Spring sips galore: Discover Columbia’s must-try spring menus at local coffee shops
Say hello to the Matcha Mojito... and then say goodbye as you sip on the new matcha drink. | Photo via @indahcoffee
Spring has sprung, meaning local coffee shops have released new flavors, syrups, and spring menus for Soda Citizens to enjoy. From strawberry cold foams to carrot cake chais — explore the latest flavors in Cola’s coffee scene.
Azalea Coffee Bar, 2700 Devine St., Columbia
Order the ‘Spring Fling Queen’ at Azalea Coffee — a cold brew that will remind you of a strawberry toaster strudel. Enjoy hints of vanilla almond syrup and a strawberry cold foam, topped off with a vanilla frosting drizzle.
The Spring Fling Queen | Photo by @azaleacoffeebar
Pro tip: if you order this before the end of March, you’ll be entered to win tickets to “Mean Girls” the Broadway show coming to The Koger Center from Tuesday, April 23 to Thursday, April 25.
Indah Coffee, 2238 Sumter St., Columbia
Check out these spring sips next time you’re in Cottontown:
Matcha Mojito — blending matcha, lime juice, and mint with a splash of bubbly Topo Chico.
The Salted Black Sesame Flat White — a blend of salt and black sesame for a nutty, umami-rich taste.
The Carrot Cake Chai — crafted with coconut, carrot juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon for a flavorful twist on a classic.
The Mint Cream Cold Brew — a concoction of mint and vanilla-infused cold brew, shaken with your choice of milk.
Sip on seasonal flavors like lavender, honey, bergamot, and more at Loveland Coffee. | Photo by @lovelandcoffee
Garden Asana Grass Roots Yoga | Wednesday, March 27-Thursday, March 28 | 8:15-9:15 a.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $15 | This class is for everyone, is breath-centric, and in-person with opportunities for personal adjustments and alignment guidance.
Nom Nom Namaste - A Celebration of Health and Wellness | Wednesday, March 13-Wednesday, April 24 | 12:30 p.m. | Good Life Cade, 1216 Taylor St., Columbia | $10 | Guests will receive a complimentary small smoothie and a healthy bite to enjoy.
Comedy + Beer at Old Mill Brewpub | Wednesday, March 27 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Old Mill Brewpub, 711 E. Main St., Ste. A3, Lexington | $15 | Laugh along with SC comedians and get there early to order pre-show food.
Thursday, March 14
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Town Theatre | Thursday, March 14-Friday, March 29 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Town Theatre, 1012 Sumter St., Columbia | $15-$25 | The show takes you on a journey of the renowned musical legend’s career.
Friday, March 29
The Night Shift at ReFind | Friday, March 29-Friday, Sept. 27 | 6-9 p.m. | ReFind , 718 S. Edisto Ave, Columbia | Free | A monthly night market hosted at the new Re•Find location in the Rosewood neighborhood, featuring local goods, antiques, food, music, and more.
Saturday, March 30
Carolina Cup | Saturday, March 30 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Springdale Race Course, 302 Knights Hill Rd., Camden | $50+ | Head to Camden for the 89th running of The Carolina Cup Races — horse racing, tailgating, and more.
Step into Spring Workout | Saturday, March 30 | 8:30-10 a.m. | Lululemon, 4840 Forest Dr., #5, Columbia | Free | Join Lululemon for a free, energetic morning workout, led by Lululemon ambassadors.
Countdown to the Columbia Fireflies’ opening week at Segra Park
Presented by a COLAtoday Partner
Join the Fireflies as they swing for the fences during their 2024 season, with post-game fireworks on select nights. | Photo provided by Columbia Fireflies
Get ready for a home run of fun at the Fireflies’ opening week starting Tuesday, April 9, with numerous themed nights slated for the summer. If you’re anything like us, you love a good schedule, so here’s a few games we’re eyeing:
NASCAR Night | Thursday, April 11 | Experience NASCAR Night presented by Darlington Raceway, featuring a post-game country concert by Reed Foley.
