The new downtown co-working space is a great place to network with fellow remote employees. | Photo by COLAtoday
The city of Columbia is basically my home office — whether at a coffee shop, a new opening, or my desk at home — so I brought my laptop to the open house at VentureX on Wednesday.
The new coworking space sits on the top floor of 1901 Main Street, offering 360-degree views for miles, including a bird’s-eye look at the developing north end of town.
With remote work a reality for so many, the space makes sense for anyone looking to get out of the house without a traditional office, including travelers or those splitting time between cities. The penthouse includes private offices, shared team spaces, conference rooms, content studios, and a lounge named for the nearby Cottontown neighborhood.
Even if you’re not looking for a full-time workspace, rooms can be booked by the hour for content shoots, meetings, or a quiet workspace when you really need to lock in.
Asked
Asked
What does your weekday routine usually look like?
A. Working from home B. Working in an office or on-site C. Out and about around town D. It varies E. I’m retired
Dutch Bros is acquiring Clutch Coffee Bar, a 20-unit drive-thru chain founded in the Carolinas. All Clutch locations — including several in the Midlands — will close tomorrow, Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. and later reopen as Dutch Bros. (QSR Magazine)
$9.12 billion — that’s South Carolina’s total capital investment from industry recruitment in 2025, its third-highest year on record. Rural communities claimed 46% of that investment.
Festival
That’s amore — the Italian Festival is set for Saturday, Oct. 10 at Finlay Park. The event celebrates Italian food, culture, and community, and it’s returning for the first time in over a decade.
Outdoors
An RV campground could be coming to Lexington County. The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission got initial approval to rezone 69 acres near River Bluff High for a future site that would connect to the expanding Saluda River trail system. The project still needs funding and is likely a few years out.
Wellness
Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*
Arts
Danish Artist Thomas Dambo’s trolls are hiding all over the world, and now they’re some of Asheville’s newest residents. Plan a trip to hunt down all 12 trolls at The North Carolina Arboretum, and check out troll-themed lodging packages to make the most of your visit.*
Featured Space
This ±4,950-square-foot industrial building offers a functional mix of office and warehouse space, with 13.5-foot clear heights, three 10′×10′ bay doors, and a restroom. Tucked into a flex/industrial cul-de-sac off Two Notch Road, it provides quick, convenient access to I-20 and I-77. Check it out.*
Formerly an anchor at WIS, Melvin is now a host on “Today,” where he’s known to drop a reference to his hometown. Last year, he returned to Columbia to give national viewers a tour of the city, including stops at Finlay Park and Lizard’s Thicket.
⛳ This men’s fleece-lined quarter zip is the perfect base layer.
⛳ A pair of windproof and waterproof pushcart mitts to keep your hands warm + dry.
⛳ These men’s thermal golf pants that deliver lightweight insulation for under $50.
⛳ A handy golf cart heater that can run for almost six hours.
⛳ Bonus: If your course is closed for the season, this 4.8-star rated indoor golf simulator is calling your name.
My nephew texted me to look out for snow in Columbia this weekend. I didn’t believe him, but lo and behold, there’s a small chance for flurries on Sunday morning, Jan. 18. That lines up closely with our last snowfall, which came on January 21, 2022.
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