Hello Wednesday.
April 17 2024
We know trains can cause headaches around town, but they don’t have to.
If you are feeling the need for a fall getaway, but don’t want to get in the car, we might have another option + encourage you to try this as you plan some upcoming weekend plans.
Local train tracks | Photo provided by @ka.rytis
Trains. Whether you’re traveling locally or out of state, summon your inner Hogwarts Express dreams and take advantage of South Carolina’s rail system. It’s an alternative way to get around, and Columbia’s Amtrak station is located right off Huger Street at 850 Pulaski St. — just a couple of blocks away from Colonial Life Arena.
Columbia Amtrak station | Photo provided by @julio3094
There are a number of destinations to choose from that leave from Columbia on the Amtrak line, including:
Columbia to Camden, SC
Columbia to Jacksonville, FL
Columbia to Orlando, FL
Columbia to Okeechobee, FL
Columbia to Raleigh, NC
Columbia to Savannah, GA
Columbia to Southern Pines, NC
- 2 hours 50 minutes
- From $36
Winnsboro scenic ride on the historic Rockton, Rion & Western
Enjoy the 10-mile, 70-minute loop and the beautiful countryside of the Carolina Sandhills. While it doesn’t run consistently during the fall, on Saturday October 23 + 30, there will be a “Pumpkin Patch Express” train.
Never ridden a passenger train before, and don’t know where to start? Pro tip — follow this guide to discover Amtrak.
Use the buttons below to share this story with anyone who doesn't know how fun trains can be around Columbia, and who you would book your next train ride with.
Today
- Oyster Roast | Fri., Oct. 8 | 6-9 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing | Price of purchase | If you can’t make it today, there are roasts planned for Oct. 22 + Oct. 28. 🦪
- 2021 Fall Plant and Flower Festival | Fri., Oct. 8-Sun., Oct. 10 | Times vary | SC State Farmers Market | Free | Shop seasonal plants, flowers, decor + more. 🍂
- Cody Jinks | Fri., Oct. 8 | 7 p.m. | Township Auditorium | $35+
Saturday
Sunday
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Lessons are based on real-life situations and can be completed in just 10 minutes a day, so you can squeeze them in anytime, anywhere | Photo provided by Babbel
Ever wonder what your favorite players do in their downtime? Well, New York Mets players Edwin Diaz and Jeff McNeil have been learning new languages. Thanks to Babbel, the No. 1 language learning app, they’ve made a lot of progress in 3 weeks.
Babbel’s 10-minute, interactive lessons include videos, games, podcasts + more and are designed to help users start speaking quickly. Sign up for Babbel and get an exclusive deal for Babbel’s Fall Classic sale (60% off a subscription). Ⓟ
Weather
- 76º | Scattered thunderstorms | 50% chance of rain 🌩️
Number
- $1,200,000. The amount Lexington Medical Center awarded to organizations around the Midlands that enhance the health + well-being of citizens. Recipients on the list include local organizations that bridge healthcare gaps, and you can see the full list here. 💰 (WIS)
Open
- McIntosh Cottage Antiques is hosting a grand opening today from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at its new location at 720 Beltline Blvd. — next door to Whole Foods. Guests will find curated French + English antique items.
Arts
- Five Points is getting a new, abstract mural on the alleyway between Bang Back Pinball Lounge and Gibsons. The muralist, Erbriyon Barrett, will conduct workshops + lectures for UofSC’s School of Visual Art and Design. Take a sneak peek at the mural in progress. 🎨 (Midlands Biz)
Community
- Rhythm on the River returns today at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater after being canceled last year due to COVID-19. The free event will have live music, food + drinks available for purchase, and pets are welcomed. The Friday concerts will continue throughout the month from 6-9 p.m. 🎶 (Cola Daily)
Development
- While Five Points is getting a makeover, it also has a possible apartment development joining the neighborhood and is under negotiations. See what’s in the works thanks to grants provided through the Columbia Economic Development Department. Stay tuned for a guide to all the updates coming later this month. (WLTX)
Traffic
- Lexington County Sheriff deputies will have extra patrols on 10 local roads this week. Deputies will be checking for seatbelts, speeding, intoxicated drivers, and enforcing the new “move over” law. 🚨 (The State)
Coming Soon
- PlantHouse is coming in December + will be located at 4305 Fort Jackson Blvd. — right beside Midwood Smokehouse. The plant store and terrarium will offer workshops, and plans to host a weekend-long event once opening dates are announced. 🌿 (Cola Daily)
Pets
- Pawmetto Lifeline is hosting the “Big Dog Bonanza” adoption event to help homeless dogs find their furever home. Through Saturday, dogs 35+ pounds and 6 months old can be adopted for $75. All adoption fees include an exam, neuter or spay surgery, deworming, microchip with free registration, and vaccinations. 🐶 (WIS)
Try This
- Thanks to corporate sponsor Bank of America, Columbia Museum of Art is able to offer free admission to college students during the run of its new exhibition, 30 Americans, which will open tomorrow and run through Jan. 17, 2022.
Sports
- Former Gamecocks are doing well in the NFL. Deebo Samuel is leading the NFL in receiving yards, is in the top 5 for yards per reception, and top 10 in receiving touchdowns. Ryan Succop is ranked No. 9 in total points in the league. See what Tom Brady had to say about Ryan. 🏈 (Cola Daily)
Health
- Flu season is around the corner, and MUSC Health is encouraging kids and adults to get their annual flu shot. Learn more about the benefits of the flu vaccine + schedule your appointment. Ⓟ
Home
- Which home improvements add the most value? Calculate which home improvement, renovation, and remodeling projects can have the biggest increase on your home value with Opendoor’s Home Improvement Value Calculator. 🏡 Ⓟ
Cause
- Tax season is coming up, and the Cooperative Ministry is looking for volunteers to help low-income members of our community file their taxes. No experience is necessary — Cooperative Ministry provide training + IRS certification for every volunteer. 🗒️. Ⓟ
The West Columbia River District has a new look. The goal of the new branding is to help promote local, small businesses in the community. Take a look at its new microsite, and how you can get involved.
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October is Fire Prevention and Safety Month. Many house fires can be prevented, so here are some tips the Cayce Public Safety Department wanted to remind Soda Citizens of so everyone can stay safe.
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