The best of what you need to know about Columbia, SC – curated, condensed + delivered to your inbox WHY | We think our community is pretty rad. Ready to do this?
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WHAT | COLAtoday is the best of what you need to know about Columbia, S.C., curated, condensed + kicking off the conversation with our daily email in your inbox at 6AM – and continuing the dialogue on your social feeds all day, every day. Our goal is to aggregate the most important news, stories, words-on-the street, and local happenings and deliver them to you in an easily-digestible, fun-to-read
package: COLAtoday. Our daily morning newsletter gives you what you need to know to have informed conversations in your community; our social media platforms serve engaging, top-notch content to bolster your dynamic, on-the-go lifestyle in Columbia; and our website pulls it all together, hosting all commentary + content and giving you the opportunity to be part of the conversation. HOW | How do we reach you? Scope our other social feeds and give them a follow: https://instagram.com/colatoday and https://twitter.com/colatoday, and use hashtag to share your photos, thoughts, ideas and experiences. Subscribe to COLAtoday newsletter here: https://bit.ly/3wVW61F
WHO | COLAtoday is produced for the community by members of the community. YOU: Engaged, passionate, active, educated, diverse, established, and awesome. US: Yes, we are real, live humans who live, eat, play, think, drink, work, laugh, make mistakes and accomplish things in Columbia. (Drop us a note: https://colatoday.6amcity.com/ We’d love to chat.)
A $20.6 million river development, a 940-bed student housing development, and a $65 million mixed-use retail development are all underway in the Midlands or were announced this week. Here's what you need to know about each project.⬇️
A $20.6 million river development, a 940-bed student housing development, and a $65 million mixed-use retail development are all underway in the Midlands or were announced this week. Here's what you need to know about each project.
Historic news!📢
Please join us in welcoming 𝐒𝐮𝐳𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫! Suzanne brings a wealth of experience in historic preservation and museum management, and we are excited about the vision and leadership she will bring to our organization.💫
Learn more about Suzanne and her vision for Historic Columbia➡️ historiccolumbia.org/welcome-suzanne.
Back-to-back-to-back-to ...
https://gamecocksonline.com/news/2024/08/21/reigning-champs-get-2024-25-sec-schedule/
Is it better to sleep on my back or side? Is it bad to crack my back at home? How can I combat tech neck? The orthopedics experts at Prisma Health are here to answer your questions. 👇
You asked, Prisma Health orthopedics experts answered.
The Golden Spur, which used to be a pub at USC, has been reimagined into a restaurant on the ground floor of the Campus Village development.
The Golden Spur, which used to be a pub at USC, has been reimagined into a restaurant on ground floor of the Campus Village development.
Shoutout to the five companies that ranked among the fastest-growing companies in Columbia (and one in Lexington) that were featured on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. These companies had a median growth of 146% and added 84 jobs. ⤵️
Meet some of the 2024 fastest-growing companies in the Columbia area featured on Inc. 5000’s list.
Explore Cola’s co-working spaces, including the new Venture X, offering a bird's eye view of downtown and options for freelancers and professionals.
Explore Columbia’s coworking spaces, including the new Venture X, offering unique environments and premium options for freelancers and professionals.
A major French modern art exhibition featuring works by Monet and Matisse comes to the Columbia Museum of Art this fall.
In case you missed it — classes for college students are soon to be underway, and we know a few new Soda Citizens will be walking around. Being new in town can be a little disorienting, but that’s where we come in. Here are 10 things you should know as a new resident. ⬇️
Here are 10 tips for students who are new to Columbia. Learn how to get around, where to eat, and some local knowledge to prepare you for at least four years in the Soda City.
Looking to have a little brunch before the week starts? Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Cola, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more. ⬇️
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Cola, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
In case you missed it — Hotel Trundle has landed at No. 6 on USA Today’s list of Best Boutique Hotels in the US. The 10 finalists were selected by a panel of travel experts and voted on by readers. ⬇️
Hotel Trundle, a locally loved adaptive reuse project in Columbia, ranks No. 6 on USA Today's Best Boutique Hotels list.
Drivers will need to take a new detour if traveling down I-20 Westbound and needing to take Exit 64B this weekend. ⤵️
Drivers will need to take a new detour route this weekend if traveling down I-20 Westbound and needing to take Exit 64B.
There’s just something about going to a drive-in movie theater, ordering buttery popcorn, maybe grabbing candy or a large soda, and experiencing a movie on a big screen. Next time you want to go out for a movie, experience 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.
⚽️ Whether your high schooler is playing football, soccer, or any other fall sport, it's important to know what to do if they get hurt. The experts at Lexington Medical Center say to know about this heart condition. 👇
It's important to keep the symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in mind and talk to a doctor if you're concerned about it.
