It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Saluda Factory gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in West Columbia, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Nate and his team have helped multiple family members and the service and support was”
“I engaged Nate as a consultant to search for the right Assisted Living Facility for”
“Very professional and friendly office staff. They are also easy to communicate with. I recommend”
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work here at Always Best Care over”
“This is a great company and I would recommended to everyone. I have been with”
“I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident Always Best Care of the Midlands”
“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care”
“Nice people to work with”
“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best”
“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking”
“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take”
“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense”
“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your”
“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs”
“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the”
“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a”
“Nate and his team have helped multiple family members and the service and support was a great peace of mind. Care of those in need can be a heavy load on the family, and Always Best Care made everything run better in the household. Their care extended past those in need and helped the other family members provide better care. The experience was a breath of fresh air.”
“I engaged Nate as a consultant to search for the right Assisted Living Facility for my mom. This service is no cost to the family. He spent quite some time getting my mom's preferences clarified and then searching for matching AL facilities. All of this was done in less than two days. He and I talked through the options and I relayed the two I felt were best to mom. Nate personally picked mom up from rehab and took her on those tours, which was a godsend because I live in another state. During both tours, he texted me "play by plays" as to how it was going. He helped me and mom choose the right place for her budget and needs - and was very patient with us as my mom took longer than expected to make the final decision. She was talking about needing a new TV and Nate provided her/us with a link to some that were on sale that met her needs. Once the decision was made, Nate accompanied the AL staff member to mom's rehab and sat through the entire long paperwork process to ensure mom understood what she was signing. Again, he kept me in the loop by texting me regularly about how things were going during the meeting. He checked in a couple of times after that and prior to mom's move asking how our prep was going and if we needed anything. On one call, I did ask for a referral to a specific service we needed. He didn't have an established one, so he researched it and got one for me promptly. During and shortly after moving day, Nate checked in again to see how mom was settling in. I've been amazed at the personalized engagement that we received from Nate. Anytime he said he would do something, he did it and he did it promptly. If anything was delayed, he updated me immediately. This is in stark contrast to Tara at Senior Care Authority that provides this service as well. She promised me things during our initial call and didn't follow through on most of them. During our text exchanges, she never answered my specific question - always danced around it. Within a handful of days, I said "nope!", researched more, and came across Nate and this service. Ahhhh, what a breath of fresh air to receive what you asked for. I have no doubt it saved me countless hours glued to my computer, trying to compare facilities. I highly recommend Nate and his consulting service - it was an excellent experience and he was a lifesaver!”
“Very professional and friendly office staff. They are also easy to communicate with. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services for any senior in need. Also, if you ever need a job, please go and apply. They are always hiring weekly and offer competitive rates.”
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work here at Always Best Care over the past six months. Melisa and Nate have been wonderful and thanks for molding me into becoming a great leader. Professionalism is the key to success ????✨⭐️ I am looking forward to many years to come.”
“This is a great company and I would recommended to everyone. I have been with them for 3years Their caregivers are insightful and have so much compassion especially Mariah and Sabrina they are some of there champs they both have great personality and are very Professional. The owners are great and they run a great company.thank you for all that you guys do ????”
“I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident Always Best Care of the Midlands Team ensured that I was well informed, and my loved one received the best care possible. The compassionate care was delivered not only by the care professionals, but by the support team. The owners even checked in with us to offer support and guidance. They exceeded our expectations!”
“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care for! Nate and Melisa offer regular training for caregivers so they they can provide the best care possible!”
“Nice people to work with”
“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best choice for your family’s needs. The Team at Always Best is thoughtful and supportive they go out of their way to make you feel heard and understood. They customize the care plan, care team and schedule. I recommend them to anyone considering aging in place.”
“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service is a savior for me personally. It relieves me from having to miss a lot of work time to travel to my mothers appt, now I can meet her at the appt. and save this time. The care and service she is getting is TOP NOTCH! From how easy it is for my mother to schedule and the follow through is right on the money. From a person getting the services: Melissa is the best, she calls me weekly to remind me of my appointments coming up. I am very pleased with the services and absolutely pleased with the services provided. I know that this alone helps ease the mind of my daughter. Thank you to the team at Always Best Care!”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking for care for a loved one, I highly recommend them. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. I work in the senior industry and recommend Always Best Care to my clients that need extra support in their home or while family is away. Always Best Care will respond immediately and truly show compassion to others.”
