Soda City Market happens year-round, no matter the weather. | Photo via @roadtripsandrollercoasters
In case you missed it, Soda City Market is the cream of the crop. Don’t believe us? It tops the charts of USA Today’s list of Best Farmers Market for 2025.
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., over 200 vendors and ~7,000 attendees gather for this European-style market.
Don’t know where to start? Here are a few of our favorite vendors:
Super Icy Brothers | Start with something cool to get you through your shopping. We like the boozy scoops.
Squawkin’ Farm | Get a whole chicken for just under $5 a pound and know that the bird was raised humanely.
Oswego Flower | Don’t forget the fresh-cut flowers before you leave.
Events
Events
Saturday, July 12
Bierkeller Bratfest | Saturday, July 12-Sunday, July 13 | Times vary | Bierkeller Columbia | Free entry | Get hungry for this fest featuring over 1,000 sausages.
Back to School Bash | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Pinehurst Park | Free | Prepare for the year ahead by bringing your kiddo for free school supplies.
Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” | Saturday, July 12-Sunday, July 27 | Times vary | Town Theatre | $17+ | Go “Under the Sea” with a performance of this beloved classic.
Documentary Screening: “Midwest Matrix” | 2-3 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Price of admission | Create your own bingo card, then use it to track key words during a screening of a documentary about post-WWII collegiate programs in the Midwest.
Monday, July 14
Read to a Therapy Dog | 4-5 p.m. | Richland Library Wheatley | Free | Bring your favorite book to practice reading to a furry friend.
It seems South Carolinians love tuning in to “Property Brothers.” That’s the state’s most popular HGTV show, according to a recent study. If you’re ready to turn off the TV and do some house hunting of your own, you might want to brush up on Columbia’s cost of living.
Ranked
In need of a summer road trip that doesn’t break the bank? Condé Nast Traveler just listed Myrtle Beach (a ~3-hour drive from Soda City) in its roundup of the best affordable family vacations in the US. The article highlights offerings like street performers, the SkyWheel, and bird-watching.
Travel
Columbia Metropolitan Airport travelers left their shoes on through the TSA checkpoint for the first time in nearly 20 years this week. The nationwide change aims to streamline TSA ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics. You should still probably arrive two hours early, though. (USA Today)
The Word
“Fridge cigarette.” A snack or drink — most often a Diet Coke — used as an excuse for a short break, akin to a smoke break. If you’re going to join the trend, might as well sneak in a healthy snack — Community Supported Grocery will drop fresh produce at your door. (Today)
Eat
McDonald’s is spicing up its menu and bringing the summer heat with new Spicy McMuffin breakfast sandwiches — made with all the classic ingredients + spicy pepper sauce. Can’t make it before the 10:30 a.m. cutoff? Try these brunch spots around town instead.
History
It might feel like Y2K was just yesterday, but we’re officially closer to 2050 than we are to 2000. While we have no idea what’s in store for the next 25 years, we are looking forward to these local events in the next couple of weeks. (Buzzfeed)
Sports
LSU who? Tom Allen’s refreshed Clemson defense is built to control tempo. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
The Buy
Nordstrom’s adorable Winona Slide Sandal, newly marked down and perfect to slip on for summer date nights, dinners, and hangs. We love: The chic blue color + the rafia heel.
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.
Okay, okay — let’s be real. We can’t pick just one farmers market to be the best. After all, there are so many options.
Personally, I can’t go a whole week without a visit to a market. I was glad to see the Meeting Street Artisan Market back open after it closed for the Fourth of July.
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