Travel and Outdoors

takeout food by river
Outdoors
Best places to work outside in Columbia
When the sun is shining and the weather is perfect, pack a bag and head out to one of the many spots great for remote work in Columbia. From coffee shops to public parks, we have a plethora of places to refresh your mind and step away from your home desk.
April 14, 2026 03:25 PM
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Ben McBee
A tennis champion on the court during Credit One Charleston Open.
Sponsored
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.
Sponsored by
Two people doing a cheers with champagne glasses in the Main Street District.
Sponsored
3 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Main Street District
Sponsored by
maple syrup being poured in a hot drink with a snowy scene in the background
Sponsored
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.
Sponsored by
The view at The Omni for Winter Weekend.
Sponsored
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.
Sponsored by
2024 Columbia Ambassadors
City
Get to know the four 2024 Ambassadors for Columbia
Experience Columbia introduced four local individuals who are going to be the 2024 Ambassadors for Columbia, a.k.a. the local insiders picked to represent our city.
January 18, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Fall's Park
Play
Hit the Road: A foodie foray road trip to Greenville, SC
We hope you’ve packed your appetite because we are taking a quick hour-and-a-half road trip to Greenville, SC, showcasing things to do, memorable eats, and accommodations with award-winning cuisines.
January 17, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
severe weather outlook.png
Weather
Severe weather alert: Tuesday storms pose risks for Columbia
Along with thunderstorms, the Midlands could face enhanced risk with a wind advisory and a severe weather alert issued.
January 8, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
PickleGarden on the River
Development
PickleGarden on the River: Columbia’s soon to be newest pickleball and biergarten space
Colliers | South Carolina facilitated the PickleGarden on the River deal that plans to feature a new 4.75-acre riverfront property, set to open before the end of the year.
January 4, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
GoldenGirls Airbnb
Travel and Outdoors
Stay in this Golden Girls-themed Airbnb that’s located in downtown Columbia.
Sure you can stay somewhere overnight, but is it a Golden Girls-themed Airbnb? Take a look inside this eclectic bnb and book it next time you’re looking to stay in Five Points
January 4, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Saluda River.jpg
Nonprofits
The Congaree Riverkeepers 2023 Cleanup Summary
The Congaree Riverkeeper released its 2023 Cleanup Summary and we’re sharing the highlights by the numbers, key findings, and how you can get involved.
December 15, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Latest News
More from COLAtoday
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
A graphic that says "Their perfect gift is on this list. Our holiday gift guide just dropped." surrounded by images of gift tags.
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
Tree Lighting Vista 1.png
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
2023 Boo-26.jpg
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
Gingerbread House.jpg
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
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Education
It’s Homecoming weekend at USC
USC’s Homecoming Weekend returns Oct. 24–26 with events, tailgates, and a Saturday showdown vs. Alabama.
October 21, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Methodical opening-0447.png
Food
Methodical Coffee opens in the BullStreet District
Methodical Coffee is now soft open in Columbia’s BullStreet District, serving drinks while its bakery nears completion.
October 21, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
VoodooLexington-InTheBlack-019 Large.png
Food
Voodoo Brewing Co. Lexington to celebrate Grand Opening
Voodoo Brewing Co. Lexington will host a grand opening on Friday, Nov. 7, serving Pennsylvania-brewed craft beers, local food, and hosting community events downtown.
October 20, 2025
Liberty Moultrie Flag Large.png
City
SC rolls out new SC250 license plates
New SC license plates feature the Moultrie Flag and the phrase “Where the Revolutionary War Was Won.”
October 20, 2025
 · 
David Stringer