Nurture your child’s love of nature and animals at Riverbanks Zoo’s annual summer camps. | Photo by Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
We know it’s still winter, but believe it or not, summer camps are filling up fast. Whether you have a future scientist, explorer, athlete, or artist on your hands, our guide can help you plan your family’s summer.
For the scientist
Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series at USC
Give your academically talented student a taste of college life while they explore topics like forensic science, graphic design, and robotics in these week-long courses.
Challenger Learning Center
Blast off into a summer of rocketry, robotics, and aviation. These hands-on STEM camps take kids on an out-of-this-world adventure.
Set sail on Lake Murray and learn about bow, boom, and beam. | Photo via Columbia Sailing Club
For the athlete
Columbia Sailing Club
Set sail on Lake Murray and learn boating basics in these hands-on camps.
For the artist
Columbia Children’s Theatre
Young performers can take center stage with acting, improv, and stage production camps.
For the animal lover
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Calling all animal lovers — get up close with wildlife, explore nature, and learn what it takes to care for exotic creatures.
Speaker at the Center Author Talk | 3 p.m. | South Carolina State Library | Free with registration | Carolyn Click’s “The Cost of the Vote” reveals the sacrifices that shaped the civil rights movement in the South.
“Six” | Tuesday, Feb. 25-Sunday, March 2 | Times vary | Koger Center for the Arts | $32+ | It’s opening night for this musical about historic heartbreak told by the six wives of Henry VIII.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Tech Talk | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Lexington Main Library, Lexington | Free | Learn about services at the library like language learning, ebooks, and audiobooks.
Tokyo Joe | 7:30 p.m. | Polliwogs | Free | The local band performs rockin’ covers of classic songs.
“Ain’t Misbehavin’” | Thursday, Feb. 27-Saturday, March 22 | Times vary | Trustus Theatre | $35+ | Swing by for this play that celebrates the music of Fats Waller with rowdy, raunchy, and humorous songs.
Doctors’ Orders: Eating healthy at Hampton Street Vineyard
Presented by Lexington Medical Center
Here’s help planning a balanced meal at this cozy spot in downtown Columbia. | Photo by @hamptonstreetvineyard
Known for its elegant French-inspired cuisine and thoughtfully curated wine selection, Hampton Street Vineyard is a great spot for refined-yet-approachable dining. Plus, their menu offers plenty of balanced and delicious options.
“In pediatrics, we often talk about having all the colors of the rainbow on your plate to ensure our patients are consuming a good variety of meats, fruits, and vegetables,” Dr. Dennison said. “When I eat at a restaurant, I like to do the same.” Here are her recs:
For the table: The charcuterie board is flavorful and diverse, offering a mix of meats, dairy, and carbohydrates.
Starter: The heirloom pumpkin bisque is packed with color and nutrients.
Entrée: The grilled pork chop delivers a balance of protein, fiber, and starch, making it satisfying and well-rounded.
Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley is adding “author” to her resume. Her debut book, “Uncommon Favor,” shares lessons from her upbringing, basketball career, and life’s challenges. The book releases Tuesday, May 20, and is available for pre-order now.
Opening
Founders Federal Credit Union is opening a sixth Columbia branch in early May near Target on Garners Ferry Road. The renovated former Truist Bank location will offer full financial services and in-person banking. (The Post and Courier)
Sports
Gamecock baseball is off to a hot start. SC is 8-0 after a perfect 5-0 week, sweeping Milwaukee and defeating Winthrop and Queens. Next up they’ll face Gardner-Webb tonight at Founders Park, followed by the No. 13 ranked Clemson Tigers from Friday, Feb. 28, to Sunday, March 2. (Gamecocks Online)
History
“Do the right thing.” That’s Geneva Bell’s secret to a long, happy life. Ridgeway’s oldest resident celebrated 108 years Saturday, honored with a town resolution for her lasting impact. The Issac Thomas Historical Museum now highlights her story. (Live 5 News)
Kids
JJ and friends are coming to Columbia. The “CoComelon: Sing-A-Long Live Tour” stops at Township Auditorium on Tuesday, June 10, bringing favorite songs like “Wheels on the Bus” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
Listen
Are there answers to the Hornets’ struggles in the free agency market? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Charlotte Hornets with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Featured Apartment
Looking to upgrade apartment living? Take a tour of this award-winning, riverfront community in the heart of WeCo’s River District. Enjoy city + river views from floor-to-ceiling windows, plus rooftop access and resort-style amenities. Bonus: Save up to $300 with code COLATODAY2025.*
Finance
Top firms like SoftBank already invested in Pacaso, the startup disrupting the $1.3 trillion vacation home market with co-ownership. By handing keys to 1,500+ homeowners, Pacaso earned over $100 million in gross profits. Now, they’re going global. Invest for $2.70 per shareby Thursday, Feb. 27.†*
†This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com.
Category
Seasonal
23 days until spring
The greenhouse at Wingard’s Market is filled with indoor plants to brighten your home. | Photo by COLAtoday
Wingard’s Market, ranked among the top 100 garden centers in the country, will bring back its Annual Spring Fling on Friday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Lexington. Shoppers can enjoy 25% off all plants — excluding citrus plants and Weeks roses — along with local vendors.
What to expect:
Coffee and community: The Coffee House will serve fresh brews from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. both days.
Shop local: Browse Wingard’s Gift Shoppe for Easter, graduation, and Lake Murray-themed gifts.
Garden inspiration: Discover plants, decor, and outdoor essentials for your home.
“For over 56 years, Wingard’s has supported local businesses, and Spring Fling is the perfect time to celebrate the season,” said co-owner Delores Steinhauser.
Stay up-to-date with more upcoming events, including Purple Martin Tours and Carolina Safari eco-tours that regularly sell out.
The Buy
The Buy
A chic new outfit from Rent the Runway. Always have something new to wear, whether you’re turning heads at brunch, nailing the office vibe, or all dressed up for a wedding — renting 10 new designer items a month starts at $89. Bonus: Rentals include fast delivery, dry-cleaning, and returns picked up directly from your home.*
We’re one week away from Fat Tuesday — the culmination of the Mardi Gras season, known for its celebrations and indulgent eats. If a muffuletta has been on your mind, check out how they make them at Luzianna Purchase.
}})