“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take the time to ensure your care needs are met. Highly recommend giving them a call if you have senior care or senior living questions or concerns.”
“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense of the questions we had when it came to the short and long term care of our loved one. When you have an elderly parent or a loved one with disabilities there are so many questions and so many emotions. It can be so confusing and it was hard for us to find one person or one company that has the knowledge and grasp of this industry that Nate has. We cannot thank him enough for guiding us through this process and his amazing bedside manner!”
“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your families a Merry, Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year! My brother, my dad, and I really appreciate everything you did for us this year. You're amazing! All the best for the Christmas season and 2023,”
“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs assistance daily, and I work full time. I like their team approach.”
“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The owners, Nate and Melisa, genuinely care about clients AND staff. They go above and beyond to support, encourage, and help everyone they work with. Their doors are always open, they’re generous with their time, and they truly want their staff to succeed. Donna in the billing department is fabulous, always available to answer questions or help in any way; Katrina in scheduling puts in so much time and effort to accommodate everyone’s needs and it’s amazing how well she handles everything; Angel works diligently on recruiting and training, making sure there’s plenty of staff to provide quality care; and Jackie is an incredible CHAMP, making sure clients are properly reassessed and care givers have the right tools and knowledge to do their job. ABC is a fantastic, compassionate, caring team I’m proud to be a part of, and I’m proud to serve our clients, too.”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the job. The people they hire can improve.”
“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job if it wasn't for them and they go grocery shopping. They can have more guidance for the client and what to do for the client.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly and courteous. I like that I do not have to worry about them; they are honest.”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a lot easier for me to find out about the caregiver coming out and having someone on backup. The agency could provide better scheduling and the caregivers would not come in on time.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Terra or visit Robert Mills House and Gardens, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in West Columbia, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in West Columbia, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in West Columbia, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
When it comes to longtime local restaurants, there is a space where food, service and nostalgia can meet in a single vortex to create a generational favorite.In the Midlands, that’s the space where Rush’s lives.Residents who have spent any time whatsoever in the area are undoubtably familiar with Rush’s, the small chain that for decades has been a gathering spot for workday lunch hours, nighttime ice cream runs and weekend stops after University of South Carolina ballgames.Rush’s is well-known for...
When it comes to longtime local restaurants, there is a space where food, service and nostalgia can meet in a single vortex to create a generational favorite.
In the Midlands, that’s the space where Rush’s lives.
Residents who have spent any time whatsoever in the area are undoubtably familiar with Rush’s, the small chain that for decades has been a gathering spot for workday lunch hours, nighttime ice cream runs and weekend stops after University of South Carolina ballgames.
Rush’s is well-known for, among other things, its cheeseburgers, barbecue sandwiches, chicken baskets, apple turnovers, milkshakes and more. The chain, which has typically displayed seemingly unyielding consistency in its offerings, made waves in January when it changed its style of french fries from straight-cut to crinkle cut. The move was, for the most part, roundly criticized by longtime Rush’s customers, so the company changed course in July, delighting fans by bringing back the original straight-cut fries.
Now The State wants to test your knowledge of the long-running Rush’s chain. Below you’ll find a quiz with several multiple choice questions about the restaurant. To sweeten the pot, those who fill out the quiz will have a chance to win a $50 gift card to Rush’s.
Simply fill out the quiz below, and provide your email address. By entering your email address, you will be subscribed to The State, This Week: Food Edition, which is the paper’s free weekly email newsletter with information and news about restaurants in the Midlands and across South Carolina.
The quiz will run until 11:59 p.m., Aug. 20. One winner will be chosen to receive the $50 gift card.
So, test your knowledge of Rush’s, and don’t forget some extra ketchup for your fries.
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 9 LSU Men’s Golf team closed one round of play with an 11-under 273 performance, sitting them in second on Sunday at the Bryan Bros Collegiate. The tournament is held at the par-71, 6,898-yard Solina Golf Club.Junior Jay Mendell had a wonderful day on the green courses of Solina, going five under (66) to open up the weekend and tallying seven birdies in the first round to lead the field. The leading Tiger sits T1 with 36 holes left to play on Monday and will be hunting for the...
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 9 LSU Men’s Golf team closed one round of play with an 11-under 273 performance, sitting them in second on Sunday at the Bryan Bros Collegiate. The tournament is held at the par-71, 6,898-yard Solina Golf Club.
Junior Jay Mendell had a wonderful day on the green courses of Solina, going five under (66) to open up the weekend and tallying seven birdies in the first round to lead the field. The leading Tiger sits T1 with 36 holes left to play on Monday and will be hunting for the third win in his collegiate career.
Another Tiger to crack the top 10 on Sunday was senior Matty Dodd-Berry. Sitting at T7 through 18 holes, Dodd-Berry went three-under (68) and tallied an eagle. The Wirral, England, native leads the field on par-three holes with a 2.60 average.
Two Tigers went two under (69) and sit at the T12 spot in sophomore Arni Sveinsson and Freshman Hudson Lawson, the latter playing as an individual. Sveinsson was fresh off of a second-place finish at the Stephens Cup and will be searching for his third top-10 finish of the season tomorrow.
Rounding out the lineup was junior Noah McWilliams at T23 with a one-under day (70) and freshman Dan Hayes at T31 going even.
THE TIGERS T1. Jay Mendell, -5 (66) T7. Matty Dodd-Berry, -3 (68) T12. Arni Sveinsson, -2 (69) T12. Ind. Hudson Lawson, -2 (69) T23. Noah McWilliams, -1 (70) T31. Dan Hayes, E (71)
TEAM LEADERBOARD 1. Charlotte, -13 (271) 2. LSU, -11 (273) 3. Clemson, -6 (278) 4. Charleston, -4 (280) T5. Duke, -3 (281) T5. South Carolina, -3 (281) T7. North Florida, -1 (283) T7. Yale, -1 (283) 9. Augusta, +2 (286) 10. Liberty, +3 (287) 11. Little Rock, +4 (288) 12. NC State, +7 (291) 13. Mercer, +8 (292) 14. UAB, +9 (293) 15. Winthrop, +10 (294)
Follow UsStay up to date with all things LSU men’s golf by following us on , , and .
BATON ROUGE, La. – The No. 9 ranked LSU men’s golf team is set to play their third tournament of the fall season in West Columbia, S.C., this weekend at the Bryan Bros Collegiate, hosted by South Carolina.The event is set to be played at the par-71, 6,898-yard Solina Golf Club. The course, designed in 1992 by Lynn Young, has Bermuda grass tees, fairways, and greens. Recent work on the course was done by Wesley Bryan & George Bryan in 2024.Originally, the tournament was set to start on Monday, bu...
BATON ROUGE, La. – The No. 9 ranked LSU men’s golf team is set to play their third tournament of the fall season in West Columbia, S.C., this weekend at the Bryan Bros Collegiate, hosted by South Carolina.
The event is set to be played at the par-71, 6,898-yard Solina Golf Club. The course, designed in 1992 by Lynn Young, has Bermuda grass tees, fairways, and greens. Recent work on the course was done by Wesley Bryan & George Bryan in 2024.
Originally, the tournament was set to start on Monday, but due to predicted weather the first tee times of the week were moved up to Sunday morning.
The Tigers enter this week as the only ranked team at the tournament with their No. 9 rank. Duke and South Carolina are both receiving votes in the coaches’ poll.
The men’s team is fresh off of a 4-1 match play win at the prestigious Jackson T. Stephens Cup this week. LSU also finished first in stroke play during the tournament with three Tigers in the top 10. Sophomore Árni Sveinsson finished second (-5, 72-64-69), junior Noah McWilliams finished T3 (-4, 64-67-75) and senior Matty Dodd-Berry took T7 (-3, 71-69-67). Their performance in Illinois earned Sveinsson and freshman Dan Hayes SEC weekly honors.
THE LSU LINEUP
Árni Sveinsson | Sophomore | Garðabær, Iceland This season: 68.83 stroke avg. in 6 rounds | Career: 70.05 stroke avg. in 42 rounds Sveinsson is fresh off of a second-place finish at the Stephens Cup, earning himself SEC Golfer of the Week honors. He has two top-10 finishes through two tournaments this season and is currently ranked the No. 10 amateur golfer in the world. He entered this season with a lot of deserved preseason hype. Entering the first tournament he was named a Haskins watch list member and a preseason First Team All-American by two media sites. He finished 2024-25 second on the team in stroke average at 70.25 for 36 rounds, making him third best in school history behind Sam Burns (2016-17) and Algot Kleen (2024-25).
Noah McWilliams | Junior | Benton, La. This season: 68.83 stroke avg. in 6 rounds | Career: 72.76 stroke avg. in 42 rounds McWilliams finished T3 in his last tournament as he got off to a burning-hot start and cooled off in the final round of stroke play at the Stephens Cup. He averaged 72.48 for 21 rounds with nine rounds of par or under this past season. The junior scored his first-collegiate win in the Bayou City Collegiate at 12-under par 204, against a field of 81 (67-66-71).
Matty Dodd-Berry | Senior | Wirral, England This season: 69.33 stroke avg. in 6 rounds | Career: 71.37 stroke avg. in 30 rounds Matty improved on a T15 finish at the Knoxville Collegiate Classic, going three-under in stroke play to finish T7 at the Stephens Cup last week. He appeared in 24 rounds this past season, averaging 71.88 with nine rounds of par or under. He finished 13th at the SEC Championships at 5-under 205 (67-67-71).
Dan Hayes | Freshman | Manchester, England This season: 70.33 stroke avg. in 6 rounds | Career: 70.33 stroke avg. in 6 rounds Hayes has had two top-25 finishes through two tournaments played, and closed out the Stephens Cup with a 4&3 win in match play. He signed with LSU as the number one junior in Europe. The freshman has an impressive resumé and will look to make an immediate impact in the program. Hayes is currently ranked the No. 3 U21 golfer in Europe with an average of 71.08, and also No. 10 overall in Europe according to European Golf Rankings’ website. Golf Channel tabbed him a preseason All-Freshmen this past week.
Jay Mendell | Junior | Lafayette, La. This season: 71.67 stroke avg. in 3 rounds | Career: 71.74 stroke avg. in 78 rounds Mendell opened the season going five-over 215 to finish T39 at the Visit Knoxville Collegiate. He was named All-Southeast Region by the Golf Coaches Association of America after a year in which her stroke average dropped from 72.36 in 2024 to 71.08 in 2025. In 36 rounds this past season, he averaged 71.08 strokes per round with 24 rounds under par. Recorded two top-five finishes last year and is currently ranked at No. 75 as an American amateur.
THE LSU INDIVIDUALS
Hudson Lawson | Freshman | Haleyville, Ala. This season: 71.00 stroke avg. in 3 rounds | Career: 71.00 stroke avg. in 3 rounds Lawson opened his collegiate career going T32 at the Visit Knoxville Collegiate with a three-over 213 performance. He was the 32nd ranked prospect in his class, and has had a decorated junior career. Lawson was a first team all-state selection all four years of his high school career, and was a National Golf High School All-American as a senior. Lawson also earned the North Alabama Player of the Year award in three consecutive seasons from 2022-2024. The Alabama native was also the champion of the 2024 AJGA – Visit Tuscaloosa Junior Championship shooting scores 67-66-69.
PARTICIPATING TEAMS [National ranking] Ranked: LSU [#9]
Unranked: Duke [RV], South Carolina [RV], Charlotte, Yale, Mercer, UAB, Little Rock, Augusta, Liberty, Charleston, North Florida, Winthrop, NC State
Follow UsStay up to date with all things LSU men’s golf by following us on , , and .
Round of a-paws, please. From VIP (very important pup) menus at Publico to spoiling your pup with boutique staycations at Graduate Hotel, many local businesses not only welcome, but encourage you to bring along your furry friends.Whether you’re in need of a drinking paw-tner at a local brewery, hitting the night market, or just dining out, well bone appétit. Get ready to dig into this guide for dog-friendly businesses around the 803.Pro tip: You can use BringFido to find more dog-frie...
