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💙 We love local
You’ll find loads of local businesses each Saturday at Soda City Market. | Photo by COLAtoday
We’re celebrating all the businesses that make Columbia so special. Nominate your favorite so we can share it with the whole audience.
Don’t see your nomination? Stay tuned, we’ll share a new batch of businesses every month.
Knick Knacks & More brings together local vendors under one roof, offering a mix of handmade goods, vintage finds, and small business products. | Photo via Knick Knacks & More
Charging Solutions LLC | Personal services
“We started this business because we want to support and advance the electrification process. Many businesses and multifamily communities have employees, customers, or tenants that are driving electric vehicles and are looking for charging either while they work or while they sleep.” — Adam Regenthal
Knick Knacks & More | Retail
“We didn’t just open a retail shop. We built a community — a space where small businesses can grow together instead of alone.” — Kelley Kelly
Little Loggerheads Swim School | Health + wellness
“We get very young children completely independent in the water in less than six hours, giving them the ability to save their own life, even as young as 8 months.” — Shannon O’Lear
Columbia Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $6+ | Experience the first pitch of the anniversary season against the Pelicans + watch the Carolina League South Division Championship banner reveal.*
The Palmetto Trail is celebrating Earth Month with outdoor adventures, conservation activities, and community events throughout April. | Photos provided by Palmetto Trail
April is full of Earth-forward events designed to get the community outside and engaged. The Palmetto Trail offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors while helping preserve the planet:
Farmers Market Xchange has closed its Lady Street retail location and is shifting operations to Toms Creek Family Farms. The business plans to focus on bread production, grain milling, and coffee roasting at the farm. (The Post and Courier)
Outdoors
Lake Murray’s public parks are open for the season, with new requirements this year. Visitors must reserve $5 day passes online in advance, and the Irmo boat launch now requires online payment — no cash accepted. (WLTX)
Trending
The table at Finlay Park was set — no slaw, extra fries — as a viral poster drew a crowd to watch a man eat a Rush’s hamburger. More than 30 people showed up, a fitting turnout for one of the Midlands’ most beloved local chains. (Free Times)
Biz
Columbia City Council has approved moving forward with a Business Improvement District in the Vista, with public hearings and votes scheduled through July. The proposed Vista BID would fund services like cleanliness, safety, and district marketing through property owner fees. (Cola Daily)
Theater
Koger Center for the Arts is hosting the final performances of “Wicked” through Saturday, April 4. Catch it before it defies gravity and leaves Cola.
Concert
The SC Philharmonic will host its Music in My Neighborhood festival Monday through Saturday, April 13-18, in Cayce and West Columbia. The weeklong event features free performances, school visits, and community programs designed to expand access to live music.
Travel
Looking for a weekend escape?Southern Roots Reunion is your sign to head to Travelers Rest. Enjoy unlimited BBQ, drinks, and live music _ all while supporting a meaningful cause. It’s an easy, flavor-packed getaway.Learn more + snag tickets.*
Pro Tip
If you’re a Costco shopper, you’re probably familiar with the ever-popular $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Don’t miss the details on vacation deals, members-only movie tickets, and more.*
Editor’s Pick
This view of downtown Columbia can be seen looking at Main Street from the State House.
Photo via COLAtoday
Featured in our weekly BizBrief newsletter, readers highlighted Columbia’s women leaders who are shaping the local business landscape, including CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs driving the region’s growth. See the full list and subscribe to BizBrief for weekly updates on the people and trends shaping business in Columbia.
The Buy
April = new spring shoe drop. Shop a great spring shoe for every price range:
👟 Under $25: A No. 1 best-seller, these arch support flip-flops feature a yoga foam footbed and just look like vacation.
👟 Under $50: This cushioned footbed sandal is ultra-comfortable, thanks to soft leather, a small platform, and an adjustable web strap (it’s also 50% off).
👟 Under $100: Go for fresh white tennis shoes with Vionic’s court sneaker that’s top-rated by 200+ five-star reviews.
👟 Under $150: Get ready to hear compliments when you wear Clarks’ newly dropped floral wedge, available in black, white, or red.
👟 Under $250: This newly released wedge espadrille from patricia green is worth the splurge, thanks to its chic nautical design and sporty grip sole.
I’ll be honest, the last thing I’d want is for someone to watch me eat a Rush’s cheeseburger combo. I go through at least a few napkins every time I treat myself. That said, the “watch me eat Rush’s in Finlay Park” bit of April foolery is one of my favorites I can remember.
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