This six-week class helps students experience will gain an understanding of the elements of design, learn to properly use brushes, develop a color palette and problem solve for composition. | Photo via City Art
Hobbies have no pressure attached to them — by definition, they’re purely for enjoyment and expression. You can’t always say the same about life, which is why having a creative outlet (dare we say escape) is so important.
With just a little time and effort, you can learn a new skill — or pick up where you left off on a past passion, no matter how long it’s been. Though the list of hobbies you can pursue in Columbia is long, here are some ideas to get you started.
Mahjong
The game on everyone’s lips. Book a group Mahjong class with local instructor Mary Ellen Barnwell with a group of your friends so you’ll have a reason to get together or have something to do after the wine glasses are poured.
Pilates on the Plaza with Rise Fitness + Wellness | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $12 | End the day with a restorative Pilates session, that’s beginner-friendly, on Boyd Plaza, taught by Michaela Leung.
Tuesday, April 29
Smoked Seafood Series | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Smoked | $85 | Grub on a five-course, chef-inspired dinner celebrating the bounty of the sea with expertly paired wines.
“Les Misérables” | Times vary | Koger Center for the Arts | $78 | Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, this musical tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption
Mission Lexington’s Rockin’ with a Mission Concert | 6-9 p.m. | Lexington Icehouse Amphitheater, Lexington | $15 | Grab your favorite Hawaiian shirt and head to the Icehouse Amphitheater for an unforgettable evening with the premier Jimmy Buffett tribute band, Captain Mike & the Shipwrecked.
The Soft Girl Era | 1220 Knox Abbott Dr., Cayce | $50 | Participate in an event celebrating all things soft and feminine, embracing pastel colors, cute aesthetics, and gentle vibes.
On Friday, May 30, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., enjoy a fun-filled day on the course featuring an 18-hole tournament, swag + snack bags, contests, a raffle, prizes, and a post-round reception.
Whether you’re a pro at golf or just playing for fun, your participation helps support local programs in education, healthcare, and financial stability.
5 — that’s the number of Gamecocks drafted to the NFL during this year’s draft. The program had a record 11 players invited to enter the combine. Nick Emmanwori was the first of the five drafted, was the No. 35 overall pick in the second round, and is now a Seattle Seahawk. (Greenville Online + On3)
Open
The newest Tacos Nayarit location opened in Cayce over the weekend and is located a 1100 Knox Abbott Dr., near Duke’s Pad Thai. We recommend ordering its birria tacos + trying the al pastor — you won’t be disappointed.Take a peek.
Closed
Chubby’s Burgers announced on Facebook that the location in Forest Acres, which opened in 2024, is closing. Rest assured, burger fans, the Blythewood location will continue to flip + fry.
Eat
Hungry for lunch? A familiar spot is opening for lunch. Chayz Lounge, located on Meeting Street in West Columbia, will serve lunch beginning Thursday, May 1, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Explore its menu; vegan options are available.
Mansion Monday
This four-bedroom, five bathroom single-family home is located on Regatta Point on Lake Murray. Featuring water views, outdoor entertaining spaces, a conditioned wine cellar, private dock, and more. Think of this estate as luxury lakeside living.
Sports
Nick Emmanwori was snubbed in the first Round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Job
Hiring just got easier. Post unlimited job listings with us for free on the COLAtoday Job Board + connect with the right candidates faster. We’ve got your back.
Biz
Talk about a glow-up. Sage Financial recently completed a major renovation + addition to its office building on Devine Street. Garvin Design Group teamed up with Kirk Commercial Construction to create dynamic new office spaces in the two-story structure. Take a look.*
Eat
Looking for a delicious way to dine out without ditching your health goals? Dr. Mai-Trinh T. Pham of Lexington Medical Center’s Palmetto Family Medicine shares her go-to picks from Il Giorgione — including the one dessert she says actually boosts your mood. See what’s on her plate.*
They went from a 40-seat “blink-and-you’d-miss-it” bar to routinely topping “best of” awards lists across the country. Now Death & Co is expanding to Nashville, Seattle, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and even Australia. Don’t miss your chance to invest in Death & Co stock and lock in the current share price by May 15.†‡*
I don’t know about you guys, but I’m the kind of gal who always has fun plans in the works, so I have things to look forward to. Here’s what’s on my metaphorical list of fun, local activities I plan to check off soon:
Try Café de Thyme, which recently opened on Sumter Street.
My family just became Riverbanks Zoo and Garden members, so I can’t wait to put some miles on our stroller + visit all of our favorite animals. Plan a visit of your own.
Answered
Answered
2024 wasn’t the first time Hotel Trundle won a USA Today’s 10Best recognition. Which year did the historic accommodation destination win two awards, ranking No. 4 for Best Boutique Hotel and No. 9 Best Historic Hotel?
It seems like we’ve stumped some of you. Most folks answered 2019, but it was in 2022 when Hotel Trundle was awarded two 10Best awards. Here’s an Instagram post to prove it. While you’re on their page, give ‘em a follow and consider booking a staycation.
‡This is a paid advertisement for Death & Company Regulation A offering. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please read the offering circular at invest.deathandcompany.com.
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