the final development may look like | Rendering provided by Southeastern Development LLC + City of Forest Acres

Next steps + timeline

The city is finalizing designs. Once complete, it will be looking for public input, and a master plan for the park will be created. The City expects construction to begin in roughly 18 months. The announcement also included a timeline for opening Gills Creek Memorial Park, which is set to open this spring.

Forest Acres’ growing business landscape

Along with the new parks, Forest Acres has seen an increase in new businesses including:

7 Brew | Drive-thru coffee kiosk | Open | 2230 N. Beltline Blvd.

Chicken Salad Chick | A fast-casual chicken salad restaurant coming soon that will be located where BLD Diner used to be | 4840 Forest Dr., #26

Co | A Southeast Asian Cusine restaurant | Open | 4840 Forest Dr., Unit 65

Prisma Health Urgent Care | The new urgent care location is set to open before the end of the month. | 2220 N Beltline Blvd.
4 more businesses
 
Events
Tuesday, Feb. 6
  • Gamecock Men’s Basketball vs. Ole Miss Rebels | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 6:30 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $12+ | Fans are encouraged to wear white.
  • Sip and Plant Workshop: Kokedama Valentines | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $45 | The perfect activity for plant lovers this season.
  • Watch Freely: Barbie | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 1-3 p.m. | Richland Library-Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Free | Watch the “Barbie” movie at the Richland Library-Main for free, beginning at 1 p.m.
  • Silent Book Club | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Hotel, 1619 Pendleton St., Columbia | Free | No discussion is required but will be available before and after a silent reading hour.
Thursday, Feb. 8
Thursday, Feb. 8
  • Oyster Roast Featuring Sycamore Brewing | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 6-9 p.m. | The Grand on Main, 1621 Main St., Columbia | $45 | Indulge in a delicious feast of fresh oysters while enjoying the fantastic brews from Sycamore Brewing.
Friday, Feb. 9
  • Wishful Shuckers 2024 | Friday, Feb. 9 | 5:30-10 p.m. | The Coop on Key Road, 1100 Key Rd., Columbia | $75-$175 | The Wishful Shuckers 2024 fundraiser has all-you-can-eat oysters and inspiring stories from Wish recipients.
Saturday, February 10
  • Accessibility Morning | Sat., Feb. 10 | 9-11 a.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | Free | Meet Clifford and more during this special morning at the State Museum designed for guests who are neurodiverse or have other disabilities — online registration encouraged.*
Calendar events here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Arts

Culture

🌌 When the stars make you drool...

Presented by a COLAtoday Partner
Planetarium exterior is lit up with purple lights and projected onto the side in white lettering is the phrase, "Amore under the stars."
Tickets include two drink tickets per guest. Additional beer, wine, Champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. | Photo provided by The South Carolina State Museum
Just like a pasta e fasule, that’s amore.

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate date night or a fun evening out with friends or family, The South Carolina State Museum’s annual Valentine’s event, Amore Under the Stars, offers plenty of festive fun.

From 6-10 p.m., enjoy:
  • A champagne bar
  • Night sky observing in the Boeing Observatory (weather permitting)
  • Planetarium laser show “Love Under the Laser Lights,” featuring music from Taylor Swift, Fleetwood Mac + more, sponsored by Murphy Grantland
  • Delicious food from Loosh Culinaire
  • Live jazz music
Pro tip: Get your tickets before they sell out.
Tickets this way, amore
News Notes
Ranked
  • No. 15. That’s where the Gamecock Men’s basketball team ranks in the AP Top 25. It’s their first ranking since 2017. With a 19-3 record and five straight SEC wins, they challenge Ole Miss tonight at home. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. — wear white. (The Post and Courier)
Tech
  • USC is partnering with Grubhub + Starship Technologies to launch autonomous robot food delivery on campus, beginning this week. Users order through the Grubhub app, and robots deliver food. The service has 11 dining options with expansion plans. (Cola Daily)
Development
  • Publix has broken ground in northeast Columbia on Spears Creek Church Road after delays. The $3.3 million project will include a 46,000- sqft grocery store and 12,000 sqft of retail space. It’s expected to open in late 2024 or early 2025 + hire ~140 employees. (The Post and Courier)
Award
  • Saluda’s in Five Points (751 Saluda Ave.) is on OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in the US list. Based on over 12 million diner reviews, these restaurants offer cozy atmospheres and delectable cuisine. Other SC entries are located in Hilton Head, Charleston, and Pawleys Island.
Outdoors
  • Sign up for the 51st Governor’s Cup Road Race Festival, the Southeast’s oldest road race since 1973, happening on Friday, April 12-Saturday, April 13. Registration options include the half marathon, a 5K Run/Walk, the Main Street Mile, and the Kids Main Street Mile.
Feel Good
  • Do you have a local love story? Submit your memories to our local love map by Friday, Feb. 9 for a chance to be featured in the newsletter. Psst — putting your love on the map makes a nice surprise for your sweetheart.
Finance
  • If you’ve been dreaming of a “one-card wallet,” it’s time to wake up and get your hands on this credit card. Not only does it offer 0% APR into 2025, but cardholders can also earn up to 5% cash back — with no annual fee to boot.*
 
Coming Soon

🎉 Half a century to celebrate

Riverbanks Zoo’s 50th anniversary celebrations: new partnerships and initiatives

Komodo Dragon Riverbanks Zoo
Rendering of the new Komodo Dragon habitat. | Rendering provided by Riverbanks Zoo
As Riverbanks Zoo’s 50th anniversary approaches, the zoo announced new facilities, gave updates on conservation initiatives, and shared about new partnerships. Visitors can expect to see:

A new Komodo dragon breeding facility

The anticipated opening is slated for late this spring or summer and will allow for more engaging, up-close views of the endangered lizards.

The Jane B. Friedman Conservation Learning Center

The new education facility will feature a larger indoor and outdoor classroom setting that can expand its offerings of innovative educational experiences. The new education center is currently in the design phase + expected to open in 2026.

A partnership with Peak Drift Brewery

Craft beer + hard seltzer — sipped from Peak Drift’s 100% recyclable cans — are expected to roll out this spring and will be available at the Zoo and wherever Peak Drift spirits are sold.

Click the link below to read about another partnership and part two of Bridge to the Wild.
Wolf down the rest
The Buy

The Buy 2.06.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

This set of six colored wine glasses, which remind us of Estelle stemware, only more affordable. The multicolor stemware set is perfect for parties, Galentine’s Day, or girls’ night in.
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The Wrap
 
Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam

From the editor
Calling all cat lovers. On the first Sunday of every month (ahem, meaning this Sunday, Feb. 11) The Hideout at Weco transforms into a cat cafe from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy cat-friendly café vibes with Cat Around Town Project to meet + adopt cats.
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