WP Rawl even makes a Collard Greens Dip you can serve as an appetizer. | Photo via WP Rawl
Collard greens — it’s the official vegetable of South Carolina, and tomorrow is its day to shine. Each year, Lizard’s Thicket serves thousands of servings on New Year’s Day, and the greens are grown locally at WP Rawl farm in Lexington County.
For the superstitious, dining on money-colored collards and black-eyed peas is a sign of financial prosperity in the new year. Even if you’re just a little stitious, the greens are packed with vitamins and fiber, so you’ll be off to a great start if healthy eating is one of your goals.
The exact origins are up for debate, but the annual meal of pork, cornbread, greens, and peas is one Southerners proudly keep alive.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is rebranding as Shiloh Trading Company and could reopen in January. Plans include transforming the Vista location into a bistro and shop centered on work by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Hear more from the owners.
Festival
Germany’s answer to Mardi Gras is coming to Columbia. Bierkeller will host its annual Fasching celebration Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21, with costumes, beer, German food specials, live music, and kids’ activities. The free event is family + pet-friendly.
Civic
Columbia will hold a swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and newly elected City Council members at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The public event will take place in the Exhibit Hall, with a reception immediately following the ceremony.
Watch
A new year means new movies, and there are lots of flicks to get excited for in 2026. There’s a Michael Jackson biopic, the third installment of the “Dune” franchise, and Christopher Nolan’s upcoming spin on the epic tale, “The Odyssey.” Keep your eye on local theaters for releases. (Rotten Tomatoes)
The Word
Betwixtmas. That’s the new word for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve — aka a time period that many describe as feeling “meaningless.” If you’re struggling to fill your Betwixtmas, we recommend exploring our events calendar. (KVUE)
State
It was quite the year for South Carolina’s sea cows. Officials with the state’s Department of Natural Resources say they received a record-breaking 289 manatee sighting reports in 2025, almost double the usual amount. If you ever see one, you can use this form to help officials gather information. (Post and Courier)
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Bring art, community, and conversation to the table at The Agape Table: Drawn Together at the Columbia Museum of Art on Saturday, Jan. 10. Explore Keith Haring: Radiant Vision with guided dialogue, connect over a shared lunch, and reflect on art, activism, and belonging. Free with registration — reserve your spot.*
Read
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The Boyd Passage Trailhead opens a fresh route on the Palmetto Trail, thanks to The Boyd Foundation. | Photos by COLAtoday
First Day Hikes return to South Carolina State Parks on New Year’s Day, and this year you’ll have the chance to explore one of the newest parks: Pine Island on Lake Murray.
Beginning at 10 a.m., the .75-mile hike will include sharing future plans for the park and hopefully some wildlife sightings.
Here are 11 more hikes in the region, rated by difficulty.
If you’re looking for a relaxing walk through the hardwood forest where you can observe many types of trees and wildlife throughout the walk, this trail is for you.
A personalized weight loss plan from Noom. Begin the new year by trying Noom’s science-backed program that blends cutting-edge technology with expert coaching to drive lasting behavior change. Take this 5-minute quiz to receive a plan that’s tailored to your goals for 2026.
If you love buying used books, you don’t want to miss this sale. Ed’s Editions in West Columbia is offering 50% off storewide today, ahead of their move to a new location next door. The store is hoping to reopen in a few weeks, which you’ll want to visit, but you won’t get this deal.
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