Locals know that Soda City is full of unique finds — and we’re not here to gatekeep. | Photos by Meredith Rhodes
At its heart, Columbia celebrates creativity, culture, and community — and it’s especially evident in the local businesses that give our neighborhoods their charm.
“The energy is real,” says Meredith Rhodes, a local commercial real estate agent with Trinity Partners who has a front-row seat to the city’s growth. Here are a few of her favorite local businesses that feel like home.
Local spots we love
As Well As | This creative concept redefines health-forward cafes by pairing smoothie bowls, creative toasts, and organic coffee with wellness offerings like red light therapy and massages. Meredith’s order: OG acai bowl + oat milk latte with lion’s mane.
Il Focolare | The wood-fired pizzas and friendly team are the stars of the show. Meredith’s order: chopped pepperoni and basil pizza, kale Caesar salad + olive oil cake.
Noma Bistro by Al Amir | This family-owned eatery offers a fresh take on Mediterranean cuisine. Meredith’s order: spicy feta dip with Damascus bread + a protein power bowl.
Immaculate Consumption | This cafe, coffee roaster, and artsy gathering spot has been serving downtowners for years. Meredith’s order: Rox Chix salad sandwich + “Concentration Coffee.”
Turner & Moss | This whimsical boutique in Five Points is a treasure trove of eclectic antiques, home goods, and gifts.
Be the next big thing
Feeling inspired? You could take your business to the next level in one of these available retail spaces in some of Columbia’s most vibrant neighborhoods:
Palmetto Candy & Tobacco | Located in The Vista, this recently renovated space features high ceilings and modern finishes in a historic landmark.
121 State St. | This bright and modern retail space in West Columbia’s River District is on the ground floor of the Brookland mixed-use development.
746 Harden St. | The best part of this unique Five Points retail or office space is the private rooftop patio overlooking the fountain.
Say Cheese | 4-6:30 p.m. | Eighty Sixty Station, West Columbia | Donation requested | Eighty Sixty Station is offering free professional headshots, donated by Blackwell Video Marketing benefitting Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter.
Silent Book Club | Tuesday, May 6, Tuesday, June 3 | 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Hotel | Free | Join like-minded literary lovers for this book club where you actually read in comfortable, silent bliss.
Sip & Plant Workshop: Mother’s Day Bouquet | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | $45 | Design an original one-of-a-kind bouquet using a variety of fresh-cut flowers that will make any mother figure feel special.
Wednesday, May 7
Tour of Tea: Every Sip Tells a Story | 4-7 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Head to Boyd Plaza for a community event celebrating the rich traditions of AAPI cultures through an exploration of the history, flavors, and cultural significance of tea.
Thursday, May 8
Birdwatching in the Gardens | Thursday, May 8, Thursday, May 22, Thursday, June 12 | 8-9 a.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens | Free | With the gardens playing host to over 100 bird species over the course of the year, participants will learn how to identify birds by sight, sound, and behavior.
Historic Horseshoe History Tour | Thursday, May 8, Thursday, June 12, Sunday, June 15 | Times vary | University of South Carolina | Free | University Archivist Elizabeth West shares the history of Carolina and its traditions.
Friday, May 9
City of Columbia’s 12th Annual Small Business Week Conference | 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Marriott Columbia | $25 | Participate in breakout sessions that focus on the growth of small businesses and provide tools and resources from community resource partners.
Saturday, May 10
Mom and Me: Group Partner Yoga Class | Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 11 | 12-1 p.m. | The BullStreet District | $30 | In this guided, beginner-friendly session, you’ll support each other in poses that encourage communication, cooperation, and balance.
Main Street Jazz Festival | Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 11 | Times vary | The Main Street District | Free | ColaJazz is an exciting Saturday celebrating all things jazz.
