Enjoy free play for National Tennis Month at the Columbia Tennis Center on Sundays in May from 1 to 5 p.m. | Photo by COLAtoday
You never know who you’ll meet on a tennis court in the Midlands. A surgeon, a local business owner, a lawyer — maybe even a city editor. While pickleball’s been hogging the spotlight lately, tennis is still thriving in our area, especially during National Tennis Month.
The perks? Tennis is linked to longer life expectancy, better heart health, lower stress, and it’s one of the few sports people stick with well into their 70s and beyond. Let’s get you in the swing of things.
How to get involved
New to tennis? Tennis 101 and Tennis 102 are beginner-friendly adult programs run by the South Carolina Tennis Association, teaching the fundamentals in a group setting. Sessions are offered across the Midlands, with new dates coming soon. Bonus: the courses come with a tennis racquet.
Where to play
Pick a court, any court. Columbia and Lexington are full of them — shaded, lit, quiet, busy — whatever kind of tennis court you’re looking for.
Gamecocks Baseball vs. LSU Tigers | Thursday, May 15-Saturday, May 17 | Founders Park | $23+ | The Gamecocks face off against the No. 1 team in the country in the final home series of the season.
A Way with Words: An Evening with Martha & Grant | 7 p.m. | Darla Moore School of Business | $35 | Hosts Martha Barnette and Grant Barret will share behind-the-scenes stories, answer questions, and engage the audience in a lively discussion about the ways language shapes our lives.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Augusta GreenJackets | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Budweiser Thirsty Thursday: Enjoy $3 Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and soft drinks at the ballpark.*
Friday, May 16
Songwriters Night | 7 p.m. | Indah Coffee | Free | Local songwriters Ben Walker, Will Royson, and Siemon Twitty share their music in an intimate coffee shop setting.
Brookdale Neighborhood Spring Yard Sale | 7-11 a.m. | Brookdale subdivision, West Columbia | Free | Brookdale residents are cleaning out so you can clean up on some deals.
Salute to National Armed Forces Day Concert | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | North Grounds of the SC State House | Free | The Armed Services Veterans Band, along with members of the 282nd Army Band from Fort Jackson, perform a salute to National Armed Forces Day Concert.
Bierkeller Canalfest | Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18 | 12-7 p.m. | Bierkeller Columbia | Free | This free riverfront celebration brings together the community with local vendors, music, food, drinks, and a toast to Columbia’s history and future.
Friday, June 6
Toe River Arts Studio Tour | Friday, June 6-Sunday, June 8 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Self-Guided Across the County, Burnsville, NC | Free | Artists and galleries will open their doors for visitors to view + purchase quality handmade artwork on this free self-guided tour.*
Presented by Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
This ongoing population shift will affect housing, the economy, and social needs for our region. | Photo provided by Still Hopes
The Midlands is experiencing a demographic shift as the 65+ population grows rapidly — and retirement doesn’t look like it used to.
Today’s older adults are healthier, more active, and more intentional about how — and where — they live. And many seek innovative, wellness-oriented communities prioritizing connection, affordability, and autonomy.
At the same time, the senior housing market is under pressure. Demand is rising, but financially accessible independent living isn’t keeping up, leaving many in the “forgotten middle.”
Studies indicate that the national senior housing occupancy is nearing full capacity, and more than 14 million middle-income seniors will face limited housing options by 2029. Read: Don’t wait to make plans.
Brookland Commons, a new model coming soon to Columbia, is addressing these needs with a fresh approach that’s rooted in wellness, purpose, and smart design. Pro tip: Learn more + start planning your retirement with their free guide to senior living.
After eight years, The Beautique Skin Co. is getting a glow-up. It’s rebranding as Spa Ashton, with a shift toward full-service luxury treatments and elevated care. Celebrate the rebrand and anniversary with the team at an event on Thursday, June 13.
Eat
West Columbia’s ninth annual Taste on the River returns Tuesday, June 10, at Stone River, featuring local restaurants and rising chefs. Proceeds support the West Columbia Beautification Foundation. Last year’s event raised over $37,000 for enhancements along Highway 1.
Number
$63,000 — that’s the amount St. Pat’s in Five Points donated to 33 volunteer organizations that supported this year’s event. The 2025 season officially wrapped with a check presentation and appreciation party hosted by Blossom Plant & Produce.
Festival
Sumter’s Iris Festival returns Friday and runs through Sunday, May 16–18, at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. The event will feature concerts, arts and crafts, antique cars, and kids’ activities. Festivities kick off tonight with the crowning of the festival’s King and Queen + the Taste at the Gardens food event.
Watch
“In Spirit,” a new film produced by former Gamecock Jake Williams, premiered last night on the SEC Network. The documentary honors USC’s 2010–11 baseball titles and the young fans who inspired them. Check the SEC Network schedule for replays.
Sports
The Charlotte Hornets fell to fourth in the NBA Draft Lottery. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Stat
50%. That’s how many dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer in their lifetime. In addition to lots of tears, pet cancer care can cost you lots of money. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% on applicable pet care costs.*
Carrots are crunchy, colorful, and packed with benefits. They’re also full of antioxidants, fiber, and beta-carotene, which supports eye health and immunity. Discover fun ways to add this versatile superfood to your plate this spring.*
Try This
With a little planning, some prep work in the morning, and the help of a slow cooker, you can come home to tender, flavorful chicken tacos that are ready to eat when you are. Just add your favorite toppings.Get the recipe.*
Category
History
A look back at 1401 Main
The South Carolina National Bank building that once anchored Main and Washington, photographed before its demolition in the 1970s. | Photo via Richland Library Digital Archives
The 1400 block of Main Street is on the cusp of a transformation, but it wouldn’t be the first for the corner of Main and Washington. Before the current 13-story office tower went up in 1976, the site saw three different buildings come and go, starting with Columbia’s original city hall and market, which burned in 1865.
Its replacement, a massive Italianate building with an opera house and library, was lost to another fire in 1899. In 1900, South Carolina National Bank built a new headquarters in the Beaux Arts style, complete with arched windows, stone columns, and a rooftop neon sign for SCE&G.
The building at 1401 Main St. that stands today was designed by LBC&W and built by M.B. Kahn, which helped reshape the Cola’s skyline. Its glass curtain wall suspended from a steel frame set the tone for modern development downtown, influencing buildings that came after it. Soon, it may feature a pyramid on top.
The Buy
Summertime’s humidity + extra time in the sunshine can take a toll on your hair. Add these five essentials to your haircare routine to keep your locks nourished all season long:
With summer heat right around the corner, I’m eyeing the nearest public pools to cool off. Richland County’s swim season officially kicks off soon, and the $30 season pass might be one of the best summer deals in town.
‡‡Please note: Comparison based on 12-month plan prices for compounded semaglutide from 12 leading competitors as of December 2024.
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