These petals definitely say “loves me.” | Photo by Katie Purnell via @fernstudioflowers
Valentine’s Day is tomorrow — if that made your heart skip a beat, we’re here to help. It’s not too late to buy a present, and Columbia has many places to pick up last-minute gifts, like these spots where you can get your Valentine a flowery or sugary surprise.
Something floral
Something Special Florist and Gifts
Celebrate the holiday with pretty petals and stop by this Main Street shop to buy a Valentine’s Day bouquet with roses and many other flowery options.
Fern Studio
This local shop is blooming with cute, decorative displays, and it has special options for Valentine’s Day. Pro tip: You can add on chocolates to sweeten the gift, or you can grab a Galentine’s bundle for a gal pal.
Blossom Shop
Last year, this local business opened at a new location on Gervais Street, and this Valentine’s Day it has romantic bouquets to make the holiday special.
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons | 7:30 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $57.50+ | The legendary rock group takes the stage for a final hurrah at “The Last Encores” show.
Friday, Feb. 14
Watch Freely: “Legally Blonde” | 4-5:30 p.m. | Richland Library Northeast | Free | Watch as Elle Woods goes to Harvard Law in this 2001 Reese Witherspoon film.
Valentines Day Prom | 7 p.m. | Palmetto Place Event Hall | $25+ | Come dressed to impress and have fun with a DJ, food, drinks, and dancing.
Saturday, Feb. 15
Parent’s Night Out | 5-10 p.m. | Seven Oaks Park | $25 | Parents, this is for you — drop off the kids for a night of games, crafts, movies, and pizza.
Jazz Is for Lovers | 7:30 p.m. | Harbison Theatre, Irmo | $55+ | The SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble brings together 18 musicians from the Carolinas for a jazzy, romantic, musical evening.
Sunday, Feb. 16
Free Sundays: Mann-Simons Site | 1-4 p.m. | Mann-Simons Site | Free | Richland + Lexington County residents can tour the historic site for free, known for its role in local African-American history.
Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn are performing at the Koger Center on Saturday, February 22 with the South Carolina Philharmonic. | Photo by Jim McGuire
If you tuned into the Grammys last weekend, you may have seen Béla Fleck perform his version of jazz classic “Rhapsody in Blue” on the banjo.
Now, local music lovers can catch Fleck live next Saturday, February 22 when he performs with the South Carolina Philharmonic alongside fellow banjo extraordinaire Abigail Washburn.
We recently got to pick Fleck’s brain about banjo-playing, what it’s like to perform with the love of his life, his go-to tour snacks + more.
West Columbia City Council approved a rezoning plan that will allow construction on over 50 new townhomes and commercial space. The 3.2-acre lot on Sunset Boulevard is currently occupied by a vacant warehouse. Though locals have expressed concerns about the location, residential units could be completed in two years. (Post and Courier)
Opening
It’s your chance to get a free taste of Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar. The restaurant is hosting a ribbon-cutting for its first Columbia location today starting at 10:30 a.m. The first 50 guests will get a free entree + it will serve free biscuits all day long.
Sports
You could score something extra when you head to watch the Columbia Fireflies this upcoming season. The team shared their giveaways + promotional game schedule, featuring freebies for ticket holders and nights themed around beloved franchises like “Bluey,” “Toy Story,” and “Star Wars.”
Outdoors
This one’s for the birdwatchers. Starting tomorrow, Feb. 14 through Monday, Feb. 17, you can participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count by documenting the birds you observe. If you spot a Baltimore oriel, the SC Department of Natural Resources is asking you to document it in its 2025 wintering survey. (WLTX)
Active
The City of Columbia is inviting locals to get their hearts pumping by joining its Go Red Heart Walk on Friday, March 14. Participants are asked to wear red to raise awareness for heart disease as they walk from City Hall to the SC State House Grounds.
Watch
Which Oscar-nominated short films deserve the award? Starting tomorrow, The Nick will host three programs where you can determine your favorite in the live action, documentary, or animation categories. Tickets include screenings of all five nominees before the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2.
Cause
The SC Bar Young Lawyers Division’s Cinderella Project is accepting donations of prom attire, shoes + accessories for its 23rd year. You can donate gently worn apparel through Friday, Feb. 21, and the organization will give the formalwear to Midlands students in need at boutiques starting Saturday, Feb. 22. (WLTX)
Listen
Clemson baseball is back — how will the team do after last year’s performance? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Home
How much did you spend on home repairs last year? The average homeowner shells out nearly $6,000 annually on upkeep — but some of these costs can be offset by a home warranty. American Home Shield is now offering $150 off their plans. See important disclaimers on web.*
The Buy
The Buy
Le Creuset’s Signature Round Dutch Oven in the color Berry. In case you haven’t heard the news, this popular hue is back after being discontinued in 2019 — and the internet is freaking out. It’s also available in the Signature Oval Dutch Oven. Grab it before it’s gone again.
I’m a total sucker for a giveaway, so I have my eyes on the Fireflies’ promotional schedule. I’m really hoping to snag a Hawaiian shirt, but the “Harry Potter” socks also seem magical.
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