We took a look at just how walkable a block of Elmwood Park is. | Photo by @sodacityaerials
How walkable is Columbia, really?
Let’s say you’re looking to buy a new home in a Columbia neighborhood that you’re not completely familiar with. Or perhaps you have family members trying to figure out what’s near that local Airbnb they’re visiting soon.
An interactive map called “Close” helps determine if you can walk to specific destinations like supermarkets, parks, coffee shops, and schools in Cola — and how long those walks will take.
A local look
In this example, we’re looking at a block of Elmwood Park between Price Avenue and Bryan Street. We chose to look at this block’s distance from five destination types:
Parks | 6 minutes
Supermarkets | 8 minutes
Coffee shops | 10 minutes
Libraries | 23 minutes
Public schools | 9 minutes
You can also add a number of other destinations like public transit stops, restaurants, bars, and gyms.
Learn how to use the map yourself at the link below.
NEON Joy in Five Points | 6-9 p.m. | Five Points Fountain | Free | Bring a blanket and chairs for the Holiday Laser Light Show in the Five Points mural lot.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Jingle Bell Jazz | 7 p.m. | Trustus Theatre | $30 | Local jazz trumpeter Mark Rapp has prepared unique jazz arrangements of Christmas classics.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Modjeska Simkins Birthday Extravaganza | 6:30-10 p.m. | GROW | Free | Hear stories, live jazz, enjoy cake, and share a glass of port (Modjeska’s favorite).
A Thousand Horses | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $20 | Newberry natives Michael Hobby and Bill Satcher of A Thousand Horses return with their new single “Highway Sound,” blending Southern Rock, Classic Country, and Americana.
Saturday, Dec. 7
SC Gingerbread House Competition and Exhibition | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | AIA Columbia | Free | The second annual competition will showcase hand-crafted gingerbread creations from teams in the design/build community and professional bakers.
Uptown Holiday Hop | 4-8 p.m. | Uptown Columbia | Free | Join the Uptown Columbia Association and businesses from Elmwood, Earlewood, and Cottontown for a festive evening filled with local flavor, holiday cheer, and unique community spirit.
WECO Bottle and Biergarten 5th Anniversary | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | WECO Bottle and Biergarten, West Columbia | Free | Celebrate with a collab beer with Columbia Craft, food by La Dolce Vita Pizza and Tacos Oink Oink, and live music.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Christmas On The Mount | 6:30 p.m. | Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, West Columbia | Free | The 19th annual event features traditional and not-so-traditional Christmas music from local and regional musicians.
Comedian Nate Bargatze, known for his clean, relatable humor, brings his “2025 BIG DUMB EYES WORLD TOUR” to Colonial Life Arena on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Bargatze broke 20 arena records and sold over 1.2 million tickets in 2024. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 6.
Sports
Gamecock football standouts LaNorris Sellers and Kai Kroeger earned SEC Player of the Week honors after SC’s 17-14 Palmetto Bowl win over Clemson. Sellers racked up 330 yards and the game-winning touchdown, while Kroeger averaged 46.6 yards per punt.
Community
Columbia businesses and nonprofits are invited to join the city’s inaugural Holiday Decorating Contest. The public can vote for their favorite spruced-up storefronts for a chance for it to win a $500 prize. Register by Friday, Dec. 13. Public voting runs Monday, Dec. 16, to Sunday, Dec. 22, with winners announced Monday, Dec. 23.
Today Is
Today is #GivingTuesday — a day that encourages supporting local community organizations. Not sure where to start? There are plenty of great causes in Cola to support.
Civic
Lexington County invites residents to participate in its 2024 Citizen Engagement Study to guide public spending priorities. Share your anonymous responses by Friday, Dec. 20.
The Word
Oxford University Press announced its pick for Word of the Year — “Brain Rot.” Other finalists included “lore,” “dynamic pricing,” and “slop.” Counter the brain rot with a trip to the museum.
Listen
What LaMelo Ball’s latest injury means for the Charlotte Hornets season. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Charlotte Hornets with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Seasonal
It’s not too late to snag your tickets to the Junior League of Columbia’s Holiday Ball, happening this Friday, Dec. 6 at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. This exclusive 21+ event features private shopping, live music, delicious bites, and so much more.*
Shop
Looking for a last-minute gift? We found one that’s more than 60% off, can be delivered instantly + will last forever. That’s speaking our language. Shop the sale.*
Plan Ahead
Don’t let those leftovers go to waste. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when off you use the promo code “2025" at checkout.
Finance
If holiday shopping — on top of your outstanding debt — is weighing on you this season, find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*
Shop
Stroll through a wonderland of artisan booths showcasing handcrafted jewelry, art pieces, and homemade treats at the Meeting Street Holiday Artisan Market — it’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local artists. See the full schedule.*
Category
Cause
How you can help United Way change young lives
Presented by United Way of the Midlands
Help United Way create generational change this Giving Tuesday. | Photo provided by United Way of the Midlands
Launched in 2023, YMU provides high school students with mentorship, life skills, and academic support, helping young men like Tylige Scott, a freshman at South Carolina State University, reach their full potential.
For Tylige, the program has been life-changing. “It’s helped me become a better leader and role model,” he said. With guidance from YMU, Tylige is overcoming challenges and setting a powerful example for his peers.
Today, Dec. 3 is Giving Tuesday, and you can help make a difference by donating to the Campaign For Good to support students like Tylige. Every contribution furthers United Way’s mission to break down barriers and empower young people to achieve their goals.
These trendy cat eye sunglasses — because you can never have too many pairs. They boast scratch resistant lenses + 400UV protection. Bonus: Your purchase helps provide those in need with free eye exams + glasses.
With so many events happening this week, don’t forget about First Thursday on Main which includes a Holiday Art Market in the Arcade Mall. The winter edition of this monthly event begins at 5 p.m. in Boyd Plaza with music from DJ Maya Wang and the Wassa Pan Afrika Dance Ensemble headlining the evening.
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