Princess Knight | Saturday, April 13 | Enjoy a royal celebration at Segra Park with your favorite princesses + a post-game fireworks show presented by Republic Services.
Star Wars Night | Saturday, May 11 | Watch the Fireflies battle the Dark Side on Star Wars Night, presented by Founders FCU
Harry Potter Night | Saturday, Sept. 7 | Travel to the Wizarding World of Segra Park.
In addition, the Human Cannonball will return along with Dino Weekend, and giveaways will be held every Friday.
More Vegan Cafe, a new restaurant located at 4622 N. Main St., hosted a grand opening last weekend and will be serving different vegan dishes from its famous Seafood Lasagna to its Low Country Boil, and more. Make sure to take a look at Ija Monet’s new mural on the exterior.
Sports
USC men’s basketball guard Meechie Johnson announced he will enter the transfer portal + test the NBA draft process. Johnson led the Gamecocks in scoring with 14.1 points per game, contributing to the NCAA tournament return after seven years.
Biz
Not Forgotten — a local vintage store — will close permanently tomorrow but will reopen as Rustic Haven on Monday, April 1 at Shoppes of Pontiac, taking over ReFind’s old location at 10509 Two Notch Rd. Happy vintage treasure hunting.
Real Estate
Pulte Homes introduced Carriage Estates, a new Lexington neighborhood near Lake Murray, offering six floor plans from the low $400,000s. Planned homes will feature four to six bedrooms + up to five and a half baths. (Columbia Business Report)
Edu
Goodwill Industries of the Upstate and Midlands SC is opening a tech academy in Greenville + Columbia. Classes will be taught by STEM-U, a company that “specializes in connecting partners to science, technology, engineering, and math” and will be held at Goodwill’s Hardscrabble Job Connection. (Greenville Journal)
Listen
South Carolina’s football program has a more business-like approach as spring practice begins. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Try This
So, you’re planning an event. With our self-service advertising options, you can create some buzz in Columbia + make sure people show up. Psst… Your listing could be featured in this newsletter in as little as two days. Rack in the RSVPs.
Asked
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so we’re sharing your questions about colon health, colorectal cancer, and screening options with Prisma Health colon health experts. (Think: Are there symptoms to watch out for? Who is most at risk for colorectal cancer?) Submit your questions for our next edition of Prisma Health On Call.*
Health
You know it, you love it. Caffeine is being added to lots of things these days, and there seems to be a coffee shop on every corner — but how does caffeine affect your health? Learn the pros and cons of caffeine from physicians.*
Try This
🏡 Tour local landmarks + landscapes
Explore Wales Garden through Historic Columbia’s Palladium Tour: Landmarks and Landscapes
A postcard featuring a street scene of Wales Garden from 1943 | Photo from Richland Library’s digital archives
Discover the diverse architectural styles of Wales Garden during the self-guided walking tour, offering Soda Citizens an opportunity to explore the historic neighborhood’s redesigned landscape.
Attendees will embark on a leisurely stroll from 1 to 4 p.m., followed by a lively block party featuring complimentary food, drinks, and live music from 4 to 6 p.m.
In between tour stops, attendees can explore Art in the Garden — a neighborhood festival featuring Columbia artists. Tickets are $35 for Palladium members, $40 for Historic Columbia members, and $50 for non-members.
The Buy
The Buy 3.27.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
New denim on Nordstrom Rack. We’re seeing great finds in women’s jeans from Joe’s, Good American, and Lucky Brand, all perfect for a spring refresh.
I always find rent prices fascinating, and I enjoyed reading this article from The State, written by Morgan Hughes, that rounded up the five most expensive apartments around Cola in March. Among the priciest options are The Cardinal in Forest Acres, The Lady on Lady Street, and The Palms Apartments. Can you guess the other two? I guessed one of them correctly when trying to see if I could name them before reading the article.
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