Friday, May 9
Artisphere presented by Prisma Health | Friday, May 9-Sunday, May 11 | Hours vary | Main Street, Greenville, SC | Free | Voted one of the top five arts festivals in the country by USA TODAY’s 10Best, Artisphere is bringing 140 makers, live music, tasty eats, and more to Greenville, SC.*
Whether you’re feeling that first flutter, you need to find an OBGYN, or you’re gearing up for delivery day, the experts at Lexington Medical Center’s Women’s Services are by your side at every turn. No matter the milestone, they’re ready with expertise, compassion, and a friendly face.
Today is Midlands Gives, an annual initiative by the Central Carolina Community Foundation, raising funds and awareness for local nonprofits across 11 Midlands counties. Keep tabs on the leaderboard for live updates on amounts raised for each nonprofit. Fun fact: ~$4.5 million was raised last year.
Biz
Richland Library announced it was named a 2025 Top Workplace in SC, based entirely on feedback from staff. The survey measured several aspects of workplace culture. See the full list of 71 companies across SC that made the Top Workplaces of 2025 list.
Coming soon
Prisma Health’s new 15-acre, $128 million facility is set to open this fall, and cancer care services are set to open in late 2026. The new facilities will create over 250 jobs. (The Post and Courier)
Ranked
No. 1 — that’s the spot Lake Murray hopes to take home this year after placing No. 2 last year in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for “Best Lake for Water Sports.” Lake Murray offers 650 miles of water sports activity opportunities. Vote once per day through June 2.
Civic
Speaking of voting — Forest Acres has five local candidates running for city council. Get to know the candidates before voting on Tuesday, May 13. If you already know your favorite candidate for early voting is available. (The State)
Cause
Keep the Midlands Beautiful is facilitating its annual shoe drive. Each year, the local nonprofit collects 5,500 to 6,500 pairs of gently used or new shoes from locals + sends them to developing countries. Find a drop-off location near you. Donate until Saturday, May 31.
Sports
Get to know the Carolina Panthers’ 2025 draft class: How will the trio of former Florida Gators impact the Panthers’ roster? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Biz
Bad ads are a $1.3 trillion problem. And we all know bad ads: The creepy ones. The irrelevant offers. The cringe graphics. Enter RAD Intel. Their AI is boosting marketing results by 3.5x for Fortune 1000 companies. And you can invest at their current share price... only until May 8.†‡*
Featured Deal
To celebrate Small Business Week, we’re offering small business owners 20% off purchases in our Self-Service Ad Portal. Use the discount code SMALLBIZ at checkout through Sunday, May 11.
Travel
Manifest your best summer yet: Score this rare ~$1,000 travel card bonus and plan your dream beach vacation in a hydrangea-enveloped coastal mansion worthy of a cameo in “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” (Swoons.)*
Your business expertise is in demand. Read: Local entrepreneurs need your help to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. SCORE Midlands is seeking experienced volunteer mentors to guide budding business owners to success. Ready to help make a difference? Learn more + apply.*
Category
Biz
🚪 To-do lists knocking at the door
Bald Cypress Builders is a local, residential remodeling and building team that opened in 2020. | Photo provided by Bald Cypress Builders | Brooke Fredette/Brooke Fredette
They say home is where the heart is — so it’s probably a good idea to have your house serviced now and again. With a hot SC summer coming up + spring cleaning in full swing, we’re highlighting a few local businesses that are pros at taking the stress out of building, moving, cleaning, improving, servicing, and more.
Home building or moving
Bald Cypress Builders | A local + residential remodeling and build team, taking clients from pre-construction to project completion.
Support small businesses from across the globe with one-of-a-kind products from Etsy. We love this customizable burger stamp for leveling up summer grill outs. Bonus: The artisan seller also offers a custom ice stamp so you can elevate upcoming cocktail nights.
Plan ahead — this year’s Capital City Cocktail Competition is coming back on Sunday, June 8. Eight local mixologists will compete in three rounds in hopes of taking home the title of the Capital City’s Top Mixologist. Tickets start at $50.
‡This offering is made pursuant to Regulation A Round and involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Company valuation is set by RAD Intel. Please review all offering materials before making an investment decision.
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