There are just two days left to choose the best of the best in Columbia. Don’t miss out + vote for COLAtoday’s Best before voting ends tomorrow, Nov. 25.
A Thanksgiving spread from Spotted Salamander. | Photo by Spotted Salamander
Thanksgiving is Thursday, and we hope we aren’t alone in our last-minute preparations of having to clean the house, finalize the dinner menu, and prepare to be the hostess with the mostess.
If you’re frantically calling relatives trying to track down the perfect Thanksgiving side recipe, no need — we’ve got you covered. We found several classic, local cookbooks put together by Soda Citizens from the 1940s, 50s, and 90s.
Cookbook: “Favorite recipes of the Woman’s Club of Columbia, South Carolina” Year: 1947 Dish: Corn pudding by Mrs. A.B. Langley Recipe:
6 large tender ears of corn
2 eggs
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons of butter
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoons black pepper
2 cups sweet milk
Directions: Beat eggs and stir into the corn, add flour, salt, pepper, milk, and mix thoroughly. Pour into a buttered dish and bake in a moderate oven (between 325° and 400° F) for about one hour. Serve hot.
Danish Artist Thomas Dambo’s Troll sculptures can be found all over the world. | Photos courtesy Thomas Dambo
Asheville has new, whimsical residents: 12 of Thomas Dambo’s Trolls are now on display at The North Carolina Arboretum.
The Danish artist’s towering wooden troll sculptures can be found all over the world, but until February 2026, Trolls: A Field Study is just a short drive away.
82 million. That’s how many Americans are projected to travel 50+ miles for Thanksgiving — a new AAA record. If friends and family are driving to you, make their trip even more memorable by taking them to visit Columbia’s most iconic landmarks.
Mansion Monday
This mid-century modern home in Arcadia Lakes was designed in 1957 by architect William Keenan as his personal residence. The 4,500-sqft, single-level property features 200 ft of lakefront, a saltwater pool, cork floors, and a heated workshop.
Film
October saw the lowest revenue generated by movie ticket sales in almost three decades — excluding 2020 for obvious reasons. With the holiday season on the horizon, and Oscar season in full swing, we recommend catching a flick at The Nick to help keep cinema alive. (Variety)
Pets
Why are there so many dog breeds? New research suggests the phenomena did not begin as recently as generally believed, and in fact, started 11,000 years ago. Whether you’re rocking a miniature poodle in a handbag, or you’re eye-level with your Irish wolfhound, all shapes and sizes are welcome at Columbia’s dog-friendly spots. (Reuters)
Eat
As the eternal starchy advice of Samwise Gamgee goes, “boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew.” But if you’re looking for more from your potatoes this Thanksgiving, the New York Times has some delicious ideas. However you choose to cook them, Columbia’s farmers markets are the way to go.
Watch
The final season of “Stranger Things” begins this Thursday, Nov. 26, with the first four episodes released that day. If you can’t wait that long — or if you just miss the 1980s — turn back the clock with these nostalgic food memories. (The Guardian)
Stat
Would you sit right next to a stranger at a restaurant?90% of Gen Z diners would. According to a new Resy study, communal dining is in. Consider this your cue to meet a new friend at one of Columbia’s new restaurants. (Business Insider)
Jobs
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, our Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.
Plan Ahead
Discover unique handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list at the 55th annual Christmas Craft Show in Aiken. The cherished local festival will take place on Friday, Dec. 5 + Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is free. Learn more.*
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
You could be one of the first to see inside The Lantern Hotel, the Vista’s new boutique stay inside the restored mid-century Columbia Central Fire Station.
On Thursday, Jan. 29, the Columbia Design League will host a special preview tour from 5 to 7 p.m., offering a behind-the-scenes look at the preservation work, design process, and the hotel’s mission-driven partnerships with USC to create inclusive hospitality career pathways. You can also meet the design team and enjoy cocktail refreshments before the hotel opens to the public.
Registration is coming soon, and we’ll be sure to let you know.
The Buy
PSA: Amazon’s Black Friday Week sale is here. With temperatures continuing to drop, we’re stocking up on a few cold weather wardrobe essentials while they’re on sale. These are our top three:
🍂 This pair of ultra-soft wide leg pants are on sale for under $35. We can’t wait to wear them while running errands, lounging, and everything in between.
🍂 Score 30% off this ribbed long sleeve basic tee — perfect for layering under your favorite sweater, vest, or jacket.
🍂 Embrace cozy sophistication with this oversized cable knit sweater that’s marked down to under $28.
Columbia’s summers are about to get a little cooler. Cola landed a spot in Trees4SC!, a statewide push to grow healthier community forests. Over the next two years, the city will map its canopy, plant new trees, and host workshops where residents can even take one home. Keep an eye out for ways to get involved.
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