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
New steakhouse coming to downtown Lexington
Midlands restaurateurs Steve Cook, Joe Walker, and Ryan Jones are opening a modern steakhouse in Lexington in May 2025, featuring hand-cut steaks, seafood, and seasonal dishes.
April 23, 2025
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David Stringer
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Food
Plan a Soda City picnic
Plan the perfect picnic in Columbia by prepping your meal, packing your equipment, and picking a scenic local destination.
April 21, 2025
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David Stringer
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Food
Columbia Food & Wine Festival: What’s still on the table?
Columbia Food & Wine Festival returns April 22–27 with chef dinners, tastings, and ticketed events still available.
April 18, 2025
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David Stringer
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Food
The Southeastern BBQ Showdown returns in 2026
The Southeastern BBQ Showdown returns to Columbia in 2026 with 40 teams, live music, and celebrity judges.
April 17, 2025
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David Stringer
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Sports
Three Gamecocks selected in 2025 WNBA Draft
Three Gamecocks — Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin — were selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft, continuing Gamecock’s pro pipeline.
April 15, 2025
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David Stringer
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Play
Live Music Venues in the Midlands
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
April 15, 2025
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David Stringer
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City
Google.org funds AI skills for SC nonprofits
Google.org’s grant will support hands-on AI training for local nonprofits looking to boost efficiency.
April 11, 2025
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David Stringer
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Inside The Laundry: A historic space with a new spin
The Laundry blends restored architecture and flexible design to host weddings, corporate events, and celebrations with historic character.
April 11, 2025
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David Stringer
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Columbia’s art scene takes center stage
A weekend of art, performances, and community events returns to Columbia’s Vista April 11–13.
April 9, 2025
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David Stringer
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Food
U-pick strawberries in the Midlands
Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.
April 9, 2025
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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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David Stringer
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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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David Stringer
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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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Samantha Robertson
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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David Stringer
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