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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
A parade during Artisphere in Downtown Greenville
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Spring getaway: 6 Greenville events worth traveling for
Pack your bags, COLA — we’re heading to Greenville.
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A two way, narrow bike lane with bicycle symbols and arrows indicating directions.
Travel and Outdoors
How much of your day can you spend on a bike in Columbia?
We take a look at our bicycling infrastructure and how we can make the area more bikeable.
February 27, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
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Travel and Outdoors
Enroll in TSA PreCheck ahead of spring travel
Apply online and visit a local enrollment center ahead of spring and summer travel.
February 23, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A heap of tomatoes and vegetation in a dark brown wooden bin outside.
Travel and Outdoors
The beginner’s guide to composting in Columbia
We’re answering questions like “What is composting?” and “How do I compost in an apartment?”
February 17, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Bartender perfecting a hand-crafted cocktail.
Sponsored
Road Trip: Visit Charlotte, NC to sip, savor + celebrate its booming culinary scene March 8-22, 2023
The Queen City’s award-winning chefs and mixologists are coming together for an exclusive culinary event.
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Jackson County
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8 ‘trails’ to try in Jackson County, NC
The hiking in Jackson County is great — but there are so many more kinds of trails to try.
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Get jazzed about this upcoming Charleston, SC event 🎷
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Travel and Outdoors
The 2023 celestial calendar for Columbia, SC
Don’t miss any of this year’s meteor showers, supermoons, or solar eclipses.
January 10, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
garden
Travel and Outdoors
Winter gardening tips for Columbia, SC
How to prepare your garden and what to plant in the winter months.
January 4, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
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Travel and Outdoors
Meet your new year’s resolutions in Columbia, SC
December 23, 2022
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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Latest News
More from COLAtoday
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Business
Building a startup in 24 Hours at the Boyd Innovation Center
Startup Sprint at the Boyd Innovation Center challenged entrepreneurs to build startups in 24 hours.
February 19, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City
Local media matters — so does your support
When you choose to support COLAtoday, you’re investing in more than just a daily newsletter — you’re investing in a stronger, more informed community.
February 19, 2025
 · 
Staff
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Food
Here’s what you’d like to see at GATHER COLA
Readers shared their wishlist for Gather Cola, requesting gluten-free options, Italian, Asian, Greek, Southern food, coffee, seafood, and boutiques.
February 18, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
The sign for Gardener's Outpost in columbia with a sun-like face logo. There's a tree blocking the rightside of the logo.
Culture
13 Midlands spots to buy indoor plants
Looking to add something living to your living room? Check out these stores in the Columbia area where you can find household plants.
February 17, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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History
6 ways to honor Black history in Columbia
Discover more about Columbia’s African American history.
February 14, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Mardi Gras Columbia brings 18 local bands to City Roots
The 15th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival features 18 local bands across three stages, plus a parade, food vendors, and craft beer.
February 14, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A group of people jogging along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
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Prisma Health On Call: Answers to your heart health questions
You asked, Prisma Health cardiology experts answered.
Sponsored by
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City
Columbia ranks No. 121 in traffic congestion for 2024
The Inrix Global Traffic Scorecard for 2024 analyzed and compared travel behavior across 900+ cities worldwide to determine the rankings.
February 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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Tourism and Hospitality
Experience Columbia SC Sports awarded Governor’s Cup
ECSC won the Governor’s Cup for the Rivals in Red Tour, boosting Columbia’s economy with 70,000 visitors and $13 million.
February 13, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Fern Studios Vtines | COLAtoday
Culture
Where to find last-minute Valentine’s gifts in Columbia
There are many local spots selling flowers, chocolates, and other sweets that make perfect gifts for Valentine’s day and beyond.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil