Parks and Recreation

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Play
Dog-friendly businesses guide for Columbia
Explore these dog-friendly businesses in Columbia that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, and stay the night.
September 10, 2025 03:30 PM
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Samantha Robertson
Saluda Shoals Park
Play
28 parks in the Midlands of South Carolina
We’re highlighting the 28 best parks the Midlands has to offer — complete with scenic trails, splash pads, riverfront views, and plenty of space to play, picnic, and relax.
June 25, 2025
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David Stringer
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Play
Your how-to guide for tubing down the river in Columbia
If you’re planning a tubing trip with friends or family, this guide is for you and highlights everything you need to know about tubing down the river in Columbia
June 19, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
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Food
Plan a Soda City picnic
Plan the perfect picnic in Columbia by prepping your meal, packing your equipment, and picking a scenic local destination.
April 21, 2025
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David Stringer
A ruby-throated hummingbird with green feathers on its back, black wings, and a red throat. It's perched on a tree branch.
Culture
When and where to spot hummingbirds in Columbia
Birds like the ruby-throated hummingbird will be appearing in Columbia in the spring — find out where you can go to catch a sighting.
March 11, 2025
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Michael Beausoleil
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City
Spread the local love with COLAtoday’s Best
From coffee shops to event venues, we’re asking for your insight on the top-tier spots Columbia has to offer.
July 28, 2024
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Bella Rainey
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Culture
Walking trends in Columbia
Average daily walking trips dropped by 36% in the US between 2019 and 2022 — see how Cola compares.
December 1, 2023
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Emily Shea-Owen
Leash Laws
City
Understanding Leash Laws in Columbia
Here’s your guide to leash laws in Columbia so you can keep your pets and surrounding community safe.
July 18, 2023
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Samantha Robertson
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Parks and Recreation
Explore Boyd Island in Columbia
Boyd Island is located in the confleunce of three rivers, the Broad, Congaree, and Saluda Rivers near downtown Columbia. The island offers spectacular views on the confluence.
July 11, 2023
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David Stringer
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City
The ground breaking to expand Leo’s Landing
August 12, 2021
riverwalk
City
Which walks are Riverwalking again?
September 7, 2017
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Free Times
The Buy

Shop The Buy
Latest News
More from COLAtoday
Musicians on a stage in the daylight. The stage reads "ColaJazz Fest" and there are rows of seated people. The group on the right have lawn chairs while the people on the left sit at tables.
ColaJazz Fest heads to Finlay Park with international jazz talent
The free May 15–16 festival features Martin Bejerano, Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso, Endea Owens, and more at Finlay Park.
February 26, 2026
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David Stringer
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Arts
Rodney McMillian returns for major CMA spring exhibition
Columbia-born artist Rodney McMillian debuts a wide-ranging solo exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art this spring.
February 26, 2026
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David Stringer
St. Pat's Colatoday
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.
February 26, 2026
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David Stringer
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Events
Spring Game replaced by Darius Rucker concert and block party
Spring football gives way to a Darius Rucker–headlined concert and free Garnet & Black block party on Saturday, April 11.
February 25, 2026
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David Stringer
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Small Business
SOCO opens new coworking Space at Gather COLA
SOCO opens a 9,500-sqft coworking space inside Gather COLA in the BullStreet District.
February 25, 2026
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David Stringer
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Food
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Columbia
Dining in Columbia is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
February 24, 2026
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David Stringer
A hand holds a vibrant cross-stitch depicting a witch and a haunted house against a blue, starry sky, bordered with green polka dots. Vinyl records form a colorful background.
Arts
Needlepoint is back: Here’s how to try it in Columbia
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
February 23, 2026
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Morgan O’Neal
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Events
Editor’s Pick: Big Percy on display at SC State Museum
A Mount Pleasant artisan’s massive sweetgrass basket is now on display at the South Carolina State Museum.
February 19, 2026
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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
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David Stringer
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Nonprofits
Anchor Investment Management launches Impact Fund
Anchor Investment Management is celebrating 25 years by awarding $25,000 in grants to Midlands nonprofits focused on health and education.
February 18, 2026
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David Stringer