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 Robert Mills House and Gardens in Columbia, SC 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 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.
“Started in home care services with ABC for my mother recently. Kayla helped make the”
“Great service and communication. Caring staff. Kayla is wonderful. Highly recommend.”
“Got services started with Kayla in the Always Best Care Grandstrand office in SC about”
“Excellent services!! Kayla is great.”
“Always providing exceptional care and compassion to all of our surrounding areas.”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I will have to say having worked in healthcare myself, Darrell with Always Best Care”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“Nate is an exceptional mentor - he is extremely knowledgeable about senior care and gracious”
“Nate and his staff are wonderful people. It's great to know that when you need”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Started in home care services with ABC for my mother recently. Kayla helped make the process smooth and eliminated a lot of stress. Caregivers have been excellent and very helpful in day to day care.”
“Great service and communication. Caring staff. Kayla is wonderful. Highly recommend.”
“Got services started with Kayla in the Always Best Care Grandstrand office in SC about getting some assistance for my father. She was very knowledgeable and helped me get everything set up, and took a huge weight off my shoulders and was a consistent supporter throughout the entire process!”
“Excellent services!! Kayla is great.”
“Always providing exceptional care and compassion to all of our surrounding areas.”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I will have to say having worked in healthcare myself, Darrell with Always Best Care is the best! He truly cares about his clients! He takes personal interest in the client. Darrell works with you until your needs are addressed allowing your loved one to remain as independent as possible in their own home. Thank you Darrell Always Best Care! You have truly made a diffence!”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“Nate is an exceptional mentor - he is extremely knowledgeable about senior care and gracious in his willingness to help others succeed.”
“Nate and his staff are wonderful people. It's great to know that when you need someone they will be there for your loved ones and care about their well-being.”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
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 Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park in Columbia, SC 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 Ruth's Chris Steak House or visit Historic Columbia, 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.
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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 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 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 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.
A long-running coffee shop and restaurant in the heart of downtown Columbia plans to close next month.Immaculate Consumption, which has been located at 933 Main St. near the South Carolina State House and the University of South Carolina for about three decades, will close Nov. 20, according to a letter that was posted at the front counter of the business as of Monday morning.“The end of the road has come for us,” read the handwritten letter, which was framed and bore the familiar Immaculate Consumption logo. &ldquo...
A long-running coffee shop and restaurant in the heart of downtown Columbia plans to close next month.
Immaculate Consumption, which has been located at 933 Main St. near the South Carolina State House and the University of South Carolina for about three decades, will close Nov. 20, according to a letter that was posted at the front counter of the business as of Monday morning.
“The end of the road has come for us,” read the handwritten letter, which was framed and bore the familiar Immaculate Consumption logo. “We will be closing up shop November 20th. We loved being a part of this community for so long. There are so many of you to thank for your committed patronage that it would be impossible to name all of you. But, you know who you are and we definitely know who you are. Again, thank you for being such a stellar customer base over all of these years.”
Immaculate Consumption has long been a fixture of the Main Street corridor south of the State House, and has been a favorite among downtown residents, USC students and workers from the State House offices.
The cozy restaurant has been known for its locally roasted coffee and deep roster of drinks including lattes, cappuccinos, full-leaf teas and more. It also has a menu of sandwiches including ham croissants, tuna salad, chicken salad and many others.
The news of Immaculate Consumption’s announced Nov. 20 closure comes several months after the University of South Carolina’s Development Foundation purchased the building that encompasses 933-937 Main St. It is located at the corner of Main and Pendleton streets. Aside from Immaculate Consumption, that building also houses a Hibachi House Japanese restaurant and several apartments.
Public records indicate the USC Development Foundation, the real estate foundation that operates at arm’s length from the school and has purchased numerous properties near the university through the years, purchased the building in April. The State reported on the sale in July.
The building was built in 1945, according to Richland County property tax records.
USC Development Foundation president and CEO Jason Caskey told The State in July that the foundation purchased the building at 933-937 Main because it “could be strategic for the university in future developments” and that the goal at the time was “just to hold it, and figure out what the next steps might be.”
The university and the foundation have not since publicly announced plans for the property.
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.Here's a look at Oct. 30, 2026, results for each game:Winning Mega Millions numbers from Oct. 30 drawing05-10-38-49-68, Mega Ball: 17Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Oct. 30 drawingMidday: 9-2-5, FB: 1Evening: 0-5-2, FB: 0Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREB...
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here's a look at Oct. 30, 2026, results for each game:
05-10-38-49-68, Mega Ball: 17
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Midday: 9-2-5, FB: 1
Evening: 0-5-2, FB: 0
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Midday: 2-3-2-3, FB: 1
Evening: 5-0-5-0, FB: 0
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Midday: 14
Evening: 13
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
04-07-14-31-40
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Source: Dr. Blazer / Wikimedia CommonsColumbia will pull back the curtain Monday on its most ambitious riverfront vision in years, inviting residents, business leaders and community stakeholders to see draft plans for the Congaree Riverfront District for the first time. The public information session runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Senate's End (The Hall), 316 Senate St., and marks a key step in a planning process that could eventually reshape a long-overlooked stretch of the Congaree River.According to Cola Da...
Source: Dr. Blazer / Wikimedia Commons
Columbia will pull back the curtain Monday on its most ambitious riverfront vision in years, inviting residents, business leaders and community stakeholders to see draft plans for the Congaree Riverfront District for the first time. The public information session runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Senate's End (The Hall), 316 Senate St., and marks a key step in a planning process that could eventually reshape a long-overlooked stretch of the Congaree River.
According to Cola Daily, the session will present a first look at the proposed district's draft master plan, with the city framing the project as a way to create new opportunities for outdoor recreation, gathering spaces, walking and biking connections, and year-round experiences along the river. City of Columbia officials have also described the district as an important gateway to a larger vision of 27 miles of connected greenway along Columbia's three rivers, a scope confirmed by WIS News 10. That station reports the effort is meant to link the existing riverfront park to Granby Park, add green space and open up development opportunities.
Exactly how big the district will be depends on who you ask. WIS News 10 describes the project as covering nearly 100 acres of untouched land stretching from the Blossom Street to the Gervais Street bridges. The Post and Courier, however, puts the new district at 96 acres between the Gervais Street and Blossom Street bridges, also connecting to Granby Park. A separate account from The State describes a roughly 80-acre footprint between Senate Street and the University of South Carolina's Founders Park, with most of the site falling between the Blossom and Gervais street bridges. The city has not reconciled these differing figures publicly.
The master-planning work is being led by Field Operations, the New York City-based design firm selected by the city, according to The State. Columbia has signed a $1.7 million contract with the firm to produce a master plan covering the park, trail connections and a framework for nearby private development, the same outlet reported in a separate story. Field Operations' past work includes Manhattan's High Line and upgrades to Chicago's Navy Pier.
Monday's open house isn't the final stop. The Congaree Riverfront District master plan is scheduled for consideration at the City of Columbia Planning Commission's meeting on Nov. 12, where the commission will make a recommendation to City Council. Per the Boyd Foundation, the master plan itself is due to be completed by the end of 2026, with construction expected to happen in phases as funding becomes available.
If there's one thing every account agrees on, it's that nobody has settled on a final price. City officials have previously floated a budget between $40 million and $60 million, per The State's reporting. A separate estimate, cited by the Carolina News and Reporter, placed the project's potential cost between $50 million and $80 million. Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson, meanwhile, has estimated the project could run “easily” over $100 million, according to The State's coverage of the designers' introduction to the city.
Some money is already committed. The Boyd Foundation has pledged $5 million to the project, as reported by SC Biz News. Separately, a roughly $21 million effort to extend Williams Street between Blossom and Senate streets — adding roadway, sidewalks and bike lanes — is also underway, The State reports. City officials have said the site's floodplain, wetlands, creek and utility infrastructure will dictate what can realistically be built close to the water.
Early public feedback has centered on one theme: don't pave over what makes the riverfront special. The Post and Courier reports that the public's main concern during early engagement was preservation of the area's natural features. At a public meeting, residents favored protecting the natural landscape and keeping things green while still making it easier to reach the water, per The State's account.
Past visions floated for the site have pointed toward trails, greenway connections, boardwalks and an amphitheater or other event space, along with land for future commercial development such as apartments, offices, shops or even a hotel, according to The State. The Carolina News and Reporter has reported that potential park amenities could include walking trails, sports fields, picnic areas, canoe and kayak ports and scenic gardens. SC Biz News notes that community engagement is expected to continue throughout the master-planning process, with multiple opportunities for public input still ahead — Monday's session being the latest chance for Columbia residents to weigh in before the plan heads to the Planning Commission.
There’s a lot to do in Columbia in November. Many of the area’s cornerstone annual events return, and it’s often when some of the better concerts on the calendar swing through town. Here’s what I’m hoping to get up to during the penultimate month of 2026.Nov. 5Now that Boyd Plaza is mostly closed to the public, it’s harder to pass up a chance to hang out for free on Main Street’s centerpiece outdoor space. The lineup for the upcoming November edition of the monthly night out wasn&rsqu...
There’s a lot to do in Columbia in November. Many of the area’s cornerstone annual events return, and it’s often when some of the better concerts on the calendar swing through town. Here’s what I’m hoping to get up to during the penultimate month of 2026.
