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Monica Garske

Senior Content Strategist

Monica is based in San Diego, California. She was previously a senior digital media producer and podcast host at NBC 7 San Diego + The Scene, and has been in the news biz since 2005. She loves hiking, the beach, and family days with her husband and two kids.

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Two iced matcha lattes — one with pink fruit and one with yellow fruit — sitting on a coral pink Adirondack chair
Food
Raise a glass — Drink Up Week is coming
We’ve got details and a map full of drink deals: We’ll be highlighting the vibrant beverage scene across Lakeland, FL from July 22 to July 26, 2024.
July 11, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
LOUtoday Heine Brothers Coffee
Food
Raise a glass — Drink Up Week sponsored by Heine Brothers Coffee is coming
We’ve got details and a map full of drink deals: We’ll be highlighting the vibrant beverage scene across Louisville, KY from July 22 to July 26, 2024.
July 11, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
The Olympic rings outside a white stone building in Paris.
Sports
Dreaming of gold: Olympians with ties to Portland competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics
The Rose City is well represented on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics — these are some locals to watch.
July 9, 2024
 · 
Cambrie Juarez
Ashby storefront in Richmond
Play
Happy hauling: Thrift shops, flea markets, vintage + resale shops in RVA
See where you can shop secondhand for clothes, household items, and more at thrift shops and resale markets around the 804
July 8, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Four people share a toast while holding coffee and lattes ranging in color from deep brown to light brown.
Restaurants
Raise a glass — Drink Up Week is coming
We’ve got details and drink deals: We’ll be highlighting the vibrant beverage scenes across cities like Austin, Nashville, Charleston, and many more from July 22 to July 26, 2024.
July 3, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Two burgers topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and other fixings sit on a table at Grill Marks in Columbia; there are baskets of fries and a milkshake topped with whipped cream in the background.
Restaurants
Let’s eat, kids: Family friendly restaurants in Columbia
Grab the little ones and hit the town — these spots are tried and true with Cola kids.
July 3, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
87348130_220583525747066_1280042591616107317_n
Food
Answered: These Columbia restaurants come with a side of nostalgia
COLAtoday readers shared which local restaurants + meals spark deep nostalgia — and we think you’ll agree.
July 2, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A bright blue car sits on a field with its hood open as part of a car show in Columbia, SC.
Events
Vroom, vroom: Car shows in and around Columbia
Around these parts, car show culture rolls deep.
July 2, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Diamond Brand Gear.png
Business
Made in Asheville: 20+ things created in the Land of the Sky
From snacks to sneakers, Asheville’s business scene is truly inspired.
June 27, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
A close up of the gold, silver, and bronze medals that will be used at the Paris 2024 Olympics; the say "Paris 2024" in the middle and include an engraving of the Olympic torch and Olympic rings.
Break it down: New sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics
The Paris 2024 Olympics will spotlight several new sports: breaking, skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing. Let’s dive into what you need to know about each event.
June 26, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
An aerial view of the Oceans of Fun water park in Kansas City; you can see the large wave pool filled with people, plus umbrellas and lounge chairs surrounding the pool. You can see the theme park's roller coaster and other attractions in the background.
Parks and Recreation
Makin’ a splash: Visit these water parks in Kansas City this summer
Here are a few ways to cool off around KC.
June 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A white event tent outside at KC Zine Con lined with independent artist + vendors selling their self-published works.
Arts
Take note: KC Zine Con returns to Kansas City
The free annual festival returns on June 22 + June 23, 2024 to showcase the Midwest’s wonderful world of DIY publishing.
June 20, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Rows of shelves stacked with books at Charleston County Public Library's West Ashley branch.
City
Bookmark this: How to join fun summer reading programs in Charleston
Book it to your local library — Charleston County Public Library, Dorchester County Library, and the Berkeley County Library System are all hosting summer reading programs.
June 6, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
608 Settle Down
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Madison, WI from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 27, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Two people clinking cocktail glasses in front of a neon pink sign that says 'I want my moment'.
Food
Join us for Drink Up Week sponsored by Sports & Social Cary
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Raleigh, NC from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Heine Bros Racing Louisville drink
Food
Join us for Drink Up Week sponsored by Heine Brothers Coffee
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Louisville, KY from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Two cocktails sit on a bar counter with people in the background.
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Charlotte, NC from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Three people cheers with their colorful cocktails
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Charleston, SC from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
drink up ac hotel
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Greenville, SC from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Two glasses hold iced rinks, with gradient coloring starting at the top with a dark pink and fading into a soft yellow at the bottom. The drinks are each garnished with a pink orchid flower, a dried lime wedge on the rim, and green bendy straws.
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Seattle, WA from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
An orange-colored drink is next to a pale-yellow-colored drink.
Food
Join us for Drink Up Week sponsored by Lifted Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Boston, MA from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Three drinking vessels on a brown wood table: one contains brown colored liquid with pebble-like ice cubes, another holds a ruby red concoction with mint leaves and lemon peel, and the third is a rectangular-shaped glass with blue skulls and bamboo designs and an orchid garnish.
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Portland, OR from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Four cocktail glasses with drinks on a bar at Forno in Columbus OH
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Columbus, OH from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
An RICtoday sticker held in front of a Hardywood brewery glass
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Richmond, VA from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
golden pineapple.png
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Asheville, NC from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Two hands hold up two pinkish drinks with a sprig of herb in each in front of a cocktail mural.
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Nashville, TN from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
three margaritas with salt and tahin on the rims, two pink drinks with flowers as garnish and one frozen green drink with a dehydrated lime
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Austin, TX from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Cantina 76 honeysuckle margarita 3
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Columbia, SC from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
City Editors Nicholas and Adriana pose with smiles and glasses cheersing.
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across San Antonio, TX from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Snapinsta.app_432899892_18259247698209626_1570252957937888472_n_1080.jpg
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Tampa Bay, FL from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
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