Non-coffee drinkers can get in on the fall flavors at Azalea Coffee Bar with the Dragonfly Inn: A sweet potato chai latte with toasted mini marshmallows. | Photo via @azaleacoffeebar
According to Google Trends, “pumpkin spice near me” is being searched more than ever before — but why go through the guesswork of Google when you can get your info straight from the experts? *Cough cough* That’s us, in case you were wondering.
If it’s an autumnal beverage you seek, head to one of these local spots:
Azalea Coffee Bar | Fans of “Gilmore Girls” will have an extra affinity for this shop’s fall menu.
Order up: Lorelai’s Diner — maple and pumpkin cold brew with maple and pumpkin cold foam
Lazy Daisy | Keep an eye on this spot’s Instagram all fall long for new specials each month.
Order up: The Great Pumpkin — a classic PSL with a twist of white chocolate and additional fall spices
Piecewise Coffee Co. | The weather outside might still be in the 80s and 90s, but Piecewise’s fall menu has us feeling we just took a trip to New England during peak foliage season.
Order up: The Pumpkin Pie PoJo — white mocha cold brew with pumpkin pie cold foam, dusted with house-made pumpkin pie spice blend
2025 Midlands Fall Arts & Crafts Market | Saturday, Sept. 13-Sunday, Sept. 14 | Times vary | South Carolina State Farmers Market, West Columbia | Price of purchase | Browse the wares of more than 150 vendors, crafters, and local Midlands businesses at this seasonal market.
Play on the Plaza | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Every Saturday this September, Boyd Plaza will be filled with colorful building materials for family-friendly play.
Pups & Pints Adoption Event and Donation Drive | 12-3 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, Cayce | Free | Adoption fees are waived for all animals at the event and animals come spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Dungeons & Dragons for Adults | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Richland Library St. Andrews | Free | Roll for initiative — new and skilled players are invited to this tabletop role-playing adventure for an afternoon of improvisation and storytelling.
Brunch Around the World! | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Locations vary | Price of purchase | Pick up a passport from one of nine local uptown businesses, then choose your own adventure as you sample global cuisines without leaving Columbia.
Yoga with Kittens | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Fit Columbia | $34 | Get your flow on while being surrounded by cuddly and curious kittens — a portion of proceeds will benefit the Cat Around Town Project.
~50 minutes. That’s how much sunlight will be lost in Columbia over the course of September as days get progressively shorter. If you’re dreading the darkness, you still have time to make the most of bright evenings at a local park.
Eat
What’s the best chicken sandwich in South Carolina? According to Tasting Table, it’s Charleston-based Boxcar Betty’s Boxcar chicken sandwich, made with pimento cheese, peach slaw, and spicy mayo. Here in Columbia, we’ll stick with the legendary classic filet chicken sandwich from Drake’s Duck-In.
Number
$190.93. That’s the average cost of a tailgate experience at a Carolina Panthers game, according to Oddspedia. To find this price tag, the study conducted a tailgating play-by-play, including the costs of parking at Bank of America Stadium and food + drinks for four people.
Announced
Move over, Thin Mints, we’re saving our money for boxes of Exploremores — Girl Scouts of the USA’s newest cookie. The rocky road ice cream-inspired sandwich cookie will debut in 2026. Sign up to be the first to know when they hit the market in Soda City.
Trending
There she is. Miss New York, Cassie Donegan, was crowned Miss America 2026 on Sunday, Sept. 7. Donegan earned more than $50,000 in scholarships, and is the eighth Miss New York to win Miss America. In case you were wondering, Miss South Carolina last won in 1994. (People)
Sports
News has recently emerged about Kirill Kaprizov declining an offer believed to be for eight years and $128 million — if so, should the Canes pursue him? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Hurricaneswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Pop the champagne. The Columbia Fireflies are advancing to the Carolina League Championship after sweeping their series against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Thursday, Sept. 11.
The championship kicks off tomorrow, Sept. 14 in Lynchburg against the Hillcats, but game two will be held at home at Segra Park on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 7:05 p.m. If the Fireflies win it all, it will be Columbia’s first pro sports championship title since 1998.
Tupperware’s 8-piece Heritage Square Bowl Set, on sale for less than $35 for only one more day. It features a modern twist on the brand’s time-tested design, complete with customer-favorite features like an instant seal lips for zero spills and durable materials that are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
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’ve been in my reading era this year — you’ll rarely find me out and about without my Kindle.
If you’re in the same boat, here’s a fun pro tip: You can use your Richland Library card to download e-books directly to your digital devices, plus stream movies and music. If you prefer the feeling of a physical book in your hand, these locally owned shops have you covered.
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