Tourism and Hospitality

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 02:43 PM
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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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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Food
Two Vista restaurants earn spots in inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South
Columbia’s fine-dining scene gets a boost as two Vista staples earn a spot in the MICHELIN Guide.
November 4, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Business
Can you build a startup in 24 hours?
Startup Sprint returns for a free 24-hour challenge at Boyd Innovation Center where teams build and pitch startup business ideas.
November 3, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City

Beat the end of daylight saving scaries with these activities in Columbia
The sun may be setting earlier, but Columbia still has plenty to do.
October 30, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City

Just how bad is the traffic in Columbia?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial view of Main Street District buildings at sunset
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
A pothole in the middle of concrete, filled with water.
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
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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