Tourism and Hospitality

Giant wooden sculpture of a seated, gentle-looking troll amidst lush green forest.
Arts
South Carolina’s first Thomas Dambo troll is coming to Cayce
Danish artist Thomas Dambo is bringing one of his famous upcycled trolls to the Cayce Riverwalk, just minutes from downtown Columbia.
February 04, 2026 12:30 PM
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
763 Meeting Street Antique Mall
Small Business
Happy Hauling: flea markets, trade, vintage, and resale shops in Columbia
Here’s the deal — the flea market and vintage shopping scene is stellar in the Soda City
October 15, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A rotating gif featuring: Photo 1: A woman and a child walk hand in hand on a sunny sidewalk. A chalkboard reads "Go Heels, Blue Cups" nearby. People bustle in the background. Photo 2: A musician in a bright orange cap and sunglasses sings into a microphone, playing an acoustic guitar under a blue canopy. Drummer and guitarist in the background. Photo 3: A family enjoys a sunny day on the grass by a historic mansion. A small child and man greet a dog, while a woman with sunglasses sits nearby, smiling. Photo 4: A person pours orange sauce over a plate of food featuring pulled pork, cornbread, rice, and greens at an outdoor event. Photo 5: A smiling couple takes a selfie on a rooftop overlooking a sunny urban street with trees, cars, and pedestrians below.
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3 ways to get your fill of fall in Chapel Hill
Why settle for one fall festival when you can experience music, food, and art all season long?
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Sponsored
This hidden gem is swimming in southern charm
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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
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Images of the exhibition and its costume inside the South Carolina State Museum.
Sponsored
Discover the magic behind Disney costumes in Columbia
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People enjoying coffee at a coffee shop.
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Why people are moving to Spartanburg, SC
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CLTtoday_Carolina Cup_March 2025
Tourism and Hospitality
The Carolina Cup gallops toward its 90th year
The horses and pageantry of the annual Carolina Cup return to Camden, SC on Saturday, March 29.
March 26, 2025
 · 
Jack VanderToll
cafe strudel
Play
40+ great brunch restaurants to try in Columbia
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Cola, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Tourism and Hospitality
Experience Columbia SC Sports awarded Governor’s Cup
ECSC won the Governor’s Cup for the Rivals in Red Tour, boosting Columbia’s economy with 70,000 visitors and $13 million.
February 13, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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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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City
12+ activities for older adults in Columbia
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Columbia.
April 9, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Travel and Outdoors
Surviving pollen season in Columbia, SC
Does pollen season have you wiping your eyes and nose? Blame the hidden tree pollen as spring allergies kick into high gear.
April 9, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Four trash collectors with pick-up sticks and green trash bags collecting debris from the ground.
BizBrief
Group volunteer opportunities for your company in Columbia
Explore group volunteer opportunities, from hands-on projects to custom experiences, that let your team give back to the Columbia community.
April 8, 2026
 · 
Cat George
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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
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
U-pick strawberries in the Midlands
Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.
April 6, 2026
 · 
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
 · 
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
 · 
Laura Figi
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
 · 
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
 · 
David Stringer