Chef Bernard Hardison rolls up his signature “baptized” chicken. | Image via WLTX
Viral food critic Keith Lee took notice of Columbia’s own Bernard Hardison, the chef known for “baptizing” chicken on social media. Now, Hardison is bringing thousands of wings to “Looka That Festival Right There” on Saturday, July 26, at Historic Columbia Speedway. Expect bold flavors, wild meats, and a whole lot of community pride.
Events
Events
Monday, July 21
Mixtape Mondays | 6-7 p.m. | The Attic Lounge, West Columbia | Free | This weekly series shines a spotlight on local creatives and provides a laid-back space to connect.
Tuesday, July 22
Plink, Rattle, Toot! Words Meet Music: Jazz Edition | 3-4 p.m. | Richland Main Auditorium | Free | Ms. Leslie from the Children’s Room and musicians from ColaJazz bring together picture books and jazz music for an unforgettable performance.
Summer Book Club with Julie + Lauren | 6:30 p.m. | All Good Books | Free | Join fellow book lovers for conversation on “Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Wednesday, July 23
Wednesday Night Karaoke | 8 p.m. | Uncle Festers | Free | Grab the mic, a cheap beer, and show off your shower version of “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Corks & Kayaks | 6-8 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park | $47+ | Paddle the Saluda River, sip fine wines, and take home a keepsake glass at this 21+ guided event.
Zac Kellum Trio | 7 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, West Columbia | Free | Grab a Galaxy Banger and settle in for a soulful country set from this SC-based artist blending modern grit with classic roots.
Freeballin’ Friday | 7:30-11 p.m. | Bang Back Pinball Lounge | Free | Whether you’re a pinball pro or just learning, this casual Friday night tournament is open to all.
Saturday, July 26
CTRL + ALT + CREATE | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | South Carolina ETV and Public Radio | Free | Explore SCETV’s digital world at this free, family-friendly event with hands-on exhibits and kids’ activities.
The BIG Plant Expo | Saturday, July 26-Sunday, July 27 | Times vary | South Carolina State Fairgrounds | $20+ | Explore rare and exotic plants, shop unique vendors from around the world, and hear from expert speakers at this two-day plant lover’s paradise.
Pacaso plans to expand to Italy. | Photo provided by Pacaso
How do you follow a record-setting year? By getting stronger.
Take Pacaso. Their real estate co-ownership tech set records in Paris and London in 2024. No surprise. Coldwell Banker says 40% of wealthy Americans plan to buy abroad within a year, so Pacaso’s planned Italy expansion is big.
They’ve already made $110 million+ in gross profits to date, including 41% YoY growth last year. (They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.) And you can invest for $2.90/share. †‡
Columbia’s Design Review Commission is considering a 174-unit apartment project near Huger, Blossom, and Pulaski streets. The mixed-use proposal includes ground-floor retail and a 260-space garage, adding to the growing corridor near the Vista and riverfront. (WLTX)
Award
Mack’s Cash Grocery snagged the top spot in The State’s 2025 Burger Poll, earning 18% of 5,700+ votes cast. The Laurel Street lunch spot — known for its double cheeseburgers and loyal lunch crowd — last won in 2021.
Coming Soon
Construction is underway on Chase Bank’s first Lexington branch near Lowes Foods. The 3,400-sqft location will feature teller windows, a lounge with Wi-Fi, and drive-up + lobby ATMs. It’s expected to open by summer 2026. (The Post and Courier)
Eat
Columbia’s Food Truck Fridays — held weekly at BullStreet District’s REI Co-Op — could soon expand to more sites like Finlay Park. Started in 2022 to spotlight local eats and build community, the event remains popular, with trucks booking months ahead.
Pets
Columbia Animal Services received a $50,000 grant from national nonprofit Petco Love to boost adoption and enrichment efforts. The funding supports programs that keep pets out of shelters and promote healthier placements in the Midlands.
Mansion Monday
Boasting 215 ft of Lake Murray shoreline, this estate in Lexington’s gated Spence Plantation is luxurious and private. The 6,734-sqft stone home spans 3.5 levels with panoramic water views, a saltwater pool, home theater, and chef’s kitchen — plus a dock with a lift.
Eat
Pregnancy cravings meet expert-approved nutrition. Dr. Strasburger, an OB/GYN at Lexington Medical Center, shares his favorite pregnancy-friendly picks from Smoked — yes, he’s including crabcakes. From brain-boosting omega-3s to immune-supporting B12, here’s how to build a delicious plate that nourishes you and your baby.*
City Guide
City Guide
Make Columbia your gallery
Blue Sky’s Tunnel Vision mural in downtown Columbia. | Photo by COLAtoday
We all know that the Soda City has a vibrant art scene — and we’re not just talking about the Columbia Museum of Art or the 701 Center for Contemporary Art. One of our all-time favorite galleries? Columbia itself.
The Soda City is home to several meaningful murals and street art pieces. Today, we’re sharing where to find pieces that really paint a picture of our city.
A Splash of Color | 745 Saluda Ave. (Five Points) | Shelby LeBlanc
Right in the heart of Five Points, this vibrant mural brings goldfish, frogs, lilies, and a heron to life — 600+ hours went into capturing a feeling of transformation, courage, and resilience
West Columbia Mural | Creative Sewing Mural | Lacey Hennessey
Kayakers, cyclists, and the iconic WeCo sign all show up in this mural celebrating life along the river.
Psst. Wondering what everyone bought during this year’s Prime Day? Here are the top most shopped items that The Buy team recommended — and some of them are still on sale:
👀 Slip into a soft pair of high-waisted leggings with NexiEpoch’s light-compression pair.
👀 It’s hard to say no to a two-in-one vacuum and mop roomba from iRobot, especially with features like “Clean While I’m Away.”
👀 Your under-sink storage space gets a lot more functional when you use these pull-out cabinet organizers that can fit around plumbing.
👀 Anker’s magnetic charging station charges devices two times as fast, all while replacing messy cords.
👀 The perfect lipstick doesn’t exi — ope, we nearly forgot about Clinique’s sheer, flattering Almost Lipstick.
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.
Construction is underway on Godspeed Coffee’s new permanent Five Points location, taking over the former Starbucks. Sparrow Construction shared a sneak peek of the build-out on Instagram. I can’t wait to grab another PB&J latte.
‡This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals. Under Regulation A+, a company has the ability to change its share price by up to 20%, without requalifying the offering with the SEC.
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