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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Travel and Outdoors
The Old Mill Pond Trail is open for Lexington locals to enjoy
Nine years after the unprecedented flooding in Columbia, the Old Mill Pond Trail is now open for locals to stroll.
September 12, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Weather
Rainy days are coming: Columbia’s 2024 fall weather forecast
Prepare for fall weather in the the Capital City with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.
September 12, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
An image of a rotating swing carousel ride at the SC State Fair.
Sponsored
🎡 Where to get your fair share of fun this fall
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Airports and Transportation
✈️ 3 wildly cheap flights out of CAE in 2024
Check out some of the year’s cheapest flights leaving our local airport.
September 5, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
Columbia Fall Scapes
Travel and Outdoors
4 drivable fall destinations within four hours of Columbia, SC
Southern Living released a list of 15 fall foliage destinations and we’re breaking down four destinations that are within four hours of Columbia so you can see the leaves change before they fall in fall.
September 4, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Travel and Outdoors
The City of Cayce announced a new river access point on the Congaree River
If you enjoy floating down the river, the City of Cayce introduced a new and open access point on the Congaree River that will offer families more recreation river use.
August 29, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Travel and Outdoors
Phase Two of the Carolina Crossroads Project is causing a weekend detour for a major exit in the Midlands
Drivers will need to take a new detour route this weekend if traveling down I-20 Westbound and needing to take Exit 64B.
August 15, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Culture
Here’s your guide to experiencing The Big MO
The perfect way to experience The Big Mo? Pack-up your car with snacks, a few drinks, blankets + pillows to drive out to see movies under the stars.
August 15, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Apple picking Columbia
Travel and Outdoors
Here is where to pick apples within driving distance of Columbia
Take a road trip with the family and head to one of these regional U-pick apple farms; all within three hours of the Captial City.
August 8, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
William's Brice
Sports
What to expect and how to attend the Rivals in Red soccer game happening in Columbia
Liverpool F.C. + Manchester United will play at Williams-Brice Stadium as part of the Rivals in Red Tour. Here’s how to get involved locally and what to expect for the game, happening on Saturday, Aug. 3.
July 30, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Latest News
More from COLAtoday
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City
New boutique hotel opens in historic fire station in the Vista
The 59-room Lantern Columbia opens inside the former fire station as the Vista continues evolving.
January 21, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Take a look at Black Dog Pizza
Black Dog Pizza is expected to open in late January on Main Street underneath The Hendrix.
January 20, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Entertainment
St. Pat’s in Five Points announces 2026 lineup
Get to know the musical lineup that will keep you entertained at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day in Five Points Festival, the largest one-day fest in South Carolina.
January 20, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Broaden your bookshelf in 2026
Find your next great read when you join Richland Library’s Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge.
January 16, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Mardi Gras Columbia brings 19 local bands to City Roots
The 16th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival features 19 local bands across three stages, plus a parade, food vendors, and craft beer.
January 15, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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City
Meet Experience Columbia SC’s 2026 ambassadors
Experience Columbia SC introduces its 2026 ambassadors, highlighting locals shaping how visitors experience the Midlands.
January 15, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Columbia and how to commemorate his life and legacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
January 15, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Entertainment
Live in the Lobby Jazz shares full 2026 concert lineup
ColaJazz Foundation and the Koger Center announce seven intimate jazz performances running from February through December.
January 13, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
Lexington Med 2
Fitness
Find where to get more steps in around Columbia
If you’re trying to reach new running goals, consider signing up for one of these upcoming races or find ways to get more steps in around Columbia
January 12, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
A close up of the white blossoms of the Bradford pear tree.
City

How to get free trees to replace those stinky Bradford Pears
For every Bradford Pear you remove from your property, Clemson and the Forestry Commission will give you a free replacement, but only while supplies last.
January 8, 2026
 · 
Danielle Johnson