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.

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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
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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
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Business
Craft Brew Inc. is uniting the Midlands’ craft beer scene
Peak Drift Brewing Company and Columbia Craft Brewing Company merge under Craft Brew Inc., enhancing SC’s craft beer industry. Discover how this alliance aims to elevate regional breweries and foster collaboration in the Midlands.
February 29, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
street lined with palmetto trees downtown Charleston
Culture
How will you spend your Leap Day this year?
This extra day is added to the calendar every four years to keep it synchronized with the Earth’s revolutions around the sun, so what do you plan to do with your extra time this Leap Day?
February 28, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Murals at Perry Harvey Sr Park depicting Black icons of the Tampa Bay area. The murals are in black and white and apartment complexes are in the background.
City
How to spend an extra 24 hours in the Tampa Bay area
From climbing challenges to Strawberry Festival fun, it’s sure to be one to remember.
February 28, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A view of the skyline up close during golden hour from a rooftop bar.
Culture
Answered: Why there is a Leap Day every four years
This extra day is added to the calendar every four years to keep it synchronized with the Earth’s revolutions around the sun, so we want to know what you’re going to do with the extra time.
February 28, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
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Culture
Asked: How will you spend your Leap Day this year?
This extra day is added to the calendar every four years to keep it synchronized with the Earth’s revolutions around the sun, so what do you plan to do with your extra time this Leap Day?
February 27, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
William's Brice
Sports
Liverpool F.C. + Manchester United will play at Williams-Brice Stadium as part of the Rivals in Red Tour
Get ready for a soccer showdown as Liverpool F.C. and Manchester United meet at Williams-Brice Stadium on the Rivals in Red Tour. Pre-sale tickets are available today.
February 23, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Cottontown Art Crawl
Festivals
Explore a historic neighborhood through art with this year’s sixth annual Cottontown Art Crawl
The sixth annual Cottontown Art Crawl returns on Saturday, March 9 from 4 to 10 p.m., and is set to showcase 200 artists.
February 21, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Development
Voodoo Brewing Company was announced as the last tenant for 102 W. Main St. in Lexington County
Trinity Partners announced Voodoo Brewing Company as the last tenant of Lexington County’s redevelopment project + the three buildings will total 8,720 sqft.
February 19, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Food
Columbia Food and Wine Festival announces events lineup
The 2024 Columbia Food and Wine Festival is back and bigger than ever with expanded events and a fresh rebrand
February 14, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Development
Farmers Market, assisted living, and more coming to Congaree Pointe
A new initiative at Congaree Pointe, promises to transform Columbia with a diverse array of amenities, including a farmers market, affordable senior living, and more.
February 9, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Play
Date night ideas for every type of Soda Citizen
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date night in Soda City.
February 9, 2024
 · 
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.
February 8, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Food
Where to order local game-day grub or catch the Super Bowl live around Columbia
With the Super Bowl kicking off on Sun., Feb. 11, we want to make sure your nails won’t be the only thing you’re biting as the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers duke it out on the field.
February 7, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Richland Mall Redevelopment
Development
Forest Acre’s Richland Mall is set to transform into a new city park
City officials and legislators announced a $3 million allocation for the redevelopment of the former Richland Mall site, marking the beginning of a transformative project in Forest Acres.
February 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Komodo Dragon Riverbanks Zoo
Development
Riverbanks Zoo’s 50th anniversary celebrations: new partnerships and initiatives
Projects, partnerships, and free admission highlight Riverbanks Zoo’s 50th anniversary, promising unforgettable experiences for visitors.
February 5, 2024
 · 
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.
January 30, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Arts
“The Gong,” an art sculpture, has been stolen from the Vista’s District
City authorities are investigating the theft of “The Gong,” an art sculpture celebrating late PR executive Marvin Chernoff, known for his contributions to The Vista District.
January 30, 2024
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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.
January 29, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Development
Breaking down the Columbia’s Design/Development Review Commission annual report
Columbia’s Design/Development Review Commission was busy in 2023 and we’re chatting through the highlights and major developments around the city.
January 26, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Lula Drake
Food
2024 James Beard Award semifinalists from Columbia
The semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards were announced on Jan. 24. City Limits Barbeque, Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, and Lula Drake Wine Parlour from Columbia were named to the list.
January 24, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Columbia, SC
Live
15 interesting facts about Columbia that may surprise you
We’re bringing you some interesting facts about Columbia and its history. If you’re a trivia master (or local enthusiast), give this a try.
January 21, 2024
 · 
Sam
2024 Columbia Ambassadors
City
Get to know the four 2024 Ambassadors for Columbia
Experience Columbia introduced four local individuals who are going to be the 2024 Ambassadors for Columbia, a.k.a. the local insiders picked to represent our city.
January 18, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Smoked mocktails
Food
7 places to grab mocktails around Columbia
Explore a symphony of non-alcoholic mocktails around Columbia from seven restaurants that were recommended by our followers.
January 18, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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