We owe you a debt of gratitude, Cola.

We can’t say that 2020 went as planned, but we can say that you’re a wonderful crowd and we couldn’t appreciate your support more, especially this year.

In 2020, we sent more than 240 newsletters to our growing audience of 49,800+ COLAtoday subscribers. Wow.

Those numbers really humble us.

We love our jobs and our cities, and we’re doing the work with you in mind.

So, here’s what we noticed you guys read and interacted with the most in 2020.

🎉 Top COLAtoday articles from 2020

1. What you need to know about Columbia’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order

This pretty much sums up 2020 perfectly. On March 29, City of Columbia’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order took effect. The order prohibited people from leaving their homes unless their jobs were considered essential, they needed to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, were picking up takeout from a restaurant, etc.

2. Black and minority-owned businesses in Columbia

Following feedback from readers on how COLAtoday could better serve our community, we put together an extensive list of Black and minority-owned businesses in Columbia, broken down by business category.

3. 10 Airbnb rentals on Lake Murray

This year has been the year of staycations + y’all were interested in Lake Murray. This roundup of 10 Airbnbs on the lake includes a variety of options from quaint one bedroom cottages to large homes that will sleep 12. (Needing a staycation right about now? Many of these listings have availability starting in January.)

4. Columbia’s oldest bar

Local food and wine enthusiast Mike Wine-guy did a little research for us and wrote this piece on the city’s oldest bar. Which bar in Columbia IS the oldest? If you don’t remember, click that link above to find out.

5. Million dollar listings

COLAtoday readers and editors clearly have some hobbies in common, including looking for the ultimate dream home. We rounded up some of the most expensive, most glamorous houses on the market at the time so we could all ooh and aww over them together. (Side note: it appears most of these listings are no longer on the market.)

6. Quarantine date night ideas

In the midst of Columbia’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order, date nights weren’t an easy feat. We put together a list of options for staying home and spending some quality time with your honey (or roommate or family, we aren’t judging).

7. West Columbia’s food map

It’s hard to deny that we all get excited over food. Back in January, local developer Joe Taylor and industrial designer Mike Daikubara created and designed a food map of West Columbia, featuring 57 locally owned restaurants. Did you get your copy?

8. How well do you know Columbia, SC

We asked y’all to test your knowledge on this one. This 15 question test quizzed readers on history of Columbia that even some of the long-time citizens were unsure of. Somehow missed this one? The quiz is still active at the link above.

9. 12 road trips to take from Columbia

With travel restrictions in place throughout the year, those looking for a vacation found road trips to be a little easier. We found 12 cities and towns within a five hour’s drive from Columbia with activities for every type of traveler.

10. City of Columbia mandatory mask ordinance

On June 26, the City of Columbia’s mandatory mask ordinance went into effect (and is currently in place through February). We broke down some of the ins and outs of the ordinance, which has since been updated to require masks when standing in lines + to increase the fine to individuals for not complying to $100.

Poll

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