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Travel and Outdoors

A rotating gif featuring: Photo 1: A woman and a child walk hand in hand on a sunny sidewalk. A chalkboard reads "Go Heels, Blue Cups" nearby. People bustle in the background. Photo 2: A musician in a bright orange cap and sunglasses sings into a microphone, playing an acoustic guitar under a blue canopy. Drummer and guitarist in the background. Photo 3: A family enjoys a sunny day on the grass by a historic mansion. A small child and man greet a dog, while a woman with sunglasses sits nearby, smiling. Photo 4: A person pours orange sauce over a plate of food featuring pulled pork, cornbread, rice, and greens at an outdoor event. Photo 5: A smiling couple takes a selfie on a rooftop overlooking a sunny urban street with trees, cars, and pedestrians below.
Travel and Outdoors
3 ways to get your fill of fall in Chapel Hill
Why settle for one fall festival when you can experience music, food, and art all season long?
Sponsored by
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
CLTtoday_Carolina Cup_March 2025
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
State House -0313
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
A pothole in the middle of concrete, filled with water.
City
SCDOT announces its ‘Pothole Blitz’
The statewide effort invites residents to report potholes so crews can patch them and improve safety for drivers.
March 17, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Sponsored
The outdoors is calling: Here are must-see spots to explore in Greenville, SC
From scenic state parks to majestic waterfalls, Greenville SC is packed with things to see and do.
Sponsored by
Segra-Park-Columbia-Fireflies-stadium
City
Segra Park gearing up for its 2025 season
The Columbia Fireflies will return, but the ballpark has a schedule filled with other events, promos, and food-themed festivals.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A ruby-throated hummingbird with green feathers on its back, black wings, and a red throat. It's perched on a tree branch.
Culture
When and where to spot hummingbirds in Columbia
Birds like the ruby-throated hummingbird will be appearing in Columbia in the spring — find out where you can go to catch a sighting.
March 11, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A view of downtown columbia with the South Carolina Monument to the Confederate Dead and Synous building in the shot.
City
Downtown Columbia reimagined with its Strategic Plan and Design Guidelines draft
Residents are invited to give feedback on the plan that outlines its objectives with six “big ideas” for downtown Columbia.
March 11, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Events
JerryFest 2025: Celebrating 60 Years of the Grateful Dead
JerryFest returns to Five Points on Sunday, Oct. 5 with two stages of live music, food, art, and family fun.
August 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Williams-Brice stadium during a day game.
Gamecock season preview: Tailgates, Sandstorm, and Saturdays in Columbia
A look at the 2025 Gamecock football season, including key players, biggest games, and what’s new on gameday at Williams-Brice.
August 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Local authors section at Richland Library
Outdoors
Where would you put an outdoor library in Columbia?
The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in Soda City.
August 27, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
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City
Start streaming these local podcasts
Whether you’re interested in hearing from local business leaders, exploring the art world, or just hearing a good story, there’s a Cola podcast for you.
August 26, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Play
Date night ideas for every type of Columbian
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date night in Soda City.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Close-up of a dire wolf skull cast with sharp canine teeth, displayed at the Florence County Museum in South Carolina.
5 animals that used to roam the Midlands
Unbury Columbia and Florence’s prehistoric past by looking at these five animals that once called the region home before they went extinct.
August 19, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
European café–style brasserie + market coming to Gervais Street
A European café–style brasserie and market is opening in Melrose Heights in 2026, with local roots.
August 14, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Columbia-SC
Live
Local Gov. 101: Understanding Columbia’s City Council
Class is in session — become familiar with how Columbia’s City Council works, and explore your role as an active citizen.
August 13, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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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
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial concept rendering of Williams-Brice Stadium filled with fans, highlighting proposed renovations such as expanded premium seating on the west side, two large videoboards in the south end zone, and updated concourse areas.
Development
USC announces new partnership to benefit Williams-Brice Stadium
Blanchard Machinery is partnering with USC, funding Williams-Brice upgrades and debuting the first-ever on-field logo.
August 11, 2025
 · 
David Stringer