Handel’s is an ice cream lover’s dream. | Photo by COLAtoday
Columbia is no stranger to hot weather; we just endured an exceptionally warm weekend. While temps have cooled this week, our sweet tooth is officially out of hibernation — and we’re eager to feed it by exploring Soda City’s ice cream shops.
Located a few blocks from the State House, Sweet Cream Co. has a rotating menu of unique flavors like Cherry Coke or Cream Cheese Everything Bagel. Put a couple of scoops in a scratch-made waffle cone and you’re set for your Main Street stroll.
This Forest Acres spot has a variety of custom flavors to keep you coming back. Tiny spoon provided, you can taste a few before you order. Try this: Be on the lookout for a new flavor, Raspberry Cream Dream — a blend of vanilla ice cream and raspberry sherbet.
Cool off at this Forest Acres shop specializing in paletas — a frozen Mexican dessert similar to a popsicle. Morelia’s has 18 flavors, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, and plenty of ways to customize with toppings and sauces.
Bob Gross: Revolutionary War | 5:30-7 p.m. | USC: Petigru College 108 | Free | The author + historian discusses the origins of the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Charleston RiverDogs | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s opening night: Kickoff the 2025 season with $2 Miller Lites, hot dogs, popcorn, and fountain sodas. Stick around post-game for a magnet schedule giveaway.*
Wednesday, April 9
Create Freely: The Art of Journaling | 3-4:30 p.m. | Richland Library Southeast | Free | Write down your thoughts and share them with other journalers at this creative class.
How Money Works | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Greenview Park | Free | Get insights on money management, financial planning, and wealth building strategies with expert financial consultants.
Thursday, April 10
“Menopause the Musical 2" | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $23+ | This humorous musical focuses on going through “the change” with parodied pop songs and themes of joy, friendship, and hot flashes.
Zach Top | 8 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $96+ | The country star performs his “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour” with guest Lauren Watkins.
Friday, April 11
Gimme Gimme Disco | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $20 | Hustle to this dance party with all of your favorite ABBA tunes and more disco tracks by artists like the Bee Gees, Donna Summer + Cher.
Businesses, community groups, families, and individuals can all form or join a team during Volunteer Week 2025. | Photos provided by United Way of the Midlands
Ready to make a difference in just one week?
From Monday, April 21-Saturday, April 26, United Way of the Midlands is bringing together 1,000 volunteers across 100 teams to tackle 100 community projects — and they need your help.
Why join?
Not only will you help with projects that support essential programs in education, housing, and healthcare, but you’ll also be fundraising to make an even bigger impact. Each participant is asked to raise $100, which will go directly to supporting these critical programs.
You’ll team up with 4-10 people — whether it’s your best friends, coworkers, or neighbors — and work together. Through partnerships with nonprofits like Senior Resources, Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands, Harvest Hope, and Camp Cole, United Way is strengthening our community.
So, grab your crew, pick a project, and start fundraising.
Real estate development firm Chesterfield LLC closed on a site in Blythewood that will allow for the development of Richland County’s Carolina Pines International Commerce Center. The project will support the region’s industrial sector and provide space for manufacturing, distribution, and logistics work.
Biz
Get ready to clock in to the City of Columbia’s 12th Annual Small Business Week Conference, coming to the Marriott Columbia on Friday, May 9. The event will provide access to small business resources, vendors, and breakout sessions with experts. Tickets are now available at early bird prices.
Pets
If you’re looking to spring for a new, four-legged addition to your household, Columbia Animal Services announced dates for its monthly Pups & Pints series this season. The next event is Saturday, April 19 at Bierkeller Columbia. Attendees can grab drinks while meeting adoptable dogs and supporting local businesses.
Cause
The Vista Neighborhood Association and Vista Guild are swinging back for the 3rd Annual Alley Golf Fundraiser this Saturday, April 12. Participants will be able to try their hand at three mini-golf holes at Steel Hands Vista + compete for prizes. All proceeds will support art projects in the Vista.
Ranked
Love is always in the air in Columbia. According to WalletHub, Soda City ranked No. 36 on its list of “Best Places to Get Married in the US.” The study assessed 182 cities, and Columbia received good scores for its number of venues, costs, and activities in the area.
Sports
What are the Panthers’ best choices for day 1 + day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Shop
Put your business’s product or service in front of 49,000+ locals in our upcoming Parents’ Gift Guide. Don’t wait — secure your spot just in time for Mother’s Day + Father’s Day celebrations.
Health
Snap, crackle, pop. Should cracking your knuckles be a real cause for concern? Find out if that oh-so-satisfying sound is a harmless habit or a joint-jolting no-no.*
Ever wondered, “Why am I seeing this ad?” RAD Intel fixes that so brands get 3.5x better results and customers actually get seen (in a good way). Investors including Adobe, Fidelity, and insiders from Google and Meta. The company is pre-IPO and shares are $0.55. Invest before prices change Thursday, April 10.†*
The Buy
The Buy
A cap sleeve V-neck tee with a tasteful ruching design. Crafted from soft, breathable fabric and available in 10+ colors, this shirt will become your go-to for spring and summer outfits.
The Fireflies’ home opener definitely makes me want a hot dogreal bad. Does that mean I should go to Rebel Dogs? Or should I go to Cromer’s? It’s hard to pick when Columbia has so many great spots to get hot dogs.
}})
