Sam Robertson

Samantha Robertson

Content & Platform Strategy Manager

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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An outdoor cafe with a wooden + stone walk way that parts luscious greenery and tables with people sitting at them.
Culture
Finding your third place in Lexington
Third places are public, informal gathering spaces you frequent in your community. We’re here to help give you recommendations and help you find your third place around Lexington.
August 27, 2024
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Molly Thompson
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Sports
A guide to the Gamecock’s 2024 college football season
College football is back — here’s how to stream the games, tailgate like a pro, and cheer on the Gamecocks this 2024 season.
August 27, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
USC School of medicine
Education
USC’s board of trustees approved a new master plan, shaping the future SC’s flagship university
USC is being upgraded. Residence halls, Thomas Cooper Library, a new School of Medicine, and more could be a part of the university’s future thanks to a new master plan approved by USC’s Board of Trustees.
August 23, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Image from iOS (1)
Culture
Unwritten rules of Columbia
From unspoken rules to commuting, we’ve compiled tips, tricks, and fun memories we share as locals who know the city like the backs of our hands. Consider this your official list of unofficial Columbia rules.
August 22, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
JamRoomFest.png
Music
Jam Room Music Festival returns to Columbia this October
Get a quick rundown of the music lineup and plan ahead for the partner events celebrating the Jam Room Music Festival coming back to Cola in October.
August 21, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Williams Street Extension
Development
Stay in the know: Three large development projects coming to the Midlands
A $20.6 million river development, a 940-bed student housing development, and a $65 million mixed-use retail development are all underway in the Midlands or were announced this week. Here’s what you need to know about each project.
August 21, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A vibrant park scene in the late afternoon with a large group of people gathered on a grassy field. In the background, the modern Austin skyline features a mix of unique and towering skyscrapers, including a building with a distinct, slanted design. People in the park are engaged in various activities, such as stretching, conversing, and walking, enjoying the warm, golden light of the setting sun. The atmosphere is lively and communal, with the clear blue sky adding to the open, welcoming ambiance.
Culture
Deepen your sense of community by finding a third place in Austin
Third places are public, informal gathering spaces that you frequent in your community. Here’s a list of opportune third places ready for you to become a regular.
August 20, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
The golden spurTh
Development
Garvin Design Group + Hood Construction reintroduces The Golden Spur to USC’s campus
The Golden Spur, which used to be a pub at USC, has been reimagined into a restaurant on ground floor of the Campus Village development.
August 19, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Columbia, SC State House
Business
Some of the fastest-growing companies in Columbia that were featured on the Inc. 5000’s list.
Meet some of the 2024 fastest-growing companies in the Columbia area featured on Inc. 5000’s list.
August 19, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
A flower bed packed with red tulips running vertical next to a roadway and sidewalk at Centennial Park in Nashville, TN.
Culture
Find your third place in Nashville
Third places are public, informal gathering spaces that you frequent in your community. We’re here to get your recommendations and help others find their third place.
August 16, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
1-20_WB_Detour_Exit64B.png
Travel and Outdoors
Phase Two of the Carolina Crossroads Project is causing a weekend detour for a major exit in the Midlands
Drivers will need to take a new detour route this weekend if traveling down I-20 Westbound and needing to take Exit 64B.
August 15, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Culture
Here’s your guide to experiencing The Big MO
The perfect way to experience The Big Mo? Pack-up your car with snacks, a few drinks, blankets + pillows to drive out to see movies under the stars.
August 15, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
SATXtoday: Alamodome UTSA stadium
Football
A guide to the UTSA’s 2024 college football season
Football is back — here’s how to stream the games, tailgate like a pro, and cheer on the UTSA Roadrunners this 2024 college football season.
August 13, 2024
 · 
Adriana Christian
4Y3A0456.jpg
City
10 tips for students living in Columbia, SC
Here are 10 tips for students who are new to Columbia. Learn how to get around, where to eat, and some local knowledge to prepare you for at least four years in the Soda City.
August 9, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Icon on Taylor.jpeg
Education
Back to school shopping in Columbia and where to shop to spoil your teachers
While you’re back to school shopping for the kiddos, don’t forget to grab a gift or a little something special for your teachers.
August 9, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Apple picking Columbia
Travel and Outdoors
Here is where to pick apples within driving distance of Columbia
Take a road trip with the family and head to one of these regional U-pick apple farms; all within three hours of the Captial City.
August 8, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Live
Where to find lunch for $10 or less in Columbia
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 17 lunches from subs to fries and a shake.
August 6, 2024
 · 
Laura Hackett
storm.png
Tropical Storm Debby: what you need to know and how to prepare
Heavy rainfall and wind gusts are likely to the biggest Tropical Storm Debby threat to the Midlands. Here’s what you need to know.
August 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Scenes from the Planetarium's construction + grand opening.
The South Carolina State Museum is celebrating 10 years of immersive and interactive experiences.
Since the summer of 2014, community members have enjoyed immersive, educational experiences inside the planetarium’s 55ft digital dome, 4D, and more.
August 5, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
Soda City 2024-9001.jpg
What to do when visiting Columbia if you’re in town for the Rivals in Red soccer game.
If you’re in town this weekend for the Rivals in Red soccer game or hosting guests, we’re giving you three local activities the whole family will enjoy in additional to the big game.
August 1, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
The State House in afternoon light
City
Celebrate 803 Day: Uniting the Midlands community
The inaugural 803 Day on August 3 will unite the Midlands with a 5K run, festival, $8.03 specials, a scavenger hunt, and community support, celebrating local pride and heritage.
August 1, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Freedom Park and it's beacon.
City
Find your third place in Raleigh
Third places are public, informal gathering spaces that you frequent in your community. We’re here to get your recommendations and help others find their third place.
July 31, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
The Eiffel Tower in Paris with Olympic rings
Sports
Keep up with some of South Carolina’s athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Several athletes with ties to SC have competed in the first week of the 2024 Paris Olympics and we’re giving you an update on their happenings.
July 30, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
William's Brice
Sports
What to expect and how to attend the Rivals in Red soccer game happening in Columbia
Liverpool F.C. + Manchester United will play at Williams-Brice Stadium as part of the Rivals in Red Tour. Here’s how to get involved locally and what to expect for the game, happening on Saturday, Aug. 3.
July 30, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
columbia skyline
Travel and Outdoors
4 cities to drive to for day or weekend trip from Charleston
Just need to getaway for a few days or feeling spontaneous on a day off? Here are destinations in the Carolinas from Charleston.
July 29, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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
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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