Happy weekend, Columbia! In today’s happening-today edition: Retail growth downtown, Juneteenth Freedom Fest, and shrimp and grits fest + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Columbia protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Retail growth downtown: Harbor Freight opened a new store in downtown Lexington, replacing a closed Badcock furniture store, adding to the company’s 39 South Carolina locations and more than 1,600 nationwide -- explore the new store.
Grow a cooler future: A free Plant a Tree workshop will be held June 27 at the Eau Claire Print Building, offering advice and 2026–2027 planting info to help Columbia neighborhoods beat the heat -- get the full details.
Major preservation effort advances: South Carolina’s Conservation Bank and Richland County approved over $13 million to buy 736 acres southeast of Columbia, expanding Wateree River Heritage Preserve, with state ownership expected in 2027 -- see the land deal.
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The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted its strongest run in decades...And the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, GoldCo has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Staycation on wheels: Need a quick close-to-home reset with room for the long hauler? Big Rig Friendly RV Resort makes it easy to roll in, exhale, and finally use that camp chair you impulse-bought. It’s a relaxed base for this week’s mini-escape or a low-drama work-from-your-RV plan.
Local oyster happiness: When the craving hits, Oyster Bar Columbia keeps it simple in the best way... icy raw or perfectly steamed oysters, steamed shrimp, scallops, and that warm cocktail sauce. Slide in solo or with the crew, grab a cold beer, and let the shuckers handle the rest.
Escape the heat: Pro Swing brings GolfZon TwoVision simulators to Forest Acres and Chapin, so you can play world-class courses, join leagues, or book lessons with PGA and Leadbetter-certified coaches. It’s climate-controlled, group-friendly, and perfect for dialing in your swing before your next real-tee meltdown.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🐝 Pollinator Party @ Seven Oaks Plant & Gift Shop | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Bee season calls for a Pollinator Party at Seven Oaks, where plants are on sale and kids get a scavenger hunt and a potting station to keep hands busy. Stock up on the must-have bloomers, attract butterflies, bees, and compliments, earn neighborhood cred.
✊ 10th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Fest @ Finlay Park | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Grab the family and head to Columbia's 10th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Fest, a day of music, food, local vendors, and community pride. Think block party meets history you actually want to hear, with live performances, kids’ activities, and neighbors you have known for years.
🌸 Flower Pressing 101: Foundations @ Partager Gallery, Gifts and Home | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – This beginner-friendly flower pressing class at Partager Gallery and Gifts gives your bouquet a longer life, and your walls something to brag about. You get Vanessa Bialobreski’s hands-on guidance, materials included, and you leave with frame-worthy blooms your future self will insist are family treasures.
🍷 Secret Garden IV Wine And Music Festival @ SC State Fairgrounds | Saturday (6/20) at 5:00 PM – Finally, a reason to hit the State Fairgrounds without a funnel cake. Secret Garden IV serves wine and smooth R&B, with Raheem DeVaughn live, plus VIP tents, reserved seating, and that lawn chair or blanket you swear is comfy, rain or shine.
🦐 Columbia's 11th Shrimp & Grits Fest @ Seawell's Catering | Saturday (6/20) at 6:00 PM – Columbia’s shrimp and grits showdown returns for its 11th go-round, with local restaurants battling for bragging rights while you do the tasting. Tickets mean unlimited samples, door prizes, and live music from Prettier Than Matt, plus the thrill of voting People’s Choice without the clipboard.
🏛 Free Sundays at the Museum of the Reconstruction Era @ Woodrow Wilson Family Home | Sunday (6/21) at 1:00 PM – Third Sunday means Richland and Lexington folks get into Historic Columbia’s Museum of the Reconstruction Era, on Richland County’s dime. The nation’s only Reconstruction museum, in SC’s lone presidential site. Wander at your pace, ask the guides, and leave ready to out-fact your uncle.
🧘 Golden Hour Yoga @ Rosewood Community Orchard | Sunday (6/21) at 6:00 PM – Celebrating the solstice and International Yoga Day with an all-levels vinyasa at Rosewood Community Orchard, golden hour glow included. One-hour flow, five bucks, then an optional picnic, so BYO mat, snacks, and hydration. Because stretching in the orchard beats stretching the truth at happy hour. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Columbia report Weather forecastToday — High: 88°F — Low: 68°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. North wind around 3 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Northwest wind around 2 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 92°F — Low: 73°F — Precip: 6%
Sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind 0 to 6 mph. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildBuilt in 2007, this Historic Shandon gem blends classic neighborhood charm with modern comfort. The main-level primary suite shines with hardwoods, a jetted tub, glass shower, and custom walk-in closet, while the living room adds a fireplace and built-ins. Upstairs offers two spacious bedrooms, a flex lounge, and a low-maintenance patio-ready backyard.
Take a peek inside → |
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