🚪 To-do lists knocking at the door | 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.
🎤 We’re passing the mic | As part of Small Business Week, we asked participating local businesses to name another local business everyone should know about — and they delivered.
✨ New biz on the block | Our team garnered information about local small businesses, and out of the ~80 businesses that participated, four of them opened this year.
Events
Events
Saturday, May 10
SC Video Game & Pokémon Exchange | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Marketplace Vendor Mall, West Columbia | Free | Shop vendors from all over SC that have everything from Pokémon, toys, plush, trading cards, video games, and more.
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.
Beginning Wheel Throwing Saturday | Saturday, May 10 | Columbia Art Center | $115 | This course will teach students the basics of throwing pottery.
Sunday, May 11
Main Street Jazz Festival | Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 11 | Times vary | The Koger Center for the Arts | Free | Due to a rainy forecast, the jazz festival has moved indoors to the Koger Center for the Arts for the weekend.
Bunny Yoga | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Fit Columbia | $30 | Practice downward dog next to bunnies — open to all levels.
Monday, May 12
SC Philharmonic presents Andy and Friends | 7-9 p.m. | Satterlee Hall at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral | $40 | Join celebrated pianist Andy Armstrong during this new chamber series.
Wednesday, May 14
Hard Hat Tour with Executive Director Della Watkins | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Join CMA Executive Director Della Watkins on a behind-the-scenes tour of your museum’s current gallery lighting renovation project.
Teddy, Charlie, Lucy + Max. Those are the four most-popular dog names in South Carolina. We bet you’ll meet a few pups with those names at these Columbia area dog parks — just don’t yell “Teddy” too loud. (U.S. News & World Report)
Try This
Are you all caught up on “The Last of Us”? No spoilers, but if you’re preparing for the zombie apocalypse, maybe work on your swing at one of these golf clubs.
Tech
Visa and Mastercard just unveiled an AI agent that can shop and buy on its user’s behalf. Sounds nice if you’re the kind of person who always forgets to get more toilet paper, but can it enjoy a sunny day at the Soda City Market? (TechCrunch)
Drink
What will be the drink of the summer? Experts predict canned vodka lemonade will be in everyone’s hands. Sounds refreshing — though we do like that Market on Main puts Caesar salad, topped with truffle fries in a 48oz Martini glass. (VinePair)
Sports
Who’s the next Jalen Coker? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
City Guide
City Guide
🍳 Feeling brunchy?
The Hangover Hashbrowns at Cafe Strudel are a crowd favorite. | Photo by @mirandafen
Brunchin’ ain’t always easy, but it is necessary. Whether you’re on the hunt for fluffy eggs, fried chicken and waffles, or mind-blowing bloody marys, the options can get as overwhelming as the lines at times.
Weekday wonders
The Gourmet Shop | Daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Snag a breakfast panini on grilled ciabatta or keep it quick with a chocolate croissant from the pastry counter.
For the family
Another Broken Egg Cafe | Daily, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | Check out the lineup of unique brunch cocktails, like the cranberry cocktail mimosa and pumpkin spiced cold brew.
Weekend musts
Di Prato’s Delicatessen | Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Indulge in classics like fresh chocolate chip pancakes or try something new like the Eggs Charleston – a twist on Eggs Benedict with crab cakes.
With summer right around the corner, we’re stocking up on lightweight linen essentials made by small businesses and sold on Etsy. Two of our favorites include this New Jersey-made shirtdress and this relaxed fit tee available in 40+ colors.
Happy Mother’s Day (a day early) to all the Moms out there. To the moms, may you feel celebrated and admired. To everyone else, this is your final reminder to grab a bouquet of flowers or a gift to tell the mother figure in your life that she is awesome. Being a mom is hard work, you know. Pick up a bouquet from Fern Studio Flowers + give it to her while she combs through our City Guide above and chooses her favorite brunch spot.
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