08.23.2024

Today’s Forecast

83º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:51 a.m. | Sunset 8:00 p.m.
Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Cola’s do’s and don’ts

Unwritten rules of Columbia

Star Statehouse.png — The star is part of the iconography on the Gamecock’s 2024 football uniforms.
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Photo via Historic Columbia

Whether you’re a Cola native or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every Soda Citizen understands to be true.

We asked our readers to share Columbia’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo. You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from Columbia, these might be a little difficult to explain.

The unspoken rule everyone knows

“The first unwritten rule of Columbia is to not talk about the unwritten rules of Columbia.” — @matt.Lewis79

“It is called famously hot for a reason.” Raymond K.

“It’s okay to turn right at a red light.” — Ann H.

“You know what those stars on the outside of the State House represent.” — @sandylaneyphotography

The inside walls of Andy’s Deli are like a museum of Columbia and Gamecock history.
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Photo by COLAtoday

We’re kind to our neighbors

“You’ll hear “Hello my friend,” “hello my dear” before eating deliciousness” — @margaret_ruth

We’ve learned a thing or two from commuting

“Stagger with other vehicles when driving across the Gervais bridge. It’s Jervay and U-Gee.” — Kathryn F.

“DON’T STOP MOVING IN MALFUNCTION JUNCTION” — @jaymesonhope

Sometimes you just have to laugh

If you’re a local, “you know how to pronounce Huger and Gervais.” – @fordboydbailey

“Non-locals pronunciation of Huger St using ‘hew-Ger’” — Roy C

“Huger is pronounced U G” — Ann H

Two words

“Dog West” — @myowngirlfriday

“Chicken Man” — @alyssalfarris

“Loose Lucy’s!” — @samanthacbrown

“Be kind” — Albert H.

“Avoid trains” — Raul X.

We remember when…

“The Whig” — @enchantpix

“You know where Rockaway’s is.” — @d_cantelmi

95994777_1102962630073818_4551445574727690712_n — Strawberry picking at Cottle Farms.
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Image via @daniswinda

Cola’s pro tips

“Hit up the restaurants in Five Points and Devine Street when USC is NOT in session for the least wait times.” — Linda L.

“Cottle farms has the freshest strawberries, in season!” — Roy C.

Uncover more local secrets

Asked

Do you have your own unwritten rule book?

Fill us in

Events

Friday, Aug. 23

Gentle Morning Yoga on Boyd Plaza | Friday, Aug. 23 | 7-8 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | The class takes place on Boyd Plaza and can be taken on a mat or sitting in a chair; both will be provided.
Live Music in the Garden | Friday, Aug. 23 | 6-9 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost Cottontown | Free | Enjoy the sounds of local musicians Sam and Illia at this chill listening event.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fredricksburg Nationals | Friday, Aug. 23 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $6-$18 | Go for the gold: Flip Cup, Slap Cup, Water Pong, and more will be part of the Happy Dad Seltzer Games.*

Saturday, Aug. 24

Truck Convoy for Special Olympics | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 9 a.m. | South Carolina State Fairgrounds | Free | Join in as truckers, escorted by law enforcement, drive across I-77 to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics.
Main Street Latin Festival | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Main Street District | Free | Get ready to see Main Street filled with the sounds of Latin music, folkloric dancers, food, and more.
Soda City Comic Convention | Saturday, Aug. 24-Sunday, Aug. 25 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | $5-$40 | Enjoy the best in comics, toys, cosplay, gaming, and artists.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fredricksburg Nationals | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $6-$18 | It’s Faith + Family Night: Enjoy some family time at Segra Park with a post-game fireworks show.*

Sunday, Aug. 25

SC Philharmonic | Sunday, Aug. 25 | 2 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $30 | The SC Philharmonic will present the “Star Wars: A New Hope” in Concert featuring screenings of the complete film with Oscar-winning composer John Williams’ score performed live.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fredricksburg Nationals | Sunday, Aug. 25 | 5:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $6-$18 | It’s Women in Sports Night: Cheer on the Fireflies as they honor the work of all the women who continue to pave the way forward in the sports industry.*

More weekend fun

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Opening

Cosmic Flower, a vintage and handmade shop, is opening a pop-up location in the Main Street District, across from Good Life Cafe. The new spot will be open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Monday, Sept. 16.

Coming Soon

Old Skool Outfitter, a vintage clothes retailer, is opening its new location in the Vista on Saturday at 11 am. Throughout the summer the new shop has been a vendor at Soda City Market.

Sports

Here’s your chance to get on the field at Williams-Brice Stadium. USC’s Forever Garnet program offers exclusive gameday experiences, including on-field photos, sideline pictures with Cocky, and special videoboard messages.

Traffic

Irmo’s town council adopted an ordinance requiring a traffic analysis for developments generating over 50 car trips per hour. The move follows the planning commission’s rejection of a 550-home project due to traffic concerns. (The State)

Environmental

The City of Columbia, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, selected nine youth-led projects for the 2024 Youth Climate Action Fund. These initiatives focus on sustainability, stormwater management, and emissions reduction.

Finance

Good news: Rates are expected to go down soon. Compare fixed-rate loans and HELOCs to find your best way to borrow — calculate your payment.*

Sports

The Locked On team previews the 2024 SEC season. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Older Adults

Did you know? Circadian lighting can benefit people with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related illnesses. Studies show that it often improves sleep patterns, reduces behavioral symptoms, and enhances mood + cognitive function. Learn more.*

Shop

These THC gummies tap into the body’s endocannabinoid system and get you feeling right within five minutes. Get 20% off with code FIRST20.*^†

Concert

🪕 Folk yeah

Columbia Museum of Art launches lunchtime folk series

Jeff and Kelley Gregory of The Runout play earnest Americana/folk music. | Photo by David Stringer

Add a little harmony to your lunch with the Lunchtime Folk Music Series at Boyd Plaza. Starting in fall, Sean Thomson curated a lineup of local folk artists to play each Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 11 | The Water Kickers + The Runout
Grab lunch from Heaven’s Cuisine while enjoying intricate harmonies of The Water Kickers and alt-country introspection of Jeff and Kelley Gregory of The Runout.

Friday, Oct. 18 | Admiral Radio + Branham Lowther
Pick up a meal from Venezuelan Good Food and savor the Americana styles of Admiral Radio and the masterful guitar picking of Branham Lowther.

Friday, Oct. 25 | The Post-Timey String Band + The Sound of Joy Band
Enjoy Tacos Oink Oink with quirky folk and world-fusion vibes.

Friday, Nov. 1 | Saul Seibert + Zach Seibert
Pair The Wurst Wagen with jazz-infused gypsy sounds of Saul Seibert and gritty old-school country of his brother Zach.

The series is supported by the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation.

The Buy

The Buy 8.23.24 (Affiliate)

REI’s Labor Day sale is here. It runs until Monday, Sept. 2 + includes deals like:

⛺ $60 off the REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent

☀️ 25% off the ENO SingleNest hammock

🥾 20% off the Danner Mountain 600 insulated hiking boots

More REI deals worth The Buy

The Wrap

David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

The crisp, cool air has me craving something new to kickstart my day. One of my favorite local spots, Curiosity Coffee Bar, just unveiled limited-edition drinks crafted by their baristas. That Cold Brew Old Fashioned is calling my name.

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