Picnic or walk under the historic live oaks on the Horseshoe. | Photo via COLAtoday team
Last week, we began to plan out summer content and chuckled thinking about Columbia feeling like an “empty nester” city when the college students go home for the summer.
City Editor David even said, “Sometimes when students leave, it can feel like Columbia moves from a city to a town.” So the question now becomes, what do you plan to do with all of your extra time + space this summer?
Here are a few ideas we have for you if you want to fall in love with Columbia all over again while the “kids” are gone.
Take up a new hobby or take a local class
Ditch the doomscrolling for a more creative or relaxing hobby like:
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | This Memorial Day, the Fireflies are taking the field to honor and remember those who gave everything for our country.*
Tuesday, May 27
Book Launch Reception with Meredith Walker: “Sour Cherries & Sunflowers” | 6 p.m. | All Good Books | Free | Attend a book launch reception with Meredith Walker to celebrate the release of “Sour Cherries & Sunflowers” — a recipe book that draws on Anastasia Zolotarev’s Ukrainian and Belarusian heritage.
Wednesday, May 28
Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit In Concert | 3:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $24 | The two-hour performance features an original star guest and the greatest music from the films.
Astronomy on Tap at Columbia | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Bierkeller Brewing Company | Free | Learn from expert physicists and astrophysicists from USC while sipping on some German craft brews
Thursday, May 29
Kitchen Garden Starters | 5-7 p.m. | Blossom Plant and Produce | $20 | Learn more about plants and bring home three starters for your own kitchen garden.
Lexington BlowFish Blood Drive | 12 p.m. | Lexington County Baseball Stadium, Lexington | Free | Step up to the plate to donate blood and earn $40 in TBC rewards.*
Be an early-stage investor in this proven founder’s new venture
Presented by Pacaso
Pacaso’s platform offers easy purchase, ownership, and enjoyment of luxury vacation homes. | Photo by Pacaso
The wealthiest companies target the biggest markets — like Nvidia, skyrocketing ~200% higher in 2024 on the $214 billion AI market’s tailwind. That’s why investors like Pacaso.
Created by the founder behind a $120 million exit, Pacaso’s platform offers easy purchase, ownership, and enjoyment of luxury vacation homes. And their target market is worth $1.3 trillion.
The next phase of the Williams-Brice Stadium Project was approved by the USC Board of Trustees. Read more about the coming renovations, including additional premium areas, student section upgrades, updated concessions, and more. The next step in the approval process will be in August. (Gamecocks Online)
Opening
Bibimbox, a Korean kitchen and wings restaurant, is hosting its grand opening on Thursday, May 29, at 11 a.m. Also, enjoy the grand opening of Kumo Kumo Café, the Asian dessert café located inside Bibimbox, serving specialty sweets and drinks.
Today Is
Today is Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May every year to honor the brave men + women who have died while serving our country in the US Military. Looking for ways to observe this holiday around Cola? Attend the plaque unveiling event happening at Williams-Brice Stadium today at 10 a.m.
Ranked
No. 1. That’s how SC ranked on WalletHub’s list of the best states for military retirees. The list evaluated the economic environment, quality of life, and healthcare in each state.
Mansion Monday
This four-bed, four-bathroom home is any entertainer’s dream. Enjoy several living areas, sprawling porches, three fireplaces, a dual-bath master suite, and more. Oh, did we mention it has 130 ft of waterfrontage on the lake with a private boat dock? Take a look.
Sports
How will a nine-game conference schedule impact the Gamecocks? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Finance
$2.80 per share is almost gone. Top firms like SoftBank have already invested in Pacaso, the startup disrupting a $1.3 trillion real estate market. Now, after 41% YoY gross profit growth, they recently reserved the Nasdaq ticker $PCSO. Until Thursday, you can invest for just $2.80/share.†‡‡*
Try This
Sweet meets savory with this strawberry + chicken pizza. Juicy strawberries, tender chicken, and melted cheese come together for a fresh, unexpected twist on a classic. It’s the perfect seasonal bite. See the recipe.*
Biz
Skip the calls — with our self-service ad portal, you’re just a few clicks away from showing off to the whole city. Advertising made so easy, it’s practically your new side hustle.
Calling all local artists and craftsmen — the 2025 Vista Lights Artisan Market is returning for its 40th annual celebration on Thursday, Nov. 20 + vendor applications are open. The application deadline is Friday, June 27.
‡This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals. Under Regulation A+, a company has the ability to change its share price by up to 20%, without requalifying the offering with the SEC.
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