Lion sisters Thabisa and Lindelani snapped earlier this year at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. | Photo by Riverbanks Zoo
It’s a season of change at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, where several animal residents are heading off to new adventures and a few fresh faces are moving in.
Goodbye: Lion sisters Thabisa and Lindelani, longtime residents of Riverbanks, have moved to another accredited zoo to support national breeding efforts for African lions. Their departure makes way for two young males arriving in December as part of the Zoo’s “Bridge to the Wild” expansion and new lion habitat.
Goodbye (and see you later): Huntington, a green sea turtle raised at Riverbanks, was released into an inlet leading to the ocean last month, returning home from the Zoo’s sea turtle conservation program. A new hatchling from the same nesting area will arrive this winter and debut next spring.
Hello: Over in the Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center, a new Giant Pacific Octopus named Susan 2 has taken up residence.
A fresh chapter (and a fresh glow) in Forest Acres
Presented by About You Aesthetics
Whether you’re looking to refresh your skin with Botox or relax with a Hydrafacial, your personalized path to rejuvenation awaits. | Photo by Joshua Aaron Photography
New look, new location, same trusted team. After a decade of helping Columbia look and feel its best, About You Aesthetics is celebrating 10 years with an exciting new move to Forest Acres.
The physician-owned medical spa — now open at 4700 Forest Drive Ste. 200-A — is one of the area’s longest-standing med spas, known for providing safe, effective treatments for all skin tones.
From corrective skincare and injectables to laser services, hair restoration, and PRP microneedling, every treatment is backed by experienced, licensed providers and medical expertise. Whether you’re looking for a glow-up with a Hydrafacial, smoothing with Botox or Dysport, or a confidence boost through laser hair removal, About You Aestheticsmakes it all about you.
Ready for more excitement?Follow their Instagram for updates, specials, and more. and book your appointment today to experience their new Forest Acres location firsthand.
On November 10, 1969, the first-ever episode of “Sesame Street” aired. Over the years, many of us have learned and laughed with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert + Ernie, and all the other familiar faces. Continue their legacy with a random act of kindness in Columbia.
Travel
Double-check your flight times. The FAA reduced flights at 40 major airports due to the federal shutdown. Columbia Metropolitan Airport remains fully operational, but several nonstop destinations are affected.
The Word
The viral “6-7" trend has made it into the record books — it’s now Dictionary.com‘s Word of the Year for 2025. We don’t understand it, either. What we do understand is our Games section, where not six, not seven, but eight daily options await. (AP News)
Mansion Monday
Make every day a day at the beach.This Lake Murray home comes with its own sandy shoreline and 165 ft of lakefront views. The home is designed for entertaining with a chef’s kitchen, luxe owner’s suite, guest-ready “Party Barn,” and dock with boat lift.
Environment
Scientists have uncovered dozens of new aquatic species in the Southern Ocean, including a carnivorous “death ball” sponge that uses tiny hooks to capture its prey. You don’t need to travel that far to see local wildlife for yourself — The Riverbanks Zoo is full of wonder. (ABC News)
Drink
A taste of the Big Easy is gaining popularity across the country, according to the New York Times. The Obituary is a martini made with gin, vermouth, absinthe, and lemon zest, and is experiencing a renaissance. See if you can find one at a local happy hour.
Watch
Reel talk — have you seen “Jaws” recently? The 1975 film is the most popular horror movie in the Palmetto State, according to a new study. Now that spooky season has come and gone, we recommend turning on a flick with ties to the Capital City. (CW33)
Fun Fact
Posting on our local job board is like using a GPS for hiring. It gets you to the right talent without the scenic detours. Ready to find your dream candidate? Post your job today. It’s 100% free.
Try This
We experienced Radiant Vision and were captivated by Haring’s energetic style and powerful messages. Every piece feels alive, blending joy with social commentary. This exhibition is a vibrant celebration of creativity and activism. Learn more + plan your visit.*
The fountain is flowing again at this iconic view of downtown Columbia. | Photo by COLAtoday
The fountain’s back flowing, and Finlay Park is ready to reopen. Columbia’s centerpiece park will come alive Saturday, Nov. 15, and Sunday, Nov. 16 with live music, food, and family fun all weekend long.
The celebration kicks off on Saturday at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the Jam Room Music Festival from 12 to 10 p.m., featuring 10 bands on two stages. The music continues on Sunday with Day Two Fest, headlined by the Charleston Americana duo Shovels & Rope.
Know before you go:
Free parking is available at nearby city decks, and downtown street parking is free on the weekends.
Bag checks will be in place at the gate with a clear bag policy.
Both days are free and open to the public.
The Buy
Gutter guards that make clogs physically impossible. Yes, really. Meet LeafGuard, a system with seamless construction that eliminates joints where leaks typically develop. The result? A maintenance-free solution that’s built to last. Bonus: Our readers save 75% off installation + an additional $200 off.
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 love to visit each of Columbia’s coffee shops from time to time and grab something off the seasonal menu. One of my favorites recently was the spiced cider topped with caramel cream from Loveland Coffee. If you’ve tried a seasonal drink that’s hit the spot lately, reply to this email and let me know.
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