Whether you’re looking to try something new or visit an old favorite, participating restaurants offer special deals to entice Columbians to get out and eat local. Here are my five Editor’s Picks:
The longtime Vista staple is known for its shrimp and grits, but it will be hard to pass up the fire-roasted Vista Chicken served with a side of mashed potatoes topped with a creamy white wine and butter sauce.
This one’s a deal at only $30 per person. Try the Rigatoni Al Dorato, and you’ll be looking forward to your return visit to this fine Devine Street spot.
For 20 more restaurant options, here’s the full lineup.
For anyone considering joining this forward-looking community, now is the moment to pay attention. This phase offers a rare low-risk, high-reward opportunity: secure your place early, gain added perks, and position yourself at the forefront of something truly exciting as Brookland Commons continues to take shape.
By submitting your interest now, you’re not just expressing curiosity — you’re unlocking priority access, ensuring you’re among the first to explore floor plans, pricing, and upcoming milestones. It’s a simple step with meaningful advantages for those who act before the deadline.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time, this is it. The window is closing soon, and these early benefits won’t return once the phase ends.
West Columbia is planning a major redesign of Meeting Street between State and Ninth Streets. The proposal includes reducing the number of lanes from four to two, wider sidewalks, 117 new trees, and additional parking. Construction could begin later this year, pending approval. (WLTX)
Trending
Buddhist monks on the Walk for Peace are in Lexington and Saluda counties today as part of their cross-country journey from Texas to DC. They plan to stop in Columbia Saturday, Jan. 10, during a Peace Proclamation event at the State House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (WLTX)
Learn
The City of Columbia extended the deadline to apply for its NxLevel Micro Entrepreneurs and FastTrac Growth Venture courses to Monday, Jan. 20. The free business development programs run January through April and offer in-person instruction for startups and growing ventures.
Sports
The South Carolina Senior Games return Friday, April 10 through Thursday, May 7, with adults 40+ competing statewide in sports like pickleball, track, and bowling. Columbia will host events over four weekends. It’s also a qualifier for the National Senior Games.
Edu
More than 200 scholarships are open through Thursday, March 5 through Central Carolina Community Foundation. High school seniors, college students, and adult learners in 11 Midlands counties can apply for 2026-27 aid.
Job
The Columbia Fireflies will host a job fair Saturday, Jan. 24, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Segra Park to hire ~300 part-time seasonal staff for the upcoming season. Openings include food service, ticketing, and fan engagement. Apply online or bring this form.
Finance
You’re smart — but your spending can still be dumb. Here are the 11 dumbest things smart people waste money on.*
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Sunday brunch returns to the North Main Street wine and beer shop on January 11, led by new biscuit sandwiches piled high with charcuterie meats, melty cheeses, and eggs, plus croissant sandwiches, boards, artisanal butter, and Sakhar Jams.
Take the guesswork out of healthy eating with chef-cooked meals from Forkful. Instead of spending hours on Pinterest looking for recipes, opt for high-quality, nourishing meals delivered right to your door. Forkful’s meals boast only the finest ingredients, like grass-fed meats, wild-caught seafood, and organic produce. Think: protein-packed pastas and plant-based burrito bowls. Plus, Forkful meals are never frozen + only take 2-3 minutes to prepare.
“Are y’all ready to prove everybody wrong?” Carolina Mic’s “If I had $150,000" rap about the Carolina Panthers has been stuck in my head all season, and he’s made a custom version ahead of the Panthers’ playoff game set for tomorrow, Saturday, Jan 10 at 4:30 p.m. If you want to watch it with fellow Carolina fans, head to Carolina Ale House on Columbiana Drive.
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