Outdoors

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Outdoors
Best places to work outside in Columbia
When the sun is shining and the weather is perfect, pack a bag and head out to one of the many spots great for remote work in Columbia. From coffee shops to public parks, we have a plethora of places to refresh your mind and step away from your home desk.
April 14, 2026 03:25 PM
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Ben McBee
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Fitness
Free fitness classes launch at Finlay Park
Nearly 200 free wellness classes — from yoga to Zumba — launch at Finlay Park starting Monday, March 16.
March 9, 2026
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Outdoors
5 spring plant sales to shop around Columbia
Presales are open and spring temps are rising — here’s where to stock up on natives, heirlooms, and blooms before they sell out.
March 3, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Outdoors
Wingard’s Market nominated for National Best Plant Nursery Award
Lexington’s Wingard’s Market leads USA TODAY’s Best Plant Nursery vote, and supporters can cast ballots daily through March 9 to keep them at No. 1.
February 19, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Giant wooden sculpture of a seated, gentle-looking troll amidst lush green forest.
Arts
South Carolina’s first Thomas Dambo troll is coming to Cayce
Danish artist Thomas Dambo is bringing one of his famous upcycled trolls to the Cayce Riverwalk, just minutes from downtown Columbia.
February 4, 2026
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Morgan O’Neal
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Fitness
Find where to get more steps in around Columbia
If you’re trying to reach new running goals, consider signing up for one of these upcoming races or find ways to get more steps in around Columbia
January 12, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
A close up of the white blossoms of the Bradford pear tree.
City

How to get free trees to replace those stinky Bradford Pears
For every Bradford Pear you remove from your property, Clemson and the Forestry Commission will give you a free replacement, but only while supplies last.
January 8, 2026
 · 
Danielle Johnson
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Outdoors
How to turn your Midlands yard into a mini wildlife haven
A grassroots effort is helping Midlands properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
December 3, 2025
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David Stringer
Local authors section at Richland Library
Outdoors
Where would you put an outdoor library in Columbia?
The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in Soda City.
August 27, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
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City
Celebrate Bike + Preservation Month in Cola
Celebrate Columbia’s history and bike culture with events, tours, and rides throughout May.
April 30, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Birdwatching in the Gardens: A spring migration
A spring morning of birdwatching in Columbia, where migrating warblers, local gardens, and unexpected bird facts stole the show.
April 24, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Business
Seaboard Vista project breaks ground
Developers break ground on a mixed-use Vista project, with Mashburn relocating its headquarters during its 50th year.
April 7, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
U-pick strawberries in the Midlands
Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.
April 6, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Sports
Tee it up at these Columbia golf courses
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Scottie Scheffler, these 22 golf courses in Cola are sure to make for a good round.
April 2, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Small Business
Local love: COLAtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
April 2, 2026
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Laura Figi
Conagree National Park
Events
Catch Congaree’s fireflies glow
Enter the lottery for a chance to experience Congaree National Park’s synchronous firefly display.
April 1, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Editor’s Pick: Godspeed opens in Five Points
April 1, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Columbia
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
March 30, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Riverfront vision takes shape
Columbia kicks off public input on a 100-acre Congaree Riverfront District with a meeting on Wednesday, April 1.
March 26, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Three people are working together in what appears to be a warehouse or workshop with doors and windows. Two individuals wear blue "volunteer" shirts, while one person in a hoodie uses tape and a marker. They seem to be organizing or preparing materials for a project.
Culture
Where to make spring cleaning donations in Columbia
Doing some spring cleaning and have items to donate? Check out these 14 spots in the Columbia area accepting clothing and supply donations.
March 25, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Festivals
Columbia’s newest book festival is turning the page to year two
Columbia’s book festival returns Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29 with author talks, panels, and events across downtown venues.
March 23, 2026
 · 
David Stringer