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Tourism and Hospitality

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.
Travel and Outdoors
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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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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Secret Season: The best time to plan a crowd-free escape to Jackson County, NC
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People sitting at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
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A fall getaway roundup of Charlotte, NC’s must-visit places
Discover Charlotte’s best foodie experiences, autumnal outings + shopping escapes.
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A view of the Columbia Museum of Art's Boyd Plaza on Main Street.
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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).
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The Winnsboro Town Clock, the the longest continuously running clock in America.
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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.
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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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Azalea Coffee Bar
Live
Your guide to Columbia’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some with our coffee guide, featuring 25+ local coffee shops.
August 6, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
GIF showing the Vista district in Columbia, SC, with a view of the historic brick railroad depot at the corner of Gervais and Gadsden Streets, where Sylvan’s Jewelers is relocating.
Sylvan’s Jewelers first tenant in Vista Depot District
Sylvan’s Jewelers is moving to the Vista this fall, expanding its showroom and Rolex offerings in the SC Railroad Depot.
July 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial image showing the expansive 33-acre Lake Murray Golf Center property in Chapin, SC, surrounded by trees, open grassy areas, and nearby roadways.
Development
Lake Murray Golf Center set for comeback
Lake Murray Golf Center sold to local owners with plans to reopen in phases and rebrand later this year.
July 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Image showing South Carolina’s new driver’s license and ID card designs, including adult and under-21 versions. The cards display state symbols, updated fonts, security features, and both front and back sides of each card.
City
New SC licenses roll out with fresh design and security upgrades
New SC licenses feature iconic imagery and upgraded security with laser engraving.
July 29, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Heat dangers
Travel and Outdoors
Tips for staying cool while the Midlands is under heat advisories
They don’t call Columbia famously hot for nothin’, but while the heat stays in the triple digits and the Midlands is under heat advisories, here are tips and recommendations for other activities.
July 28, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Exterior of 747 Saluda Ave. in Five Points, showing the storefront window with Sparrow Construction and Godspeed Coffee branding. Brick columns and greenery frame the entrance.
Development
Godspeed Coffee puts down roots in Five Points
Godspeed Coffee is looking to open its first permanent location in Five Points by the end of the year, with Sparrow Construction leading the buildout.
July 24, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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11 hiking trails to try in and around Columbia
Check out these 11 hiking trails catering to all skill levels in and around Columbia, SC, for outdoor adventures.
July 23, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Gateway 737-0167 2 Medium.png
Development
Gateway 737 opens as USC’s largest student housing project
With 940 beds and rooftop views, Gateway 737 marks a major milestone in USC’s campus-adjacent growth.
July 22, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Live
Farmers markets in Columbia
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.
July 16, 2025
 · 
Vagney Hampshire
Betty Lane Cherry smiling and holding a small box of peaches next to a large wooden crate labeled “South Carolina Peaches” on an airport tarmac.
Food
Before Instagram, there was Miss Fruit Salad
Betty Lane Cherry promoted South Carolina peaches nationwide during a 1950s agricultural marketing campaign.
July 15, 2025
 · 
David Stringer