Did you search “Where to vote” this year? So did the rest of the US — but this is what Soda Citizens were googling on a more local level. | Photo via @rcarter315
It may come as no surprise that “Mob Wife Aesthetic” was one of the most-searched terms on Google this year, under food + lifestyle, but what about the fact that one of Columbia’s top searches was “Solar eclipse glasses near me?” Forgot about that? It happened back in early April.
2024’s Google Year in Search is out, and its local search function provides an interesting peek into our city’s queries. Take a look at what we were searching most this year (plus, our answers to your searches — we may not be Google, but we know a thing or two about where to find Cola’s top tacos).
Unique local searches
Top trending matches | Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul
Top trending song | “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
Five top trending “near me” searches in the Columbia area
Holiday Market | Wednesday, Dec. 18 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Richland Library Main | Free | Browse a charming array of handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and seasonal décor from local vendors.
Ask the Gardener Happy Hour | 4-6 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost — Cottontown | Free | Bring your questions, share your experiences, and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Greek Dinner Night | Thursday, Dec. 19, Tuesday, Jan. 7, Wednesday, Jan. 8 | 5-8 p.m. | Sour & Salt Bakery | $16 | Order online for pick-up, delivery, or join in for a family-style meal.
Stroller Tour: French Moderns | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free with membership or admission | Fussy, crying, or wiggly babies are welcome.
Sunday, Dec. 22
“Nutcracker” - South Carolina Ballet | Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Koger Center for the Arts | $35+ | Enjoy a magical holiday evening filled with ballet, romance, and a festive classic.
If you’ve felt the love for our product, support us by sending a donation. | Graphic by 6AM City
Has COLAtoday made an impact on your life this year? Did you find that life-changing concert in our Events section? Or use our City Guides to find recommendations on how to spend the perfect day with your family? Or impress your dinner guests with all the details of that new development in town?
If that was you, we couldn’t be more honored to be a part of your life. Would you be willing to show some love for our team?
The Gamecock Men’s basketball team defeated the Clemson Tigers 91 to 88 inside of Colonial Life Arena last night. The game went into overtime after the Tigers banked in a three-pointer with less than a second on the clock, tying the game 80 to 80. Go Cocks.
Coming Soon
Finn’s Farm, a new restaurant + cafe concept is set to take over the former River Rat Brewery space and is owned by the same folks who own Drip and Brickhouse Coffee. A portion of the business could be open by this summer and there are rumors of collaborations with Bierkeller Columbia. (The State)
Development
The Palmetto Candy and Tobacco Building, originally built in 1912, is set to undergo a multi-million-dollar restoration. With almost 10,000 sqft + two stories to work with, the upper floor will be turned into Beam & Hinge LLC’s headquarters and the first floor will be a modern workspace. (Columbia Business Report)
Civic
Richland County is garnering feedback for its 2025 Comprehensive Plan, Reimagining Richland, which will help shape what the next 10 years will look like. The county will have three in-person meetings in the new year, and you can leave comments on the Idea Board webpage. (WLTX)
Biz
McEntire Produce Inc., a locally-based food service industry processor, packer, and wholesaler since the 1930s, was acquired by a California-based, Fresh Express Inc. Carter McEntire, president + CEO of McEntire Produce Inc. will now be the VP of food service of Fresh Express. (Columbia Business Report)
Seasonal
And then there were four. The City of Columbia narrowed down its inaugural Holiday Decorating Contest to four finalists. Vote for your favorite business holiday display. Voting will close on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Sports
Why a poor finish to the season could greatly benefit the Carolina Panthers in the offseason. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Ever wondered why certain foods like deli meat or fruit are recalled? Listeria outbreaks could be the culprit. Learn what to know about listeria, including the foodborne illnesses it causes, who’s most at risk from infection, and how to avoid getting sick.*
Health
Discover the Horizon IX, where German precision meets hearing innovation. With two processors, it separates speech from noise, delivering crystal-clear sound for effortless listening. (Plus: It’s virtually invisible — and already loved by 425,000+ customers.) Find out if you qualify for a 45-day trial.*
Holiday Pick
This last-minute gift is for anyone wholoves local. Enter: Carolina Cheer Boxes, a delightful collection of goodies hand-curated to spread delicious, festive fun. Psst… They can be ordered online + shipped nationwide. See what’s inside.*
Fact or Fiction
The Midlands recently received a $10 million donation from a famous novelist and philanthropist. Think you know the answer? Find out.*
Last call. 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 you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
Category
Arts
💡 CMA is delighting visitors
The updated LED lighting system will help illuminate objects more naturally + enhance, elevate, and preserve them. | Photo by Victor Johnson / Columbia Museum of Art
The Columbia Museum of Art announced major renovations as part of its 75th anniversary, including gallery lighting updates, new programs, events, and rentals.
The local museum will temporarily close all of its galleries by Tuesday, Jan. 21, on a rollout schedule, to undergo a total gallery lighting renovation. The galleries will slowly reopen in phases beginning in May.
“Lighting plays a central role in shaping narratives, evoking emotions, and accentuating the intricate details of each piece on view. Our updated system will usher in an era of unparalleled precision and control; the LED lighting system will not only illuminate objects more naturally but also enhance, elevate, and preserve them, bringing each to life like never before,” CMA Executive Director Della Watkins said.
Fun fact: The CMA’s current gallery lights are almost 27 years old, and are original to when the museum first moved to its current location on Main Street.
Don’t fret too much — the CMA will continue to offer programs, events, and rentals throughout this period, and the Boyd Plaza will not be affected.
The Buy
The Buy
A puffy laptop case. It features a waterproof design, secure magnetic closure, and handy inner pocket for added storage.
The Gamecocks will take on Illinois for their last game of the season at the Cheez-it Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL on New Year’s Eve. Market on Main will be open + showing the game on the jumbotron. Spend all day at MoM watching the game and stay for its New Year’s Eve Bash, beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets include a three-course meal, an open bar, a ball drop on the jumbotron, live bands, a DJ, and more. Looking for more New Year’s Eve festivities?We’ve got you.
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