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.

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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.
November 20, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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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
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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
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Ted Bauer
Golden Girls NL version.png
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
Tree Lighting Vista 1.png
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
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "COLAtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
COLAtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
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Education
A Midlands Technical College team of six is conducting research to help NASA
This week, Midlands Technical College students conducting calcium oxalate research saw their project launch into space on Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Mission 18.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Culture
How to participate in the Philosophy of Five Points
Explore Five Points through the Philosophy of Five Points event and participate in the Curiosity Crawl. Participants will come across activation site features and experience a merge of art, philosophy, and local culture of Five Points.
November 7, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
city of columbia
Nonprofits
Open board seats for nonprofits in Columbia
Are you looking to serve the community? We’re compiling a list of open board seats in Cola
November 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
763 Meeting Street Antique Mall
Live
Happy Hauling: flea markets, trade, vintage, and resale shops in Columbia
Here’s the deal — the flea market and vintage shopping scene is stellar in the Soda City
November 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Screen Shot 2021-10-29 at 4.39.40 PM
Your voting guide to Election Day in Charleston
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Here’s the need-to-know information. 🗳
November 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
SC-Election Results - feature image
City
Your guide to Election Day in Columbia, SC
Election Day is Tues., Nov. 5. Here’s the need-to-know information. 🗳
November 1, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Fall in Columbia, SC
Culture
Our readers’ local horror date stories
We get it — dating is scary. Share your horror date stories that still haunt you to this day.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
fallbackfest2023.png
Festivals
Preview the 8th Annual Fall Back Fest ahead of this weekend
The City of West Columbia’s 8th Annual Fall Back Fest is set to take place on Friday, Nov. 1 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the 100-300 blocks of State Street. Here’s what you can expect at the free fall festival.
October 28, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Sports
USC announces updates to Williams-Brice Stadium and the coming of a $350 million hospital
Last week, USC’s Board of Trustees approved a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an architecture firm to focus on Phase One of reimagining Williams-Brice Stadium + a $350 million, specialized hospital focused on neurology-related illnesses.
October 28, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Business
Take a look at Scout Motors’ newest line of electric SUVs and trucks
Scout Motors hosted an unveiling of its newest SUV prototypes set to be built in its manufacturing plant in Columbia. Take a look.
October 25, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Business
Circa Barber Shop opens a new location in Lexington
With the renovations complete, thanks to Chapin Commercial Construction, another Circa Barber Shop, is now located at 101B E. Main St. in Lexington.
October 24, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Culture
Our readers’ Lakeland horror dating stories
We get it — dating is scary. Share your horror dating stories from around Lakeland that still haunt you to this day.
October 23, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Third Eye Man
Games
Help City Editor Sam to safety by completing this Halloween puzzle
You’ve got to be quick — City Editor Sam has found herself in a bit of a pickle after being lured into one of USC’s old service tunnels sometimes referred to as the catacombs by someone — or something. Solve this puzzle and help City Editor Sam to safety.
October 22, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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City
Hear from our readers: What are the best and worst things about Columbia, SC?
Looking for the pros and cons of living in Columbia, SC? We asked our readers and followers to share what they believe to be the best and worst things about Columbia.
October 22, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Patio dining lined up on sidewalk outside Hampton Street Vineyard.
Food
Three local, fresh-ingredient dinners to attend
Looking for farm-to-table dinners, local chef’s flare, cool evenings, and autumnal local-ingredient dishes? Here are three dinners coming up to purchase tickets to.
October 21, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
A shot of highrise buildings in downtwon Tampa. The sun is shining on the towers and there are palm trees in the foreground.
Culture
Our readers’ local horror date stories
We get it — dating is scary. Share your horror date stories that still haunt you to this day.
October 21, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
columbia
Government
Here’s how to join a city board or commission in Columbia
Want to get involved locally but don’t know how? Browse through the City of Columbia’s city boards and commissions that have vacancies and apply.
October 18, 2024
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David Stringer
Aerial view of the Dallas skyline
Food
Come on, dish: What Dallas restaurants and meals do you miss most?
We want to know — What Big D restaurant or meal sparks nostalgia in your bellies and hearts, and why?
October 17, 2024
 · 
Mitch Hooper
On a fall day, two people wearing pumpkins on their heads pose for a kiss. One wears a khaki jacket and black pants, and the other wears jeans and a long-sleeved white shirt. Leaves are all around them on the ground, and a wooden fence is behind them. In the background, trees are changing color with the autumn season.
Culture
Got ghosted? Share your Austin dating horror story
Now’s the time to spill the local date fright that keeps you up at night.
October 17, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Travel and Outdoors
Grow some shade in Columbia, SC 🌳
Join in on the initiative created by Columbia Green.
October 17, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
GVL_COLA_Dating_Horror_Stories_OCT2024
City
Our readers’ local horror date stories
We get it — dating is scary. Share your horror date stories that still haunt you to this day.
October 16, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Peak Drift Brewing Facility
Food
Updates on Peak Drift Brewing
Peak Drift Brewing Company is expanding locally + globally, announced a new taproom menu, an shared updates on the brewery.
October 16, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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