Sam Robertson

Samantha Robertson

Audience Development Lead

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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Soda City Market is the best farmers market in the nation
No surprise here — Soda City Market was named the No. 1 Farmers Market in the nation by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
April 23, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
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Food
New steakhouse coming to downtown Lexington
Midlands restaurateurs Steve Cook, Joe Walker, and Ryan Jones are opening a modern steakhouse in Lexington in May 2025, featuring hand-cut steaks, seafood, and seasonal dishes.
April 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Woman duct taping a box closed at a food drive.
Play
35+ volunteer opportunities in and around Columbia
Support Columbia causes year-round — from mentoring youth to rescuing pets, river cleanups, or helping from home.
April 21, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
Wisteria
Travel and Outdoors
What’s with the wisteria in Soda City?
The story behind the purple flowers that look like grapes and usually blooms in the spring in Columbia an the surrounding areas.
April 10, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
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Culture
13 free things to do in Columbia
You don’t need to spend a lot to have a good day in Columbia. With this guide, you won’t need to spend anything but time.
April 3, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
Village Idiot
Live
A guide to Columbia’s pizza scene
Dig into Columbia’s must-try pizza shops including local legends, fancier fare, cross-country crusts, and more.
March 20, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
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Work
The top industries and employers in the Columbia metro area
The Columbia metro area covers Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Richland counties.
March 10, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
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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.
March 7, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
cafe strudel
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 6, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Events
💌 Valentine’s events happening around Columbia
From gals to pals and everyone in between, we’ve rounded up Valentine’s events around Columbia for you and your special someone.
February 11, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
Construction on Finlay Park with COLA's skyline in the background.
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.
February 3, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
Gray Collegiate Academy
Education
Gray Collegiate Academy is expanding and opening a satellite campus in Irmo
Gray Collegiate Academy will be opening its new satellite campus in Irmo this August 2025, initially hosting ~600 students, grades six through 10.
January 24, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
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Events
The 4th annual Cola Rosé Shower is returning to Williams-Brice Stadium
Wear pink to the 4th annual Cola Rosé Shower event and donate feminine hygiene products all while raising awareness on women’s healthcare in the Midlands.
January 22, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
WStoday: alley at Renoylda Village
Instagram
How to find your third place in Winston-Salem 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 the Twin City.
January 22, 2025
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Kellina Wanteu
Rotating images from the St. Pat's in Five Points music festival
Festivals
St. Pat’s in Five Points unveils this year’s lineup for 2025 festival
Columbia’s largest St. Pat’s in Five Points festival returns with live music, featuring several regional performances, on Saturday, March 15.
January 22, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
Local authors section at Richland Library
Education
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
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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
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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
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Nicholas Caballero
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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
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Samantha Robertson
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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
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Samantha Robertson
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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
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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
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Samantha Robertson
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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
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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
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Samantha Robertson
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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
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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
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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
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Samantha Robertson
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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
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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
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