We’re excited to announce that the COLAtoday Holiday Gift Guide will return this November. Want first dibs on a feature? Lock in your spot now + get 20% off with code EARLYBIRD20. Hurry — this offer ends Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Food
City Guide
Nocturnal grazing
If you see this sign, the end of your late-night hunger is in sight. | Photo by @davidrstringer
Save this list for the next time you’ve got an after-hours craving.
Art Bar | Monday-Thursday until 12 a.m. + Friday and Saturday until 1 a.m.
Settle in amongst the robots to chow down on everything from burgers to chicken tenders and wings.
Beezers | Open until 12 a.m.
It’s not open as late as it once was, but the sub shop located across from USC’s horseshoe has been serving late-night subs and Beezer freezes since 1998.
Prohibition | Thursday-Saturday until 11 p.m.
Dip into this downtown spot for an after-hours burger, street corn fries, and a cocktail.
The Granby Grill | Tuesday-Saturday until 12 a.m.
The popular burger spot is now reopened and slinging some of the best cheeseburgers, onion rings, and hand-cut fries from the window of Lucky’s in Five Points.
Transmission Arcade | Sunday-Tuesday until 12 a.m. + Wednesday-Saturday until 2 a.m.
The downtown arcade is a great spot to bring a group of friends for a late dinner or pick it up to-go.
Holidays at Kiawah Island Golf Resort | Saturday, Nov. 1-Thursday, Jan. 1 | Kiawah Island Golf Resort | Price of purchase | Plan a getaway to Kiawah Island Golf Resort this holiday season, where timeless traditions and stunning ocean views go hand in hand.*
Fall in love with this season in Chapel Hill. | Photos provided by Visit Chapel Hill
You’ve heard of bar hops and ale trails, but have you ever tried a fall crawl?
Gather your friends or family and take a trip to Orange County, to experience live music, local artists, food festivals, and yes, football.Here’s just a sample of what’s in store just over a three-hour drive away:
Moorefields Bluegrass Festival | Oct. 11 | Relax on the scenic 70-acre grounds in Hillsborough while listening to Bluegrass music and sampling bites from local food trucks.
Festifall Arts Market | Oct. 18 | Downtown Chapel Hill transforms into a market blending art and music.
Salt & Smoke & Sound Festival | Oct. 18 | Indulge in a day of dining + dancing with celebrated local chefs and musicians.
There’s more to explore nearly every weekend through November. See the full calendar of events to start planning a weekend escape.
Forest Acres approved new zoning for the redevelopment of the former Richland Mall site, paving the way for 380 apartments, a Kroger, and retail. Southeastern Development plans to break ground in 2026. A city park + stormwater improvements are also planned. (Post and Courier)
Arts
Got a blank wall? One Columbia is looking for exterior spaces for new public murals through its “Call for Walls” campaign. Property owners can submit eligible walls — visible, sturdy, paint-ready — through the end of the year for a chance to turn them into community art.
Number
50 years. That’s how long Perry Lancaster has suited up shoppers at Brittons. The self-proclaimed “Ragman” is known for his handwritten notes and custom fittings, making him a mainstay of Devine Street since 1975. (The State)
Read
Author + TrueSouth host John T. Edge will discuss his new memoir, “House of Smoke,” at All Good Books in Five Points on Sunday, Sept. 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. He’ll be joined in conversation by Columbia’s Ben Rex.
Traffic
The Calks Ferry Road bridge over I-20 in Lexington County reopened this week. SCDOT originally planned the closure to last through October, but completed the repairs ahead of schedule.
Cause
Curing Kids Cancer pledged $5 million to Prisma Health Children’s Hospital — the largest gift in Prisma Midlands’ history. The endowment, named Killian’s Hope, will fund pediatric cancer research in partnership with USC’s College of Pharmacy.
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, COLAtoday Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.
Edu
Discover your creative potential with Inward & Artward School of Creativity’s online classes this fall. Engage in courses like Creativity & Personal Mythology and Writers Accountability Groups to build resilience and sustain inspiration. Plus, apply for the 2026 hybrid Creative Facilitator Training for a unique learning journey. Enroll.*
With South Carolina still experiencing record-breaking heat waves, the last thing you need is a $10,000 HVAC repair bill (no, we didn’t accidentally add an extra zero there). Luckily, this leading company is offering 50% off select plans — get your free quote. See disclaimers forimportant consumer information.*
Wellness
Wellness
Skincare that works, backed by science
Presented by Timeline
Backed by research, this skincare restores skin vitality. | Photo by Timeline
As we age, skin loses the firmness and elasticity that gives it a youthful appearance. A key reason? Skin cells lose energy, hindering essential functions like collagen production.
Enter: Mito-Biotic™ Skincare from Timeline, clinically proven to energize skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 15%.‡
See benefits in as little as 15 days and save 20%while supplies last.
A HEPA air purifier that’s 60% off for a limited time. We love that style is not compromised for function — it features a sleek exterior + eliminates 99.97% of air particles so you can have an odor and dust-free environment.
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.
Darius Rucker has a new band. Howl Owl Howl is a new super group he formed with R.E.M.'s Mike Mills and The Black Crowes’ Steve Gorman, but unfortunately, they haven’t set a Columbia tour date. If you want to catch them live, you’ll have to take a short road trip to Athens or Atlanta, GA, in mid-November.
‡Mito-Biotic™ Skincare from Timeline disclaimer: Based on an 8-week randomized controlled clinical trial of 36 healthy women aged 40 to 65 years.
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