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
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Sports
Tee it up at these Columbia golf courses
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 22 golf courses in Cola are sure to make for a good round.
June 24, 2024
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David Stringer
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Travel and Outdoors
Participate in a local skateboarding competition on Go Skateboarding Day
Local skate shop Bluetile Skateboards is hosting a citywide skateboarding competition and watch party this weekend for Go Skateboarding Day.
June 20, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Squirrel Carolina Wildlife
Travel and Outdoors
Help Carolina Wildlife Center save baby animals
You’re more likely to find baby animals in need this summer, so be informed about how your intervention can help (or harm) local wildlife in need.
June 3, 2024
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Dayten Rose
Columbia, SC
Weather
Summer 2024 weather forecast for Columbia, SC
See what’s in store for Columbia weather over the summer months in the Midlands of South Carolina.
May 28, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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Travel and Outdoors
Riverbanks Zoo celebrates its golden anniversary
Riverbanks Zoo celebrates its 50th anniversary with a Golden Ticket giveaway. Learn about its history, present attractions like the new Boyd Aquarium, and future plans including the Bridge to the Wild expansion.
May 22, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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Travel and Outdoors
SC’s Travel and Tourism Week celebrates the states tourism industry and growth
Governor McMaster highlighted SC’s tourism’s $29 billion impact and we break down local and regional tourism stats.
May 21, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Loveland Coffee
Travel and Outdoors
Help COLAtoday update its Columbia summer playlist for your next road trip
We are looking to update our Columbia summer playlist with our reader’s favorite local artists and references.
May 21, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Sports
6 disc golf courses in the Midlands
Learn how and where to play disc golf in the Capital City.
May 20, 2024
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David Stringer
Cayce riverwalk
Travel and Outdoors
Discover Cayce’s new TRACK Trail: an interactive adventure for families
Explore the Cayce Riverwalk’s 1.4-mile TRACK Trail with engaging activities for kids, part of the national Kids in Parks program.
May 15, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Friarsgate Skatepark
Culture
From inception to fruition: the story of Friarsgate Skatepark
Discover how community collaboration and perseverance transformed a dream into Irmo’s newest recreational hotspot; Friarsgate Skatepark, nestled inside of Rawls Creek Park.
May 9, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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More from COLAtoday
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
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City
Want to reach Columbia locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Reach your local community with our help.
August 8, 2025
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Staff
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City
Lighting up Columbia: What the skyline should glow for, according to our readers
COLAtoday readers shared ideas for lighting up Columbia’s skyline, from Gamecock wins to local causes and holidays.
August 7, 2025
 · 
David Stringer