Before there was Facebook to share your photos and experiences, there were postcards. Did you know that by 1908, ~700 million postcards were mailed according to the USPS?
View four of Columbia, South Carolina's colleges and universities through the lens of vintage postcards.
Planning a date night? We’ve got ideas you’ll love in Columbia, whether you’re looking for an active outing, delicious dinner, or something a bit more old-fashioned.⬇️
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.
The vacant restaurant space at the corner of Frink and State streets in Cayce is for sale via Trinity Partners. So, what should move in? Let us know. 👇
The building that used to house Henry's Restaurant & Bar in Cayce is for sale via Trinity Partners.
Catch up on six new businesses that recently opened or are coming soon to Five Points.
https://colatoday.6amcity.com/business/five-new-businesses-coming-soon-to-five-points
Calling all marching bands, floats, and local businesses! 📣
Show off your community pride at the Lexington Medical Center Irmo Okra Strut parade. Applications are now open. Don't miss out on this exciting event!
Link for more information and parade application:
https://www.okrastrut.com/general-6
Every wondered what life is like in an active retirement community like Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community? Hint: It's far from boring. 👀
The day-to-day of this Still Hopes resident is filled with delicious eats and drinks, passion projects, and lots of time with friends.
Register Now https://www.firstthursdayonmain.com/for-artists/
Yesterday, Aug. 12, University of South Carolina College of Nursing's new, state-of-the-art building on Lexington Medical Center's campus officially opened. The expansion will allow the university to train 80% more nurses every year, addressing the state's shortage of providers. 👏
The innovative partnership between USC's College of Nursing and Lexington Medical Center will allow the university to train more nurses + address the state’s mounting health care provider needs.
School is back for most of the Midlands public schools, and though much of the focus is on the students, we haven’t forgotten about you teachers. Below is a list of just a few local shop recommendations for fun additions for you or your classrooms. ⬇️
While you're back to school shopping for the kiddos, don't forget to grab a gift or a little something special for your teachers.
Classes for college students are soon to be underway, and we know a few new Soda Citizens will be walking around. Being new in town can be a little disorienting, but that’s where we come in. Here are 10 things you should know as a new resident. ⬇️
Here are 10 tips for students who are new to Columbia. Learn how to get around, where to eat, and some local knowledge to prepare you for at least four years in the Soda City.
Do you have a favorite spot to bring your kiddos? What about a bar that considers you a regular? We do too, but this time we want to hear from you.
Nominations close soon on Friday, Aug. 16. Head to the link in bio to add your nominations and keep an eye out for the final ballot.
If you are the business or venue owner, you can let us know by selecting “Yes” from the dropdown under “Is this your business?”
With developments in the construction pipeline, here’s a look at the new hotel projects on the horizon and their expected completion.
Columbia has five hotels with a total occunpancy of 570 rooms in the works to open by fall 2025.
Add another gold medal to A'ja's collection. 🏅
Team USA defeated France 67-66 in thrilling fashion to bring home an 8th straight gold medal.
finished the game with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks to lead the team.
📸 COLAtoday
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.
The Picklr, a fast-growing pickleball franchise, is set to open a 46,000 sqft indoor facility in the former Dick’s Sporting Goods location at 1024 Two Notch Rd.
Set to open this winter, the facility will feature 12 courts, a pro shop, and online booking for courts, clinics, leagues, and tournaments.
