Plus, a new Guatemalan-Mexican grill is now open.
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Sunrise 6:25 a.m. | Sunset 8:34 p.m.

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🍑 The Protectors of the Peach

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This real-life research squad is protecting South Carolina’s peaches. | Image by ChatGPT
It’s the orchard’s last line of defense — a peninsula lab on Lake Hartwell where a team of scientists is battling disease, drought, and time itself.

They’re known as Clemson’s Peach Team — the largest group of scientists focused on peaches in the entire world — but after spending some time with them at the Musser Fruit Research Center, we caught a vibe that they’re the Avengers of the Peach Universe.

“We’re all internationals, recruited from other countries to work here, so you can claim they’ve got the best of the best,” said Dr. Guido Schnabel, Professor of Plant Pathology, when presented with the Avengers parallel. “We’re from all over the world, working here together for one thing: how to support the peach industry.”

We toured the orchards and stepped inside the labs where the magic happens. Click the button below to see which Avenger each of these Protectors of the Peach reminded us of.
Peach Team assemble

Events

Friday, July 18

Pigskin Poets | 3 p.m. | The Drew Wellness Center | Free | Freshman Gamecock football players will read children’s stories and connect with young fans at this family-friendly literacy event.

Summer Nights at the Museum | 6 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $10 | Enjoy after-hours fun and see the blockbuster exhibition, “Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume.”

Columbia Fireflies vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | Christmas in July: Deck the ballpark, because Santa will be stopping by to take in a Fireflies game before the holiday season.*

Saturday, July 19

Craft & Draft: 7-Eleventh Anniversary Party | 12-7 p.m. | Craft and Draft, Devine Street | Price of purchase | Think gas station vibes, specialty collaboration brews, and convenience store cravings.

Columbia Fireflies vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Peanuts Night: Enjoy a fireworks show and jersey auction after the game.*

Sunday, July 20

Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | 1-4 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion | Free | Richland and Lexington County residents can enjoy free admission to the Hampton-Preston Mansion during this third Sunday open house.

Arboretum Open House | 1-4 p.m. | W. Gordon Belser Arboretum | Free | Walk through 10 SC biomes along a 1/3 mile trail and lead from faculty-led presentations.

Columbia Fireflies vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers | 5:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Kids Club Takeover Night: Join the fun as members of the Fireflies Kids Club take over Segra Park.*
See our full events calendar
Click here to have your event featured.

Travel and Outdoors

⛰️ Your guide to a refreshing mountain weekend

Presented by Explore Burnsville
Photo 1: A family of 4 sits on the grass on a hike with mountains in the background. Photo 2: A planetarium filled with people looking up at the stars. Photo 3: An overhead shot of the town of Burnsville, NC with green mountains surrounding the town. Photo 4: A man and a woman walk downtown Burnsville with a child sitting on the man's shoulders. Photo 5: A woman makes a pot on a pottery wheel, with several similar clay pots on the table next to her.
Burnsville is open and has things to do for all kinds of weekend getaways. | Photos provided by Explore Burnsville
Burnsville, NC is buzzing with new openings + Blue Ridge beauty as it rebounds from Hurricane Helene.

This cozy mountain town nestled at the foot of Mt. Mitchell (the highest peak east of the Mississippi) has an itinerary for every type of weekend away, from family fun to romantic escapes.

If we only had 48 hours in Burnsville, here’s how we’d spend it:

Friday

Check in at Nu Wray Hotel, a recently refreshed historic landmark originally built in the 1800s

Grab a drink at newly opened Roland’s Bar, located in Nu Wray’s original smokehouse

Head to dinner at Live Oak Gastro Pub

Stargaze at Bare Dark Sky Observatory

Saturday

Hike some of the Southeast’s coolest mountains + waterfalls (Pro tip: Check which trails are open before you go)

Shop + support small biz on Main Street

Discover the arts scene | Catch a performance at Parkway Playhouse, watch professional glass blowing at Hearth Glass, or paint at The Bougie Brush
More itinerary ideas

News Notes

Open

Mi Tierra de Maiz, a new Guatemalan-Mexican grill in West Columbia’s Granby Village, is now open with homestyle dishes like pepián, pollo dorado, and shucos. The family-owned spot offers weekday lunch hours and joins a diverse lineup of eateries in the plaza. (The Post and Courier)

Number

1.7 million — that’s how many lights will brighten Segra Park during Fireflies Holiday Lights, returning Friday, Nov. 21–Saturday, Jan. 3. Fan favorites like train rides, igloos, and s’mores pits will return.

Concert

Travel guru Rick Steves joins the SC Philharmonic for “Europe: A Symphonic Journey” — a multimedia blend of Romantic-era music and cultural insight — on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the Koger Center. Tickets are on sale now.

Plan Ahead

Dining on the Dam has been rescheduled for Sunday, Sept. 21 bringing sunset views, gourmet eats from Southern Way, and live music by The Big Time Band to the Lake Murray Dam. Tickets from April are valid + new ones are on sale now. (WLTX)

Outdoors

Keep your eyes on the night sky: Five overlapping meteor showers are active, including the Delta Aquariids (peaking July 29) and Perseids (peaking Aug. 12-13). A bright moon may dim the Perseids, but the best viewing is still after midnight, far from city lights. (The Post and Courier)

Civic

Richland County will host a community meeting on the proposed Jackson Creek Greenway on Wednesday, July 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Decker Center. Residents can view design plans and give feedback on the 1.3-mile greenway project.

Shop

It’s Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, aka prime time to save on top brands like Olaplex, Dyson, Madewell, UGG, Hoka, and Birkenstock. We’re eyeing: $30 off these luxe high-waist leggings.*

Number

50,459. That’s how many potential candidates are looking at this right now. Ready to promote your job listing to find your dream hire? It’s absolutely free on our COLAtoday Job Board. List it now.

Post of the Day

The new spuds are here. Rush’s original fries are officially back today after months of crinkle-cut controversy. The locally owned chain known for burgers, hot dogs, and fried chicken owned up to the salty social media comments with a “we were wrong, baby” post, responding to nonstop calls to bring back the classic fries. Craving more food news? Check out these new restaurants.
Want to be featured?

The Buy

No more gatekeeping. These are our top five summer essentials we wish we’d purchased sooner:

🩴 A pair of comfy + versatile Crocs sandals. Pro tip: Keep them by the front door for last-minute errands, walking the dog, and more.
🧊This No. 1 best-selling cooler backpack that features a built-in bottle opener and can fit up to 40 cans.
🧺 A waterproof blanket that’s perfect for beach days, family picnics, baby playtime, and more.
☀️ La Roche-Posay’s award-winning tinted sunscreen that’s non-greasy and fast-absorbing.
👗This flowy sundress that’s available in 20+ colors and patterns like blue floral, pink, khaki polka dot, and purple.
More worth The Buy

Games

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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.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:

Looking to plan a perfect fall outing in the Soda City? Historic Columbia’s Concert in the Gardens featuring the SC Philharmonic returns to the Hampton-Preston Mansion on Tuesday, Sept. 23, and Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. Pro tip: Don’t forget to pack your blanket and picnic basket.
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