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
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Ben McBee
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Culture
Where to see holiday lights around Columbia, SC
Nominate your neighborhoods, share your holiday light-seeing traditions, or even brag about your own house if you decorate at level 10. We’re looking for reader recommendations on where the best holiday light displays are in the Midlands.
December 5, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Mountain view
Culture
Hit the Road: an outdoor adventure to Asheville, NC
December 3, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Airports and Transportation
Allegiant Air is bringing two new nonstop flights to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
This spring, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) will add two new nonstop routes to Florida thanks to one of the largest service expansions in Allegiant Air’s history.
November 19, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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City
Pack your bags for one of these unique places to stay in and around Columbia
From cottages to treehouses, our area is full of unique places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
November 14, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Business
Take a look at Scout Motors’ newest line of electric SUVs and trucks
Scout Motors hosted an unveiling of its newest SUV prototypes set to be built in its manufacturing plant in Columbia. Take a look.
October 25, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Fans cheer in the stands during a Charlotte FC match.
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⚽️ Cheer on The Crown in Charlotte
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Patio dining lined up on sidewalk outside Hampton Street Vineyard.
Food
Three local, fresh-ingredient dinners to attend
Looking for farm-to-table dinners, local chef’s flare, cool evenings, and autumnal local-ingredient dishes? Here are three dinners coming up to purchase tickets to.
October 21, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Travel and Outdoors
Feed Columbia birds
Putting out a tube feeder is just the beginning — we’ll get you started in the wide world of birdfeeding.
October 21, 2024
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Dayten Rose
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Weather
How to prepare for severe weather in Columbia
Here are some resources to help keep you and your family safe when severe weather rolls into Columbia.
September 26, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
congaree river
Government
A new Water Resources Working Group (WaterSC) is tasked with developing a state water plan
An Executive Order 2024-22, issued by Gov. Henry McMaster, announced the formation of WaterSC — a new water resources working group — to protect the state’s water resources.
September 24, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Latest News
More from COLAtoday
Giant wooden sculpture of a seated, gentle-looking troll amidst lush green forest.
Arts
South Carolina’s first Thomas Dambo troll is coming to Cayce
Danish artist Thomas Dambo is bringing one of his famous upcycled trolls to the Cayce Riverwalk, just minutes from downtown Columbia.
February 4, 2026
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Morgan O’Neal
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History
5 ways to honor Black history in Columbia
Discover more about Columbia’s African American history.
February 4, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Entertainment
Carolina Band wins Metallica Marching Band Competition
USC’s band won Metallica’s collegiate competition with a halftime tribute, earning a national prize and a spot in EA Sports’ game.
February 2, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
First look: Columbia Food & Wine 2026
Columbia Food & Wine returns with chef-driven events across town, plus Tastemakers early ticket access and a new USC scholarship.
February 2, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Editor’s Pick: Bird Photographer of the Year lands at SC State Museum
An international bird photography exhibition opens in Columbia this spring, with local bird highlights and the upcoming Flock Fest.
January 28, 2026
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David Stringer
Morihiko Nakahara conducting
Arts
Stephen G. Morrison Visionary award returns
The Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award is back, spotlighting individuals whose leadership helped shape Columbia’s creative identity.
January 28, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Event Spotlight: SoulHAUS Sessions with Cecil J. Williams
SoulHAUS Sessions brings civil rights icon Cecil J. Williams to the Koger Center for an intimate artist talk.
January 27, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
The Taste of Lake Murray returns
Tickets are on sale now for Taste of Lake Murray, supporting Lake Murray’s Independence Day fireworks.
January 26, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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City
Applications open for Leadership Columbia Class of 2027
Leadership Columbia offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, issues, and decisions shaping the Midlands.
January 22, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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City
What makes ice so dangerous?
Ice storms in SC have caused widespread damage in the past, and as we brace for winter weather, we spoke to a meteorologist to find out why.
January 22, 2026
 · 
David Stringer