A neon light above the couch in the living room that features lyrics from the Golden Girl’s theme song.|Photo via AirBnB
Choosing a place to stay on a trip is one of the most important parts of the planning process.
We suggest picking some digs with character if you want the full Columbia experience, so we scouted out some options that will set the stage for an unforgettable time.
Rooms with a view
Moxy Hotel, Corner of Main and Gervais Street The Moxy Hotel is located in Columbia’s second skyscraper, originally constructed in 1913. After years of renovations, the stylish new hotel will open in December offering views of the State House and include a rooftop bar.
Wake up, grab your fishing rod, and cast it from your front door.
Photo by SC State Parks
Retreats on the water
Waterfront Rondettes, Santee State Park Stay lakeside in one of Santee State Park’s unique rondette-style cabins, perched on piers over Lake Marion. Each round cabin offers sunset views, cozy fireplaces, and modern amenities — perfect for anglers and outdoor lovers seeking a rustic escape right on the water.
City of Columbia Food Truck Fridays | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | REI Co-Op Parking Lot | Grab lunch from a variety of local food trucks lined up at the REI Co-op parking lot.
International Festival on Greene | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | University of South Carolina | Free | Celebrate cultures from around the world with music, conversation, dancing, and creative displays all by walking down Greene Street by the Russell House.
Philosophy of Five Points | 5:30-9 p.m. | Five Points | Free | Visit ten unique Cola Love activations nestled within Five Points shops, where art, philosophy, and local culture merge in surprising and delightful ways.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Soda City Market | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Main Street | Free | Find everything to satisfy your brain, body, and belly — and made with love by local vendors.
Gamecocks Football vs. Missouri Tigers | 4:15 p.m. | Williams-Brice Stadium | $75+ | The Gamecocks keep their playoff hopes alive against Missouri in this top-25 matchup.
Sunday, Nov. 17
University Hill Walking Tour | 1 p.m. | Graduate by Hilton | $10 | The tour will last approximately 75 minutes and begin and end at the Graduate by Hilton.
Pro tip: Come early to enjoy live performances, shop local, and grab one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for your loved ones. | Photos by Tony Claremont
It’s that time of year again, COLA. The 39th annual Vista Lights event returns on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 6 to 10 p.m. to kick off the holidays.
Presented by Prisma Health, this festive tradition brings together more than 60 galleries, shops, and restaurants to showcase holiday treasures + delicious treats in the Vista. Parts of Gervais, Park, and Lincoln streets will be transformed into a winter wonderland (and closed to traffic).
The Vista has planned an evening full of family fun, featuring:
In the spirit of giving, The Vista is partnering with Blue Marlin to support families in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. You can help by donating new, unwrapped toys and dropping them off in the trailer outside Blue Marlin.
Yu Noodles, a new restaurant specializing in soup dumplings and Chinese dishes, has opened in northeast Columbia’s Village at Sandhill. Take a lookat the menu before you try it. (The State)
Eat
Columbia’s own Chef Ambassadors Jessica Shillato and Javier Uriarte, joined by Chef Michael Sibert, will bring SC’s flavors to New York City’s James Beard Foundation Platform on Wednesday, Nov. 20. This one-night-only event highlights Palmetto state staples like Carolina Gold rice, Adluh cornbread, and Lowcountry blue crab.
Legacy
Columbia native and Wofford College alum Craig Melvin will take over as co-anchor of NBC’s “TODAY” show, succeeding Hoda Kotb. Melvin, who began his broadcasting career at WIS, will officially step into the role on Wednesday, Jan. 13, joining fellow anchor Savannah Guthrie. (NBC News)
Outdoors
Make plans to get outdoors the day after Thanksgiving. SC state parks will offer free admission on Friday, Nov. 29, including several historic home tours. Roadtrip to sites like Rose Hill, Redcliffe, and Hampton Plantations, which are offering free tours. Reserve your spot.
Transit
SCDOT is seeking public input on its 2024 Statewide Rail Plan, assessing SC’s rail needs and opportunities to expand rail service over the next 20 years. Comments are open until Saturday, Dec. 14 via mail or email.
Sports
Tidjane Salaun benched and Vasa Micic returns in the latest Hornets rotation. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Finance
High interest rates are a major concern, and paying down debt is a top priority for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Say hello to KilgourMD, a hair growth solution that’s the ultimate fusion of cutting-edge science and gentle, plant-based ingredients. Grab the bundle for 15% off + free shipping.*
Category
Eat
You’re invited to a hassle-free holiday feast
Presented By Gregory's at Solina
Gather around the table for a Thanksgiving feast you’ll remember.|Photo provided by Gregory’s at Solina
Skip the holiday hustle of cooking for hours, and enjoy a cozy, stress-free Thanksgiving at Gregory’s at Solina instead — no prep or cleanup required.
You can celebrate Thanksgiving on the green for Feast, Fairways, and Family, where guests are invited to gather around a table filled with seasonal favorites, crafted to be savored and shared.
Pro tip: Tables are filling up quickly, so make a reservation to secure a spot at this festive gathering.
The best early Black Friday deals added this week to Nordstrom. We’re seeing: athletic leggings, SKIMS bodysuits, ballet flats, cashmere gloves, and kitten heels.
Before the “Battle of Columbia” on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium, you’ll have the opportunity to get an up-close look at two new Scout vehicles set to be produced in the Midlands. The concept models of the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck will be displayed outside the stadium’s Northwest Gate (Mitchell Gate) by the Lloyd Family Courtyard at the corner of Bluff Road and George Rogers Boulevard. Starting in 2027, the factory will begin producing 200,000 vehicles annually.
