Browse staff picks + join in on Richland Library’s Summer Learning Challenge. | Photo by Richland Library
Whether you’re diving into a summer beach read, knocking out your TBR (to-be-read) list, or getting the kiddos to do summer reading assignments, you can meet all of your reading goals this summer around Columbia.
From the Richland Library’s Summer Learning Challenge to curated picks from local bookstores like All Good Books and Queer Haven Books, we’ve rounded up reading recommendations for every kind of reader — plus a few book clubs and challenges to help you stay on track (or meet new literature-loving friends).
📚 Book recommendations
“The Lion Women of Tehran” by Marjan Kamali
Recommended by: Julie from All Good Books
Set during the 1950s in Tehran, Iran, this story follows two young girls as they come of age and pursue their goals during a time of political turmoil. It’s a beautiful story of friendship, forgiveness, and empowerment.
📚 Summer challenges
All Good Books’ 2025 Summer Reading Challenge
Through Sunday, Aug. 31, AGB is giving out stickers and incentives just for reading — no pressure, just fun. Stop in to get your challenge sheet (for adults + kiddos) and meet fellow bookworms.
Morning Blend: A Jazz, Soul, and Coffee Series | 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 Drake’s Duck-in.
Meeting Street Artisan Market | 4-8 p.m. | West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater, West Columbia | Price of purchase | Stroll through the Interactive Art Park and shop for handmade crafts, baked goods, and artwork.
Author Talk: Mary Alice Monroe | 6-7:30 p.m. | Lexington Main Library, Lexington | Free | The author will discuss her newest novel, “Where the Rivers Merge,” which celebrates the land and spirit of the early twentieth-century Lowcountry.
Friday, June 13
Fantasia + Anthony Hamilton | 8 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $87+ | Two R&B powerhouses share the stage for a night of ballads and big vocals.
Saturday, June 14
Outfest | 12-8 p.m. | 1100 Park St. | Free | Celebrate Pride Month at this famously hot block party.
Rhythm on the River | 6-9 p.m. | Riverwalk Amphitheater, West Columbia | Free | Rock out on the riverside at this family-friendly event with the Going Commando Band.
This port supports one in nine South Carolina jobs
Presented by South Carolina Ports
SC Ports ships products for manufacturers, car makers, retailers, farmers, hospitals, and businesses big and small. | Photo provided by South Carolina Ports
Did you know? South Carolina Ports moves more than just cargo — it also brings an $87 billion in economic impact for the state every year.
As one of the top 10 container ports in the US, SC Ports attracts businesses, drives investment, and supports one in nine jobs across South Carolina. Plus, these jobs pay about 23% more than the state average.
CEO Barbara Melvin sums it up well: “We’re a port for the entire state.”
The Lexington County Peach Festival returns Friday, July 4, and is ripe for celebration as it turns 65. The all-day event runs from 9 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Gilbert Community Park with a peach parade, fireworks, 150+ vendors, live music, and limited-edition peach treats.
Open
Eatery 117 is now open in Elgin, offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch in the former Random Tap space. Expect menu items like avocado toast, espresso from Methodical Coffee, and bagels from The Bagel Guys. (The State)
Wellness
StrongHER Gym moved to West Main Street in Lexington, now situated between Food Lion and Wingstop. The new space features expanded parking, showers, a kitchen, and tailored strength classes for girls, older women, and new moms. (Cola Daily)
Coming Soon
Mountain High Outfitters is opening its first SC store at Columbiana Centre at Harbison Boulevard. The outdoor retailer — carrying brands like Patagonia and The North Face — has banners up + is hiring, though no opening date is set. (The State)
Ranked
Staycation, all I ever wanted. Columbia ranked No. 21 on WalletHub’s list of best cities for summer staycations. The study factored recreation, food and entertainment, and relaxation opportunities across the country. Start planning your getaway at some of these unique rentals across the city.
Community
Pet waste pollutes more than just your shoes — it threatens our rivers, lakes, and health. When it rains, bacteria from pet waste washes into local waterways. Help protect our environment and community: pick it up, bag it, and Trash the Poop.*
Real Estate
Conveniently located just across the bridge from downtown + adjacent to the Congaree River is Brookland, a vibrant live-work-play community in the heart of West Columbia. The good news: A highly visible ground-floor retail or office space with consistent foot traffic is available. Learn more + see inside.*
Eat
Smoky, spicy, and just sweet enough — this quick and easy cauliflower dish gets its golden char from a quick pan sear and finishes with a honey-orange glaze. Plus, Spanish paprika adds warmth while red pepper flakes bring a little bite. Get cooking.*
It’s not just you — aches, brain fog, and low energy could signal a gap in your diet. This patented supplement (discovered through dolphin research) contains an essential fatty acid linked to healthier aging + better immunity, metabolism, and mood. Get 15% off with code 6AMCITY.*
Post of the Day
If the recent steamy, stormy weather has you craving a refreshing, award-winning cocktail, head to The Dragon Room in the Vista. Bartender David Adedokun won the grand prize at the recent Capital City Cocktail Competition, where some of the area’s top mixologists went head-to-head.
The winning drink? “Dressed to Chill,” a tequila-based cocktail with Thai basil, tamarind, and cardamom bitters.
The fun doesn’t 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.
The third annual Wing Off returns to CB18 in Five Points on Saturday, June 21, featuring a wing-eating competition with Gamecock athletes, live music, and a chance to dunk local celebs. Proceeds from the free, ticketed event benefit The Garnet Trust.
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