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
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Sponsored
Meet Experience Columbia SC Ambassador Bianca Crawford Shelton
Here’s what this local loves most about our city — read on for weekend inspo.
Sponsored by
A modernly furnished room including a teal fireplace, multi-bulb light fixture, and green velvet couch.
City
Amazing Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around Columbia
Check out some of the coolest, most unique Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around Columbia, South Carolina and plan for your next adventure or staycation.
March 29, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
Bierkeller Columbia
City
Bierkeller is opening soon in Columbia, SC
Mark your calendars for May 2023.
March 28, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Tupelo Honey
City
Tupelo Honey is coming to the BullStreet District
Add this soon-to-be brunch spot to your Saturday itineraries
March 22, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Sponsored
Secret Season: The best time to plan a crowd-free escape to Jackson County, NC
Sponsored by
People sitting at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
Sponsored
A fall getaway roundup of Charlotte, NC’s must-visit places
Discover Charlotte’s best foodie experiences, autumnal outings + shopping escapes.
Sponsored by
A view of the Columbia Museum of Art's Boyd Plaza on Main Street.
Sponsored
Free rides around Main Street District? Yes, please. 👀
Soda City has a lot going on — learn how the Main Street District can help you love where you live (even more than you already do).
Sponsored by
The Winnsboro Town Clock, the the longest continuously running clock in America.
Sponsored
Then + Now: Exploring 7 South Carolina counties’ rich history and exciting present
It’s time to explore the Olde English District — known as the gateway to SC’s past, present + future.
Sponsored by
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Play
Hit the Road: COLAtoday’s summer road trip series
Hit the road — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
June 1, 2022
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Musicians on a stage in the daylight. The stage reads "ColaJazz Fest" and there are rows of seated people. The group on the right have lawn chairs while the people on the left sit at tables.
ColaJazz Fest heads to Finlay Park with international jazz talent
The free May 15–16 festival features Martin Bejerano, Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso, Endea Owens, and more at Finlay Park.
February 26, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Arts
Rodney McMillian returns for major CMA spring exhibition
Columbia-born artist Rodney McMillian debuts a wide-ranging solo exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art this spring.
February 26, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Darius Rucker Large.jpeg
Events
Spring Game replaced by Darius Rucker concert and block party
Spring football gives way to a Darius Rucker–headlined concert and free Garnet & Black block party on Saturday, April 11.
February 25, 2026
 · 
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
 · 
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
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
SC State Museum Big Percy Large.png
Events
Editor’s Pick: Big Percy on display at SC State Museum
A Mount Pleasant artisan’s massive sweetgrass basket is now on display at the South Carolina State Museum.
February 19, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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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
 · 
David Stringer
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Nonprofits
Anchor Investment Management launches Impact Fund
Anchor Investment Management is celebrating 25 years by awarding $25,000 in grants to Midlands nonprofits focused on health and education.
February 18, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Sports
7 disc golf courses in the Midlands
Learn how and where to play disc golf in the Capital City.
February 18, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Sports
Register for these spring sports for youth and adults
Build your social network through team-building sports in Columbia, like kickball, softball, and pickleball.
February 17, 2026
 · 
David Stringer