Pay station in level one of the P.J. Cannon Parking Deck|Photo by COLAtoday team
Columbia’s parking policies have come a long way since 1939, when the city introduced its first parking meters on Main Street. Back then, parking cost five cents for an hour or a penny for 12 minutes — rates that are now firmly in the rear view mirror.
On Tuesday, the City Council approved the first reading of a sweeping parking overhaul, expected to generate $17 million over five years. The proposed changes include:
On-Street Parking
Rates will increase from $0.75/hour to $1.50/hour (lowered from an initial $2 proposal).
Enforcement will extend to Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m., with an exemption for Soda City Market Saturdays until 2 p.m.
Parking Garages
The first hour will be free, but subsequent hours will cost more.
Fines and Violations
Average parking citations will rise from $42 to $68.
Overtime parking fines will increase from $8 to $25.
Parking in a fire lane will now cost $500, up from $20.
Historic Columbia’s Holiday House Tours | Times vary | Robert Mills House | Free for members or $18 | Tour guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th century.
Greek Dinner Night | 5-9 p.m. | Sour & Salt Bakery | $16+ | Order online or enjoy family-style dine-in with dishes like lamb, chicken, flatbread pizzas, spanikopita, wine, and Greek desserts.
Vista Lights presented by Prisma Health | 6-10 p.m. | The Vista | Free | Kick off the holiday season in the Vista with great food, live entertainment, and Santa.
“The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” | 8 p.m. | 520 Lady St., Columbia | $40 | Now back for a fourth time at Trustus, the 2023 cast of “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” returns under the direction of Robin Gottlieb.
Music in the Garden: Paisley Marie | 6-9 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Enjoy live music, try new drinks from the bar, and feel part of the local community.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Pictures with Santa Paws | Times vary | Modern Companion, Chapin | $40+ | Whether you want a picture of your new puppy’s first Christmas or the perfect family holiday card, Santa Paws is here for you.
Marshgrass Mamas + Admiral Radio | 7-11 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern | $15+ | Enjoy a night of Americana music in Five Points with the Marshgrass Mamas featuring Cary Ann Hearst of Shovels and Rope.
Gamecock Football vs. Wofford College Terriers | 4 p.m. | Williams-Brice Stadium | $45+ | Watch as the Gamecocks look to keep their winning streak alive heading into the annual Palmetto Bowl.
Spend the holidays with the ones you love by making fun memories at EdVenture.|Photos provided by EdVenture
Hey parents — we’ve found a gift that will keep on giving all year long. Enter: EdVenture memberships, your all-access pass to unlimited museum admission, exclusive events, discounts, and more.
At EdVenture, guests of all ages are invited to explore immersive, hands-on exhibits designed to spark a joy of curiosity and learning. Columbia highlights include:
Eddie | Learn about the body and how it works by climbing around inside this 40-ft-tall kid’s stomach, heart, and brain.
Flight Simulation | Climb into a real cockpit and experience the sensation of flying over the river into West Columbia.
Musical Tesla Coil | See this new mesmerizing performance of manufactured lightning and learn about the father of electricity.
World of Work | Try out different careers, from manning the tractor at Busy Bee Farm to working the register at the recently-renovated Publix Market.
Renderings of Columbia’s Bluff Road project, Station at Congaree Pointe, reveal plans for a farmers market, health care center, senior apartments, and government buildings like a police station and a courthouse. Construction begins in February 2025, with $4 million already secured and additional grants being pursued. (The State)
Open
Whataburger opened its first Columbia location at 202 Bridgeberry Ln. off Killian Road, featuring a 24-hour drive-thru and dining service. The Texas-based chain plans to add curbside pickup and delivery soon, expanding in SC to eight locations.
Number
$7.6 million — that’s how much City Council approved in FEMA-funded repairs for the Columbia Canal breach, awarding the contract to Dominion Energy. Work will address infrastructure damage from the 2015 flood.
Cause
The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Honor the Dream Food Drive runs through Monday, Dec. 9, benefiting Harvest Hope Food Bank. Drop off canned goods and dry food items at over 20 Columbia locations to honor Dr. King’s legacy of service.
Holiday
Starting Friday, Nov. 29, Prohibition on Main Street will transform into Sippin’ Santa, a festive pop-up bar with Christmas-themed cocktails, mugs, and holiday-inspired dishes. Open daily through Wednesday, Jan. 1, it promises a full holiday wonderland experience.
Sports
Is LaNorris Sellers the best QB in the SEC right now? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Edu
Calling all military families. Charleston Southern University, ranked among the “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans” by U.S. News & World Report, offers a welcoming environment + personalized support for every military-connected student. Learn more.*
Cause
Did you know? Lowes Foods is raising money for Hurricane Helene relief through Pouring for Neighbors. Head to any Beer Den in North Carolina or South Carolina to grab a pint of the craft beer on Tap No. 1, and $1 per pour will be donated to Feeding America.*
A sports gift your kids won’t put down: Dribbleup’s top-selling Smart Basketball. Unlock thousands of interactive drills led by real coaches — it’s 60% off for the holidays.*
Category
Development
đźš’ From hose to hotel
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new hotel with Gamecock Football coach Shane Beamer was held last week. |Photo by COLAtoday
Construction is officially underway for The Shepherd Hotel in the Vista, a 59-key boutique hotel set to transform the historic Columbia Central Fire Station in the shadow of the State House. Designed by Garvin Design Group and built by Mashburn Construction, the project is led by Raines, a hospitality management and development firm.
Scheduled to open in fall 2025, the adaptive reuse project will preserve key elements of the 1949-built fire station, while adding modern amenities like a fitness center, a lounge, and valet parking. The hotel will feature a food and beverage program led by James Beard nominee Kevin Johnson, blending small plates with craft cocktails.
This marks the second Shepherd Hotel in SC, following its Clemson debut in 2022. Like the Clemson location — you may remember from Netflix — the Columbia location will partner with CarolinaLIFE to provide career opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities, continuing its mission of inclusivity + community impact.
The Buy
The Buy
An oversized knit sweater that’s 52% off for Amazon’s early Black Friday sale. Get it in multiple colors, like almond, army green, and rust.
Happy anniversary to several local watering holes. Bar None is celebrating 30 years in Five Points with a party on Thursday, Dec. 12, while WECO Biergarten in West Columbia is celebrating its five-year anniversary on Saturday, Dec. 7 — the same day Steel Hands will celebrate its sixth anniversary. Cheers.
