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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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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columbia

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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Food

A guide to Columbia, SC breweries

Columbia’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, with longtime favorites expanding, new taprooms opening, and several breweries closing their doors as the industry reshapes after a decade of growth.

October 13, 2025

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Rendering of a six-story brick and glass building planned for the corner of Bull Street and Elmwood Avenue in downtown Columbia, featuring street-level retail, large windows, and residential balconies above.

Development

Astral Development plans Bull Street + Elmwood project

Astral Development plans a 483,000 sqft mixed-use project at Bull Street and Elmwood, set to break ground in spring 2026.

October 13, 2025

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Culture

Go picking in these pumpkin patches around Columbia

It’s the season of the pumpkins, so we’re rounding up a list of places to go picking. Check out these patches, farms, and nurseries.

October 8, 2025

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History

Columbia’s historical markers: The Figure 8

The number eight symbolizes South Carolina’s history — from the eight Lords Proprietors and colonial rulers to becoming the nation’s eighth state.

October 7, 2025

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Culture

15 Historic street names in Columbia

Columbia, SC has 230+ years of history. In this guide, we’re diving into the city’s oldest streets and how they got their names.

September 30, 2025

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Events

Choose your own adventure at the SC State Fair

This year’s theme, Harvesting Happiness, sets the stage for rides, foods, music, and competitions at the SC State Fair.

September 29, 2025

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Arts

Where to take music lessons in Columbia

From toddlers to retirees, explore local schools and programs that keep Columbians learning and playing music.

September 25, 2025

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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.

September 24, 2025

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Events

Columbia’s fall bucket list

Check off each of these bucket list items to make the most of the fall season in the Midlands.

September 23, 2025

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Play

Fall events happening around the Midlands

Make the most of the cooler weather with this list of the best local events and activities happening this fall.

September 23, 2025

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Food

7 Oktoberfest events in the Midlands

Oktoberfest is almost here and luckily you don’t have to travel far to join in on the celebrations — we complied seven festivals in the Midlands to break out your lederhosen for.

September 23, 2025

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History

Do you remember the 21st night of September in Columbia?

Do you remember the 21st night of September? Join us on a trip down memory lane to see what was happening in Columbia this week throughout the years.

September 18, 2025

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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.

September 17, 2025

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Arts

25 concerts to see in Columbia this fall

From rock and R&B to country and rap, some big tours are coming through the Midlands this fall.

September 16, 2025

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Food

So close, but so far: Chains readers’ wish were in Columbia

Sure, you could take an hour drive to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?

September 11, 2025

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Play

Dog-friendly businesses guide for Columbia

Explore these dog-friendly businesses in Columbia that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, and stay the night.

September 10, 2025

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Samantha Robertson

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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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