Travel and Outdoors

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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.
April 14, 2026 03:25 PM
 · 
Ben McBee
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.
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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
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.
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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 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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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
A GIF of attendees at the Southern Roots BBQ Reunion festival.
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Get to the root of smokin’ good barbecue
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Cottontown Art Crawl
Festivals
215 artists take over Cottontown’s front porches this Saturday
Cottontown’s front porches transform into an open-air gallery with art, live music, and food trucks on Saturday, March 7.
March 2, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Musicians on a stage in the daylight. The stage reads "ColaJazz Fest" and there are rows of seated people. The group on the right have lawn chairs while the people on the left sit at tables.
ColaJazz Fest heads to Finlay Park with international jazz talent
The free May 15–16 festival features Martin Bejerano, Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso, Endea Owens, and more at Finlay Park.
February 26, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
mississippi appendectomy_2020_0.jpg
Arts
Rodney McMillian returns for major CMA spring exhibition
Columbia-born artist Rodney McMillian debuts a wide-ranging solo exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art this spring.
February 26, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Darius Rucker Large.jpeg
Events
Spring Game replaced by Darius Rucker concert and block party
Spring football gives way to a Darius Rucker–headlined concert and free Garnet & Black block party on Saturday, April 11.
February 25, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Small Business
SOCO opens new coworking Space at Gather COLA
SOCO opens a 9,500-sqft coworking space inside Gather COLA in the BullStreet District.
February 25, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
A hand holds a vibrant cross-stitch depicting a witch and a haunted house against a blue, starry sky, bordered with green polka dots. Vinyl records form a colorful background.
Arts
Needlepoint is back: Here’s how to try it in Columbia
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
February 23, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
SC State Museum Big Percy Large.png
Events
Editor’s Pick: Big Percy on display at SC State Museum
A Mount Pleasant artisan’s massive sweetgrass basket is now on display at the South Carolina State Museum.
February 19, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Outdoors
Wingard’s Market nominated for National Best Plant Nursery Award
Lexington’s Wingard’s Market leads USA TODAY’s Best Plant Nursery vote, and supporters can cast ballots daily through March 9 to keep them at No. 1.
February 19, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Nonprofits
Anchor Investment Management launches Impact Fund
Anchor Investment Management is celebrating 25 years by awarding $25,000 in grants to Midlands nonprofits focused on health and education.
February 18, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Disc Golf EWP-8905.png
Sports
7 disc golf courses in the Midlands
Learn how and where to play disc golf in the Capital City.
February 18, 2026
 · 
David Stringer