The Rivals in Red soccer match filled Williams-Brice Stadium with 70,000 fans. | Photo by Gamecocks Online
17.3 million — that’s the number of visitors who visited the Columbia region in 2024, setting a new tourism record. According to Experience Columbia SC’s annual report, those travelers spent a whopping $1.9 billion, fueling more than 24,000 local jobs and generating nearly $148 million in state and local taxes.
Hotels, restaurants, and shops led the spending surge, with lodging up 11.7% and food and beverage up 8.4%. In total, tourism now supports one in every 14 jobs across Richland and Lexington counties. Of those visitors, 6.2 million stayed overnight.
From annual events like St. Pat’s in Five Points and the SC State Fair to Soda City Market weekends, Gamecock sellouts, and the high-profile Rivals in Red soccer match, these events helped lead the charge last year.
Presented by Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
When’s the last time all of your friends were in walking distance from you? | Photo provided by Still Hopes
Remember how easy it was to make friends and find fun things to do back in your college days? Life at Still Hopes feels a lot like that — only better. Here, everyone’s in the same stage of life, ready to connect, try new things, and enjoy each day to the fullest.
Here’s what makes life at Still Hopes so special:
Find your people: Build friendships with neighbors who share your interests and experiences.
Enjoy easy access to fun: From art workshops and fitness classes to social gatherings, there’s always something happening.
Stay active and engaged: Walkable amenities make it simple to get involved and stay connected.
Discover new passions: Try a new hobby, revisit an old one, or simply enjoy learning something new.
At Still Hopes, community, curiosity, and connection come together to create a vibrant lifestyle at every age.
The new Cuban Corner restaurant is located next door to Hampton Place Cafe. | Photo by COLAtoday
Coming Soon
Cuban Corner, a popular Soda City Market vendor, will soon open a permanent location near Hampton and Sumter streets. Expect Cuban sandwiches, tamales, pastelitos, croquetas, flan, and classic dishes like ropa vieja and congrí.
Closing
Crossings Deli will close after 25 years on Farrow Road. Owners Brian and Ronya Gunter announced the local favorite’s last day will be Wednesday, Nov. 26. A new concept from incoming owner Denise Higgins is planned for the space.
Edu
USC has renamed its Department of Sport and Entertainment Management after a $5 million gift from the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation. The “David and Nicole Tepper Department” will fund scholarships, faculty roles, and the expanded Tepper Scholars Program. (WLTX)
Civic
Columbia College will host a City of Columbia City Council and Mayoral Candidates Forum on Monday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. in Spears Concert Hall. Organized by the Student Government Association, the forum is open to the public and will include pre-submitted questions from students and staff.
Concert
Motown Night hits the Prisma Amphitheater in Irmo’s Moore Park on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. as part of the Irmo Town Limits series. Tickets are $15 (kids 12 and under free) with music by Jackie’s Boy and Moonkatdaddi.
Wellness
The Palmetto Family Service Center has launched a new mobile health unit to expand access to primary care, testing, pharmacy assistance, and referrals. The unit supports the center’s “Wellness without limits” mission in the Midlands. (Cola Daily)
Community
This October, Planet Fitness celebrates 10 years of its Judgement Free Generation®. In partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, donations support scholarships, community grants, and safe spaces for kids — empowering the next generation to thrive. Learn more.*
Edu
What do flexible scheduling, in-person Charleston residencies, and leadership coaching have in common? They’re all built into this hybrid program for working professionals. Learn more and apply before Saturday, Nov. 1.*
Finance
Crush credit card debt with a balance transfer.This card offers nearly two years of 0% interest (into 2027) + cash back perks on additional purchases. Learn more and apply.*
Say “see you never” to sketchy betting sites. Underdog is safe, secure, and backed by big names like Kevin Durant and Mark Cuban, with bank-level encryption to keep your personal info protected.
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.
If you’re hoping to do some thrifting at the Peddler & Makers Market, you’ll notice some construction, but the market is still open. Progress is underway on the new 2222 Main View apartments on Main Street, which will bring more than 300 new units to the adjacent downtown neighborhood.
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