🛍️ Small Business Saturday | Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally-owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30. If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year, check out our list of some of City Editor Sam + City Editor David’s favorite small businesses in town — and some extra suggestions from our followers.
🚒 From hose to hotel | Construction is officially underway on 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.
🥧 A pecan pie to try | These sweet and buttery tree nuts have been falling over the place in the Midlands, so grab yours from one of these local farms that will shell ‘em and sell ‘em. After you get your nuts, here are a few local pecan pie recipes to try out this holiday season.
Events
Events
Saturday, Nov. 30
Shop Pink Friday and Black Friday on Devine | Thursday, Nov. 21-Monday, Dec. 2 | The Devine District | Free | “Pink Friday” runs through Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, reminding everyone to shop local for the holidays.
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 | Get your one-of-a-kind holiday items, as well as fresh baked goods, fresh bread, coffee, and more.
Santa Saturdays | Saturday, Nov. 30-Saturday, Dec. 21 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $10 | Meet Santa at the museum and enjoy holiday fun with friends and family during Santa Saturdays.
Historic Columbia’s Holiday House Tours | Thursday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Jan. 5 | Times vary | Robert Mills House | $15+ | Tour guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th century.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Sweet Seasons Christmas Tree Lighting | 5-8 p.m. | Lowes Food Shopping Center, Forest Acres | Free | Enjoy pictures with holiday characters, face painting, balloon animals, free hot chocolate, live music, and more.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Midlands Clay Arts Society 2024 Holiday Sale | Thursday, Dec. 5-Saturday, Dec. 7 | Times vary | Stormwater Studios | Free | Local ceramic artists will showcase their sculptural, functional, and whimsical wheel-thrown and hand-built ceramic art.
A banana duct-taped to a wall sold for $6.2 million this month. We’re not art critics, but we’re pretty sure you don’t need to pay that much to see good art around the Soda City. (Smithsonian Magazine)
Trending
Between Chicago’s Jeremy Allen White doppelganger + New York’s Timothee Chalamet twin, we’re left wondering when Columbia will host its own celebrity lookalike contest — any Leon Bridges lookalikes out there? In the meantime, read up on more famous people who have visited Cola. (CNN)
Ranked
Retirees welcome. Columbia is the No. 78 top place to retire, at least according to a study by US News & World Report. Check out some of our favorite adult classes to take for retired locals.
Real Estate
Our state is full of young and rich people — and we’re not just complimenting you. According to this study, SC is the No. 6 state where the young and wealthy move. But how difficult is it for folks to buy a home in Columbia? (Stacker)
Seasonal
Join the Junior League of Columbia for their annual Holiday Market at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, from Thursday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 8. Shop for unique gifts from 160+ vendors, dance the night away at a Holiday Ball and enjoy “Sundaes with Santa.” See the full lineup.*
City Guide
City Guide
🧳 Pack your bags
A neon light above the couch in the living room that features lyrics from the Golden Girl’s theme song. | Photo via AirBnB
We all need a staycation or a trip to a different city from time to time. Whether you’re a Soda Citizen feeling a little cooped up or a visitor looking for a special Cola experience, picking the perfect home away from home is crucial.
We went looking for unique places to stay around town that showcase that Soda City spirit. So choose your ideal digs, pack your bags, and get ready for a memorable getaway.
Looking for a unique staycation spot in Cola? This Golden Girls-themed Airbnb condo in the heart of Five Points can sleep up to four guests, offering two bedrooms with queen-sized beds and one bathroom. With vintage-inspired decor, guests can expect touches like a pink candy machine with complimentary treats, a fully equipped kitchen with a Nespresso machine, free parking for one vehicle, and fun details like eclectic wallpapers and games.
Yourfavorite thing on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing goodies like fluffy mittens and paint-by-numbers portraits. Psst — Oprah’s also picked finds from small businesses, like a hot chocolate collection made by Asheville, NC’s French Broad Chocolate.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving + has big plans to shop for gifts during Small Business Saturday. If you don’t know where to start this morning, head to Soda City — our local market featuring over 150 vendors. From art to handmade jewelry, totes, and goodies, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone.
