Small Business

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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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Food
U-pick strawberries in the Midlands
Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.
April 6, 2026
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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
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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
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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
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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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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Events
12 New Year’s Eve events in Columbia to ring in 2026
Block parties, early ball drops, free games — whatever your vibe, there’s a Columbia-area New Year’s Eve for you.
December 16, 2025
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David Stringer
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Small Business
Winners announced for COLAtoday’s Best 2025
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
December 8, 2025
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Sarah Leonhardt
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Business
How to shop local on Small Business Saturday
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
November 26, 2025
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David Stringer
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Events
Prepare for the holidays with these local markets and pop-ups
The holidays are just around the corner in Columbia, and these local vendors are offering food, drinks, and decor perfect for each seasonal festivity.
November 18, 2025
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David Stringer
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More from COLAtoday
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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
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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
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David Stringer
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
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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
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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
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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
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David Stringer
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BizBrief
Women leaders making waves in Columbia
We asked our readers which women leaders in Columbia business are making history today — you nominated local CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs shaping the region’s future.
March 19, 2026
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Cat George
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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.
March 18, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Arts
Free concerts return to Koger Center lawn
Free concerts return to the Koger Center lawn this year with 10 Levitt AMP shows spanning spring Saturdays and fall Thursdays.
March 17, 2026
 · 
David Stringer