Travel and Outdoors

Downtown Chapel Hill from above at Dusk, cars on the street and a large church steeple visible.
Travel and Outdoors
Nostalgic fall vibes + historic adventures in Chapel Hill
Sponsored by
uUhdYidI
Culture
Your guide to the 2023 St. Pat’s Festival in Columbia, SC
Get ready to shamrock out
March 14, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Two black bugs with red heads connected by the ends cling to a white flower.
Travel and Outdoors
Columbia, city of love… bugs
Get ready for lovebug season in the spring and fall.
March 10, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A Polo player on a horse at one of the events during the Aiken Triple Crown.
Sponsored
These 3 equestrian events are sure to stirrup excitement 🏇
Sponsored by
202107_ambassadors071 Lee Snelgrove Ambassador.jpg
Sponsored
Enjoy an outdoor getaway right here in Cola
No need to pack a bag — we’re going on an adventure right here in our hometown.
Sponsored by
OneSpartanburg
Sponsored
Eat your way through Spartanburg’s Spartanburger Trail 🍔
Sponsored by
Columbia Hurling Club
Sports
Catch the Gaelic game of hurling in Columbia, SC
We’re breaking down the Irish sport of hurling including its rules and where you can catch a game.
March 7, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
State House -0289.jpg
Culture
Spring equinox in Columbia, SC
Visit a local park, participate in a community event, or clean up your humble abode in honor of the astronomical transition from winter to spring.
March 6, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A parade during Artisphere in Downtown Greenville
Sponsored
Spring getaway: 6 Greenville events worth traveling for
Pack your bags, COLA — we’re heading to Greenville.
Sponsored by
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
tsa-precheck-custom-section.jpg
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
Load More
Latest News
More from COLAtoday
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
CFWF-Kickoff Dinner-2024-photo by Forrest Clonts-highres-070.jpg
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.
Sponsored
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.
Sponsored by
IMG_8229.jpg
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
Team_250206_253.jpg
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
ND1
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
Jackie Robinson wearing a suite and tie surrounded by a group of people .
Culture
Jackie Robinson’s history in Columbia
The trailblazing player visited Columbia after retiring from baseball, and his legacy will be honored at a Fireflies game.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
COLA-Lead Story Image Crop copy 2.png
Culture
How did inflation impact Columbia in March?
The Consumer Price Index indicated inflation was slowing in Columbia in March 2025, and some categories saw costs deflate.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A wooden path on the Saluda Riverwalk on the left with a wooden rail overlooking the Saluda River to the right. Woods and trees are in the background behind the water.
Culture
How to celebrate Earth Day in Columbia
Invest in our planet via local, national, and global Earth Day initiatives.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen