Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

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.

FarmersMarketX2.png
Business
The grand opening of the Farmer’s Market Xchange in Columbia
Happening at the beginning of National Small Business Week, Farmer’s Market Xchange will host a grand opening and offer discounts to celebrate.
April 25, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
five points 2
Business
Reminisce with us about the Five points District in Columbia
Five Points has gone through some changes over the year and the landscape is still changing as a well-known bar get a revamp.
April 25, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Knox Abbott Dr & 12th St Cayce
Government
The City of Cayce hopes to boost roadway safety with a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
The City of Cayce Council approved a safety action plan for intersection improvements at four hazardous locations with a $160,000 grant from the Safe Streets and Roads for All program.
April 23, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Azalea Coffee Bar
Live
Your guide to Columbia’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some with our coffee guide, featuring 25+ local coffee shops.
April 17, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
City of Columbia lofo
City
The City of Columbia unveiled a new city logo
We’re sharing about how the City of Columbia unveiled a new city logo and rebranding. Now we want to know what you think about it. Join the conversation and share your thoughts with us.
April 17, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Carowinds
Travel and Outdoors
4 driveable day or weekend trip destinations within two hours of Columbia
Just need to getaway for a few days or feeling spontaneous on a day off? Here are four day trip destinations within two hours of Columbia.
April 15, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Several photos of a rental home with marble showers, chandeliers and a decorative fireplace.
Government
New regulations for short-term rentals in Richland County
Short-term rentals in Richland County are on the rise. Today we’re breaking down the new changes with a new ordinance, adopted by City Council on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
April 11, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
South Main.png
Business
Is El Vago Mexican Kitchen coming soon to Cola?
We saw a cryptic post on social media and decided to do some digging on a potential new business coming to Cola. Come along with us to do some digging on El Vago Mexican Kitchen.
April 11, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
All_IMG_0284
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.
April 10, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
wifi
City
Exploring Columbia, SC: What is COLAtoday?
Every April we celebrate the anniversary of COLAtoday — Columbia, SC’s resource for all things Cola. Allow us to introduce our daily, five-minute newsletter, full of information for local citizens.
April 9, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Bierkeller
City
Throw back Thursday: A history lesson on the Columbia Canal
Today, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the Columbia Canal and its impact on Columbia’s economy, transportation, filtration of drinking water, and more.
April 2, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Tartan Day South Festival in Columbia, SC
The 12th Annual Tartan Day South Celebration
Experience a weekend packed with Celtic culture and heritage in the Midlands with the Tartan Day South Celebration, supporting the River Alliance
April 1, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Hero film poster
Theater
Get ready for “Hero": a local film shot around Columbia
Go behind the scenes of the making of ‘Hero’ and explore its local connections to USC, set to premiere at The Nick this month.
April 1, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Screen Shot 2022-05-01 at 2.47.14 PM
Play
40+ great brunch restaurants to try in Columbia
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Cola, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
March 30, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Soda City
Culture
Wait, is the term “Soda City” cringe? Let us know
We had a reader provide feedback and share their thoughts about the term “Soda City” and we want to know if you agree.
March 28, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Indah Coffee
Food
Spring sips galore: Discover Columbia’s must-try spring menus at local coffee shops
Check out five local coffee shop’s spring menus full of seasonal flavors from strawberry toaster strudel cold brews to nutty black sesame flat whites.
March 26, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Postcard of wales garden.png
Explore Wales Garden through Historic Columbia’s Palladium Tour: Landmarks and Landscapes
Discover local architectural treasures and Art in the Garden through Historic Columbia’s self-guided Palladium Tour: Landmarks and Landscapes
March 26, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Finlay Park updates
Development
The City of Columbia released updates on Finlay Park
The City of Columbia shared a YouTube video featuring a timeline, images, and renderings of the Finlay Park revitalization project.
March 20, 2024
 · 
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.
March 20, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Screen Shot 2018-11-07 at 10.09.32 AM
Airports and Transportation
How to utilize Columbia’s Amtrak Station and our city’s railroad history
Explore affordable and hands-free spring getaways with Columbia’s Amtrak Station and five train trips you can take.
March 17, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Home-overview-img.png
City
Richland County considering a $2.2 billion Transportation Sales Tax for proposed road projects over 15 years
Richland County’s Proposed $2.2 billion Transportation Sales Tax and some of the project drafts were unveiled: Here’s what you need to know
March 14, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Sunrise at Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Live
Making your flying process plane and simple at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
To help make your entire experience at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to food and bev options.
March 13, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Stst pats festival
Festivals
Your guide to the 2024 St. Pat’s Festival in Columbia, SC
Get ready to shamrock out at one of Cola’s biggest events and see what’s going to be new at this year’s St. Pat’s Festival.
March 11, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
COLA-MM-WINNER-Web (1).png
Culture
COLAtoday’s BBQ bracket champion
You’ve crowned our Midlands BBQ champion as City Limits Q, the West Columbia BBQ restaurant led by James Beard Award nominee Robbie Robinson.
March 10, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
Conagree National Park
Travel and Outdoors
How to see the synchronous fireflies at Congaree National Park
Here’s how to snag your tickets so you can see the How to see the synchronous fireflies at Congaree National Park.
March 7, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Pawmetto Lifeline
Volunteer
Your guide to local animal rescues + shelters across Columbia
Looking for a way to lend a paw or just want a furry friend? These shelters across Columbia could use your help fostering, adopting, or volunteering.
March 6, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Sally Salamander
City
Sally Salamander: Columbia’s amphibian-lead walking tour
Experience Columbia SC is relaunching the Sally Salamander Walking Tour, created by the Leadership Columbia Class of 2009. This free, walkable scavenger hunt guides visitors through Columbia’s downtown historic landmarks, businesses, and art installations.
March 6, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Scout motors
South Carolina’s export sales soared to $37.3 Billion in 2023
Fueled by the automotive sector, South Carolina’s export sales defied national trends with $37.3 billion in 2023. Governor Henry McMaster and industry leaders weigh in on the state’s international trade performance.
March 4, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
open book 2024.png All Good Books
Events
Discover Open Book 2024: a literary series featuring renowned authors partnering with All Good Books
Join All Good Books as the Official Seller for Open Book 2024, Hosted by Elise Blackwell and Sponsored by USC’s College of Arts and Sciences. Explore free author events at USC’s Capstone Building.
March 4, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
The Flutter
Business
Discover the charm of Hotel Trundle’s newest expansion: the Flutter Wing on Main Street
Explore The Flutter Wing, Columbia’s newest boutique accommodations that feature the eclectic taste of Hotel Trundle and privacy for guests.
February 29, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Load More