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
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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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.
Sponsored
Get to the root of smokin’ good barbecue
Sponsored by
Three blue cabins traveling over a river on the Saluda Skyride.
Development
Saluda Skyride in development at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
The aerial lift will connect the zoo and botanical garden and offer panoramic views of the Saluda River area.
February 27, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Four trash collectors with pick-up sticks and green trash bags collecting debris from the ground.
City
Keep the Midlands Beautiful’s 2025 visible litter audit results
The environmental nonprofit conducts an annual audit of Richland and Lexington counties to assess the level of visible litter.
February 21, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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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
Scenes from Art Charleston including lectures and shopping at the artisan market.
Sponsored
The best time to visit Charleston, SC this spring
Sponsored by
city of columbia
Culture
Stay on track with your New Year’s resolution in Columbia
Keep the momentum going with local recommendations to eat healthier, save money, and spend more time with your loved ones.
February 7, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Business
A first look at the Grand Willow Hotel planned for BullStreet
Renderings show plans for the seven-story Grand Willow Hotel behind REI in Columbia’s BullStreet District.
November 5, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Two Vista restaurants earn spots in inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South
Columbia’s fine-dining scene gets a boost as two Vista staples earn a spot in the MICHELIN Guide.
November 4, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Business
Can you build a startup in 24 hours?
Startup Sprint returns for a free 24-hour challenge at Boyd Innovation Center where teams build and pitch startup business ideas.
November 3, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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City

Beat the end of daylight saving scaries with these activities in Columbia
The sun may be setting earlier, but Columbia still has plenty to do.
October 30, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Gervais Street Columbia-8497.jpg
City

Just how bad is the traffic in Columbia?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial view of Main Street District buildings at sunset
Business
The local wish list: What Columbia readers say we’re missing
Columbia readers shared their wish list of new businesses they’d like to see in the Midlands.
October 27, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A pothole in the middle of concrete, filled with water.
City

Who ya gonna call? Jot down contact info for these Midlands resources
Don’t be afraid. Concerns about everything from flood damage to environmental health can be solved by getting in touch not with the Ghostbusters, but with these Midlands resources.
October 27, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A graphic that says "Their perfect gift is on this list. Our holiday gift guide just dropped." surrounded by images of gift tags.
Small Business
COLAtoday’s 2025 holiday gift guide: 90+ finds for everyone you love
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
October 24, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
Tree Lighting Vista 1.png
Events
Vista Lights celebrates 40 years
Vista Lights returns Nov. 20 with live music, local vendors, and the annual tree lighting to kick off Columbia’s holidays.
October 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
5 family-friendly Halloween happenings
Celebrate spooky season with Halloween happenings around Columbia, from trunk-or-treat trails to eerie zoo nights and family carnivals.
October 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer