Sam Robertson

Samantha Robertson

Senior City Editor

Sam is based in Columbia, SC and previously worked in PR marketing for several local brands and startups in the Soda City before joining COLAtoday as a City Editor in 2021. When she’s not content creating, she loves staying active, brunching around town, rooting for the Gamecocks, and spending time by the rivers.

Local authors section at Richland Library
Play
Books written by authors with Columbia connections
Whether you’re looking for your next leisure read, a book for the whole family, or a thrilling fictional novel, we’ve got a list of books written by local authors in Columbia.
January 17, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A black and white photo of Vine Street in Lexington, KY
City
Local Government 101: Meet the City Council
Get familiar with how Lexington, KY’s local government and city council work, and explore your role as an engaged citizen.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Molly Thompson
SATXtoday: Bexar County Court House
City
How Public Works works in Bexar County
Have you ever wondered what Public Works does in your city? We are providing you a quick rundown of the basic tasks this civic department completes and how to interact with it.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Nicholas Caballero
TrustusTheatre.png
Arts
Event highlight: Second Annual Trustus Gala: Harlem Nights
Looking to don your vintage, Roaring Twenties outfits and support Columbia arts? Consider attending Trustus Theatre’s Second Annual Trustus Gala: Harlem Nights
January 10, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Beats 0123-0815.jpg
Live
Get your sweat on at gyms around Columbia
From lifting weights, indoor rock climbing, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and martial arts programs — we’ve rounded up 30+ gyms and fitness offerings around Columbia.
January 10, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Smoked_The Burnline Experience (Photo by CITY SOCIAL).jpg
Food
Restaurant Week Midlands, Columbia SC
Restaurant Week Midlands gives locals the opportunity to enjoy meals with deals from Thursday, Jan. 9, through Sunday, Jan. 19
January 8, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Winter weather forecast colatoday
Weather
Will it snow this week in Columbia? Let’s take a look at the forecast
This week’s forecast calls for cooler temperatures and the potential for a wintery mix this weekend. We’re taking a look at the forecast and giving you regional options for experiencing snow for sure.
January 6, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
Girls Who Walk Columbia group
Wellness
Join one of these local active walking and running clubs around Columbia
Looking for free ways to stay active, improve your cardio, stay motivated, or just some new friends? Explore and join a local walking or running club.
January 6, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Lexington Med 2
Fitness
Find where to get more steps in around Columbia
If you’re trying to reach new running goals, consider signing up for one of these upcoming races or find ways to get more steps in around Columbia
January 2, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Three female teens looking at a piece of pottery in an art museum gallery
The Columbia Museum of Art will undergo a total gallery lighting renovation
The Columbia Museum of Art will begin closing its galleries as it undergoes renovations in the new year to replace and improve gallery lighting and more. Be rest assured, the local museum will still be hosting events and programs.
December 17, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
COLA-SearchBar-Feed.png
City
What Soda Citizens googled this year
2024’s Google Year in Search is out — check out what Soda Citizens were searching most this year (it might surprise you).
December 17, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
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Sports
A new pickleball tournament is coming to Columbia
Calling all pickleball players — the Professional Pickleball Association is partnering with local organizations to host a tournament for amateur and aspiring professional pickleball players over the weekend of March 28-30.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
snow
Weather
The history of snow in Columbia, SC
From snowstorms to memorable snowfalls and winter weather locals can expect to see later this season, we’re recapping the history of snow in Columbia.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Big Apple-4891.jpg
Culture
Which locations around Columbia deserve a historical marker?
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Columbia?
December 13, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
WStoday: 2024 Wrapped graphic Spotify-inspired
City
2024 Winston-Salem Wrapped: Here’s the content you loved most
It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out, and so is ours. Ready to see how our year stacked up?
December 12, 2024
 · 
Kellina Wanteu
Gamecock WIlly B.JPG
Sports
5 nuggets of Gamecock news you may have missed
From awards to NIL deals, coaching staff changes, and more, here is recent Gamecock news you may have missed this week.
December 11, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Woman duct taping a box closed at a food drive.
Play
35+ volunteer opportunities in and around Columbia
It’s the holiday season and a perfect time to help a neighbor. This list of volunteer opportunities in Columbia, SC includes everything from Sistercare to the Columbia Museum of Art.
December 11, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Fireworks at Famously Hot New Year
Events
How and where to celebrate New Years in Columbia, Sc
Whether you want to be home before Midnight or be out on the town at Midnight, there are several ways to ring in the new year around Columbia.
December 9, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Curiosity Coffee
Events
How you can participate in the Uptown Holiday Hop event happening this weekend
Neighbors and businesses throughout Elmwood, Earlewood, and Cottontown are gathering to host the first Uptown Holiday Hop featuring local art, holiday shopping, an oyster roast, live music, makers markets, and more to foster community on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 8 p.m.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Culture
Where to see holiday lights around Columbia, SC
Nominate your neighborhoods, share your holiday light-seeing traditions, or even brag about your own house if you decorate at level 10. We’re looking for reader recommendations on where the best holiday light displays are in the Midlands.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Mountain view
Culture
Hit the Road: an outdoor adventure to Asheville, NC
December 3, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Development roundup: The BullStreet District
Breweries, office buildings, and workout studios — oh my! Read through several development projects that have been in the works in the BullStreet District since 2023.
December 1, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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City
Celebrating Small Business Saturday in Columbia
Columbia is made up of so many wonderful small businesses, here are a few our readers love in honor of Small Business Saturday.
November 26, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Columbia SC Oct 2022-3667.jpg
City
Spend your Thanksgiving Day at The Nickelodeon Theater
Looking for plans this week or wanting to plan an outing with friends and family? Here are two movies playing currently at The Nickelodeon Theater.
November 25, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
AC-879
Airports and Transportation
Allegiant Air is bringing two new nonstop flights to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
This spring, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) will add two new nonstop routes to Florida thanks to one of the largest service expansions in Allegiant Air’s history.
November 19, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Christmas tree lighting Columbia SC
Play
Winter events happening in and around Columbia
Check out winter and holiday-themed events happening in and around Columbia in this seasonal guide.
November 15, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Columbia’s skyline at night. | Photo by Timothy M.
Arts
Introducing our 2024 Picture of the Year contest
Following the success of hundreds of submissions in 2024, we are getting a jump on our 2025 contest.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Ted Bauer
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Play
Pack your bags for one of these unique places to stay in and around Columbia
From cottages to treehouses, our area is full of unique places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
November 14, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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City
$2 million was donated to the City of Cayce to build a new visitor’s center
The Boyd Foundation gifted the City of Cayce $2.1 million for the building of a new visitor’s center outside of the 12,000 Year History Park.
November 13, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Events
Usher in the holiday season with these 10 local holiday lighting ceremonies around the Midlands
We’ve rounded up 10 local holiday lighting ceremonies to attend that feature warm glows, festive feels, thousands of lights, and family-friendly holiday activities.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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