Round of a-paws, please. From VIP (very important pup) menus at Publico to spoiling your pup with boutique staycations at Graduate Hotel, many local businesses not only welcome, but encourage you to bring along your furry friends.
Whether you’re in need of a drinking paw-tner at a local brewery, hitting the night market, or just dining out, well bone appétit. Get ready to dig into this guide for dog-friendly businesses around the 803.
Pro tip: You can use BringFido to find more dog-friendly restaurants, pet-friendly hotels, and events, too.
Columbia Craft Brewing, 520 Greene St. | While you’re there, we recommend trying its newest smoothie sour ale (think — a think strawberry and rhubarb drink).
Craft and Draft, 2706 Devine St. and 7583 St. Andrews Rd., Irmo | Dogs are welcome inside too at the Devine Street location, so don’t leave Fido at home in the summer.
Hunter Gatherer Brewery and Taproom, 1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd. | For those with high-energy pups, Hunter Gatherer has lots of space for them to explore (oh, and it’s right next to Owens Field park).
Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center St., West Columbia | Dogs are allowed in the Biergarten, but not on the rooftop or in the taproom.
Steel Hands Brewing, Cayce + Vista | Steel Hands Brewing is making a paws-itive impact through its Steel Paws initiative — it releases a Steel Paws Wheat Ale to benefit canine programs.
Weco Bottle and Biergarten, 626 Meeting St., West Columbia | Though not fully considered a brewery, this bottle and Biergarten is a popular watering hole for locals and pups to sip brews.
Cafe Strudel, 300 State St., West Columbia | Bring your doggo and eat French toast too when you sit on the patio in the back.
Cantina 76, 301 Main St. | Water bowls, pets, and sometimes even a little nibble are offered at Cantina’s Main Street location.
Curiosity Coffee Bar, 2327 Main St. | Curiosity encourages you to bring along your furry friends and may feature them on their Instagram with #CuriousDogs.
Dano’s Pizza, 3008 Rosewood Dr. | Enjoy a slice of New York while you and your pup get some fresh air on the patio.
Drip Coffee, 729 Saluda Ave. | Pets are allowed inside, too.
Gervais & Vine, 620 Gervais St. | “Gervais and Vine has a dog-friendly porch! Roberta, the owner, loves pups!” — Ally C.
The Gourmet Shop, 724 Saluda Ave. | Outdoor seating is first-come, first-served.
The Grand on Main, 1621 Main St. | After Soda City, park your pup at The Grand on Main for some outdoor brunch.
Grill Marks, 711 Gervais St. | Order a bag of “Grill Barks” or a treat served on a frisbee.
Hampton Street Vineyard, 1201 Hampton St. | Hampton Street Vineyard reflects elements of Columbia’s historic Sylvan Building and offers a French-inflected cuisine.
Henry’s Restaurant and Bar, 2865 Devine St. | While your dog is chilling on the patio, you can’t go wrong with trying the Carolina Cheesesteak — pimento cheese is always a good idea.
Home Team BBQ, 700 Harden St. | The patio is covered so that you can enjoy Southern staples rain or shine.
J’s Corner, 1015 Rosewood Dr. | “J’s Corner has dog bowls and an outside sink to fill them up.” — @allio84.
Jake’s on Devine, 2112 Devine St. | “We are always dog friendly on our back deck until 10 pm! Tuesdays + Thursdays are #YappyHour with drink specials and extra measures in place for our furiends! ” — @jakesondevine
Market on Main, 1320 Main St. #150 | “Bring them furbabies to Market! We host many adoption events on Friday afternoons as well!!!” — @marketonmaincolasc
Midwood Smokehouse, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | Bring your whole dog and grub for some entire hog outdoors.
Pawleys Front Porch, 827 Harden St. | Both you and your pup can stay hydrated with water bowls and local brews.
Publick House, 2307 Devine St. | Relax with your furry friends at an outdoor seating while you sip on brews.
