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Travel and Outdoors

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 turtle at the South Carolina Aquarium
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Sea what’s happening at the South Carolina Aquarium this Spring Break
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Win weekend passes to Bear Shadow music festival in Highlands, NC
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Travel and Outdoors
Record year for visitors to Congaree National Park
In 2023, Congaree National Park set a visitation record with 250,114 guests, reflecting a growing interest in natural and cultural heritage.
February 26, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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Foodie road trip: Experience Charlotte’s top eats + treats during Savor Charlotte
We’ve got the deets on the top chefs, restaurateurs, mixologists, and bakers to try at Savor Charlotte 2024.
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fly fishing
Travel and Outdoors
How to get a fishing license in South Carolina
You don’t need to be a resident… but it sure is cheaper.
February 21, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
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Travel and Outdoors
Hike the Midlands, earn prizes
With the TRAK Trails program, families can explore nature in the Midlands and earn points.
February 12, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
A tennis champion on the court during Credit One Charleston Open.
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The court meets the coast at this award-winning tennis tournament
The Credit One Charleston Open was recognized as the Hologic WTA Tour Tournament of the Year in 2022 and 2023.
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Two people doing a cheers with champagne glasses in the Main Street District.
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3 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Main Street District
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7 reasons to explore Fayetteville this winter
We’ve rounded up the top things to do this winter in Fayetteville, NC, where an abundance of cold weather activities await.
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The view at The Omni for Winter Weekend.
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Plan your next mountain getaway around Winter Concert Weekend
Escape the winter blues with a weekend of comedy and yacht rock tunes at The Omni Grove Park Inn.
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Food
New steakhouse coming to downtown Lexington
Midlands restaurateurs Steve Cook, Joe Walker, and Ryan Jones are opening a modern steakhouse in Lexington in May 2025, featuring hand-cut steaks, seafood, and seasonal dishes.
April 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A group of people stand in front of two blue "COMET" buses during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A woman in the center cuts the white ribbon while others smile and pose for the photo. The event celebrates the launch of COMET's new zero-emission bus fleet.
City
COMET unveils its first zero-emission buses
The transit system is building its zero-emissions fleet by adding buses with hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric technology.
April 22, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Food
Plan a Soda City picnic
Plan the perfect picnic in Columbia by prepping your meal, packing your equipment, and picking a scenic local destination.
April 21, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Woman duct taping a box closed at a food drive.
Play
35+ volunteer opportunities in and around Columbia
Support Columbia causes year-round — from mentoring youth to rescuing pets, river cleanups, or helping from home.
April 21, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Food
Columbia Food & Wine Festival: What’s still on the table?
Columbia Food & Wine Festival returns April 22–27 with chef dinners, tastings, and ticketed events still available.
April 18, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A few gifts overlaid on a patchwork background, including a Carharrt lunch box and a jewelry dish.
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What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.
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Food
The Southeastern BBQ Showdown returns in 2026
The Southeastern BBQ Showdown returns to Columbia in 2026 with 40 teams, live music, and celebrity judges.
April 17, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
The ColaJazz Fest Main Stage with a band performing. Two people are in front playing horns while there are four performers in the background on a saxophone, a cello, drums, and a guitar.
Culture
Main Street Jazz Fest returns May 10 + May 11
The ColaJazz Foundation organized this show that will bring five musicians to a free Saturday show on Main Street.
April 16, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Sports
Three Gamecocks selected in 2025 WNBA Draft
Three Gamecocks — Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin — were selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft, continuing Gamecock’s pro pipeline.
April 15, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Play
Live Music Venues in the Midlands
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
April 15, 2025
 · 
David Stringer