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.

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
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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
Fall's Park
Play
Hit the Road: A foodie foray road trip to Greenville, SC
We hope you’ve packed your appetite because we are taking a quick hour-and-a-half road trip to Greenville, SC, showcasing things to do, memorable eats, and accommodations with award-winning cuisines.
January 17, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
St. Pat's in Five Points press conference
Festivals
St. Pat’s in Five Points unveils this year’s lineup for 2024 festival
Columbia’s largest St. Pat’s in Five Points festival returns with live music, featuring several regional performances, on Saturday, March 16.
January 16, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Piecewise Coffee Co.
Business
Piecewise Coffee Co. expands and is taking over a Devine Street location
Blūm Coffee bids farewell as Piecewise Coffee Co. expands and opens its second location in the heart of the Devine District
January 12, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Capital Concrete Co. location
Business
Capital Concrete Co. invests $8.25M in new Fairfield County facility
The Capital Concrete Co. expansion plans to bring 17 job opportunities and strengthen the company’s commitment to South Carolina’s economic growth.
January 10, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A widely grinning person sits before a completed bowl on a pottery wheel, hands wet with clay.
Play
Where to take an adult class in Columbia
Whether you’re looking for athletic classes, art classes, or cooking classes we’ve got recommendations for how to keep learning in Columbia.
January 10, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
PickleballGarden on the River.png
Development
Columbia residents disagree on PickleGarden on the River plans
Last week, we wrote an article talking about the new PickleGarden on the River development. Here’s what Soda Citizens had to say about it.
January 8, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
severe weather outlook.png
Weather
Severe weather alert: Tuesday storms pose risks for Columbia
Along with thunderstorms, the Midlands could face enhanced risk with a wind advisory and a severe weather alert issued.
January 8, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
PickleGarden on the River
Development
PickleGarden on the River: Columbia’s soon to be newest pickleball and biergarten space
Colliers | South Carolina facilitated the PickleGarden on the River deal that plans to feature a new 4.75-acre riverfront property, set to open before the end of the year.
January 4, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
GoldenGirls Airbnb
Travel and Outdoors
Stay in this Golden Girls-themed Airbnb that’s located in downtown Columbia.
Sure you can stay somewhere overnight, but is it a Golden Girls-themed Airbnb? Take a look inside this eclectic bnb and book it next time you’re looking to stay in Five Points
January 4, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
new School of Medicine and research building
Education
USC unveiled the renderings for its new School of Medicine and research building
The new, 300,000-sqft School of Medicine and research building will serve as a hub for innovation, research, clinical experience, and more.
December 19, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Julie K. Art local artist stickers Columbia, SC
Small Business
Local stocking stuffer guide for Columbia, SC
We want to see those socks sag after being filled to the brim with local stocking stuffer gifsts from around Columbia.
December 18, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
269772369_925399958091875_7207588292126063024_n
City
How to recycle your Christmas tree in Columbia, SC
The holidays are over and you may be wondering how to recycle your Christmas tree around Columbia. We’re giving you several ideas on how to dispose of your holiday tree, including local drop-offs or providing nutrients to your gardens.
December 18, 2023
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Samantha Robertson
4Y3A6331.jpg
Nonprofits
The Congaree Riverkeepers 2023 Cleanup Summary
The Congaree Riverkeeper released its 2023 Cleanup Summary and we’re sharing the highlights by the numbers, key findings, and how you can get involved.
December 15, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Winter weather forecast colatoday
Live
Winter weather forecast for Columbia, SC
Prepare for winter weather in Columbia, SC with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
December 15, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
State House Christmas
Culture
Answered: What if a Hallmark holiday movie was filmed in Columbia?
We asked and you answered. Our readers brainstormed locations + plots for a potential future movie filmed in the festive Soda City. We present — the Hallmark movie set in Columbia that was written by you.
December 13, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
WStoday: 2023 WStoday Wrapped
City
WStoday Wrapped 2023: Here’s the content you loved the most
We’re diving into our readers’ data to give you your WStoday Wrapped with the top articles you’ve read and your most beloved social posts.
December 12, 2023
 · 
Kellina Wanteu
State House Christmas
Culture
What if a Hallmark holiday movie was filmed in Columbia?
Columbia hasn’t been the filming location for a Hallmark holiday movie — yet. We’re asking our readers to brainstorm locations + plots for a potential future movie filmed in the festive Soda City.
December 11, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
annadiller_30906003_2545987365625458_7461595495920566272_n
A few ways you can enjoy the outdoors around Columbia
The weather has been fairly chilly but is supposed to warm up over the weekend, so from walking to biking and picnicking, we’re giving you some ideas of how you can enjoy the outdoors around Columbia
December 7, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Segra-Park-Columbia-Fireflies-stadium
Play
A guide to the best giftable experiences in Columbia
Let’s try something new. Instead of gifting someone a material item, allow them to unwrap the best giftable experiences in Columbia.
December 7, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
SC State House
Business
Meet the inaugural class of South Carolina’s 50 Most Influential business leaders
Discover the inaugural class of South Carolina’s 50 Most Influential business leaders who have provided insights and contributions while shaping South Carolina’s economic growth.
December 5, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Columbia, SC State House
Culture
COLAtoday wrapped 2023: Here’s the content you loved the most
Today, we’re diving into our reader’s data to give you your COLAtoday wrapped — sharing with you our reader’s top articles, social posts, and more from this year.
November 29, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Fall in Columbia, SC
Three local topics you can bring on Thanksgiving that will spur discussion
It’s that time of year when distant and close relatives will gather around the Thanksgiving table + we’re giving you three local topics you can bring up when everyone runs out of small talk topics.
November 21, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Woman duct taping a box closed at a food drive.
Play
35+ volunteer opportunities in and around Columbia where you can lend a hand
It’s the holiday season and a perfect time to help a neighbor. This list of volunteer opportunities in Columbia, SC includes everything from Sistercare to the Columbia Museum of Art.
November 17, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
World Food Championships Lake Murray
Lake Murray Country chefs shined at World Food Championships
A few weeks ago, we shared about + introduced the 2023 Lake Murray Country Team competing in the World Food Championships. Today, we are sharing the results.
November 15, 2023
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Samantha Robertson
congaree river
City
Columbians dream big for future riverfront development
We asked, and you answered. We wanted you to think big and share with us the dream development you would bring to our rivers if you had the power to do so. See what our readers said.
November 7, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
West Columbia Santa Mailbox
Santa’s Mailbox and 19th Annual Tree Lighting Return to West Columbia
Get ready for the holiday season in West Columbia by writing letters to Mr. Claus and attending the annual Christmas Tree Lighting happening in December.
November 7, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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