Publico | Your pup can order from the puppy menu filled with lean proteins and fresh produce.
smallSUGAR, 709 Gervais St. | Get your sweet fix in while your pup catches some rays on the patio.
Sweet Cream Co., 1627 Main St. | Your dog is in for a treat — Sweet Cream Co. makes frozen dog treats with yogurt, honey, and peanut butter, and even matches each dollar of proceeds to support local animal rescues.
Tombo Grille, 4517 Forest Dr. | Have a delicious dinner outside with your dog by your side.
Thirsty Fellow, 621 Gadsden St. | Enjoy a slice and a cold one on the outdoor patio.
Za’s on Devine, 2930 Devine St. | Sit on the outdoor patio and order from the full-service, locally-owned neighborhood restaurant
Aloft Columbia Downtown, 823 Lady St. | If your pooch is 40 lbs or less, they can stay the night for a nonrefundable $50.
Graduate by Hilton | 1619 Pendleton St. | Add a pet to your booking for any room for an additional $75 per night.
Hampton Inn Columbia, 101 Woodcross Dr. | Bring two pets up to 75 lbs for an additional $75.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbia Southeast Ft. Jackson, 7340 Garners Ferry Rd. | Bring two pets up to 75 lbs for an additional $75.
Bottles Beverage Superstore, 4410 Fort Jackson Blvd. | “Bottles Beverage Superstore is cool with dogs chaperoning their humans. Still can’t buy anything unless they’re 21. ????” -Bottles Beverage
Soda City, Main Street District | More like Dog City, check out what Soda City is like from a dog’s POV.
South Carolina State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Hwy, West Columbia | Dogs are always welcome at the local farmers market, full of rotating, local produce.
Meeting Street Artisan Market, 425 Meeting St, West Columbia | Stroll this seasonal market on Thursdays from 4-8 p.m., June, July, and August + the first three Saturdays of December.
Doggie Park, 127 Humane Ln. | This park is $36/year, and you contact Tina Heckman at 803-783-8193 for more membership information.
Doko Meadows Park, 171 Langford Rd, Blythewood | Both you and your dog will enjoy visiting this open-air market and local events, especially with six miles of walking trails.
Emily Douglass Dog Park, 2500 Wheat St. | Free | We hear you may need to be prepared to bathe your pup after visiting this dog park.
Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St. | Design plans to revitalize Finlay Park in downtown Columbia include an improved event stage, playground, climbing wall, splash pad, and pathways to enhance a pedestrian-friendly environment set to open this fall.
Gibson Pond Park, 241 Gibson Rd., Lexington | Take your dog on a short, 1/2-mile walking trail before resting under the large, covered picnic shelter.
Irmo Community Park, 7507 Eastview Dr. | Bring the whole family to enjoy an amphitheater, two picnic shelters with BBQ grills, walking trails, playgrounds, and more.
Lexington Paw Park, 989 Hendrix St., Lexington | Lexington offers this dog park for pups who are older than four months, are up-to-date on all shots, and are spayed/neutered.
NoMa Bark Park, 1250 Parkside Dr. | To enter, all pups must be registered, spayed/neutered, and up-to-date on all vaccines.
Page Ellington Dog Park, BullStreet District | The 1.75-acre dog park is open to dogs of all shapes and sizes and is fenced in.
Saluda Shoals Barking Lot Dog Park, 5605 Bush River Rd. | This two-acre park features three small bone-shaped pools for dogs to cool off, an interactive fire hydrant sprayer, an exciting agility course, and a gazebo for owners to relax in.
Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Rd. | Owners must provide vaccination records, proof of spay/neuter, and a permit is required for each dog.
Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Road, Hopkins | Take your pooch for a walk along 10 trails, choosing from easy, medium, or moderate difficulty levels.
Peak to Prosperity Passage (Palmetto Trail), Newberry | This 10.2-mile-long trail begins (or ends) at Alston Road and just east of SC-773 and Cy Schumpert Road in Prosperity.
Riverfront Park, 312 Laurel St. | This trail offers ample parking, a four-mile one-way route, and multiple spots where you can let your dog enter the water.
