Small Business

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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 01:00 PM
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Here’s what you’d like to see at GATHER COLA
Readers shared their wishlist for Gather Cola, requesting gluten-free options, Italian, Asian, Greek, Southern food, coffee, seafood, and boutiques.
February 18, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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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
Local authors section at Richland Library
Education
Books written by authors with Columbia connections
Whether you’re looking for your next leisure read, a book for the whole family, or a thrilling fictional novel, we’ve got a list of books written by local authors in Columbia.
January 17, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Live
Get your sweat on at gyms around Columbia
From lifting weights, indoor rock climbing, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and martial arts programs — we’ve rounded up 30+ gyms and fitness offerings around Columbia.
January 10, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Sponsored
How to make a difference in COLA’s small business community
SCORE Midlands is helping budding entrepreneurs achieve new levels of success through its mentorship program.
Sponsored by
Curiosity Coffee
Events
How you can participate in the Uptown Holiday Hop event happening this weekend
Neighbors and businesses throughout Elmwood, Earlewood, and Cottontown are gathering to host the first Uptown Holiday Hop featuring local art, holiday shopping, an oyster roast, live music, makers markets, and more to foster community on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 8 p.m.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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City
Spend your Thanksgiving Day at The Nickelodeon Theater
Looking for plans this week or wanting to plan an outing with friends and family? Here are two movies playing currently at The Nickelodeon Theater.
November 25, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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City
Pack your bags for one of these unique places to stay in and around Columbia
From cottages to treehouses, our area is full of unique places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
November 14, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Events
Usher in the holiday season with these 10 local holiday lighting ceremonies around the Midlands
We’ve rounded up 10 local holiday lighting ceremonies to attend that feature warm glows, festive feels, thousands of lights, and family-friendly holiday activities.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Business
The local wish list: What Columbia readers say we’re missing
Columbia readers shared their wish list of new businesses they’d like to see in the Midlands.
October 27, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City

Who ya gonna call? Jot down contact info for these Midlands resources
Don’t be afraid. Concerns about everything from flood damage to environmental health can be solved by getting in touch not with the Ghostbusters, but with these Midlands resources.
October 27, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A graphic that says "Their perfect gift is on this list. Our holiday gift guide just dropped." surrounded by images of gift tags.
Small Business
COLAtoday’s 2025 holiday gift guide: 90+ finds for everyone you love
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
October 24, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
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Events
Vista Lights celebrates 40 years
Vista Lights returns Nov. 20 with live music, local vendors, and the annual tree lighting to kick off Columbia’s holidays.
October 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
5 family-friendly Halloween happenings
Celebrate spooky season with Halloween happenings around Columbia, from trunk-or-treat trails to eerie zoo nights and family carnivals.
October 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
The South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition returns for year three
Get out your rolling pins + roll up those sleeves, Soda Citizens because the South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition is back with its annual gingerbread house competition benefit.
October 22, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Education
It’s Homecoming weekend at USC
USC’s Homecoming Weekend returns Oct. 24–26 with events, tailgates, and a Saturday showdown vs. Alabama.
October 21, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Methodical Coffee opens in the BullStreet District
Methodical Coffee is now soft open in Columbia’s BullStreet District, serving drinks while its bakery nears completion.
October 21, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Voodoo Brewing Co. Lexington to celebrate Grand Opening
Voodoo Brewing Co. Lexington will host a grand opening on Friday, Nov. 7, serving Pennsylvania-brewed craft beers, local food, and hosting community events downtown.
October 20, 2025
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City
SC rolls out new SC250 license plates
New SC license plates feature the Moultrie Flag and the phrase “Where the Revolutionary War Was Won.”
October 20, 2025
 · 
David Stringer