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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Outdoors

How to turn your Midlands yard into a mini wildlife haven

A grassroots effort is helping Midlands properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.

December 3, 2025

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Business

Publix to open new downtown store in BullStreet District

Publix will open a new 50,000-sqft downtown store in the BullStreet District, expanding walkable grocery access with construction starting in 2026.

December 3, 2025

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Business

Slip 53 to open in Five Points in spring 2026

Slip 53, a coastal-inspired oyster and seafood spot, will open in the former Pecknel Music Co. building.

December 2, 2025

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The South Carolina State Museum's planetarium is illuminated to resemble a snow globe. Through large glass windows, the spherical structure is lit with a festive blue glow, with light projections of holiday trees and snowflakes creating a wintry atmosphere. Wreaths hang on the doors, enhancing the holiday theme. The sleek metal framework of the building and the decorations lend a seasonal charm, making the planetarium look like a magical winter display from the outside.

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.

December 2, 2025

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Business

How to shop local on Small Business Saturday

The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.

November 26, 2025

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1.75 million lights illuminate Segra Park

Here’s what to do, see, and eat during this year’s Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park.

November 24, 2025

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City

Tigers vs. Gamecocks: A Rivalry Week history

The Palmetto Bowl returns to Memorial Stadium this weekend.

November 22, 2025

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Development

All aboard Seaboard Vista, a new mixed-use redevelopment

Seaboard Vista will restore four historic Vista buildings into a 47,590-sqft mixed-use district with dining, retail, offices, and lofts.

November 20, 2025

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Events

Prepare for the holidays with these local markets and pop-ups

The holidays are just around the corner in Columbia, and these local vendors are offering food, drinks, and decor perfect for each seasonal festivity.

November 18, 2025

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A guide to the grand re-opening weekend at Finlay Park

Explore all 18 acres of the freshly renovated park and enjoy two days of free live music.

November 12, 2025

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Food

Where to pre-order your Thanksgiving dinner

Allergic to your stove? No problem — here’s where to go.

November 12, 2025

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City

Kick off the holiday season at Devine Night Out

Devine Street transforms into a holiday block party with shopping deals, live music, food, and snow.

November 10, 2025

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City

Craig Melvin’s Columbia homecoming tour

Columbia looked good on national TV this week.

November 6, 2025

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Two lion sisters interact playfully on a rocky habitat at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Hello and goodbye at Riverbanks Zoo

Get ready to say hello to some new zoo friends and bid farewell to a few others.

November 6, 2025

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Business

A first look at the Grand Willow Hotel planned for BullStreet

Renderings show plans for the seven-story Grand Willow Hotel behind REI in Columbia’s BullStreet District.

November 5, 2025

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Food

Two Vista restaurants earn spots in inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South

Columbia’s fine-dining scene gets a boost as two Vista staples earn a spot in the MICHELIN Guide.

November 4, 2025

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Business

Can you build a startup in 24 hours?

Startup Sprint returns for a free 24-hour challenge at Boyd Innovation Center where teams build and pitch startup business ideas.

November 3, 2025

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City

Beat the end of daylight saving scaries with these activities in Columbia

The sun may be setting earlier, but Columbia still has plenty to do.

October 30, 2025

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City

Just how bad is the traffic in Columbia?

Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.

October 28, 2025

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Business

The local wish list: What Columbia readers say we’re missing

Columbia readers shared their wish list of new businesses they’d like to see in the Midlands.

October 27, 2025

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City

Who ya gonna call? Jot down contact info for these Midlands resources

Don’t be afraid. Concerns about everything from flood damage to environmental health can be solved by getting in touch not with the Ghostbusters, but with these Midlands resources.

October 27, 2025

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Small Business

COLAtoday’s 2025 holiday gift guide: 90+ finds for everyone you love

Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.

October 24, 2025

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Emily Shea-Owen

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Events

Vista Lights celebrates 40 years

Vista Lights returns Nov. 20 with live music, local vendors, and the annual tree lighting to kick off Columbia’s holidays.

October 23, 2025

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Events

5 family-friendly Halloween happenings

Celebrate spooky season with Halloween happenings around Columbia, from trunk-or-treat trails to eerie zoo nights and family carnivals.

October 23, 2025

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City

SC rolls out new SC250 license plates

New SC license plates feature the Moultrie Flag and the phrase “Where the Revolutionary War Was Won.”

October 23, 2025

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Events

The South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition returns for year three

Get out your rolling pins + roll up those sleeves, Soda Citizens because the South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition is back with its annual gingerbread house competition benefit.

October 22, 2025

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Education

It’s Homecoming weekend at USC

USC’s Homecoming Weekend returns Oct. 24–26 with events, tailgates, and a Saturday showdown vs. Alabama.

October 21, 2025

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Food

Methodical Coffee opens in the BullStreet District

Methodical Coffee is now soft open in Columbia’s BullStreet District, serving drinks while its bakery nears completion.

October 21, 2025

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City

SC rolls out new SC250 license plates

New SC license plates feature the Moultrie Flag and the phrase “Where the Revolutionary War Was Won.”

October 20, 2025

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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 16, 2025

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