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Travel and Outdoors

A satellite image above Columbia. The city is labeled, and four blue lines are going off — one north, one east, one south, and one west — out past the edges of the screen.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Columbia’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of COLA, cities across the world await.
September 02, 2025 09:32 AM
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
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Sponsored
Win a choose-your-own-adventure Wild Dunes vacation
Here’s how to enter to win an unforgettable trip to the Lowes Foods House.
Sponsored by
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Events
Where to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July in Columbia, SC
Check out these local events to see fireworks and celebrate Independence Day in and around the Soda City.
June 28, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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.
June 26, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
gopher frog
Travel and Outdoors
89 gopher frogs released
Learn more about the efforts to help the state-endangered gopher frog.
June 16, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A woman standing by her bike at Falls Park in Greenville, SC.
Sponsored
Greenville: The ultimate outdoor destination
Greenville, SC is filled with fun, scenic outdoor activities for the whole family.
Sponsored by
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Weather
Summer 2023 weather forecast for Columbia, SC
See what’s in store for Columbia weather over the summer months in the Midlands of South Carolina.
May 25, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
The jet engine of a plane on an airfield.
Travel and Outdoors
Plan your next trip with nonstop flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Pack your bags for a trip to one of these popular nonstop destinations. Plus, keep an eye out for new routes.
May 10, 2023
 · 
Anne Weber
Two men standing in front of river and trees wearing life jackets
Sponsored
Meet John Sherrer, Director of Preservation for Historic Columbia
Also an Experience Columbia SC Ambassador, John knows a lot about our city — past and present.
Sponsored by
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Travel and Outdoors
Fresh air and scenic rides, biking in the Midlands
Pump up your tires and explore the Midlands of South Carolina and nature through these bike trails.
May 4, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
Black-eyed Susan
Travel and Outdoors
Become an expert on native flowers
Keep local love growing this fall with local plants.
April 18, 2023
 · 
Dayten Rose
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Latest News
More from COLAtoday
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City
How does recycling in Columbia, SC work?
Don’t know what to do with a specific item or where to start if you’re curious about recycling in Columbia? We’ve got you.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Cottontown Art Crawl
Events
Your guide to the 2025 Cottontown Art Crawl
Explore 170 artists, live music, food trucks, and interactive art at the Cottontown Art Crawl, a free, family-friendly event.
March 6, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
cafe strudel
Play
40+ great brunch restaurants to try in Columbia
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Cola, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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City
Spirit Airlines adds 3 nonstop flights just in time for summer
Spirit Airlines adds nonstop flights from CAE to Orlando, Newark, and Fort Lauderdale, expanding travel options with limited-time $50 fares.
March 5, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Columbia Green’s 32nd Annual Festival of Gardens
Columbia Green’s Festival of Gardens returns in April, featuring eight private gardens in King’s Grant, a nature trail, and a gardening presentation.
March 4, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Philly Flavor arrives in Columbia: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks expands to Five Points
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks opens in Five Points, bringing authentic Philly cheesesteaks to Columbia with family ties, big flavors, and a hometown legacy.
March 4, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A Piggly Wiggly sign reading "Thank you for shopping Pig on Devin. The Social Pig."
City
Piggly Wiggly on Devine Street announces its closure
The long-standing Columbia location, also known as the Social Pig, announced it will close its doors in the near future.
March 3, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The word "Columbia!" written in the style of the Jeopardy logo with a skyline photo beneath the text.
Culture
Columbia’s ‘Pop Culture Jeopardy’ category
The trivia game didn’t feature many Columbia questions, but the city has many pop culture facts — do you know them?
March 3, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Real Estate
Mansion Monday: Escape the city at these retreats
Dreaming of a getaway? These three luxury homes near Columbia offer lake views, equestrian charm, and a sportsman’s paradise.
February 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
HSV July 2024
Food
Chef Wesley Fulmer joins Hampton Street Vineyard as executive chef
Chef Wesley Fulmer joins Hampton Street Vineyard as executive chef and managing partner, bringing fresh ideas to Columbia’s upscale French restaurant.
February 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer