Two new businesses coming to the Midlands | PHENOGY and Cardiff Products announce major investments in Columbia, boosting sustainable energy and manufacturing industries while creating new jobs.
Ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. | Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Columbia and how to commemorate his life and legacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
What will Columbia look like in the 22nd century? | Babies born this year are part of Generation Beta, the first generation likely to live to see the year 2101 — what will Columbia be like for them?
Events
Events
Saturday, Jan. 18
Ranky Tanky | 8 p.m. | Newberry Opera House | 45+ | The band revives the soulful sounds of Gullah culture with their vibrant blend of Jazz, Blues, Gospel, and R and B, creating an uplifting musical experience that honors their rich heritage.
The Revolutionists | Through Saturday, Feb. 1 | Times vary | Trustus Theatre | $25 | This play focuses on four women who lived boldly in France during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror.
Winter Oyster Roast | 5-9 p.m. | Blossom Plant and Produce | $25+ | Enjoy oysters, live music, plants, community, and more at the market’s inaugural event.
Donut Fest | 12-10 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing | Price of purchase | Treat yourself to a day of donuts, beer, games, and live music — because cheat days are worth celebrating.
Sunday, Jan. 19
Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | 1-4 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion | Free | Residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour the mansion and its gardens.
Arboretum Open House | 1-4 p.m. | W. Gordon Belser Arboretum | Free | Take a nature break and bring a friend to USC’s wildlife preserve in the heart of Columbia.
Yoga with Baby Goats | 2-3 p.m. | Fit Columbia | $27 | It’s like yoga, but better because baby goats will be there.
Time is ticking for TikTok’s potential demise. The clock app may soon no longer be available in the US App store, pending a Supreme Court ruling. Don’t fret just yet — you can still scroll (albeit less mindlessly) through COLAtoday’s Instagram feed of new local coffee shops, exciting updates, and plenty of memes.
Community
It’s not fun, but the IRS will start processing 2024 tax returns on Monday, Jan. 27. Tax season might be nothing new, but the IRS has new chatbot tech to help answer your basic questions. Starting in February, you can also get free tax assistance through VITA.
Listen
What’s the best song about South Carolina? If you said James P Johnson’s “The Charleston,” you agree with this list of “Best Songs About Every State.” Got a better suggestion? Let us know.
Travel
Valentine’s Day getaway, anyone? According to Expedia, January and February are two of the cheapest months to travel — you can spend 15% less on flights and 45% less on hotel rooms compared to summer rates. Perhaps now is a good time to plan that road trip to Asheville. (New York Times)
Sports
Revisit the Carolina Panthers 2024 draft night trades. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
City Guide
City Guide
🏋️ Workin’ on our fitness
Get fit in rhythm at the new BEATS Barre Studio. | Photo by BEATS Barre Studio | Amy Guinn
Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone — what’s fun and muscle-building for one person may be a slog for someone else. Columbia is home to many opportunities for exercise, whether you enjoy lifting weights, dancing to hip-hop tunes for a little cardio action, or boxing for a full-body workout. Use this guide as a resource for all things fitness in Cola.
For those who want one-on-one training
Temple, 536 Meeting St., West Columbia Temple prioritizes the importance of moving well and being able to withstand resistance, internally + externally. Its training is offered in private sessions, partner sessions, or small group sessions, all designed to provide locals with a focus on strength, movement quality, longevity, and more.
For those who enjoy the flow
Rooted Yoga, 141 S Shandon St. F, Columbia Rooted Yoga offers a diverse range of classes, including warm power vinyasa, all-level vinyasa yoga, gentle yoga + guided meditation, Tai Chi, dynamic flows, and more. It also offers Sakhi Yoga School — a 200-hour, eight-month program consisting of a yoga curriculum that will help you to become a certified yoga teacher.
ACTIVE Wear laundry detergent — refresh your gym clothes with this scientifically formulated enzyme blend that removes the lingering smell of sweat and body odor. It’s free from phosphates + each bag can wash up to 90 loads.
The Winter Oyster Roast happening at Blossom Plant and Produce is one of many coming up in the Midlands. Oysters are a great way to gather around a table with friends for a communal meal — just don’t get distracted while shucking.
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