🏡 Walkable and historic | Did you know that living in a walkable neighborhood is linked to improved happiness, health, and trust in your community? With walkability scores of 86, these two Columbia homes showcase historic charm, modern amenities, and are a three-minute walk from the Five Points village.
🦪 Pearl-plucking parties | 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.
🍽️ We hope you’re hungry | Restaurant Week South Carolina began on Thursday and will run through Sunday, Jan. 19. The 11-day foodie event is the perfect chance to snag great deals at some local favorites — or soon-to-be favorites. See three deals we have our appetites set on.
Events
Events
Saturday, Jan. 11
Book Donation Day | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Irmo Branch Library | Free | Books may be dropped off curbside at the side entrance to the library, where Friends volunteers will assist in unloading.
Lunar New Year | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Richland Library Northeast | Free | Learn about Lunar New Year through stories, Chinese zodiac, songs, and Hong Bao with special guest Lin Ko.
Comic Con | Saturday, Jan. 11 + Sunday, Jan. 12 | 10 a.m. | South Carolina State Fair | $25 | The two-day event features celebrity guests like Gates McFadden from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and John Schneider from “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
Lake Murray Bridal Show Winter 2025 Show | 1-4 p.m. | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | $10 | Calling all brides — explore vendors, colors, and themes to help you plan your big day.
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Wine Class: Mediterranean Wines | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Sour & Salt Event Space | $72 | Learn about grape-growing regions around the Mediterranean Sea + talk about its influence over the millennia.
Thursday, Jan. 16
Drag Bingo | 6-9 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $28+ | Win prizes for bingo rounds + those dressed as their favorite CMA artwork, all while enjoying a cash bar featuring art-forward cocktails and light snacks.
Editor’s note: Some events may be canceled, changed, or postponed due to inclement weather.
Do you smell shortbread? Girl Scout Cookie season is almost here. Use this zipcode finder to get a countdown to cookies — and support our local Girl Scout troops.
Drink
Goodbye, peppermint mocha and hello, cortado. Starbucks added a new espresso option to its menu. But can it compete with local coffee spots like Curiosity Coffee Bar, right?
You weren’t alone in your sadness to hear about Zesto closing on Forest Drive; we felt that one. Want to keep up with all the most recent restaurants and bars that are opening or closing in our area? Read more on our website.
Sports
What’s Behind Hornets Defensive Turnaround? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast — there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are ~40 ways to get involved in Soda City.
If you live and breathe Columbia
Columbia Museum of Art | Help instill a love for the arts by facilitating art experiences, providing customer service, supporting administrative tasks, and more.
Self-proclaimed bibliophiles
Richland Library | Donate your time and skills to one of the library’s many locations around the Midlands.
If you’re an animal lover
Riverbanks Zoo | Local volunteers contribute more than 23,000 hours to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden annually. Find the requirements to volunteer here.
The outdoorsy types
Keep the Midlands Beautiful | Keep Cola’s roads clean by adopting a highway, street, or waterway + helping on clean-up days throughout the year.
The top reviewed running shoe for comfort on Amazon: Brooks Women’s Ghost 16. If you’re starting a running practice this year, be kind to your feet (and help your progress) with a sneaker that will love you back.
I’m sharing one more article we wrote this week because It’s never too early to start planning ahead. Here are six upcoming annual festivals in the Midlands that have shared their 2025 date. A personal favorite of mine? St. Pats Five points, happening on Saturday, March 16.
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