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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Food

10 pimento cheeseburgers to try in the Soda City

Celebrate National Pimento Cheese Day with 10 must-try pimento cheeseburgers in Columbia — plus a bonus pizza twist.

April 8, 2025

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City

Celebrating The Great Gatsby at USC

USC’s exhibit celebrates The Great Gatsby at 100 with rare artifacts, first editions, and global literary context.

April 8, 2025

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A brick building with the word "Anderson's" over the door. There's a yellow Papa Jazz sign over the door and a placard outside with the store name and an illustrated vinyl record saying the store buys, sells, and trades record.

City

Record Store Day 2025 in Columbia, SC

Celebrate Record Store Day and support your favorite local record shop.

April 8, 2025

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10 Columbia area ice cream scoops

Cool off with a handscooped cone at one of these Columbia area ice cream shops.

April 7, 2025

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Conagree National Park

Events

Catch Congaree’s fireflies glow

Enter the lottery for a chance to experience Congaree National Park’s synchronous firefly display.

April 3, 2025

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History

Celebrating 8 with stories of Columbia’s past

To celebrate COLAtoday’s eighth anniversary, we’re highlighting eight favorite local history stories that shaped Columbia’s past and present.

April 2, 2025

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City

Columbia’s April Fools’ roundup

Columbia businesses brought the laughs this April Fools’ Day with fake expansions, secret snacks, and imaginative (but fake) announcements.

April 2, 2025

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Trees, developing spring leaves, populate the spaces between and above neighborhood houses.

Weather

Surviving pollen season in Richmond, VA

Does pollen season have you wiping your nose and windshield? Learn how to handle the pollen as allergy season kicks into high gear.

March 31, 2025

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Arts

Meet Columbia’s Poet Laureate

Jennifer Bartell Boykin is currently in a four-year role where she uses her background in poetry to encourage appreciation for the art.

March 31, 2025

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City

Riverbanks Reflects on Koshka’s Life and Legacy

Riverbanks Zoo reflects on the life of Koshka, a nearly 20-year-old Amur tiger and symbol of conservation efforts.

March 28, 2025

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History

Columbia’s Historical Markers: Columbia College

Explore the rich legacy of Columbia College, a historic campus once exclusive to women, now celebrating over 150 years of change.

March 21, 2025

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Travel and Outdoors

Surviving pollen season in Columbia, SC

Does pollen season have you wiping your eyes and nose? Blame the hidden tree pollen as spring allergies kick into high gear.

March 18, 2025

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Food

Where to watch the NCAA Tournament in Columbia

It’s tournament time, and Columbia has plenty of spots to catch every buzzer-beater.

March 14, 2025

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History

The history of St. Pat’s in Five Points

St. Pat’s in Five Points grew from a small gathering into Columbia’s biggest festival.

March 12, 2025

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Sports

The battle of the “real USC”

South Carolina and Southern Cal will face off in a two-year series, “The Real SC,” with games in 2025 and 2026.

March 10, 2025

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Work

The top industries and employers in the Columbia metro area

The Columbia metro area covers Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Richland counties.

March 10, 2025

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Samantha Robertson

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City

Choose the coolest thing made in South Carolina

The ClimateCool Smartbed, made in Irmo, is a finalist in SC’s “Coolest Thing” contest.

March 10, 2025

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Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

City

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center hits four-millionth visitor

The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center celebrated this major milestone boosting tourism, events, and business growth.

March 7, 2025

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City

How does recycling in Columbia, SC work?

Don’t know what to do with a specific item or where to start if you’re curious about recycling in Columbia? We’ve got you.

March 7, 2025

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Cottontown Art Crawl

Events

Your guide to the 2025 Cottontown Art Crawl

Explore 170 artists, live music, food trucks, and interactive art at the Cottontown Art Crawl, a free, family-friendly event.

March 6, 2025

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Play

40+ great brunch restaurants to try in Columbia

Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Cola, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.

March 6, 2025

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Samantha Robertson

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City

Spirit Airlines adds 3 nonstop flights just in time for summer

Spirit Airlines adds nonstop flights from CAE to Orlando, Newark, and Fort Lauderdale, expanding travel options with limited-time $50 fares.

March 5, 2025

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Events

Columbia Green’s 32nd Annual Festival of Gardens

Columbia Green’s Festival of Gardens returns in April, featuring eight private gardens in King’s Grant, a nature trail, and a gardening presentation.

March 4, 2025

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Food

Philly Flavor arrives in Columbia: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks expands to Five Points

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks opens in Five Points, bringing authentic Philly cheesesteaks to Columbia with family ties, big flavors, and a hometown legacy.

March 4, 2025

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Real Estate

Mansion Monday: Escape the city at these retreats

Dreaming of a getaway? These three luxury homes near Columbia offer lake views, equestrian charm, and a sportsman’s paradise.

February 28, 2025

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Food

Chef Wesley Fulmer joins Hampton Street Vineyard as executive chef

Chef Wesley Fulmer joins Hampton Street Vineyard as executive chef and managing partner, bringing fresh ideas to Columbia’s upscale French restaurant.

February 28, 2025

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Small Business

Wingard’s Market announces annual Spring Fling

Wingard’s Market’s Spring Fling blooms Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, with plant discounts, local vendors, and seasonal finds in Lexington.

February 24, 2025

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City

19 fun-filled local summer camps

Keep your kiddos engaged this summer with camps and programs for science, outdoors, and the arts.

February 24, 2025

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Culture

Joffrey Ballet Joins USC Dance for residency and performance

The Joffrey Ballet partners with USC for a three-week residency, culminating in an Saturday, April 5 performance with USC students and orchestra.

February 20, 2025

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City

How Columbia’s Design Review Commission shapes the city

Columbia’s Design Review Commission approved major projects, preservation efforts, and urban developments in 2024, shaping the city’s growth while preserving character.

February 20, 2025

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