Support Us Button Widget

Retail

Azalea Coffee Bar
Live
Your guide to Columbia’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some with our coffee guide, featuring 25+ local coffee shops.
August 06, 2025 11:58 AM
 · 
Samantha Robertson
The exterior of the Tapp's building in Columbia, SC as seen from the street.
Small Business
The historic Tapp’s building is being transformed
The Tapp’s building, a staple landmark in Columbia since the 1900s, will soon house retail shops and a 24/7 gym, set to open in July 2025.
April 29, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A few gifts overlaid on a patchwork background, including a Carharrt lunch box and a jewelry dish.
Sponsored
What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.
Sponsored by
The exterior of the Richland main library with a banner for Read Freely Fest hanging about the rounded, glass front doors.
Culture
Richland Library’s inaugural Read Freely Fest coming to Columbia
The library’s free, family-friendly festival will feature author talks, book sales, and entertainment across across three day.
March 25, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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 19, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A GIF of the exterior facade of the building at 121 State St.
Sponsored
Be the broker: What’s missing in the Brookland development?
Let us know what would make this spot stand out in West Cola.
Sponsored by
A woman holding a sign that says, "I'm going to Las Vegas."
Sponsored
A smarter way to play the lottery
Sponsored by
A Piggly Wiggly sign reading "Thank you for shopping Pig on Devin. The Social Pig."
City
Piggly Wiggly on Devine Street announces its closure
The long-standing Columbia location, also known as the Social Pig, announced it will close its doors in the near future.
March 3, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The sign for Gardener's Outpost in columbia with a sun-like face logo. There's a tree blocking the rightside of the logo.
Culture
13 Midlands spots to buy indoor plants
Looking to add something living to your living room? Check out these stores in the Columbia area where you can find household plants.
February 17, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Fern Studios Vtines | COLAtoday
Culture
Where to find last-minute Valentine’s gifts in Columbia
There are many local spots selling flowers, chocolates, and other sweets that make perfect gifts for Valentine’s day and beyond.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Three people playing the very first Lottery scratch-offs.
Sponsored
Travel back in time with the SC Lottery
Since its start in 2002, the Lottery has hit many milestones and created hundreds of millionaires — all in an effort to support local education in South Carolina.
Sponsored by
Load More
The Buy

Shop The Buy
Latest News
More from COLAtoday
IMG_4632.jpeg
City
Start streaming these local podcasts
Whether you’re interested in hearing from local business leaders, exploring the art world, or just hearing a good story, there’s a Cola podcast for you.
August 26, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Snapinsta.app_404049132_18271678450095766_8939107176812798210_n_1080.jpg
Play
Date night ideas for every type of Columbian
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date night in Soda City.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Close-up of a dire wolf skull cast with sharp canine teeth, displayed at the Florence County Museum in South Carolina.
5 animals that used to roam the Midlands
Unbury Columbia and Florence’s prehistoric past by looking at these five animals that once called the region home before they went extinct.
August 19, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Melrose Market Photo-0385.png
Food
European café–style brasserie + market coming to Gervais Street
A European café–style brasserie and market is opening in Melrose Heights in 2026, with local roots.
August 14, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Columbia-SC
Live
Local Gov. 101: Understanding Columbia’s City Council
Class is in session — become familiar with how Columbia’s City Council works, and explore your role as an active citizen.
August 13, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Helene-9451.png
Weather
How to prepare for hurricane season
This hurricane guide will help you prepare for the 2025 season, which is expected to produce above-normal storm activity in the Atlantic.
August 12, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial concept rendering of Williams-Brice Stadium filled with fans, highlighting proposed renovations such as expanded premium seating on the west side, two large videoboards in the south end zone, and updated concourse areas.
Development
USC announces new partnership to benefit Williams-Brice Stadium
Blanchard Machinery is partnering with USC, funding Williams-Brice upgrades and debuting the first-ever on-field logo.
August 11, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
SSAP-General-Hero-v3.png
City
Want to reach Columbia locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Reach your local community with our help.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
IMG_3990.JPG
City
Lighting up Columbia: What the skyline should glow for, according to our readers
COLAtoday readers shared ideas for lighting up Columbia’s skyline, from Gamecock wins to local causes and holidays.
August 7, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
GIF showing the Vista district in Columbia, SC, with a view of the historic brick railroad depot at the corner of Gervais and Gadsden Streets, where Sylvan’s Jewelers is relocating.
Sylvan’s Jewelers first tenant in Vista Depot District
Sylvan’s Jewelers is moving to the Vista this fall, expanding its showroom and Rolex offerings in the SC Railroad Depot.
July 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer