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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
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Sponsored
5 hidden gems we’re eyeing in Columbia, South Carolina
Discover some stand-out local spots bringing fresh energy to our city — and imagine being part of the next wave.
Sponsored by
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
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Culture
Pick up a new hobby (and put down your phone)
Ditch the doomscrolling for a more creative or relaxing hobby.
April 25, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
U-pick strawberries in the Midlands
Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.
April 9, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A white brick building with a stepped roofline houses a bookstore named "All Good Books." The store's name is painted in bold, dark blue letters with a small lantern logo on the left. A leafless tree casts branch-like shadows on the facade under a clear blue sky.
Culture
5 independently owned bookstores in Columbia
Find your next page-turner at these bookstores in Columbia where you can browse titles and literally support small businesses.
April 1, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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
Village Idiot
Live
A guide to Columbia’s pizza scene
Dig into Columbia’s must-try pizza shops including local legends, fancier fare, cross-country crusts, and more.
March 20, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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
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Work
The top industries and employers in the Columbia metro area
The Columbia metro area covers Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Richland counties.
March 10, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Femme Film Fest marquee outside of the Nickelodeon in Columbia
Culture
Femme Film Fest coming to The Nick
The three-day festival will honor International Women’s Day and showcase inspiring works highlighting female filmmakers.
February 25, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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More from COLAtoday
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Arts
25 concerts to see in Columbia this fall
From rock and R&B to country and rap, some big tours are coming through the Midlands this fall.
September 16, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City
Spread the local love with COLAtoday’s Best
Make your voice heard, nominate your favorite local biz and they could win COLAtoday’s Best Competition.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Staff
A tray of In-N-Out Burger menu items — including two burgers and a fry basket.
Food
So close, but so far: Chains readers’ wish were in Columbia
Sure, you could take an hour drive to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?
September 11, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Future residents will help shape campus life in a way like never before
Sponsored
Brookland Commons: A smarter take on senior living
Sponsored by
A satellite image above Columbia. The city is labeled, and four blue lines are going off — one north, one east, one south, and one west — out past the edges of the screen.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Columbia’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of COLA, cities across the world await.
September 2, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
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Events
JerryFest 2025: Celebrating 60 Years of the Grateful Dead
JerryFest returns to Five Points on Sunday, Oct. 5 with two stages of live music, food, art, and family fun.
August 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Williams-Brice stadium during a day game.
Gamecock season preview: Tailgates, Sandstorm, and Saturdays in Columbia
A look at the 2025 Gamecock football season, including key players, biggest games, and what’s new on gameday at Williams-Brice.
August 28, 2025
 · 
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
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
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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