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Travel and Outdoors

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Weather
How to prepare for hurricane season
This hurricane guide will help you prepare for the 2025 season, which is expected to produce above-normal storm activity in the Atlantic.
August 12, 2025 02:22 PM
 · 
David Stringer
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Travel and Outdoors
The Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies are blooming
Experience the rare Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in bloom in Columbia’s rivers and at Landsford Canal State Park.
May 8, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A GIF of people enjoying outdoor activities in Greenville, SC.
Sponsored
Get ready for the ultimate summer lineup in Greenville, SC
From live music and free festivals to outdoor aventures, Greenville’s summer schedule is stacked.
Sponsored by
A group of golfers holding clubs pose for a picture on a fairway.
Sponsored
Tee off for a great cause
Sponsored by
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
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David Stringer
Wisteria
Travel and Outdoors
What’s with the wisteria in Soda City?
The story behind the purple flowers that look like grapes and usually blooms in the spring in Columbia an the surrounding areas.
April 10, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A photo of the baseball field at Segra Park.
Sponsored
Meet the Fireflies’ new manager
David Noworyta has always put his teammates first, and that mindset has guided him from player to coach.
Sponsored by
The Columbia skyline | Photo by COLAtoday team
Culture
6 unbelievable Columbia and South Carolina headlines
These stories look like they’re stranger than fiction, but there are no jokes here. All of these headlines really found their way into the news.
March 31, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Tourism and Hospitality
The Carolina Cup gallops toward its 90th year
The horses and pageantry of the annual Carolina Cup return to Camden, SC on Saturday, March 29.
March 26, 2025
 · 
Jack VanderToll
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Travel and Outdoors
Surviving pollen season in Columbia, SC
Does pollen season have you wiping your eyes and nose? Blame the hidden tree pollen as spring allergies kick into high gear.
March 18, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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More from COLAtoday
Aerial image showing the expansive 33-acre Lake Murray Golf Center property in Chapin, SC, surrounded by trees, open grassy areas, and nearby roadways.
Development
Lake Murray Golf Center set for comeback
Lake Murray Golf Center sold to local owners with plans to reopen in phases and rebrand later this year.
July 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Image showing South Carolina’s new driver’s license and ID card designs, including adult and under-21 versions. The cards display state symbols, updated fonts, security features, and both front and back sides of each card.
City
New SC licenses roll out with fresh design and security upgrades
New SC licenses feature iconic imagery and upgraded security with laser engraving.
July 29, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Heat dangers
Travel and Outdoors
Tips for staying cool while the Midlands is under heat advisories
They don’t call Columbia famously hot for nothin’, but while the heat stays in the triple digits and the Midlands is under heat advisories, here are tips and recommendations for other activities.
July 28, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Exterior of 747 Saluda Ave. in Five Points, showing the storefront window with Sparrow Construction and Godspeed Coffee branding. Brick columns and greenery frame the entrance.
Development
Godspeed Coffee puts down roots in Five Points
Godspeed Coffee is looking to open its first permanent location in Five Points by the end of the year, with Sparrow Construction leading the buildout.
July 24, 2025
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David Stringer
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Play
11 hiking trails to try in and around Columbia
Check out these 11 hiking trails catering to all skill levels in and around Columbia, SC, for outdoor adventures.
July 23, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Development
Gateway 737 opens as USC’s largest student housing project
With 940 beds and rooftop views, Gateway 737 marks a major milestone in USC’s campus-adjacent growth.
July 22, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Live
Farmers markets in Columbia
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.
July 16, 2025
 · 
Vagney Hampshire
Betty Lane Cherry smiling and holding a small box of peaches next to a large wooden crate labeled “South Carolina Peaches” on an airport tarmac.
Food
Before Instagram, there was Miss Fruit Salad
Betty Lane Cherry promoted South Carolina peaches nationwide during a 1950s agricultural marketing campaign.
July 15, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Live
40+ murals in Columbia
Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.
July 9, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Group photo of the Riggs Partners team standing outside in front of a weathered red building during CreateAthon 2024.
Nonprofits
Free creative help for SC nonprofits
From logos to strategy, SC nonprofits can get free creative help through CreateAthon.
July 8, 2025
 · 
David Stringer