Good morning Columbia, Lauren here. 👋 With all the crazy going on, Jess and I haven’t had the chance to formally introduce ourselves to you yet. (So we’re taking a second to do that now.)

We both started this journey mid-March and work together as co-editors – meaning we take turns creating the newsletter + staying connected with our city across social media. The rest of the operation is put together by the crew at 6AM City.

Meet Lauren

I was born and raised in Blythewood, so I’ve called Columbia home my entire life. I stuck around for college and graduated from the University of South Carolina 🐔 (the real USC, am I right?) this winter with a public relations degree. Last summer, I interned with COLAtoday and fell in love with the brand + writing about all things Columbia. I came back on board after graduation and the rest is history.

What I love most about living here:

○ I’ve always loved the sense of community that you can’t help but feel in Columbia, especially in times like these when you see so many people going above and beyond to help others.

Favorite place to grab a bite to eat:

○ There’re so many great spots that this one is hard to answer. But I’m 100% of the time down to go to Tazza Kitchen (lookin’ at you cast iron goat cheese 🤤). I also have to give a huge shoutout to Motor Supply for having insanely good food, a staff that’s even better + for being the best college job for three years.

My weekend #MustDos:

○ On the weekends (when we aren’t in quarantine) you’ll catch me at Sunday brunch at any of the delish spots around town or grabbing a day beer at one of the local breweries. I’m also a big Soda City fan + love a good walk by the river when the weather is nice. When football season comes around, my Saturdays are dedicated to Willy B + the Gamecocks.

My go-to coffee order:

○ Recently, I’ve developed an affinity for a vanilla latte with oat milk. However, I’ll never turn down a classic iced coffee, or really any coffee for that matter.

Meet Jess

What’s up, COLA? My name is Jessica but I typically go by Jess. Growing up in Florida, I love reading about the latest “Florida Man” news story, fresh squeezed orange juice 🍊, long strolls down Publix aisles 💚 + of course, the Florida Gators🐊. I graduated from the University of Florida and moved to Columbia, SC without knowing a single person here or ever visiting. After connecting with local alumni friends, completing Leadership Columbia #LC17, + meeting my husband, Dawson, I think it’s safe to say I enjoy living here and I’ll be sticking around.

What I love most about living here:

○ Before the coronavirus hit, I loved how there was always something going on. I like to stay busy so the fact that every weekend had so many things going on to the point I almost had FOMO, is my favorite thing.

Favorite place to grab a bite to eat:

○ Tacos are my favorite food group. 🌮 Real Mexico is my favorite if I am feeling authentic tacos. Cantina 76 is my favorite lunch spot. La Mesa, in Lexington, is my favorite weekend treat.

My weekend #MustDos:

○ The weekend is my time to spoil my pups Reyna and Roscoe. We like to go for walks along the riverfront or to a park to play. I got married last May, so Dawson and I try to plan date nights at least every other weekend; the usual suspects are checking out a new place to eat, hanging out at a brewery or finding a new series to binge, currently watching Tiger Man. Brunching is a way of life + I like trying brunch places I haven’t experienced before so let me know your favorites.

My go-to coffee order:

○ If it is cold outside I love a hot latte with coconut milk but if it is hot like it usually is in Columbia, you can’t go wrong with an iced coffee.