Former Gamecock standout and former Detroit Tigers catcher Grayson Greiner is one of the founders. | Photo via HUSTL Sports Performance
South Carolina is among the top 20 states to start a business in the US, according to a new report from WalletHub. That’s certainly true for Columbia, where our small business scene is full of gems, including these three we’re loving at the moment:
Walk into Cat’s Kettle during the day, and you’ll find a quiet spot for coffee and a healthy bite. Walk in at night, and you might find a rock show.
I never know what kind of wine to order, but at Vino Sabor they’ll help you figure that out. As they say, perfect for the “curious or the connoisseur.”
HUSTL Sports Performance opens in March on Shop Road to develop young athletes, with an Athletic Club focused on functional strength training planned for Barnwell Street.
The Lunar New Year is coming up, with the Year of the Fire Horse starting on Tuesday, Feb. 17, representing movement, change, and opportunity. We’ll have plenty of happenings in our newsletters as we approach the occasion — our events calendar is already full of ideas.
Mansion Monday
The Super Bowl lineup is set — who are you rooting for? Stay tuned for local game day deals and places to watch. Here’s an idea: If you buy this recently listed lakefront home, you can watch it in the game room.
Community
The Internal Revenue Service will start processing 2025 tax returns today. Once you get around to it, the IRS has some tips to make the process as smooth as possible.If you get some money back, Columbia’s best lunch deals are a way to celebrate.
Pets
Cows might be smarter than we thought. A Swiss Brown cow named Veronika has been seen using a stick to scratch her back — reportedly the first time cattle have shown they can use tools. See if you can teach the animal in your life some new tricks at one of Columbia’s dog-friendly spots. (BBC)
On This Day
On January 26, 1932, a New York doctor subverted prohibition laws to benefit visiting British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The physician wrote a letter claiming Churchill’s recovery from an accident “necessitates the use of alcoholic spirits, especially at mealtimes.” No doctor’s note needed here — Columbia’s brewery scene awaits. (History.com)
Real Estate
Do smaller homes house happier people? Studies show that moving into a bigger home doesn’t always boost life satisfaction — sometimes it does the opposite. Case in point: This newly listed two-bedroom, two-bathroom brick home is in a Charleston-style courtyard community. (Washington Post)
Listen
Remember when almost every artist would release live albums? Streaming has drastically changed our access to live music, but we can still reminisce on the best examples from history. An album is good, but the real thing is better — as you’ll discover at Columbia’s music venues. (The Guardian)
Concert
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, USC School of Music’s 2026 Musical Feast will transform the Koger Center for the Arts into six dynamic performance spaces on Saturday, Feb. 7. Enjoy live music, food, and drinks — all while supporting USC School of Music scholarships. Get tickets.*
Featured Deal
Looking for a pilates, yoga, or fitness studio that gets you moving in 2026? Get one month free of ClassPass and build your perfect workout routine — balance weight lifting with meditation, or HIIT with hot yoga, all under one membership. Hurry, offer available for a limited time only.*
Eat
Feeding a crowd can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to be. This local deli makes it easy with fresh flavors and crowd-favorite classics perfect for office lunches, family gatherings, and everything in between. Easy, reliable, and delicious? Yes, please.*
Job
Manifesting a new job for 2026? Let us help. Our Job Board has 240,000+ active listings across industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and information technology. Search open jobs now.
Fact or Fiction
This popular balance transfer card can help you crush credit card debt with nearly two years of 0% interest. Fact. Plus, it has zero annual fees + cash back perks on additional purchase. Apply in minutes.*
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The Lincoln Street tunnel in The Vista has hotels on both sides and helps with the walkability of the district. | Photo by COLAtoday
If you’ve ever wondered how decisions get made around Cola, this might be for you.
Applications are now open for the Leadership Columbia Class of 2027, a long-running leadership development program offered through the Columbia Chamber. Each year, a cohort of around 60 participants spends 10 months getting a behind-the-scenes look at the region, from arts and culture to education, government, health care, and economic development.
The program includes a two-day retreat, monthly full-day sessions, a collaborative class project, and opportunities to connect with community leaders across the Midlands. It’s designed for people who are curious about how Columbia works and interested in getting more involved — professionally, civically, or both.
The Buy
A lifetime subscription to Calmind, now 80% off for a limited time. We love that this mental relaxation app uses a scientifically backed method to help you reset + unwind quickly — offering a fresh take on meditation and mental well-being. Trusted by 10,000+ users, real benefits include enhanced mental clarity and focus, improved quality of sleep, and reduced stress. Normally $300, the lifetime subscription is on sale now for less than $50.
SC named its 2026 Chef Ambassadors — Jordan Heyd of Lekker Eats, James London of Chubby Fish, and Guichard Ulysse of House 509 Bistro & Wine Bar. Keep an eye out for them at food festivals and events highlighting Certified SC ingredients and the Palmetto State’s food scene.
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