The Boyd Passage Trailhead opens a fresh route on the Palmetto Trail, thanks to The Boyd Foundation. | Photos by COLAtoday
This Saturday is National Trails Day ā an opportunity to get outdoors, connect with your community, and give back to the trails you love. To celebrate, Palmetto Trail is offering three regional guided hikes from 9 to 11a.m. ā the Oconee Passage, Peak to Prosperity Passage, and the Swamp Fox Passage.
So lace up your hiking boots, because weāve compiled a hiking guide for the Midlands area with eight routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experiencebreathtaking views.
This moderately challenging route takes locals ~43 min to complete. This trail is open year-round and be aware that parts of the trail may be muddy, so locals recommend going when itās been beautiful outside for a few days in a row. Congaree National Park, Boardwalk Loop Trail
Sip + Plant Workshop: Bonsai Pruning | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardenerās Outpost | $45 | This workshop includes a fully-rooted, untrimmed bonsai to practice with and take home.
Silent Book Club | Tuesday, June 3 | 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Hotel | Free | Join like-minded literary lovers for this book club where you read in comfortable, silent bliss.
Wednesday, June 4
Summer Reading Kickoff Party | 3-6 p.m. | Lexington Main at the Icehouse Amphitheater, Lexington | Free | Enjoy a vibrant celebration of stories, creativity, fun with inflatables, face painting + water and sensory play stations.
Morning Blend: A Jazz, Soul, and Coffee Series | Wednesday, June 4-Wednesday, June 25 | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Relax with jazz music, local coffee from Curiosity Coffee Bar, and vegan breakfast options from Drakeās Duck-in.
Forest Acres Farmers Market | 2-6 p.m. | Gills Creek Memorial Park | Free | Browse local farmers and artisans bringing fruit, produce, eggs, meats, honey, dog treats, and more.
Thursday, June 5
First Thursday on Main | 5 p.m. | Boyd Plaza | Free | Main Street will be buzzing with local art, music, line dancing, ping pong, and more.
Line Dance Lessons Session 2 | Thursday, June 5-Thursday, June 26 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Billās Music Shop, West Columbia | $40 | Dances will be a combination of classic and new line dances, and at least four dances will be taught at each class, with a range of levels.
Friday, June 6
Nashville Nights Kickoff | 6 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, Cayce | Free | Boot, scoot, ān boogie down with country songwriters while Whiskey Hat Co. is on site creating custom hats
Whether youāre walking along the Saluda Riverwalk or heading to Segra Park to cheer on the Fireflies, donāt forget your sun protection. | Photo by the COLAtoday team
Wear protective clothing, like tightly woven fabrics + a wide-brimmed hat.
Try to avoid peak sun hours (read: between 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Use SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, more often if swimming.
Pro tip: Mineral and chemical sunscreens work differently. Both types offer protection, but understanding their differences can help you choose the best one for your needs.
Pine Island ā SCās smallest state park ā will be opening to the public in October as a soft opening. The park will be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission will be $6 for adults + free for children under five. (The Post and Courier)
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$15 million ā thatās the amount allocated for upgrades coming to West Columbiaās Mill Village. The City of West Columbia announced a focus on infrastructure improvements, improved travel routes, increased on-street parking, and enhanced walkability. Construction is slated to start sometime this year.
Biz
Ritedose Corporation, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company, is investing $81 million for a new facility in Columbia that was purchased from Midlands Technical College. The new location will create 100 new jobs and open on Wednesday, June 18. (The Post and Courier)
Development
Celebrating as a city. Several key buildings in Columbia will soon be lit with color-changing, architectural LED lighting, thanks to a new Columbia City Lights Initiative, unveiled by Tripp Roche. Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union will be the first to implement the lighting in 2026.
Sports
The Columbia Fireflies are bringing a drone show on Friday, June 13, as part of Copa de la Diversion Weekend. The team will transform into their LatinX alter ego, Los Chicharrones de Columbia, for the weekend to celebrate Latin culture. Enjoy food, live music, dancing, and post-game entertainment featuring 100 drones lighting up the night sky.
Listen
How the SEC leaving the NCAA impacts the South Carolina Gamecocks. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecockswith Locked Onās daily, team-focused podcasts.
Announced
If you didnāt win our euphoria2025 Giveaway, donāt worry. While many euphoria2025 events are already sold out, there are still plenty of opportunities to indulge in the festivities. See the full lineup.*
Try This
Brunch hack incoming: This make-ahead French toast layers soft white bread with a sweet blueberry-cream cheese filling, soaked overnight in vanilla custard. Pop it in the oven the next morning for a warm, golden breakfast that serves eight. Get the recipe.*
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3. Thatās how many minutes it takes to learn AI skills with Superhuman AI, a newsletter filled with AI how-tos, tools, and news. Subscribe for free.*
Keep your pet healthy, happy, and pampered with these top-rated products:
š¾ Vet-approved probiotic chews that support your furry friendās gut and immune health.
š§ This no spill water bowl thatās splash-proof, non-slip, and easy to clean.
š¦· Tartar and plaque-removing dental cleaning powder that can be mixed into your petās kibble.
š An efficient and precise nail grinder with a handy LED light and three speed levels.
š± A rechargeable automatic feeder with customizable feeding schedules + portion sizes.
The fun doesnāt have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Just a heads up ā you may see more Highway Patrolmen between 8 a.m. + 3 p.m. tomorrow. The annual full-scale hurricane evacuation exercise, running along the coast from Hilton Head to Columbia, is taking place. Use this drill as a reminder to stay up-to-date and prepared for the upcoming hurricane season ā something we plan to talk about in a future newsletter.
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