When you have guests, you feed them. It’s only polite. | Joe Myers via Wikimedia Commons
Our local skies house everything from warblers to woodpeckers. So how can you invite them to your garden?
Feed them, of course. Late winter to early spring is a crucial time for putting out birdfeeders, as natural food sources may be depleted. Let’s fly through some need-to-knows to keep you popular with the local birds.
Seed feeders are the most versatile. Black-oil sunflower seeds appeal to the greatest number of birds, according to the Audubon Guide to Bird Feeding. They’ve also got homemade recipes that everyone will be chirping about.
Suet (or beef fat) is a high-energy treat for bug eaters, and you can make a DIY feeder from an onion bag. Be warned: Warmer weather turns suet cakes rancid, which keeps birds away.
Nectar feeders give hummingbirds and orioles a sweet treat. Opt for a low-capacity feeder to make sure you’re cleaning it regularly.
You want to give songbirds an easy meal — not squirrels, cats, or birds of prey — so set up the perfect perch.
The magic numbers for a feeder pole are 30 feet from any windows and 10 feet from cover, particularly native plant cover. In fact, you can even spruce up your garden with bird-friendly plants.
Pro tip: If you don’t have a backyard, our rivers attract hundreds of species of birds. At Congaree National Park alone, one can spot nearly 200 different species, from the Hairy Woodpecker to Wood Ducks.
Maintenance
Monitoring your feeders is key to keeping the local ecosystem healthy. Clean seed feeders every two weeks, and keep an eye out after rain.
Where can I find other bird-watching enthusiasts in Cola?
Where should those looking to learn more about birds or simply find local folks to bird-watch with start their search? Think: Clubs, Facebook groups, events... etc.
Sip & Plant Workshop: Spooky Terrarium | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | $35 | Get into the Halloween spirit with this fun and creative event where you can sip on your favorite beverage while planting your very own terrarium.
Prosecco Tuesdays|Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Grill Marks - COLA | Bring on the bubbly and enjoy $2 glasses of Prosecco all day, every Tuesday — perfect for a midweek treat or fun night out with friends.*
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Wes Fulmer Collaboration Dinner | 6-8 p.m. | Hampton Street Vineyard | $125 | Wes Fulmer and Hampton Street Vineyard are collaborating on a four-course dinner paired with six wines from HSV’s deep cellar.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Not-so-Spooky Halloween Stroll | 2 p.m. | Richland County Public Library (Main Branch) | Free | Dress your family in their costumes and head downtown to celebrate Halloween with a trick-or-treat stroll through the library.
10 Minute Play Festival | Times vary | University of South Carolina | $10 | Enjoy a fast-paced evening of laughter, heartbreak, and everything in between.
20th Annual Palladium Silent Auction | Bidding & BBQ | 6:30-10 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens | $50 | A wide variety of unique gifts and experiences will be up for auction, as well as an added dose of history.
Frightmare on Main Street | 5-10 p.m. | Curiosity Coffee Bar | $10 | Stroll through a night of Halloween fun, music, prizes, local food, costumes, and more.
Earlier this month, we attended the preview party and had an amazing time during this French-themed cocktail hour. With bites from City Grit and live music by Flat Out Strangers, it was a night at the museum to remember.
Now through Sunday, Jan. 5, you’re invited to visit the museum to see this collection of 50+ stunning works by artistic icons, like:
You can see for yourself how each piece paints an unforgettable picture of how art evolved from delicate realism to eye-popping abstraction, with each brushstroke telling a story of breaking boundaries and daring to see the world differently.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is looking to expand its Bridge to the Wild project into Phase Two and provided updates to The Post and Courier. Phase One of the $80 million project is complete and Phase Two will include an airlifted cable car experience for guests + a new restaurant overlooking the Saluda River.
Festival
The SC Korean Festival will take place this Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., at 1412 Richland St. The festival celebrates Columbia’s Korean community and will feature dances, taekwondo demonstrations, a K-Pop dance contest, and more. Admission is free. (Cola Daily)
Community
Local nonprofit the Living Wright Foundation raised $10,000 and came together with locals to develop a new community garden along Chestnut Street. The garden features raised beds, and thanks to volunteers this past weekend, radishes, kale, collards, and more. The nonprofit hopes to expand this project and create more like it. (WLTX)
Sports
The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament will continue to be in Greenville for 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028. President + CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC Heath Dillard said, “Enhancing our sports events pipeline remains a priority, delivering substantial economic benefits to our community and exceptional entertainment for residents and visitors alike.” (Fox Carolina)
Listen
The Hurricanes split the first two games of the road trip. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Hurricaneswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Optimal health isn’t just about your physical body — maintaining the mind-body connection is essential for your overall well-being, too. Learn about the connection between physical and emotional health.*
Travel
For a limited time, save up to 50% on a AAA Membership — and add an additional driver for free or at a discounted rate. Members access AAA Roadside Assistance 24/7/365, plus savings on flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and more with AAA Travel. Join AAA before this deal ends.*
Finance
It’s time to take a break from your high-interest debt. For one of the longest no-interest periods on a balance transfer card experts have seen in a while,check this out.*
Eat
Eat
🍷 Wine + dine
If the weather permits, we recommend dining on Hampton Street Vineyard’s patio. | Photo via Hampton Street Vineyard
Fall or these farm-to-table, autumnal dinners + dishes featuring local ingredients or prepared by local chefs.
Dinner preview | Chef Wes Fulmer and Hampton Street Vineyard’s sommelier, Jonathan Lopez are collaborating on a five-course dinner paired with five wines from HSV’s cellar.
Dinner preview | Dine outdoors at the pavilion at Blythewood Presbyterian Church and enjoy local ingredients prepared tapas-style by a local chef. You will be served multiple courses, wine + a signature cocktail.
Dinner preview | The War Mouth, Fabel Farms, Deckle Edge Farms, and Wild Hope Farms are collaborating to offer a Farm-to-Table dinner. Enjoy pasture-raised beef, local honey, and other produce right from the farm.
Price | $85+
The Buy
The Buy
This 4-in-1 car charger. It plugs into your car’s auxiliary power outlet and includes retractable USB-C and Lightning cables as well as USB-C and USB-A ports so you can charge up to four devices at once.
In case you missed it — there’s a new coffee shop in town. City Editor David tried the new location on Friday.
Hendrix The Bus Coffee Shop is now open at 1920 Blossom St. in Five Points next to Blossom Plant & Produce. Serving from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., try out one of the unique drinks like a Horchata Latte or a Mazapán Cold Brew at this new coffee shop on wheels.
City Editor David here — I tried the Nutty Delight Latte with Mazapán and 10/10 would again.
