David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

David Stringer

City 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.

Arts

Try This: A visit to Newberry Opera House

The Newberry Opera House, a historic venue located halfway between Columbia and Greenville, is a beautiful historic 400 seat venue surrounded by a charming downtown.

November 22, 2024

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City

Shop Road Extension plans progress

Richland County is expected to advance Shop Road Extension Phase 2 with a $2.57 million service order, adding 1.4 miles and a bridge over Mill Creek.

November 21, 2024

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Food

Late-night food in Greenville

Discover Greenville’s late-night dining spots, from bagels and pizza to pub fare and desserts, perfect for post-11 p.m. cravings.

November 21, 2024

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Stephanie Freeman

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Development

Groundbreaking at the Sheperd Hotel

Work is underway at the Shepherd Hotel in the Vista, transforming Columbia’s historic fire station into a boutique hotel set to open in 2025.

November 20, 2024

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City

Parking reform in Columbia: Here’s what’s changing

Columbia plans to modernize parking with higher rates, extended enforcement, and upgraded kiosks.

November 20, 2024

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Food

Build a Thanksgiving Day meal from your favorite Lakeland eateries

Add some Lakeland flair to your Thanksgiving spread with classic dishes from these Swan City restaurants.

November 19, 2024

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Real Estate

Be the Broker: Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary campus in Columbia, SC

The 17-acre Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary campus on North Main Street is relocating, offering a unique redevelopment opportunity.

November 18, 2024

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Business

Richland County approves public-private partnership to boost economic growth

Richland County is transitioning to a public-private partnership (P3) model to boost job growth, attract businesses, and mirror successes like Greenville’s Fluor Field revitalization.

November 18, 2024

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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.

November 14, 2024

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Samantha Robertson

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City

Strange sightings in South Carolina

From lizards the size of dogs, a Bigfoot, and dozens of monkeys, here’s what people across South Carolina are claiming to see.

November 12, 2024

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Culture

COLAtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list

Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.

November 8, 2024

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Sarah Leonhardt

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Food

Late night food in the Soda City

Discover Columbia’s late-night dining spots, from Tex-Mex and pizza to pub fare and desserts, perfect for post-11 p.m. cravings.

October 31, 2024

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Events

Meet Read Freely Fest, South Carolina’s new book festival

Richland Library will host the inaugural Read Freely Fest featuring author talks, book signings, and performances.

October 29, 2024

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Events

A Halloween music and pizza party at Graduate by Hilton

Eric Weiner, founder of The Wild Honey Pie, discusses their Columbia pop-up event, blending pizza, music, and Halloween fun at Graduate by Hotel.

October 25, 2024

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History

TalkDeath’s Halloween Elmwood Cemetery scavenger hunt

Explore Elmwood Cemetery’s history during the TalkDeath Halloween Scavenger Hunt on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2:30 p.m.

October 23, 2024

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Live

Soda Citizen 101: our guide to becoming a Columbia resident

Becoming a new resident is easy with these tips.

October 21, 2024

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Travel and Outdoors

Feed Columbia birds

Putting out a tube feeder is just the beginning — we’ll get you started in the wide world of birdfeeding.

October 21, 2024

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Government

Here’s how to join a city board or commission in Columbia

Want to get involved locally but don’t know how? Browse through the City of Columbia’s city boards and commissions that have vacancies and apply.

October 18, 2024

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City

Where to trick or treat around the Soda City

Plan your perfect Halloween with this guide to a few of Columbia’s best trick-or-treat spots, featuring fun family-friendly events.

October 17, 2024

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Travel and Outdoors

Grow some shade in Columbia, SC 🌳

Join in on the initiative created by Columbia Green.

October 17, 2024

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Samantha Robertson

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Culture

Your preview of the Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival

South Carolina Pride Movement’s Pride Week is in full swing, with the Pride Festival kicking off later this week.

October 15, 2024

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Food

New steakhouse coming to downtown Lexington

Midlands restaurateurs Steve Cook, Joe Walker, and Ryan Jones are opening a modern steakhouse in Lexington in January 2025, featuring hand-cut steaks, seafood, and seasonal dishes.

October 15, 2024

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Events

Film premiere celebrates the legacy of local musician Aaron Graves

“Those Lavender Whales & Friends & Family: A Community Concert Film” premieres at the Nickelodeon Theater to honor Aaron Graves’ life and legacy, featuring performances by surviving band members, friends, and family from a June 2023 tribute concert.

October 11, 2024

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Williams Brice

Play

Columbia’s most iconic landmarks

We’re giving you the 411 on the Cola’s landmarks — from the Gervais Street Bridge to Adluh Flour. Learn about their history, fun facts, and just why Soda Citizens and visitors alike find them so iconic.

October 11, 2024

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Events

Get ready for the MAD Festival in Kershaw County

The MAD Festival in Kershaw County is a five-day festival celebrating music, art, drama, and dance.

October 9, 2024

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City

This, not that: Alternatives for popular Cola attractions

Looking for things to do, but keep running across the same old stuff? Check out these local-approved (not-so) hidden gems.

October 9, 2024

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Food

Participate in Restaurant Week happening around Columbia

Enjoy local meals and deals through Restaurant Week, happening around Columbia from Thursday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 13.

October 3, 2024

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Instagram

Hurricane Helene support and volunteer opportunities

Support Hurricane Helene relief efforts through volunteer opportunities, donations, or supporting essential resources.

October 1, 2024

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Live

A Guide to Midlands Museums

With a history dating back thousands of years, museums in the Midlands showcase the history of the area, from the earliest settlers to the the trains that transformed cities and towns.

October 1, 2024

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The Midlands continues to recover from Hurricane Helene

Midlands recovery continues after Hurricane Helene as power outages persist and flood warnings remain for local rivers and neighborhoods.

September 29, 2024

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