Put your favorite spots on the map — literally. | Map via Proxi
We’re putting together a map of unofficial locations that deserve a historical marker. We can’t wait to show you the finished product, but in the meantime, we thought we’d share a submission:
“Claussen’s. As a youngster growing up in the Five Points area of Columbia, I fondly recall the warm aroma of baking bread wafting about Greene Street in the afternoon. Each afternoon, I’d often make the trek on foot from the old Columbia High School on Marion Street near downtown to our home in Shandon... As I approach my 84th year, I’ll return to my roots in my mind... drawn by the fragrant smell of baked bread of Claussen’s Bakery.” — Tom B.
There’s still time to put your favorite location on the map. Submit your unofficial historical marker to our local map by clicking the button below. You have until Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Locals Giving Show | 6:30 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern | Free | Hear music from local artistsYosef, Mel Washington, Hillmouse, and Whistler.
A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $39+ | Prepare to be enchanted by some of the world’s finest Irish dancers and musicians bringing the spirit of Christmas to life in a show that will make you laugh, cry, and sing into the night.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Small Business Saturday — Holiday Market | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Community Artisan & Farmers Market (Inside Village at Sandhills) between Books A Million and Massage Envy | Free | Shop local from 70 vendors.
Mandala Magic: A Mindful Drawing Workshop | 2:30-5 p.m. | Loveland Coffee, Irmo | $59 | Explore the art of mandala drawing, a form of mindful meditation that focuses the mind and relaxes the spirit through intricate, repetitive patterns, and designs.
Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) | 12-7 p.m. | Bierkeller Brewing Company | Free | The markets feature local vendors, specialty foods, classic Christmas and other live music, festive lights, hot mulled Glühwein, hot chocolate, and of course, beers.
Happy Thanksgiving. However you celebrate, we hope you enjoy a day of rest, reflection, and community. We here at COLAtoday are thankful for our city, and the fact that there’s always plenty to talk about. How ‘bout those new parking rates?
Community
SCDOT will host a public drop-in meeting on the Assembly Street railroad separation project Wednesday, Dec. 11, 5–7 p.m., at 701 Whaley. Learn and share feedback about proposed rail crossing alternatives + road improvements aimed at reducing train-related traffic congestion.
Shop
Half-off tickets to St. Pat’s in Five Points go on sale at midnight Black Friday, Nov. 29, through Cyber Monday, Dec. 2. General admission is $15, and race registration is $35 during this limited-time deal.
State
We’re seeing green. According to voting results from Zippia, South Carolina’s favorite Thanksgiving side is collard greens. The overall favorite dish in the US is mashed potatoes, followed closely by rolls. More savory stats here. (Greenville News)
Ranked
The 2025 Best Cities list just dropped and Columbia isn’t on the list. What gives? Let us know where you think Lexington should have ranked and why.
Sports
Canes Complete 6-4 dramatic comeback win over Stars. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Hurricaneswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Remember all the scammy weight loss ads from the ‘90s that promised “magical results” (but never delivered)? Well, thanks to Hers and GLP-1s — the ingredient behind Ozempic® and Wegovy® — we’re not that far off. Start your weight loss journey. Read website disclaimers for important consumer information.*
Finance
Transform your Capital City dreams into reality with Fruition. Tired of juggling Gamecock tickets and monthly bills? Break free from financial stress with Fruition. Gain crystal-clear insights into your spending, savings, and investments in a single personal finance dashboard. Get 20% off your first three months with code 6AMCOLA.*
Category
Eat
Last minute local recipes
A Thanksgiving spread from Spotted Salamander. | Photo by Spotted Salamander
Today is Thanksgiving, and we hope we aren’t alone in our last-second preparations of having to clean the house, finalize the dinner menu, and prepare to be the hostess of the mostess.
If you’re frantically calling relatives trying to track down the perfect Thanksgiving side recipe, no need — we’ve got you covered. We found several classic, local cookbooks put together by Soda Citizens from the 1940s, 50s, and 90s.
Though we’re sharing three dishes with you today, we encourage you to browse the cookbooks for yourself to find the perfect southern side to go along with your turkey.
Cookbook: “Favorite recipes of the Woman’s Club of Columbia, South Carolina” Year: 1947 Dish: Corn pudding by Mrs. A.B. Langley
Cookbook: “Relishing recipes from rural Richland” Year: 1950 Dish: Chicken or Turkey Dressing by Mrs. Lizzie Jeffers
A Black Friday sale on the No. 1 bestselling clog on Amazon: Crocs. Buy the Crocs classic clog for up to 45% off in select sizes and colors. Psst — They would make a great holiday gift, too.
Happy Thanksgiving, Cola! I’m in Ann Arbor, MI visiting family and we stopped by the Dexter Cider Mill to grab some apple donuts and apple cider. The first bite took me back to stopping into Windy Hill Orchard in York growing up. Don’t hesitate to have an extra piece of pie today.