Rockaway Athletic Club + Yesterdays Restaurant & Tavern

• Both of these now defunct gems were among the most popular Cola spots that hold nostalgia, including on our Instagram and Facebook feeds. “This is the only right answer,” said @thecrediblehulk803.
• Myers T. is nostalgic for the cheeseburger and pimento cheese fries from Rockaway, while @ralexsmith4 shouted out Rockaway’s pimento burger. Dozens of locals agreed. Truly, there was nothing like Rockaway’s pimento cheese — come back to us.
• Yesterdays brings back mouthwatering memories: Phyllis O. misses the meatloaf while Irish P. dreams of the country fried steak. Jeffrey S. remembers the Arkansas Traveler and Chicken + Grits.

Other spots

• The Whig (RIP, sweet friend) stirs up feelings: Kevin S. dreams of the gravy fries while David J. often thinks of the chicken sandwich. Justin V. misses the burger. We’re with you.
• Dean G. said he’s hankering for the double cheeseburger with onion rings from Mack’s Cash Grocery — time for a visit, Dean.
• Amy K. has a sweet spot for a slice of cake from Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe and said the queso + chips from Cantina 76 also bring her to a “happy place.”
• Ed S. said he’d “sure love one more Sandy’s Super Slaw Dog with a side of potato salad” from Sandy’s Famous Hot Dogs.
• Lizzie W. and other readers said the chicken fingers from Hooligan’s would be their nostalgic meal of choice.
• Pat D. said she’ll always miss Garibaldi’s Five Points — especially the crispy flounder.
• Many COLAtoday readers said they’d love a meal from El Burrito, Tapp’s, Blue Cactus, Basil Pot, The Golden Crown, Captain’s Kitchen, Groucho’s, and Elite Epicurean.

• “Bad News Bears” | Wednesday, July 3 | 10 a.m. | Nickelodeon Theater, 1607 Main St., Columbia | $5-$7 | Watch the classic underdog flick as part of The Nick’s Kids Summer Movies series — and score a $5 snack deal at concessions.
• Columbia Fireflies vs. Augusta GreenJackets | Wednesday, July 3 | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $6-$18 | Celebrate Independence Day with $5 White Claws at Segra Park and enjoy a post-game fireworks show.*

• Irmo’s Inclusive Independence Day Celebration | Thursday, July 4 | 7-10 p.m. | Irmo Community Park, 7507 Eastview Dr., Irmo | Free | Eat hot dogs, groove to music, and watch a laser light show instead of fireworks when it gets dark.
• Fireworks with the Phil | Thursday, July 4 | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $10-$25 | The Columbia Fireflies and SC Philharmonic Orchestra lead this patriotic celebration that includes fireworks + a rendition of the “1812" overture.

• City of Columbia Food Truck Fridays | Friday, July 5 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | REI Co-Op Parking Lot, Bull St., corner of Bull and Colonial, Columbia | Grab lunch from a variety of local food trucks.
• “The Prom” | Friday, July 5 | 8 p.m. | Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St., Columbia | $35 | Four fading Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage look to snag the spotlight in this fun musical.

• If you spot a flashy sports car, it may belong to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. The department is rolling out 17 Ford Mustang GTs to be used by the Community Action Team as a way to connect with locals across regions — from Dutch Fork Road to Lower Richland. (WLTX)

• In case you missed it — Lexington local Mary Elle Marchant was crowned Miss South Carolina Teen 2024 and won a $12,500 saving bond. Meanwhile, Edgefield native Davis Wash won the title of Miss South Carolina 2024 and a $60,000 scholarship; she’ll compete in Miss America next. (ABC Columbia + The State)

• The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden announced the death of Charlie, their beloved giraffe that had been suffering from ongoing health concerns. The zoo said Charlie — who fathered seven calves — was always known to “delight guests with his grace, charm, and love for lettuce” on the giraffe feeding platform.

• Richland County government offices will be closed tomorrow for the Fourth of July, as well as recycling + trash drop-off sites. Also, Thursday curbside trash collection routes will pause until Friday, July 5, and all regularly scheduled collections the rest of the week will be delayed by one day.

• Final Victory Animal Rescue has put together a wish list of donations it could use, including canned chicken + tuna, Purina One wet or dry food, and squeaky toys. The items can be dropped off at the West Columbia facility daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. — 919 N. Lucas St.

• Day one of free agency was chaotic for the Hurricanes — they parted ways with five players from the 2023-2024 team and welcomed five new faces. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Hurricanes with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

• Summer in South Carolina can be brutal, and older adults are particularly vulnerable. Learn why they’re more prone to heat-related injuries + how to stay safe in the sweltering heat.*