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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Education

Historic funding boosts USC’s impact on statewide research

USC secured $309 million in sponsored research awards in 2024, supporting key initiatives in energy, healthcare, and statewide innovation.

September 3, 2024

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Development

Capital City/Lake Murray Country Tourism celebrates successful year

CCLMC highlighted a successful year in tourism, with major events and expansions planned, including the Great Race in 2025.

August 30, 2024

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History

Columbia’s 1999 time capsule

What was Columbia like at the turn of the millennium? We took a look back at the final year of the 20th century to see what life was like pre-Y2K.

August 30, 2024

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Sports

Gamecock football nicknames and pronunciations

Practice these pronunciations and remember these nicknames so you’ll be ready to cheer on the Gamecocks.

August 28, 2024

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Culture

Where to sing karaoke in Columbia

A guide to the best karaoke spots in Columbia, featuring venues for singing, fun themes, and private rooms.

August 28, 2024

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Music

Columbia Museum of Art launches lunchtime folk series

Enjoy local folk music at Boyd Plaza every Friday this fall from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during the Lunchtime Folk Music Series.

August 22, 2024

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Culture

Unwritten rules of Columbia

From unspoken rules to commuting, we’ve compiled tips, tricks, and fun memories we share as locals who know the city like the backs of our hands. Consider this your official list of unofficial Columbia rules.

August 22, 2024

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Development

Here’s what’s replacing Richland Mall in Forest Acres

Forest Acres unveiled renderings for a six-acre park on the former Richland Mall site, featuring an amphitheater, playground, and green spaces.

August 20, 2024

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Culture

Columbia Museum of Art to host major exhibition of French modern art

A major French modern art exhibition featuring works by Monet and Matisse comes to the Columbia Museum of Art this fall.

August 16, 2024

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City

Meet Columbia’s coworking spaces

Explore Columbia’s coworking spaces, including the new Venture X, offering unique environments and premium options for freelancers and professionals.

August 16, 2024

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History

Vintage Columbia postcards, back to school edition

View four of Columbia, South Carolina’s colleges and universities through the lens of vintage postcards.

August 14, 2024

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Development

Hotel Trundle named top 10 on USA Today list

Hotel Trundle, a locally loved adaptive reuse project in Columbia, ranks No. 6 on USA Today’s Best Boutique Hotels list.

August 14, 2024

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Business

Six new businesses coming soon to Five Points

From cheesesteaks to seasonal plants, here are six new businesses coming soon to the Five Points District.

August 12, 2024

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Development

New apartments on Columbia’s horizon

Columbia is adding over 2,000 new apartment units to meet growing demand and alleviate housing shortages.

August 8, 2024

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Travel and Outdoors

Here is where to pick apples within driving distance of Columbia

Take a road trip with the family and head to one of these regional U-pick apple farms; all within three hours of the Captial City.

August 8, 2024

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Development

Columbia’s hospitality market growth by numbers

Columbia has five hotels with a total occunpancy of 570 rooms in the works to open by fall 2025.

August 6, 2024

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Live

Where to find lunch in Columbia

Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 17 lunches from subs to fries and a shake.

August 6, 2024

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Events

Historic Columbia’s August events

From flower cutting classes to a walking tour of the Vista, learn about Columbia’s history through these August events.

August 2, 2024

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New sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Soda City style

Learn how to participate in these new olympic sports at several locations around the Soda City.

August 2, 2024

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City

Celebrate 803 Day: Uniting the Midlands community

The inaugural 803 Day on August 3 will unite the Midlands with a 5K run, festival, $8.03 specials, a scavenger hunt, and community support, celebrating local pride and heritage.

August 1, 2024

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Events

9 free fall festivals in Columbia

Fill up your fall calendar with these free events happening across the Soda City.

July 31, 2024

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Food

Vegan and vegetarian eats in Columbia

Dig into delicious and nutritious vegan and vegetarian fare in every corner of Columbia.

July 29, 2024

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City

Unsanctioned Olympic events that Columbia would dominate

If these sports were approved by the International Olympic Committee, Soda City residents would surely take home the gold.

July 25, 2024

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Food

5 pro tips from your local baristas

COLAtoday caught up with Indah barista Alyssa T. to find out some pro tips to help customers try something new and have a great coffee experience.

July 25, 2024

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Culture

Local libations: A round of Columbia-centric craft beers

A turn of phrase here, a recognizable COLA nod there — these craft beers found around Soda City take local pride seriously.

July 23, 2024

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Food

5 of Cola’s refreshing summer drinks

Don’t sweat the heat, cool down with one of these five cold drinks around Columbia, SC.

July 23, 2024

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Events

Camp Cola Fest: Your ultimate adult “summer camp” experience

Camp Cola Fest: Live music, summer camp vibes, food trucks, and interactive experiences in Columbia, SC on July 27, 12-10 p.m.

July 19, 2024

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Real Estate

Uniquely Columbia short term rentals

The CB90 rental properties and The Hangar Lofts offer uniquely Columbia options for short term rentals and are ideal for Gamecock weekends.

July 17, 2024

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Events

Made with Cola Love’s latest activation: PSYCHii pop up shop

Made with Cola Love’s latest activation features PSYCHii, a creative agency, offering marketing and production workshops at 2222 Sumter St.

July 17, 2024

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Food

Godspeed coffee opens pop-up shop

Godspeed, a new specialty coffee pop-up by Roger Caughman and Kailey Cunningham, focuses on building community connections with each pop-up.

July 15, 2024

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