When’s the last time you took a trip to Disney World or Disneyland? It will cost you more the next time you go — visiting the most magical place on Earth is getting pricier.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep the kiddos entertained in and around Columbia that won’t break the bank. Here are a few of our no-cost favorites.
Congaree National Park | Foster a love for nature by exploring 26,000 acres of SC’s only national park, with its iconic beloved boardwalk and native flora + fauna.
Leo’s Landing at Saluda Shoals | This inclusive playground blends nature-based elements and accessible play areas, fostering inclusion and friendship.
South Carolina State House | Dive into civic education with a tour of this capitol building, ideal for curious kids interested in governance and history.
Now comes the fun part: voting. Now through Tuesday, Nov. 25, you can vote for your number one spot in each category. From kid-friendly venues to the best places to golf, there are plenty of options to brag on your favorite biz. You can vote from your mobile or desktop.
Hold tight. Winners will be announced Monday, Dec. 8.
Are you feeling a little extra this Halloween? A quick trip to one of the spookiest cities in the US could be right up your cobweb-lined alley. To see things that go bump in the night — and hopefully, not on the flight — a last-minute visit to Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the place to start. (CNN)
Mansion Monday
Here’s one for the biggest Lake Murray fans. This recently listed Lexington home sits right on the lake, offers 94 ft of direct water access, and has outrageous views across the water. Not to mention, there’s 6,200+ sqft, five bedrooms, a pool, a home gym, and gorgeous brickwork.
Gallery
This year’s spectacular Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners are in.Countless species spanning six continents are all featured in the stunning photos, now on display at the Natural History Museum in London. If you want to enter next year’s contest, we recommend honing your skills at a local trail. (The Guardian)
Shop
If you’re feeling particularly “Golden” this Halloween, you’re not alone. Rumi from “KPop Demon Hunters” is the most searched-for Halloween costume in COLA this year — a trend seen across the country. Consider visiting a local second hand shop to complete your Halloween look.
Sports
The World Series starts this Friday, Oct. 24, and whoever you’re rooting for, baseball just isn’t baseball without a hot dog. Get ready for the action by picking up a glizzy at one of Columbia’s finest establishments.
Seasonal
You’re not alone if you’re looking forward to some Hershey’s in your candy pails — it’s the most popular Halloween candy in South Carolina, per Reader’s Digest. In the meantime, COLA is full of sweet treat havens to get your sugar fix.
Try This
Heads up, gamers. Netflix has introduced a slate of video games within the streaming service — including “Pictionary: Game Night” and “Tetris Time Warp” — that allow customers to scan a QR code and use a phone as the controller. Before you rush to the television, solve today’s word puzzles on COLAtoday. (Entrepreneur)
Listen
The Charlotte Hornets’ 2025-2026 NBA season starts in two days. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the sceneswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Wellness
Ready to sleep better tonight? Canary’s melatonin-free sleep gummy is packed with tart cherry + ashwagandha for rested, refreshing sleep — use code SLEEP20 for 20% off.*
Festival
Festival
Step into Appalachian music history at The Asheville Sessions
Presented by Explore Asheville
The Asheville Sessions is anchored by concerts on Friday, Nov. 7 + Saturday, Nov. 8, including performances by local artists and Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show. | Photo courtesy of David Simchock
100 years after “The Asheville Sessions” in 1925, where Asheville became the first Appalachian city to record country music at a makeshift downtown studio, the city is once again bringing Blue Ridge voices together.
Korean beauty products are more than just a trend — they’re becoming a staple in skincare routines worldwide. Known for their innovative formulas and emphasis on prevention over correction, K-beauty is all about keeping your skin healthy from the start. Here are our top five picks, all under $35 and available on Amazon:
🧴 Dr.Althea’s 345 Relief Cream moisturizer soothes, nourishes, and reduces the appearance of dark spots.
🫧 This No. 1 bestselling cleansing oil is hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types.
⭐ A TikTok favorite, Medicube’s Collagen Jelly Cream boosts hydration + leaves your skin with a radiant, healthy glow.
👁️ This retinal cream delivers an advanced form of retinol deep into the skin to target wrinkles and promote soother, firmer skin.
🧖 The Biodance collagen face masks brighten, improve elasticity, and minimize pores.
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.
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