Reflecting on our first month of 2025 in Columbia. | Photo by @grandparich9
Just checking in — how’s the New Year’s resolution going? According to WalletHub, Columbia ranks No. 139 on its list of best cities at keeping their resolutions, but we’re determined to defy the odds.
Don’t worry if you’ve lost momentum. We’re going to take a look at some of the most common resolutions and offer some tips to stay on track, just in case you need some local inspiration.
Exercise more
Columbia is packed with ways to get active and stay moving. If you need some ideas, you could start by checking our guide to local gyms and trying a new fitness class. You could also sign up for a new sport or activity like pickleball, yoga, or a walking club.
Save money
Next time you’re making plans, think free. Columbia has many no-cost activities around the city including tours, libraries, museums, and parks. We also like to explore the city’s flavors without breaking the bank by visiting restaurants with meals under $10.
Sew Divine: A Gathering of Crafters | 6-7:30 p.m. | Richland Library Cooper | Free | Meet other crafters and work on your handheld project — think knitting, scrapbooking, or needlework.
SC Philharmonic presents “Andy and Friends” | 7-9 p.m. | Trinity Episcopal Cathedral | $40 | The SC Philharmonic presents acclaimed pianist Andrew Armstrong with violinist Grace Park + pianist Orion Weiss.
Tuesday, Feb. 11
WTS SC Technical Program: Transit Across SC | 12 p.m. | The COMET | Free | This hybrid event discusses SC’s public transit system and aims to find funding and solutions while driving community engagement — lunch will be provided to in-person attendees.
Behind the Scenes Tour | 5:30-7 p.m. | Olympia Armory | $25+ | Take a deep dive into the history of the 1937 building that’s undergoing renovation in Columbia’s historic Mill Village district.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Junction 800 | $31+ | Bring that special someone to this multi-sensory experience where the Listeso String Quartet performs romantic tunes.
This oyster feast features all the fixings, like saltines, shuckers, cocktail sauce, and mignonette. | Photo provided by LTC Hospitality
Aw shucks, you don’t want to miss this. On Sunday, Feb. 23, The Grand on Main is serving up an epic oyster feast with all-you-can-eat oysters, tasty sides, and two drink tickets featuring Wicked Weed beers during the Wicked Weed Oyster Roast launch party.
From 1-7 p.m., enjoy fresh flavors, cold brews, and great vibes. Pro tip: Tickets are limited — snag yours for $45 (single) or $80 (couple) before they’re gone.
Last week, Richland County leaders broke ground on “Exit 26" off Interstate 77. The new exit is part of a larger project that will also include connecting roads that will lead to the forthcoming Scout Motors plant. Construction on the exit is expected to finish by the end of 2026. (Post and Courier)
Sports
Former USC Gamecocks wide receiver Sterling Sharpe touched down in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, getting inducted as part of the Class of 2025. Sharpe’s No. 2 jersey was retired by the Gamecocks in 1987, and he played in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers 1988-1994.
Open
Cypress Market is open for business at Murraywood Center in Irmo. Owners Thomas + Mary Katherine Grimoskas, known for local restaurant Luzianna Purchase, view the new store as their natural next step. The shop sells wines, cheeses, meats, sandwiches, and decor. (Cola Daily)
Arts
Oh say can you see yourself singing the National Anthem for the Columbia Fireflies? This March, the team will host auditions for fans to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner,” by reservation only. Successful applicants will perform at one of the team’s 2025 home games.
Trending
Kids in Columbia have found themselves jamming to a new activity: roller derby. The competitive roller skating sport has seen a recent surge in popularity. One local league, the Columbia Junior Rollers, will send three skaters to the Junior Roller Derby World Cup in Australia this summer. (The State)
Mansion Monday
This home sits on a 2.07-acre lot in Chapin with two private docks and 558 ft of shoreline on Lake Murray — plus a gunite pool and hot tub. And, that’s before you even look at the recently remodeled indoors with five beds, five bathrooms, and a two-door garage.
Sports
Lonnie Galloway is joining Clemson as an offensive analyst, and his skills could help the team’s performance. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Eat
We love the ease of this homemade chili — it’s hearty, comforting, and an almost guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Pro tip: You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey to make the meal a bit healthier. Snag the recipe.*
High-quality jewelry from Mejuri. Whether you prefer the elegance of pearls, the classic beauty of gold, or the brilliance of diamonds — all of Mejuri’s collections are crafted with responsibly sourced materials that are as beautiful as they are durable. Psst — they’re the perfect self-gift for Valentine’s Day. Shop now.
Yesterday was National Pizza Day + Super Bowl Sunday, so I ate plenty of pizza. I might be in the minority here, but I love pineapple on pizza — and that seems like an unpopular choice in SC. According to Delish, the state’s favorite toppings are pepperoni, extra cheese, and mushrooms.
Answered
Answered
What’s your niche New Year’s resolution?
Add Tupelo Honey to our 2025 to-dine list. | Photo by COLAtoday
A lot of us have typical or generic New Year’s resolutions, but not COLAtoday readers. We asked you for your niche resolutions for 2025, and these were some of the responses we got:
“I hope to eat my weight in chocolate this year. You only live once!” — Pascal N.
“I want to give away one book a month to a friend or family member.” Kaleigh C.
“Try a new restaurant every month.” — Leon C.
“Never use the term ‘Soda Citizens’” — Bill J.
“Volunteer more in the community. (Also, side note: I would love resources from COLAtoday on options!)” — Chloe J.
To respond to Chloe J.: Yes, we have volunteer options. You can check them out at the button below.
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