David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

David Stringer

Newsletter Editor

David is based in Columbia, SC where he’s lived since graduating from UofSC’s School of Journalism in 2006. In his 20+ years in the Soda City, he founded Scene SC, an outlet covering the SC music scene, and has contributed to local publications including SCETV, Jasper Magazine, Free Times, and The Post and Courier. He currently serves on boards for One Columbia for Arts and Culture and the Jam Room Music Festival.

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Events

JerryFest 2025: Celebrating 60 Years of the Grateful Dead

JerryFest returns to Five Points on Sunday, Oct. 5 with two stages of live music, food, art, and family fun.

August 28, 2025

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Williams-Brice stadium during a day game.

Gamecock season preview: Tailgates, Sandstorm, and Saturdays in Columbia

A look at the 2025 Gamecock football season, including key players, biggest games, and what’s new on gameday at Williams-Brice.

August 28, 2025

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Events

Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Columbia

Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.

August 27, 2025

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Azalea Coffee Bar

Live

Your guide to Columbia’s coffee shops

If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some with our coffee guide, featuring 25+ local coffee shops.

August 6, 2025

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Samantha Robertson

GIF showing the Vista district in Columbia, SC, with a view of the historic brick railroad depot at the corner of Gervais and Gadsden Streets, where Sylvan’s Jewelers is relocating.

Sylvan’s Jewelers first tenant in Vista Depot District

Sylvan’s Jewelers is moving to the Vista this fall, expanding its showroom and Rolex offerings in the SC Railroad Depot.

July 31, 2025

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Aerial image showing the expansive 33-acre Lake Murray Golf Center property in Chapin, SC, surrounded by trees, open grassy areas, and nearby roadways.

Development

Lake Murray Golf Center set for comeback

Lake Murray Golf Center sold to local owners with plans to reopen in phases and rebrand later this year.

July 31, 2025

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Image showing South Carolina’s new driver’s license and ID card designs, including adult and under-21 versions. The cards display state symbols, updated fonts, security features, and both front and back sides of each card.

City

New SC licenses roll out with fresh design and security upgrades

New SC licenses feature iconic imagery and upgraded security with laser engraving.

July 29, 2025

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Exterior of 747 Saluda Ave. in Five Points, showing the storefront window with Sparrow Construction and Godspeed Coffee branding. Brick columns and greenery frame the entrance.

Development

Godspeed Coffee puts down roots in Five Points

Godspeed Coffee is looking to open its first permanent location in Five Points by the end of the year, with Sparrow Construction leading the buildout.

July 24, 2025

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Play

11 hiking trails to try in and around Columbia

Check out these 11 hiking trails catering to all skill levels in and around Columbia, SC, for outdoor adventures.

July 23, 2025

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Samantha Robertson

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Development

Gateway 737 opens as USC’s largest student housing project

With 940 beds and rooftop views, Gateway 737 marks a major milestone in USC’s campus-adjacent growth.

July 22, 2025

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Betty Lane Cherry smiling and holding a small box of peaches next to a large wooden crate labeled “South Carolina Peaches” on an airport tarmac.

Food

Before Instagram, there was Miss Fruit Salad

Betty Lane Cherry promoted South Carolina peaches nationwide during a 1950s agricultural marketing campaign.

July 15, 2025

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“Top-down view of a person wearing a blue and white striped dress holding a basket full of freshly picked peaches while standing on green grass.”

Culture

Try these recipes with your fresh SC peaches

Save, share, and savor these local peach recipes all season long.

July 15, 2025

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Danielle Johnson

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Live

40+ murals in Columbia

Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.

July 9, 2025

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Group photo of the Riggs Partners team standing outside in front of a weathered red building during CreateAthon 2024.

Nonprofits

Free creative help for SC nonprofits

From logos to strategy, SC nonprofits can get free creative help through CreateAthon.

July 8, 2025

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Food

Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Columbia

Dining in Columbia is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.

June 30, 2025

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Saluda Shoals Park

Play

28 parks in the Midlands of South Carolina

We’re highlighting the 28 best parks the Midlands has to offer — complete with scenic trails, splash pads, riverfront views, and plenty of space to play, picnic, and relax.

June 25, 2025

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Play

Your how-to guide for tubing down the river in Columbia

If you’re planning a tubing trip with friends or family, this guide is for you and highlights everything you need to know about tubing down the river in Columbia

June 19, 2025

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Samantha Robertson

Bee pollinating a yellow cucumber flower, partially hidden with its back and wings visible.

City

Your guide to beekeeping in the Midlands

What’s even sweeter than honey? Producing your own. Here’s everything you need to know about beekeeping in the Midlands.

June 18, 2025

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City

Lake Murray Independence Day celebration returns with fireworks and festivities

Celebrate Independence Day early with SC’s biggest fireworks show — best viewed by boat or from Dreher Island State Park.

June 17, 2025

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Festivals

Columbia’s guide to commemorate Juneteenth and the SC Juneteenth Freedom Festival

Every year, Columbia hosts the SC Juneteenth Freedom Festival (SCJFF) and we’re breaking down how you can get involved around town.

June 16, 2025

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History

Deconstruction begins at historic 900 Main St.

Deconstruction is underway on the historic 900 Main St. building, preserving materials, memories, and a mural.

June 9, 2025

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City

How much does it cost to rent in Columbia, SC?

Curious about rent in Columbia? We broke down how local prices compare to national averages and trends.

June 5, 2025

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History

5 objects in town that are older than Columbia

Although 239 years might seem like a long time, it is relatively young for a city, so let’s take a look at some objects you can see in Columbia that are older than the Capital City.

June 3, 2025

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Small Business

What South Carolina’s new liquor liability law means for local businesses

SC small businesses are facing closures due to rising liquor liability insurance premiums. A new law hopes to address that.

May 29, 2025

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