Three Rivers Greenway | Three Rivers Greenway runs through four trails — Saluda River Greenway, I-26 Saluda River Crossing, 12,000 Year History Park, and Saluda Riverwalk.
West Columbia Riverwalk, 109 Alexander Rd., West Columbia | The West Columbia Riverwalk is an eight-mile, one-way, fully paved trail. Over the summer, you can even rent a tube for your pup to float the river.
Now that you know where you’re taking your furry friend, don’t forget to shop the best dog accessories and supplies to make your adventure a success.
WEST COLUMBIA — City Limits Barbeque has added another award to its long list of accolades after earning the No. 1 ranking in Southern Living’s ranking of the best barbecue joints in the South.The West Columbia restaurant bested 49 others located everywhere from Texas to Virginia in the competition that was ranked qualitatively by Southern Living’s Contributing Barbecue Editor Robert F. Moss, who based his choices on “the enjoyment of the meal and the overall experience of the visit.”In a May artic...
WEST COLUMBIA — City Limits Barbeque has added another award to its long list of accolades after earning the No. 1 ranking in Southern Living’s ranking of the best barbecue joints in the South.
The West Columbia restaurant bested 49 others located everywhere from Texas to Virginia in the competition that was ranked qualitatively by Southern Living’s Contributing Barbecue Editor Robert F. Moss, who based his choices on “the enjoyment of the meal and the overall experience of the visit.”
In a May article for The Post and Courier, Moss described City Limits as “a funky, smoky oasis that’s maintaining the area’s storied barbecue traditions while forging a style of its own.”
Moss praised City Limits ever-shifting menu that typically includes Texas-style brisket, beef rib and two types of housemade sausage.
The barbecue expert described the restaurant’s pork as “downright masterful.” The pork shoulder is served Pee Dee style with “chop sauce,” a simple blend of vinegar and hot sauce “that adds a nice peppery zip.” Moss said City Limit’s spareribs are “hands down the best ribs in the Carolinas” with “pale, irregular surfaces dotted with black bits of char” that pack “a smoky wallop big enough to make you say, ‘Wow!’”
City Limits Chef Robbie Robinson said he is still trying to process being named to the top of the list.
“Look at numbers two through 50 and realize absolute titans of barbecue are in that list, guys who I aspired to be 10 years ago,” Robinson said. “And now to be on top of that list is just a wow moment.”
City Limits was joined by 10 other restaurants from across South Carolina, including three other spots that earned a place in the top 20. Lewis Barbecue in Charleston was ranked at seven, Scott’s Bar-B-Que in Hemingway was ranked at 12 and Palmira BBQ in Charleston was ranked at 16.
Robinson said rankings like this help continue to elevate South Carolina in the “national discussion of us being a barbecue state.”
“So I'm happy in multiple areas,” Robinson said. “What this publicity does, not only for us, but also for the local economy, but also for the state.”
City Limits earned a fourth place spot in Moss’ 2024 ranking barbecue joints new to the scene, but this is the first time the restaurant has been named in the best overall list, which was last complied in 2023.
The restaurant has won top awards in other contests though, including the New York Times’ list of “Our 50 Favorite Places in America Right Now.” Robinson was also a James Beard Foundation Award Finalist for the Best Chef: Southeast category in both 2024 and 2025.
Robinson said after more than a decade in the industry he’s always looked at Southern Living’s list with no real expectation to be on it. Being included now — especially as No. 1 — is unbelievable, the chef said. He credits the recognition to his hardworking staff and City Limit’s commitment to prioritizing quality.
“I think that when people hear me explain what we're doing with some of our cooking techniques, and how that takes a lot of time, or that's really expensive to put that much pork belly into this. You almost take a step back and say, ‘Oh, wow, that's why maybe it tastes a little bit better, or tastes different in a good way,’” Robinson said.
He said the community’s support of the restaurant, which is only open nine hours a week, is a blessing.
“If we didn't have that many people turn out, we would have to change what we're doing. And so this publicity is going to let us keep on doing it just a little bit longer, which I'm very thankful for,” Robinson said.
South Carolina earned 11 spots on the list overall with other awardees including:
803-403-1895
