Travel and Outdoors

A render of the expansion project at CAE.
Travel and Outdoors
Columbia Metropolitan Airport expands checkpoints for smoother travel
Prepare for takeoff with even less wait time at CAE.
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GoldenGirls Airbnb
Travel and Outdoors
Stay in this Golden Girls-themed Airbnb that’s located in downtown Columbia.
Sure you can stay somewhere overnight, but is it a Golden Girls-themed Airbnb? Take a look inside this eclectic bnb and book it next time you’re looking to stay in Five Points
January 4, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Nonprofits
The Congaree Riverkeepers 2023 Cleanup Summary
The Congaree Riverkeeper released its 2023 Cleanup Summary and we’re sharing the highlights by the numbers, key findings, and how you can get involved.
December 15, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
CAE airport's Christmas display with a trunk of toys and a decorated tree.
Sponsored
One less thing to stress about this holiday season? Booking (and flying) out of CAE
With CAE’s new search feature, travelers can now search flights automatically from CAE.
Sponsored by
Sneakers on pavement.
Culture
Walking trends in Columbia
Average daily walking trips dropped by 36% in the US between 2019 and 2022 — see how Cola compares.
December 1, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
Photo looking out onto a runway from inside a commercial airplane at sunrise.
Sponsored
Booking holiday travel just got easier
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congaree river
City
Columbians dream big for future riverfront development
We asked, and you answered. We wanted you to think big and share with us the dream development you would bring to our rivers if you had the power to do so. See what our readers said.
November 7, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
The outside of the South Carolina Aquarium lit up for Aquarium Aglow.
Sponsored
Ready, set, glow: Celebrate the holiday season at the South Carolina Aquarium
Sponsored by
AVL-Omni Grove Park Inn gingerbread holidays.png
Sponsored
Experience holiday magic + gingerbread art like no other
Find out how to get a glimpse of the nation’s largest gingerbread house competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn this holiday season.
Sponsored by
A crowd of ice skaters at an outdoor rink in Greenville, SC.
Sponsored
Feel at home this holiday season in Greenville
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The Street Meat biking group rides Peak to Prosperity is Columbia, SC.
Culture
Get to know community cycling group Street Meat
This Soda City-based group offers an inclusive space for bike riders of all levels to come together and explore bike-friendly streets in the area.
October 12, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
new-orleans-balcony-chloe-rodgers
Travel and Outdoors
Great Escapes: Our guide to New Orleans, LA
Planning a getaway? Check out New Orleans, Louisiana: a one-of-a-kind city with a vibrant tapestry of culture, music, history, and flavors.
October 3, 2023
 · 
Chloe Rodgers
Wahalla treehouse.png
Play
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.
August 29, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Gates Four Golf & Country Club-Fayetteville NC.jpg
Sponsored
10 reasons why Fayetteville, NC should be your next golfing destination
The Sandhills region of NC is home to some of the best golfing in the state (and country).
Sponsored by
Two Army soldiers in fatigues evaluate a hole at Fort Jackson Golf Course
Culture
Fort Jackson Golf Club is now open to the public
Check out all the details of this club heralded as “the finest golf operation the military has to offer.”
August 17, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
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Travel and Outdoors
Goat Daddy’s Farm: a viral sensation in our backyard
Goat Daddy’s Farm in Elgin, just outside of Columbia, opens its doors to visit it’s array of rescue animals and dairy goats. Plus, you can pick up some cheese and raw goats milk for the road.
August 16, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
Congaree Cleanup.jpg
Travel and Outdoors
Phase 1 complete in Congaree River Cleanup
Crews are working to remove tar like material and clean up the Congaree River, and the first phase is now complete. Keep an eye out for phase II coming soon.
August 14, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
A couple looking at the Blue Ridge Mountains from the patio of The Omni Grove Park Inn.
Sponsored
Satisfy your summer travel bug with mountain views for two
Pack your bags, grab your favorite person, and save 15% on an end-of-summer getaway at The Omni Grove Park Inn.
Sponsored by
Fishing-at-Lake-Murray
Travel and Outdoors
5 places to fish around Columbia, including rivers, lakes, and shorelines
Rivers, lakes + streams, oh my. The Midlands has some pretty great freshwater fishing spots and is only about an hour from saltwater. Reference this guide before tackling your next fishing adventure.
August 1, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
God's Acre Healing Springs Ben.jpeg
Travel and Outdoors
A refreshing road trip to Healing Springs
Natural springs in the Midlands of South Carolina are rare, making Healing Springs, also known as God’s Acre Healing Springs, a unique destination.
July 31, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
Old Mill Pond Trail
Development
The Old Mill Pond in Lexington will be refilled after eight years
Word on the boardwalk is that the town of Lexington will also build a walking trail encircling the pond, adding bridges and boardwalks.
July 24, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
annadiller_30906003_2545987365625458_7461595495920566272_n
Travel and Outdoors
Take an accessible hike on one of these trails in Columbia
These are three of our favorite local accessible trails that are wheelchair-friendly.
July 17, 2023
 · 
Trevor Peters
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Parks and Recreation
Explore Boyd Island in Columbia
Boyd Island is located in the confleunce of three rivers, the Broad, Congaree, and Saluda Rivers near downtown Columbia. The island offers spectacular views on the confluence.
July 11, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
Heart of the Resort.png
Sponsored
Win a choose-your-own-adventure Wild Dunes vacation
Here’s how to enter to win an unforgettable trip to the Lowes Foods House.
Sponsored by
Fireworks over Segra Park
Events
Where to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July in Columbia, SC
Check out these local events to see fireworks and celebrate Independence Day in and around the Soda City.
June 28, 2023
 · 
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 26, 2023
 · 
Dayten Rose
IMG_9625
Work
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.
June 26, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
gopher frog
Travel and Outdoors
89 gopher frogs released
Learn more about the efforts to help the state-endangered gopher frog.
June 16, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A woman standing by her bike at Falls Park in Greenville, SC.
Sponsored
Greenville: The ultimate outdoor destination
Greenville, SC is filled with fun, scenic outdoor activities for the whole family.
Sponsored by
dogs in columbia
Weather
Summer 2023 weather forecast for Columbia, SC
See what’s in store for Columbia weather over the summer months in the Midlands of South Carolina.
May 25, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
The jet engine of a plane on an airfield.
Travel and Outdoors
Plan your next trip with nonstop flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Pack your bags for a trip to one of these popular nonstop destinations. Plus, keep an eye out for new routes.
May 10, 2023
 · 
Anne Tate
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