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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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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David Stringer
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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David Stringer
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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
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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
 · 
David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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Play
10+ pools, water parks, and splash pools in Columbia
Do you need more ways to beat the heat? Check out our list of pools, water parks, and splash pools in Columbia.
May 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Play
Columbia’s summer concert lineup
Stevie Nicks? Check. Jerry Cantrell? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple check this list of upcoming concerts and get your tickets before they sell out in Columbia, SC.
May 22, 2025
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David Stringer
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Events
Something Small Catering opens an intimate event space
This new Columbia event space offers custom catering for showers, dinners, with room for up to 99 guests.
May 20, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Sip and savor at these wine bars in Columbia
Try a glass, enjoy a tasting, or take home a bottle at these Cola wine bars.
May 20, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
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History
Historic Columbia honored the 2025 Preservation Award Winners
These awards recognize the individuals and projects that have contributed to the ongoing preservation of Columbia’s architectural and cultural heritage.
May 16, 2025
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David Stringer
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History
Then and now on the 1400 block of Main Street
The 1400 block of Main Street has seen city halls, fires, banks, and modern design, and now it’s changing again.
May 14, 2025
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David Stringer
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Sports
Playing tennis in the Midlands
Get into tennis across the Midlands with courts, leagues, and lessons in Columbia, Lexington, and beyond.
May 14, 2025
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David Stringer
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Food
Global brunch crawl hits Uptown Columbia
Uptown Columbia’s brunch crawl, happening Sunday, June 1, features global menus, tastings, food trucks, and cultural activities.
May 12, 2025
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David Stringer
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Small Business
River Drive Creative brings two Columbia music brands together
Caroline Guitar Co. and Archer Avenue Studio have moved into a shared, custom-built creative space on River Drive.
May 12, 2025
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David Stringer
Parking pay station in Columbia, SC
Live
How to park in Columbia
Parking can be frustrating, especially while living in a city, so we’ve put together a handy go-to guide on how to park in Columbia.
May 9, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
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Travel and Outdoors
The Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies are blooming
Experience the rare Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in bloom in Columbia’s rivers and at Landsford Canal State Park.
May 8, 2025
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David Stringer
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Small Business
What makes Columbia’s small business scene special?
Local business owners share what makes Columbia’s small business scene collaborative, creative, and community-driven.
May 8, 2025
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David Stringer
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Small Business
Local owners shout out their favorite spots
Columbia business owners highlight their favorite local spots, showcasing community pride during Small Business Week.
May 6, 2025
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David Stringer
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City
Graduation week in Columbia
Columbia’s graduation season is here with ceremony details, key times, and ways to celebrate citywide.
May 6, 2025
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David Stringer
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Business
Small Business Week has arrived in Columbia
Join us at COLAtoday, we’re celebrating Small Business Week in the Midlands from Sunday, May 4, to Saturday, May 10.
May 2, 2025
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David Stringer
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City
Celebrate Bike + Preservation Month in Cola
Celebrate Columbia’s history and bike culture with events, tours, and rides throughout May.
April 30, 2025
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David Stringer
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Events
Explore Moore Farms and Southern art at Lake City’s ArtFields
Visit Moore Farms during ArtFields to explore gardens and view 400 works of art, with $100,000 in prizes.
April 28, 2025
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David Stringer
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Culture
Pick up a new hobby (and put down your phone)
Ditch the doomscrolling for a more creative or relaxing hobby.
April 25, 2025
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David Stringer
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Nonprofits
USC Students revive the Ice Bucket Challenge for mental health
USC’s viral Ice Bucket Challenge revival has raised $320,000+ for mental health, with help from influencers and celebrities.
April 24, 2025
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David Stringer
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Events
Birdwatching in the Gardens: A spring migration
A spring morning of birdwatching in Columbia, where migrating warblers, local gardens, and unexpected bird facts stole the show.
April 24, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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