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.

First Thursday on Main event
Events
Join in on the soccer ball scavenger hunt at this week’s First Thursday on Main event
20 lucky locals will find and get to keep local pieces of art at this week’s First Thursday on Main to celebrate the Rivals in Red game happening between Liverpool + Manchester United on Saturday, Aug. 3.
July 26, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
St. Pat's in Five Points press conference
Music
Local DJ + hip-hop activist, MASTER SPLNTA is coming out with a full-length debut album.
MASTER SPLNTA will perform his album release concert at New Brookland Tavern and will release “DOJO” this August.
July 24, 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.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A dog sits at a picnic table with four people
Culture
Finding your third place in Asheville
Third places are public, informal gathering spaces you frequent in your community. We’re here to help you give you recommendations and help you find your third place around Asheville.
July 23, 2024
 · 
Grace Powers
coca-cola in Cola.png
Food
The history of and ties Coca-Cola has to Columbia
What do Coca-Cola, Michael Jordan, and Columbia, SC have in common? Keep reading to find out the history of and ties Coca-Cola has to Columbia.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
busker-Soda-City-Columbia-SC-Shell-Suber
Instagram
How to find your third place around Columbia and some recommendations to get you started
Third places are public, informal gathering spaces that you frequent in your community. We’re here to help you give you recommendations and help you find your third place around Columbia.
July 18, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Sports
Dreaming of gold: Olympians with ties to Columbia and SC competing in the Paris Summer 2024 Olympics
Cola is well represented on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics — these are some locals to watch.
July 16, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
TasteontheRiver.png
The Annual Taste on the River event raised over $37,000 for the West Columbia Beautification Foundation
The yearly fundraising event, hosted by the West Columbia Beautification Foundation, raises money for local beautification projects, including ongoing development for Highway No. 1.
July 12, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Van Robotics.png
Business
‘Shark Tank” ideas that have come out of Columbia
Entrepreneurs come from everywhere, including The Midlands. Read about three products that have been featured or inspired by the show “Shark Tank.”
July 10, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
IMG_1924
Festivals
Jammin’ in July is happening this weekend in Historic Camden
Looking for a night out and an evening full of local music with friends and family? Head to Jammin’ in July this weekend.
July 10, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
play-right-series.png
Arts
Learn the ropes of a playwright by joining the Play Right Series
If you love local fine arts or are curious about what it takes to get a play from page to stage, join the Play Right Series with The Jasper Project and get involved in the production process of a local play.
July 8, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Columbia, SC State House
Work
Your business resource guide for Columbia
An all-inclusive guide to business resources if you’re looking to start a business in Columbia
July 8, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Events
How to celebrate the Fourth of July if you don’t like fireworks
Not everyone loves the loud boom that echoes as fireworks go off on Independence Day. Here’s a short guide for how to still participate in the celebration if you (or your pets) don’t like fireworks.
June 28, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Columbia’s skyline at night. | Photo by Timothy M.
Introducing our 2024 Picture of the Year contest
Following the success of hundreds of submissions in 2023, we are getting a jump on our 2024 contest.
June 28, 2024
 · 
Ted Bauer
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Travel and Outdoors
10+ pools, water parks, and splash pools in Columbia
Do you need more ways to beat the heat? Check out our list of pools, water parks, and splash pools in Columbia.
June 27, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Heat dangers
Travel and Outdoors
Tips for staying cool while the Midlands is under heat advisories
They don’t call Columbia famously hot for nothin’, but while the heat stays in the triple digits and the Midlands is under heat advisories, here are tips and recommendations for other activities.
June 26, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Shade trees Columbia
Travel and Outdoors
Consider planting a tree with this free civic program
Have you ever considered the benefits of planting a tree in your local neighborhood or community? City of Columbia and Columbia Green are partnering to bring more trees to the Columbia area.
June 24, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
five-points-parking-lot
Live
How Public Works works in Richland County
Have you ever wondered what Public Works does in your county? We are providing you a quick rundown of the basic tasks this civic department completes and how to interact with it.
June 24, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
IMG_5439
Travel and Outdoors
Participate in a local skateboarding competition on Go Skateboarding Day
Local skate shop Bluetile Skateboards is hosting a citywide skateboarding competition and watch party this weekend for Go Skateboarding Day.
June 20, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Fishing-at-Lake-Murray
Play
5 places to fish around Columbia, including rivers, lakes, and shorelines
Rivers, lakes + streams, oh my. The Midlands has some pretty great freshwater fishing spots and is only about an hour from saltwater. Reference this guide before you fish around Columbia.
June 17, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Small Business
Gadgetboy, a new boutique gadget store is open in Columbia
Need some new tech? A new boutique electronic store with cutting-edge tech, Gadgetboy, is open on Devine Street in Columbia.
June 14, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Segra-Park-Columbia-Fireflies-stadium
Culture
Your guide to Father’s Day in Columbia
Don’t know what to get the Dad in your life this Father’s Day? We’re giving you a few ideas on what to get them or how you can spend Father’s Day in Columbia.
June 12, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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Festivals
Columbia’s guide to commemorate Juneteenth and the SC Juneteenth Freedom Festival
Every year, Columbia hosts the SC Juneteenth Freedom Festival (SCJFF) and we’re breaking down how you can get involved around town.
June 10, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
congaree river
Play
Hiking guide for Columbia
Check out these eight hiking trails catering to all skill levels in and around Columbia, SC, for outdoor adventures.
June 10, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Culture
Answered: What if... Columbia looked like this?
From skytrams that go over 378 to river development and pedestrian bridges, here are some of your answers for What if... Columbia looked like this?
May 31, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
wifi
COLAtoday was nominated for four categories in the Best of Columbia contest
Thanks to our readers and followers, COLAtoday was nominated several times in Free Times’ annual Best of Columbia contest. See which ones and vote for us below.
May 29, 2024
 · 
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
May 29, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Crystal Lagoons PAL_Rendering1
Culture
Asked: What if Columbia, SC looked like this?
Dream big, Columbians. We want to hear your whackiest, wonkiest, dreamiest, funniest, what if Columbia ideas.
May 24, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Riverbluff high school
Live
25+ elementary, middle, and high schools in Columbia
We’re giving you all the pertinent details about some of the elementary, middle, and high schools in Columbia so you can make the best decision for your family.
May 23, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Food
Wild, can’t-miss desserts in Columbia, SC
Looking to level up your dessert game and always crave a little something sweet after dinner? Here are five, can’t-miss desserts in Columbia to split with friends (or keep all to yourself.)
May 23, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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