📸 The Picklr
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First Thursday on Main is coming up this week and it will be a special one leading into the Rivals in Red game happening on Saturday, Aug. 3. Head to our link in bio to learn more. #colatoday 📸 colatoday
Looking for more ways to beat the heat in the Soda City? We’ve got the solution: water-centric activities. Here are 10+ local water parks, pools, and splash pads around Columbia where you can cool off. Find the list at the link in our bio. #COLAtoday #CityGuide // Fort Jackson
Enjoy a free jazz concert on your lunch break thanks to @colajazzscene + @colamuseum’s Jazz Al Fresco series on Wednesdays in May. DYK that all South Carolinians get into the museum for free all summer long? That begins Friday, May 24 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 1. #colatoday 📸 colatoday
Gators, deer, snakes, birds, and goats? You’ll find all of these animals and more at Cola’s riverwalk. For approximately the next two weeks, these 15 goats from Green Goat Land Management will be feasting on the flora. Stop by and say hello, they’ll bleat right back at you. #colatoday #ColumbiaSC
3 2 1 let’s roll #COLAtoday
It's a big year for cicadas in the South. When the ground warms this spring Brood XIX (13-year cicadas) will climb their way through the dirt and fill the air with rhythmic ticks, buzzing, and high-pitched chirps. Cicadas usually emerge when the soil hits 64 degrees, often after a steady rain. Currently, our soil is at ~62 degrees. In other words, we’re close to the event these cicadas have been waiting over a decade for. You can help. Download the Cicada Safari app to track cicada spottings and submit your own photos. #COLAtoday 📸 Rick_Jo https://6amcity.com/culture/cicada-super-brood
Susan, a Giant Pacific Octopus, has finally joined the Riverbanks fam. Named in honor of Mrs. Boyd of @boydfoundationcolumbia, Susan is a highly anticipated addition to the recently opened Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center (ARCC). Beginning today, you can see her in her new home across from the moon jelly wall. Stop in and greet the new cephalopod, and maybe you'll get a wave from one of her eight arms. 🐙 #COLAtoday 📸 @riverbankszoosc
We’ve been cooking up something special for you, COLA. Today, we’re excited to launch COLA Wellness — a new monthly wellness newsletter created in partnership with Prisma Health bringing Soda Citizens timely health-focused topics, plus the best in wellness events, local fitness activities, health tips, food hacks + more. Check your inboxes at noon today for our first edition, where we'll cover: 🚲 10 ways to embrace summer (the healthy way) ☀️ How to stay safe and cool in the SC heat 🍒 Local farmers markets to check out 👟 Free at-home workouts ✨ And more Bonus: Open the email to let us know the topics *you* want to see in future newsletters. 👉 Are you new to COLAtoday? Head to our website to subscribe and never miss an issue.
Did you know you can be rewarded for spreading the word about our newsletter? 💸 We’re excited to announce that our referral program has been revamped! To celebrate, we’re hosting a special giveaway until Wednesday, July 12, 2023. What can you win? The top referrer will receive $500, and one other person who refers at least one friend will automatically be entered for another $100 giveaway. 📧Use your unique referral link in the daily newsletter to start sharing. Not subscribed? Sign up at the link in bio.
Giveaway: Take a bite out of this, COLA. We’ve partnered withEuphoria Greenville to give away one *euphoric* experience for one lucky winner and a guest to sip + savor during the best weekend of the year (September 14-17) in #yeahTHATgreenville. The euphoria prize package (valued at $1,400) includes: 🍽️ 2 tickets to the sold out Seeing Stars: A Michelin-starred Dinner (think: a once-in-a-lifetime meal) 🛎️ 2 nights at one of euphoria’s partner hotels in downtown Greenville, SC Head over to our Instagram for details and to enter: https://bit.ly/3MTVHoK. #partner
Preview video
Lizard's Thicket's kitchen is going full speed by 5:30 a.m. before the 6 a.m. rush of customers begins rolling through the drive-thru and gathering in the dining area. We stopped in and watched Wayne Davis (a true biscuit artist) making a batch from scratch like he’s been doing at the Elmwood location for 35 years. This year Lizard’s Thicket is celebrating 45 years of serving the Midlands. Click our link in below for more biscuit-making tips, and some big numbers on the number of customers served. #colatoday 📸 COLAtoday
It’s hard to beat a festive Saturday morning in the Soda City. 🎄
Happy Thanksgiving, Cola! 🦃 However you celebrate, make today a day of rest, reflection, and community. We here at COLAtoday are thankful for our city, those living in it, and the plentiful conversations we get go have with you.
What a night at Williams Brice last night 🎡 The Gamecocks extended their winning streak to four straight games and earned the programs first ever win against Texas A&M last night. This afternoon they hopped into the top 25 on USA Today’s coaches poll with Missouri coming to town next week. Let’s keep this train rolling. 🚂 #colatoday // 📸 Colatoday
@pooganskitchen_forestacres is opening today at 4605 Forest Dr. in Cardinal Crossing. Be one of the first 50 guests at the dinner service starting at 3 pm and receive an exclusive key tag valid for 10% off your bill for up to one year. We stopped in this weekend to try a few dishes and check out the beautiful new space. Still to come — a covered front patio with fans to keep you cool in the summer and heaters to keep you warm in the winter. What we tried 😋 -fried green tomatoes 🍅 -sweet tea glazed salmon-Hoppin’ John-Biscuits-Shrimp and grits#colatoday
Happy Monday, Soda City. Here are this morning's headlines. Read the full newsletter ➡️ https://colatoday.6amcity.com/newsletters/july-18-2022-drink-up-week-deets-stepping-back-150-years/
Home repair and renovation can be a stressful time, so we’re looking for local resources, businesses, and general tips to help out. Drop a comment below or tag a business that specializes in home repair services.
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