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🦃 Bird is the word
A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen has you covered for vegan side dishes. | Photo via Let’s Meat Less
Thanksgiving without the prep and cleanup? Count us in. If you’re looking for local restaurants offering a turkey day spread — from stuffing to the whole bird — look no further. These eateries are here to take the stress out of Thanksgiving in Columbia.
Pickup + enjoy at home
A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen | Preorder a full vegetarian spread with BBQ “chicken” strips, mac and cheese, candied yams, and double-layer cakes. Orders close Sunday, Nov. 23 at 12 p.m. for pickup Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
City Grit | Thanksgiving dinner, handled. Turkey, gravy, Southern sides, and your choice of pies feed up to eight. Half and full orders are ready for pickup on Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Wednesday, Nov. 26.
City Limits Barbecue | Snag some smoked brisket, beef ribs, and more from one of Columbia’s most celebrated barbecue spots. All dishes come chilled with reheating instructions. Pickup is Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Meeting Street Artisan Markets - Holiday Edition | Saturday, Dec. 6, Saturday, Dec. 13, Saturday, Dec. 20 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Interactive Art Park, West Columbia | Free | Celebrate the season, find the perfect holiday gifts, and support local artisans at the Meeting Street Artisan Holiday Market, a can’t-miss event for the whole family.*
Stroll the streets, sip something seasonal, shop local treasures at the Artisan Market, and catch that classic tree lighting moment that makes it all feel like the holidays. | Photos provided by Vista Guild
You could say the Vista is glowing up — Columbia’s holiday season officially begins with the 40th Annual Vista Lights, presented by Prisma Health, on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 6-10 p.m. in the heart of the Vista.
This beloved celebration brings together art, community, and festive cheer for an evening that truly lights up downtown. Event highlights include:
Vista Lights Artisan Market featuring local artists and makers — perfect for holiday shopping
Open house and showcase of more than 60 galleries, shops, and restaurants
Visits with Santa and a family-friendly Kid’s Zone with crafts and face painting
Live music from the Soda City Brass Band and Chris Reed & The Bad Kids
Tree lighting ceremony near Lincoln and Gervais Streets
USC’s Williams-Brice Stadium is set for major upgrades, including 42 luxury suites by 2027. Fans can preview the changes — and take a 360° virtual tour — inside the Bignon Gameday Center next to the stadium. One of those suites? $77,000 to $150,000 annually.
Transit
The COMET is offering free Soda Cap Connector service to Finlay Park’s grand reopening this weekend. Buses will loop every 20 minutes from two downtown garages on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. + Sunday, Nov. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Coming Soon
LongHorn Steakhouse is planning a new location at Platt Springs Crossing in the Red Bank area. The steakhouse would join Lowes Foods, Whataburger, and Chipotle near Platt Springs and Old Orangeburg roads. (The State)
Seasonal
Naughty or nice? Both vibes launched yesterday with the return of “Santa’s Pub” at Publico Five Points and “Naughty,” a Grinch-themed pop-up now at Publico BullStreet. Expect festive cocktails, classic holiday decor, and snowy photo ops all season long.
Talk
Dawn Staley — Hall of Fame coach and true crime fan — will lead a conversation with Dick Harpootlian at the launch of his book “Dig Me a Grave.” The event at 701 Whaley on Tuesday, Dec. 16 recounts Harpootlian’s prosecution of serial killer Pee Wee Gaskins.
Shop
Main Street Sip & Vibe returns to downtown Lexington on Friday, Nov. 21 with wine tastings, bites, and local shopping at more than a dozen businesses. Early bird tickets are $35 through tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 14 and then $45 while they last.
Finance
Make holiday shopping easier this season with your mobile wallet — a secure, contactless way to pay using your smartphone. See why AllSouth recommends this simple tool to help you shop smarter.*
Wellness
Arouse the whole you with this FDA-registered vibrating ring for women that adjusts to your vulva shape for distributed external stimulation and magnified sensations. Even better? It’s recommended by doctors to enhance arousal and natural lubrication. Save 35% + an extra 15% with code H4PPY15.*
Finance
Take a break from high-interest debt with this versatile card that offers 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Plus, there’s no annual fee + you’ll earn cash back rewards on everyday purchases. Explore the perks.*
Featured Home
Discover refined living at The Devine District, where sophistication meets convenience. These modern homes feature bright, open interiors, sleek finishes, and thoughtful details just steps from Columbia’s favorite restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. Experience elevated everyday living — right off Devine Street. Learn more.*
Environment
Environment
Give old denim new purpose
Presented by Cotton
Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program has collected over 5 million pieces of denim to be recycled. | Photo by BJGG Lifestyle Imagery
Stop throwing out your old denim. Recycle it through Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program instead.
Simplify holiday hosting with when you get everything you need at the click of a button from Omaha Steaks. Choose from dozens of top-rated options like slow-cooked ham, premium, ready-to-cook turkey, grass-fed beef, and delicious sides like scalloped potatoes, sausage and cranberry stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole to make your perfect holiday meal.
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 preordering your Thanksgiving this year, consider helping a family in need. City Grit is a few meals away from its goal — and once it’s met, Uptown District friends Curiosity Coffee Bar, The War Mouth, and Gardener’s Outpost will match every donation to Feed the City, doubling the meals shared with local families. Each $20 donation provides one Thanksgiving meal.
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