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Flocking to Cola
If you see a bird like this, you’ve spotted a ruby-throated hummingbird. | Photo via Matt Tillett on Wikimedia Commons
Spring is right around the corner, and our feathery friends are making their way back up the East Coast. One example is the ruby-throated hummingbird, which is expected to migrate through the Columbia area around March 15-March 31.
Did you know? The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common hummingbird species on this side of the Mississippi River and the only one to breed in the eastern US.
Catch a glimpse
If you want to see the hummingbirds before they flutter away, you’re in for a pretty sight. The species is known for being nectar feeders, and is attracted to wildflowers, particularly tubular ones that are red or orange. Grab your binoculars and head to a local birding hot spot like:
Lake Murray — the area has many spots that attract birds and their watchers. We recommend the Lake Murray Dam or Dreher Island State Park.
Hampton-Preston Garden — Pro tip: Look for birdwatching events.
Foodees Fest, a traveling food and culture festival featuring more than 40 food trucks and artisan vendors, will stop in Batesburg-Leesville Friday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 13. The event is free to enter and will take place at the Lifelong Learning Center. (Free Times)
Mansion Monday
If your dream home includes cozy Southern charm with room to entertain, this Forest Acres property delivers. The five-bedroom home features a chef’s kitchen that opens to a great room, plus a screened porch with a fireplace and disappearing doors that turn the backyard into a giant living space.
State
South Carolina had the nation’s fastest per-capita net migration last year, gaining 79.7 residents per 10,000 people. The ranking reflects continued population growth across the Southeast as people relocate to Sun Belt states. (Visual Capitalist)
Travel
The world’s largest steam engine is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a coast-to-coast tour. Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 will start on the west coast Sunday, March 29, and travel from California to Wyoming — the eastern leg is being finalized. While we wait, we’re planning our trip on the Floridian.
Number
$48,233-$144,700. If your household income falls in that range, you’re considered middle class for South Carolina, according to a report from SmartAsset. SC’s range was the No. 38 overall.
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Community
Nonprofits have until Wednesday, April 1 to apply for the Anchor Impact Fund, a grant program launched by Anchor Investment Management to support organizations working to strengthen the Midlands. The fund provides financial support for initiatives focused on community impact.
Family
Looking for overnight childcare?ACE’s Overnight Childcare Center is open seven nights a week, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 a.m. Call or text (839) 292-4847 to book your tour or enroll — plus, mention this ad and get 50% off your registration fee. Learn more.*
Plan Ahead
Finish March strong
Enjoy a concert of light classics while the birds chirp along. | Photo provided by Historic Columbia
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend to close out the second half of March. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
2026 Midlands Spring Arts & Crafts Market | Saturday, March 21 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | South Carolina State | Free | This event will host over 150 vendors, crafters, and local businesses from all over the Midlands.
Read Freely Fest | Friday, March 27-Sunday, March 29 | Times vary | Richland Library Main | Free | Kick off the weekend of author talks and bookish fun with the “Overdue” after-hours event on Friday night.
Ben Kweller | Friday, March 27 | 7 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern | $30 | Catch the Texas-based songwriter who’s been popular in the indie rock world since the early 2000s.
Concert in the Gardens | Tuesday, March 31 | 5-7 p.m. | Hampton Preston Mansion and Gardens | $20+ | Performers from the South Carolina Philharmonic will join Historic Columbia to present a beautiful concert of light classics in the gardens.
These No. 1 best-selling hotel collection pillows that deliver all-night comfort with cooling technology and double-edge stitching. Bonus: They’re machine washable for easy care.
How Todd Ellis’ voice holds up through an entire Gamecock football season, I’ll never know. Now the longtime “Voice of the Gamecocks” and former quarterback is headed to the SC Football Hall of Fame, where he’ll headline the Class of 2025 at the ceremony on Thursday, April 16, at Hotel Hartness in Greenville.
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