What is GIS?

How is it used locally?

• Transportation: bus routes, highways, roads + interstates
• School District: local schools in the area
• Parks: all the parks in Columbia

• Blues for an Alabama Sky | Wednesday, March 20-Saturday, March 30 | Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St., Columbia | $25-$30 | In a Depression-era Harlem apartment building, a close-knit group of friends has become a chosen family.

• Taste of Lake Murray 2024 | Thursday, March 21 | 6 p.m. | Doubletree by Hilton, 2100 Bush River Rd., Columbia | $100 | Enjoy an evening of local cuisine, drinks, music, and fun with Lake Murray friends is the sole fundraiser for the Annual Fourth of July Celebration on Lake Murray.

• Foraging Walks with Matt Kip of Full Belly Foraging | Friday, March 22-Saturday, March 23 | Times vary | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $35 | Celebrate Art Blossoms a little differently on a nature walk with Kip at the Columbia Riverwalk to explore what’s right here in our city’s natural landscape.
• Gamecock Baseball vs. Vanderbilt Commodores | Friday, March 22 | 7 p.m. | Founders Park, 431 Williams St., Columbia | $20-$25 | Vanderbilt brings a top ten squad to town to take on the Gamecocks at Founders Park.

• Cherry Blossom Brunch at Boku | Saturday, March 23 | 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Boku Kitchen + Saloon, 916 Gervais St., Columbia | Price of purchase | Dine while a local DJ spins bright + fun music, and enjoy a dim sum menu.
• Roses & Rosé | Saturday, March 23 | 4:30-6 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Sip into spring with wines paired expertly with Art Blossoms arrangements and nibbles from F2T Productions.

• What screening options are available for me?
• What can I do to reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?
• What treatment options are there if I’m diagnosed with colorectal cancer?
• Are there symptoms to watch out for?
• Who is most at risk for colorectal cancer?

• The outdoor lifestyle brand Orvis will open a store in Cross Hill Market in the 3,900-sq-ft space previously occupied by Plant House. Orvis stores focus on clothing, fly-fishing gear, dog products, and more.

• Hilton Hotels has acquired the Graduate Hotels chain, including the location near the USC. The historic building at 1619 Pendleton St., saved from demolition by resident petitions, will retain its local ownership but rebrand to Hilton, with no staff changes expected. (The Post and Courier)

• South Carolina men’s basketball joins a group of six schools featured in “March Madness Confidential” set to broadcast during the 2024 NCAA Tournament. This special coverage offers behind-the-scenes access with crews embedded with the team. (Gamecocks Online)

• Surf’s Up Acai Bowls celebrated its grand opening at 504 Gervais St. in the Vista. The new Vista addition offers gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and vegan options. (Cola Daily)

• Aliyah Boston reflected on her NCAA memories with South Carolina, balancing highs like leading the Gamecocks to the 2022 title + lows from the 2021 Final Four. For Women’s History Month, the Indiana Fever star shared her journey, highlighting resilience and the influence of family and faith in her life.

• The Give 4 Garnet event begins today, rallying the USC community for one day, eight hours, and one minute of fundraising. Supporting projects across 200 areas, contributions are boosted by $350,000 in matches and prizes, alongside a Student Scavenger Hunt, offering $10,000 in prizes.

• Congratulations to former COLAtoday City Editor and current 6AM City Director of Client Success, Chloe Rodgers, on her wedding in New Orleans this past weekend. Local live events painter Easel Cathedral was on hand to capture the day.

• How much did the Panthers improve after one week of free agency? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

• Whether you’re a sucker for sours or go insane for IPAs, the Cumberland County Beer Trail has all the ingredients for a hoppy weekend. See Distinctly Fayetteville’s top picks for the best brews on the beer trail and beyond.*

• Life-threatening bleeding can occur anytime, whether it’s caused by a car crash, an accident in your home, or a natural disaster. If you know what to do to stop the bleeding, you can potentially save a life. Here are three methods to be familiar with.*

• Looking for a way to celebrate the start of spring? Savor handpicked wine selections from renowned vineyards featuring exclusive prices at Smoked and Robinson Room tonight (and every Wednesday) during Wine Down from 4-6 p.m.*

• Pro tip: Consolidate debt to lower your payments. Pay off credit cards, medical debt, and more. Calculate your monthly payments.*

• It’s the first day of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Shop deals like 30% off a Bose bluetooth speaker and 30% off women’s high-waist workout leggings.*