Oysters are steamed by the dozens and are still steaming as they’re delivered to tables. | Photo by COLAtoday
We’re in the heart of oyster season in SC, so we did a little digging to round up some of the oyster roast events happening in the Midlands. Here are several flavorful events to look forward to.
Winter Oyster Roast | Saturday, Jan. 18 | $25 | Blossom Plant and Produce in Five Points is hosting its inaugural oyster roast featuring brews by Columbia Craft, Wine by Middleton Bartending, raw and steamed oysters, chili, and live music from Jon Rooks.
Barrel and Vine Pig and Oyster Roast | Saturday, Feb. 1 | $65 | The 12th annual event will take place at City Roots Farm with a relaxed afternoon, featuring steamy oysters, a savory pig roast, and even better company. Don’t forget your Toadfish cloth and oyster knife.
Wishful Shuckers Oyster Roast | Saturday, Feb. 22 | $60 | Attend the third annual oyster roast at The Coop benefiting Make-A-Wish SC. Enjoy raw and steamed oysters, chicken bog, live music, craft exhibitors, a cigar lounge, a 360° photo booth, and a silent auction — all for a great cause.
Make-A-Wish South Carolina Trailblaze Challenge Info Sessions | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Seven Oaks Park | Free | Whether you’re a nature lover or just up for a challenge in the New Year, this is your chance to explore SC’s scenic trails while changing the lives of children with critical illnesses.
Restaurant Week | Through Sunday, Jan. 19 | Columbia | Price of purchase | From fine to casual dining, participating restaurants will feature new menu items and offer fan favorites.
Free Fridays | 9 a.m. | Riverbanks Zoo and Garden | Free | Richland and Lexington County residents enjoy free general daytime admission every Friday through January and February.
Gallery Opening Reception — HELENE: photography by Sean Rayford | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Richland Library Main | Free | Helene is a collection of photographs made in Western North Carolina in the immediate aftermath of the 2024 hurricane and during return trips to Bat Cave, along the Broad River.
Consider this your sign to commit to yourself this year. | Photo provided by Rise Fitness + Wellness
Looking to make fitness a priority in the new year? Enter: Rise Fitness + Wellness, the perfect way to jump-start your journey with various Pilates membership options designed to help you stay consistent and motivated.
With the Unlimited Membership, enjoy access to as many classes as you’d like for $199.20 for the first month when you use code “JUMPSTART” at checkout (regularly $249).
Prefer a more tailored approach? The Rise 6 Membership includes six classes per month for $119.20 for the first month (regularly $149).
Both memberships provide access to Rise’s expert instructors, welcoming community, and diverse class offerings, ranging from reformer and tower Pilates and to high-energy fitness sessions using TRX suspension training.
Make 2025 the year you prioritize your health and wellness with a membership that keeps you accountable to meet your goals.
Surcheros Fresh Mex opened its first SC location yesterday on Forest Drive in Cardinal Crossing. The menu features tacos, burritos, bowls, and quesadillas with customizable toppings + signature sauces.
Number
$8.19 billion — that’s the total amount of capital investments in SC for 2024, according to the SC Department of Commerce. This includes $5.38 billion in reinvestments by existing industries and major contributions from sectors like IT, automotive, and aerospace.
Development
Richland County’s Planning Commission will review plans on Thursday for 201 new homes in the Canary Woods subdivision on Old Leesburg Road. The development has already added hundreds of homes, with no infrastructure concerns reported. (WLTX)
Arts
Columbia Children’s Theatre met its $50,000 fundraising goal and plans to use the funds to find a permanent home, support performances, and cover rent. Sign up ends today for the early bird discount for spring after school classes. (WLTX)
Wellness
Ivory Howard’s pop-up yoga and Pilates studio is launching in the BullStreet District, offering flexible, private sessions tailored for busy women. Classes emphasize diversity and body positivity, promoting sustainable fitness habits.
Traffic
SCDOT will open a new I-20 West to I-26 West exit ramp tomorrow as part of the Carolina Crossroads Project. Drivers can follow new signs after the existing ramp closes late that day.
Listen
Dabo Swinney has to figure out the defense. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Number
12,000. That’s how many women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. It’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, so now’s a perfect opportunity to learn about prevention.*
Finance
High interest rates are daunting, so paying off credit card debt is a top New Year’s resolution for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers well into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Fact or Fiction
The Midlands recently received a $10 million donation from a famous novelist and philanthropist. Think you know the answer? Find out.*
Read
Want unbiased, fact-centric national news delivered to your inbox daily? Subscribe to 1440’s free newsletter for neutral reporting on business, entertainment, sports, culture, and more.*
Category
Cause
📦 Help box out hunger
Each FoodShare box is packed with fruits, veggies, and a recipe card. | Photo provided by FoodShareSC
Did you know that 42% of SC adults didn’t eat fruit daily in 2022? Now in its tenth year, FoodShare South Carolina is addressing this issue locally, with 27 Fresh Food Box sites across Richland and Lexington Counties. They’re also teaching families how to turn fresh produce into healthy, affordable meals.
2024 highlights
12,000 families served: Fresh Food Boxes were delivered statewide, including thousands in the Columbia area.
Teaching kitchen opened: The Columbia kitchen helps locals learn to cook produce and manage diet-related illnesses.
SNAPonline expanded: In 11 hubs, including local sites, 38% of box purchases were made using SNAP benefits online.
100+ recipes shared: Each box includes recipes to help turn its fruits and veggies into nutritious meals. Recipes are also available online.
Deliver food: Help neighbors access fresh produce.
Teach cooking: Volunteer in the Columbia teaching kitchen.
The Buy
The Buy
An under-sink organizer — declutter your cleaning supplies, bathroom products, or pantry items with an easy slide-out design that fits around most plumbing fixtures.
Last Sunday, I went with a couple of friends to the new Pro Swing on Forest Drive, located next to Bonefish Grill. It was my first time playing a round of golf on a simulator, and it was even more fun than I imagined. You can reserve a bay online, bring your own clubs, and enjoy playing almost any course you can think of.
}})
