Soco Falls in North Carolina’s Maggie Valley is practically visible from the road.
Photo by COLAtoday
It’s time to start thinking about a fall trip to the mountains. Managing Editor Eric here — for years, my family has made a fall foliage trek to Bryson City, renting one of many picturesque cabins up in the clouds to look down on the splashes of vibrant color. Its proximity to Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes it an ideal getaway, whether you plan to hike or just relax + observe.
If you go, stop at The High Test Deli & Sweet Shop (order a Hard Top frozen dessert sandwich). Plan an excursion to Cherokee, where you can peruse a range of small shops while keeping an eye out for Nikki’s Frybread & Grill food truck. Nearby, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is a great place to see elk, and Soco Falls is another picturesque roadside stop.
Asked
Asked
Where’s your favorite fall getaway within a few hours of Columbia?
Peak fall color in the Appalachians is expected in early October.
Modern Calligraphy for Beginners | 5:30-7 p.m. | Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea | $65 | Learn modern calligraphy with a pointed dip pen and ink in this workshop.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Fall Arborist Workshop | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | The River Center at Saluda Shoals | $93 | Earn CEUs while learning about storm resilience, fire prevention, pest management, and urban forestry tools.
Book Launch Party | 6 p.m. | All Good Books | Free | Local author Scott Gould celebrates the launch of his new book, “Peace Like a River.”
Adam Sandler: You’re My Best Friend | 7:30 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $52+ | Laugh along with the legendary actor, comedian, and musician.
Thursday, Sept. 11
AAF Midlands Annual Kickoff | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, West Columbia | Free | Network with locals in the advertising community.
Breakfast at Ruiz is opening a second location in the former Ratio location in Elgin later this month. The new spot will offer the same menu and more patio seating. (The State)
Sports
Gamecock Vicari Swain was named SEC co-Special Teams Player of the Week after returning two punts for touchdowns vs. SC State. He now has three this season — tying a USC record — and leads the SEC. Up next, Carolina faces Vanderbilt Saturday, Sept. 13 at 7:45 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Development
The former Marion Street High Rise is getting a $5 million interior upgrade after sitting vacant since 2021. The 16-story building, which was once home to senior residents, is now owned by GoodHomes Communities, which projects to finish renovations by mid-2026. (The Post and Courier)
Community
Old house owners, unite. The Coalition of Columbia’s Historic Districts is hosting a public meeting on Thursday, Sept. 11, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at WECO Bottle & Biergarten to plan a new DIY support group for historic homeowners.
Plan Ahead
The Harlem Globetrotters’ “100 Year Tour” is coming to Colonial Life Arena on Friday, Dec. 5. Expect gravity-defying dunks, pre-game meet-and-greets, and a free post-game autograph session. Tickets go on sale Monday, Sept. 22.
Job
The US Postal Service is hosting a job fair at Richland Library Southeast on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can meet USPS recruiters, apply on-site, and learn about available roles.
Correction
Turns out we shorted Charleston a century. The Holy City wasn’t founded in 1779 but in 1670 — making it 116 years older than Columbia.
Home
Protect your home and extend the life of your roof with a professional roof wash from Ford & Sims Pressure Washing. Bonus: Enjoy complimentary gutter cleaning with your roof wash now through Tuesday, Sept. 30. Book your service.*
Eat
You know the scoop. Tell us your fave places to munch on tacos or your go-to spot to grab a matcha latté. Our COLAtoday’s Best competition kicks off with nominations on Sept. 15. Keep your eyes peeled for the chance to nominate your fave local biz.
Watch
College football Saturdays, NBA playoffs, championship golf — it’s all included on ESPN Unlimited, plus Disney+ and Hulu for your first 12 months. Stream everything for $29.99.*
This bus ride comes with a twist. Hop with Pop returns Tuesday–Wednesday, Oct. 28–29, for a progressive dinner tour through downtown aboard The COMET’s Soda Cap Connector. In partnership with the SC Restaurant Association, guests will begin at the SC State Museum and stop at four restaurants for curated food and drink pairings:
Steel Hands Brewing (small bite + cocktail)
Ruth’s Chris Steak House (appetizer + cocktail)
Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi (entrée + sake)
The Robinson Room (dessert + cocktail)
Tickets are $120 and include transportation, all courses, drinks, and gratuity.
The Buy
We’ve built your new go-to fall outfit. Grab the complete look below for under $200.
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🍁 Slip on these memory foam platform clogs for all-day comfort + style.
🍁 Accessorize with this top-rated crossbody featuring vegan leather and a practical design with multiple pockets.
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.
I’m typically the kind of person who plans vacations around food. And when we go to Bryson City, my family always stops in Asheville (about 70 minutes away) for that very reason.
We’ve been known to haunt Haywood Common, but I can’t wait to go back and try some new-to-me restaurants like Good Hot Fish, Neng Jr’s, The Admiral, and Tall John’s. Find us stopping with the kids at Potential New Boyfriend for ice cream, and if time allows, squeezing in pastries and coffee from OWL Bakery or drinks at Contrada.
Need somewhere to stay? I can’t say enough good things about Chestnut Street Inn.
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