Photo evidence of “The Tastier Peach State” | Photo via @macgregororchard
In honor of our inaugural Peach Week, we’re taking a look at a battle that pits one state against another: Georgia, “The Peach State” vs. South Carolina, “The Tastier Peach State,” which is the nickname Clemson’s official “peach expert” gave SC over a decade ago.
Let’s take a look, battle by battle, at why we think SC peaches come out on top in this so-called “Peach War.”
Smoked Chimney Rock Wine Dinner | 7-9 p.m. | Smoked | $210 | Experience an intimate 5-course dinner with this Wine Enthusiast Top 5 selection.
Wednesday, July 16
TumbleBooks | 2 p.m. | South Carolina State Library | Free, registration required | Learn how to use TumbleBooks to boost summer reading with this free webinar for educators, librarians, and parents.
Meeting Street Artisan Market | 4-8 p.m. | Interactive Art Park, West Columbia | Free | The market includes vendors selling original art, crafts, foods, and produce.
“Cheaper by the Dozen” | Thursday, July 17-Sunday, July 20 | Times vary | Cardinal Newman Performing Arts Center | $15+ | Step into the hilarious and heartwarming world of the Gilbreth family.
SC Beekeepers Association Conference - “Past, Present, Future | Thursday, July 17-Saturday, July 19 | Columbia Convention Center | $60+ | Gather for workshops, lectures, and hive talks during this three-day conference on the past, present, and future of beekeeping.
Meredith Rhodes is ready to answer your questions about commercial real estate. | Photo provided by Trinity Partners
Whether you’re a small business owner searching for a storefront or a developer seeking new investments, navigating commercial real estate in Columbiacan be tricky.
The good news: Meredith Rhodes, a local brokerage associate with Trinity Partners, is here to answer your questions. Think:
Gamecock standout baseball player Ethan Petry was picked 49th overall by the Washington Nationals in the second round of the 2025 MLB Draft. The junior ranks second all-time in USC home runs with 54. (Gamecocks Online)
Transit
Columbia’s Planning Commission approved the Williams Street extension with protected bike lanes, safer crossings, and a bike-friendly roundabout. The new road will improve access to the riverfront and create safer bike and pedestrian links to the Gervais and Blossom bridges.
Active
Six new pickleball courts are now open at Blythewood Park, converted from former tennis courts by the Richland County Recreation Commission. Officials and residents gathered for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the growing sport’s popularity, especially among older adults. (Cola Daily)
Number
100,000 — that’s how many acres of land are now protected thanks to the Congaree Land Trust. With its latest conservation of Alston Farms in Sumter County, the organization has preserved 45,000 acres of wetlands and 61,000 acres of farmland since 1992.
Arts
Artists for Africa’s 13th Annual Performance Series returns Friday, Aug. 8 to Township Auditorium. The night features NYC Ballet’s Sara Mearns, Soda City Brass, and scholarship dancers from Kenya. Tickets are on sale now + proceeds from the event benefit arts education in Nairobi.
Shop
The Five Points community is uniting for its Summer Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, July 19. Find 20% off at Uptown Gifts, a Kona Ice pop-up, and sweet deals from local shops like Bluetile, Vestique, and Revente.
Try This
Thinking about lacing up and throwing elbows (legally)? The Carolina Wreckingballs roller derby team is recruiting skaters 18+ — no experience needed, just bring a mouth guard. Practices are Sundays at Sports and Skate Station USA, with gear available to borrow while you learn. (The Free Times)
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Post of the Day
The topiaries outside the SC State Museum just got a fresh trim, thanks to local topiary artist Mike Gibson. Originally sculpted in 1996 by Pearl Fryar, they’re now part of the museum’s permanent collection — and carefully maintained by Gibson, who carries on Fryar’s motto: “Be creative with what you’ve got.”
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.
Crispy Cones — yes, that Shark Tank grilled dough cone spot — is coming to Columbia. It’s not official-official yet, but for now, you can peek inside the Greenville shop and the sweet treats you’ll soon see in the Soda City.
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