They don’t call us Famously Hot Cola for nothin' — and as temperatures continue to rise, we have vacations on the brain. If you’re in need of some vitamin D + suntan lotion soakin’, we’re listing five beach destinations along the SC coast within 3 hours of the Capital City. (Note: Use this navigational tool to find other SC beaches + how to access them.)
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The view from an oceanfront condo at Cherry Grove Beach | Photo by COLAtoday team |
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📍Cherry Grove Beach in North Myrtle Beach, 3500 North Ocean Blvd., North Myrtle Bch. | ~3-hour drive Access type: Public beach access
Cherry Grove is one of the four beaches that make up North Myrtle Beach. If you get too burnt on the first day, go to the Cherry Grove Pier or whack a few golf balls. DYK — Myrtle Beach has more ranked golf courses than any other destination in the US?
📍Edisto Beach State Park, 8377 State Cabin Rd., Edisto Island | ~2.5-hour drive
Access type: Public access + beach park access
If you want a classic condo beach vacation in Edisto, find public beach accesses here. If you’re looking for a different kind of vacay, camp oceanside at Edisto Beach State Park. Check out all of the outdoor amenities including biking + walking trails.
📍Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy., Hunting Island | ~3-hour drive Access type: Beach park access Hunting Island is the most visited state park in SC. Once in the park, visitors have access to 5,000 acres in the Lowcountry, 5 miles of beach, 100 campsites, 24-hour fishing off of the pier, and tons of outdoor activities. |
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Sunset at the end of a day trip to Isle of Palms Beach | Photo by COLAtoday team |
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📍Isle of Palms Beach, Isle of Palms, SC | ~2-hour drive Access type: Public beach access
Out of all the SC beaches, we believe this to be the most day-trip friendly. Pro tip — the earlier you get there, the better if you want free parking on the street. If IOP is too crowded, visit Folly Beach — a ~2-hour + 15 min drive from Cola. 📍Kiawah Island, 8 Beachwalker Dr., Kiawah Island | ~2.5-hour drive Acces type: Beach park access
Kiawah Island is one of the more private beaches in SC. You’ll need to go through Beachwalker County Park to have access to the beach, which is the only public beach access on the island. |
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Where's your favorite SC beach destination? 🌴 |
We would love to hear your opinion on the tropic — we mean topic. |
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Today -
The Babe or Bust Run: Secret Show | Fri., May 13 | 7 p.m. | femme x COLUMBIA | Free | Come join this celebration of women in music, art + fashion.
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Kokedama Workshop | Fri., May 13 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Columbia, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $25 | The crew will share the history of kokedamas and instruct guests on how to create their own.
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Tom Waits For No One | Fri., May 13 | 6:30 p.m. | Indah Coffee | Free | Local musicians Brodie Porterfield, Kelley Porterfield, Steve Nuzum, Sean Thomson + Daniel Machado will cover songs by Tom Waits at this free tribute show.
Saturday - Barking Lot Pawty | Sat., May 14 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Modern Companion, 508 B Lexington Ave. | Free | This event will feature dog-friendly vendors, photo opportunities, giveaway baskets + more.
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"Yogi's With Strings Attached" | Sat., May 14 | 7 a.m.-1 p.m. | Meadowlake Park, 600 Beckman Rd. | $45 | Presented by the Palmetto Children’s Shelter, this wellness event is open to yoga lovers of all abilities.
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Cook-Off for the Paws | Sat., May 14 | 6 p.m. | femme x COLUMBIA | $15 | Attend this barbecue cook-off where proceeds support Final Victory Animal Rescue.
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Hazywood Festival | Sat., May 14 | All day | Hazelwood Brewing, 711 East Main St. | Free | This all-day festival will have brewing collabs, guest taps, live music + a food truck.
Sunday - Dried Floral Bar | Sun., May 15 | 4:30-6 p.m. | PlantHouse Cola, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $45 | The PlantHouse crew will walk you through how to create a gorgeous floral arrangement featuring your choice of dried flowers. 🪴
- Paint Your Pet | Sun., May 15 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Studio Cellar | $47 | Paint your furry friend on a pre-drawn canvas while you enjoy beer, wine, mimosas + other beverages.
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Drink Pink Rosé Festival | Sun., May 15 | 12-4 p.m. | Hampton Preston Mansion and Gardens, 1615 Blanding St. | $75+ | The Southeast's largest Rosé Festival is in its seventh year, ft. 100+ Rosé wines, paella by chef Kristian Niemi of Bourbon and Black Rooster, live music, and local vendors. 🍷*
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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. |
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OLIPOP’s Best Sellers pack includes Strawberry Vanilla, Classic Root Beer + other fan-favorites. | Photo provided by OLIPOP | |
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Answer: Yes — meet OLIPOP. OLIPOP is on a mission to craft healthier beverages that taste like traditional sodas and are actually good for you (they’re even Gwyneth Paltrow approved). The secret? Using plant fiber, prebiotics + botanicals to create a fizzy, flavorful beverage that actively supports your digestive health.
And if you’re trying to cut back on sugar, OLIPOP helps with that, too. Each can contains just 2-5 grams of sugar. Bonus: Use code 6AM20 for 20% off sitewide, plus free shipping.*
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Weather - 78º | Scattered Thunderstorms | 50% chance of rain
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It’s not a phase. A total lunar eclipse will be visible along the East Coast this weekend. Midlands residents can turn their eyes to the sky on Sun., May 15 around 10:30 p.m. to watch the moon shift into a reddish-orange color before the eclipse takes place. 🌕 (WLTX)
Number -
$70 million. The cost of the newly completed conversion of GE Appliances' plant in Camden. The
old refrigerator line has been replaced with new equipment to manufacture water heaters. The pandemic caused delays in the project, but it’s
currently running at full capacity. (The Post and Courier)
Tech -
Experience Columbia launched a new website highlighting its contributions to local tourism in the city. The new site features organizations in the area that have all contributed to bringing in 14.8 million visitors to Richland County annually. ⌨️
Sports -
Gamecock Football announced the team will now play against Jacksonville State on Nov. 4 rather than Liberty University. Jacksonville needed another non-conference game as part of their transition into Conference USA. The date remains the same + the kickoff time is to be determined. 🏈 (The State)
Plan Ahead -
701 Whaley invites you to celebrate The Pool — aka its newest expansion. Originally built in 1918, it has been given new life as it features a glass floor, high windows, and skylights. An open house with food, drinks, and entertainment will take place on Thurs., May 19 from 6-9 p.m. 🥂
Theater -
Columbia Children’s Theatre presents ‘School of Rock: The Musical’ this spring season. The production will be held at Columbia College’s Cottingham Theater (1301 Columbia College Dr.) on Sat., May 21 with a matinee at 2 p.m. + an evening show at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $15. 🎭
Arts -
Richland Library is now accepting applications for the next artist-in-residence for Fall 2022. The artist's role is to help the library improve the livelihood of the creative community + have a direct connection to the local arts community. The application deadline is Fri., June 10. 🎨
Kids -
The City of Columbia is developing a Youth Services Guide + is looking to gather information regarding youth services this summer. The guide will be available for citizens who are looking to volunteer, donate, or provide resources for these local services. Once completed, it will be available on the city’s website.
Health -
“Cutting edge + game-changing.” That’s how a new, minimally invasive heart failure procedure being performed at MUSC Health is described. Inspirational bonus: The two doctors leading the trial are female in an otherwise heavily male-dominated field.*
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Editor's pick: Pro tip — there's a little Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop right off the beach at Isle of Palms (1109 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms). After a hot day on the beach, it's my favorite go-to spot before heading home. 🍦
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