Mid-day traffic on Gervais Street in front of the State House. | Photo by COLAtoday
What would you do with 48 hours? Sit in traffic, apparently. That’s the average time Columbians lost to traffic congestion in 2024, which is 16% worse than the year before. That could have something to do with the Carolina Crossroads project at Malfunction Junction.
By the numbers
According to a recent report from Texas A&M Transportation Institute, a trip that would take 20 minutes without traffic takes...
23 minutes with traffic
23 minutes in the peak direction
27 minutes to plan for a punctual arrival
When is the worst time to drive in Columbia?
Traffic is at its worst between 2 and 6 p.m. on weekdays. In the morning, 7-8 a.m. can also be dicey.
But the hands-down worst time to commute? 4 p.m. on a Friday, when 3.3% of Columbia’s weekly delays happen.
Sesqui Artisan’s Market | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sesquicentennial State Park | Explore handmade crafts and fine art while enjoying live music and delicious food at the Sesqui Artisan’s Market — free with park admission.*
If a rezoning request is approved, longtime catering venue Seawell’s may be redeveloped into 71 townhomes. The $44+ million project would reclassify two Rosewood Drive properties near Williams-Brice Stadium as a mixed-use district. The Seawell family plans to relocate operations if the proposal moves forward. (WLTX)
Opening
Lowes Foods will open its newest Midlands location on Thursday, Nov. 6 in Lexington’s Platt Springs Crossing. Ahead of the opening, the store will host a S’mores Wagon event tomorrow from 4 to 6 p.m. with treats and prizes. (The State)
Closed
Cafe Strudel closed its Lexington location after seven years on South Lake Drive. Don’t worry, you can still get your hangover hashbrowns at the original West Columbia on State Street. Both locations were sold to a local hospitality group. (Cola Daily)
Traffic
Assembly Street between Gervais and Lady streets will remain closed this week as crews repair a forming sinkhole near the downtown intersection. The closure spans one block and could lift as early as tomorrow, pending repaving. (The State)
Shop
The 2026 Paws for Preservation calendar is on sale for $15 through Sunday, Nov. 30, featuring cover winner Maggie posing at the historic Laundry at BullStreet. Proceeds fund preservation workshops for local residents, covering everything from plaster repair to energy efficiency.
Eat
Vicious Biscuit is serving two hidden menu items — Lord of the Fries and Old Country Reboot — exclusively through its rewards app through Sunday, Nov. 23. The digital-only menu is part of the brunch restaurant’s effort to offer insider perks and Southern comfort to its most loyal customers.
Seasonal
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$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay to see a licensed dietitian with Nourish. Find a dietitian covered by insurance and build a personalized nutrition plan.*
Editor’s Pick
A pineapple and cheese casserole topped with Ritz crackers is one of South Carolina’s signature dishes, according to Food Network. | Screengrab from Southern Living
I did a little digging, but couldn’t pin down exactly how this casserole became so closely linked to the Palmetto State. Similar recipes date back to the early 1950s, and the Food Network’s version seemed to have taken off in the 1980s — maybe thanks to the “Stirrin’ the Pots on Daufuskie” cookbook that features the recipe. If you want to check it out, it’s available at Richland Library.
Be sure to let us know if you whip up the baked possum recipe.
Asked
Asked
What do you consider South Carolina’s signature Thanksgiving side?
A set of versatile mixing bowls that are on sale for a limited time. The bowls feature easy-to-open, air tight lids, making the transition from prep to storage a breeze. Use them for everything from kneading bread dough to mixing batter to putting together a salad for a potluck crowd.
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 think the signature South Carolina Thanksgiving dish would be either sweet potato casserole or pecan pie. There are several places in town where you can get local pecans, and we have you covered on local recipes. You won’t have to look far to find local sweet potatoes either.
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