Now that Boyd Plaza is mostly closed to the public, it’s harder to pass up a chance to hang out for free on Main Street’s centerpiece outdoor space. The lineup for the upcoming November edition of the monthly night out wasn’t announced when this issue went to press, but the event promises reliably compelling performances on Boyd Plaza and in front of Mast General Store in addition to comedy near Tapp’s Arts Center and other fun things to get up to. And you can walk around Main Street sipping beer or wine without worrying about the cops — open container restrictions on those beverages are waived for the event.
6-9:30 p.m. Free. 1200-1700 blocks of Main Street, Columbia.
People watching, food from a reliably yummy range of local food vendors, tasty local brews from WECO Bottle and Biergarten and Savage Craft Ale Works, all served up on what is typically a beautiful and temperate night on State Street in West Columbia (a short drive from where I hang my hat)? Sign me up every time. While the cover-heavy sets on the music stages aren’t my typical bag, when they’re wafting through the fall air at this event, I mostly don’t mind.
5:30-9:30 p.m. Free. 100-300 blocks of State Street, West Columbia.
If you want to check out the work of Greenville’s Shakira Olivera-Bautista, recently denied an emerging artist grant by the S.C. Arts Commission, she’ll be the featured artist at Palmetto Luna’s Day of the Dead celebration at the Columbia Museum of Art. Stop by and decide for yourself if her art is “pure political ideology,” as it was deemed by one of the board members that voted not to fund it. In its 15th year, the celebration of the traditional Mexican holiday features “a community altar, arts and crafts, live music, folkloric dance, and a live painting session that uplifts Latino artists and traditions across South Carolina.”
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. https://tinyurl.com/ywdjt5t8
I’ll never not recommend a concert in the Southern Exposure New Music Series, one of Columbia’s most thrillingly adventurous ongoing offerings. This time out, the University of South Carolina series features the Palmetto Saxophone Quartet performing “an eclectic program of works by eight living composers, including Andy Akiho, Salvatore Sciarrino, Carlos Simon, Julia Wolfe, and the world premiere of a new piece by David Kirkland Garner.”
7:30-9 p.m. Free. USC School of Music Recital Hall, 813 Assembly St. https://tinyurl.com/mv5se7er
Seeing the gorgeously renovated Finlay Park leap back to life with a music festival that felt like one you’d see in Atlanta or Raleigh was a joy last November. And while this year’s Jam Room lineup doesn’t have quite the same trendy indie firepower as that one that featured DIIV, White Denim, Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band, and Sunny War, this year offers indie rock diehards the chance to check another few acts off the bucket list with performances from the legendary Swervedriver alongside Elf Power and the Pylon Reenactment Society. Also tremendously exciting is a rare Columbia appearance by Charleston’s Gullah-celebrating jazz outfit Ranky Tanky.
Noon to 10 p.m. Free. Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St. .
The omnivorous punk/metal lords in Corrosion of Conformity come to town with Sabbath-y hard rockers The Sword in tow for what is surely the event of the season for Columbia’s heavy music obsessives — of which I am definitely one. I’ve been fascinated with CoC’s continued mutations since falling in love with them when they started playing again while I was living in their original home of Raleigh. Their latest album, this year’s “Good God / Baad Man” is a wild and wooly trek down twisting Southern sludge backroads, with the powerfully tangling guitar lines of Woody Weatherman in firm control of the wheel.
7 p.m. (6 p.m. doors). $43.05. The Senate, 1022B Senate St.
It’s November, so I’m naturally in the mood for an oyster roast. This one benefits the Congaree land trust and features beer and wine, live music and "other delicious offerings." It is hosted at The Millstone at Adams Pond, which the trust calls "a classic venue in the heart of the COWASEE Basin, one of the landscapes that defines the Midlands main focus areas." Sold.
6-9 p.m. $75. The Millstone at Adams Pond, 5301 Bluff Road. https://tinyurl.com/52pyb224
It’s been too long since I’ve taken in a production at Trustus Theatre, Columbia’s reliable vanguard on the frontier of ambitious local theater. Time to fix that. Leslye Headland (the writer and filmmaker behind Star Wars series "The Acolyte," Netflix sensation "Russian Doll," and comedy films "Sleeping With Other People" and "Bachelorette") wrote “Cult of Love,” which Trustus describes as a “cuttingly hilarious and deeply observant family dramedy ... four adult siblings return home for Christmas, reawakening old conflicts and unearthing new revelations.”
Various showtimes. $32-$35. Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St.
For me, November is a special time beyond the beautiful weather, beyond the many fun local events, beyond the impending holiday season. It’s when Bierkeller Columbia (600 Canalside St Suite 1009, Columbia) regularly brings back the Midlands’ best local beer. The delicately smoked Rauchbier is an intoxicatingly crushable lager, marrying subtle savoryness with caramelized sweetness. It’s a German wonder we’re lucky to have so wonderfully crafted in South Carolina. Keep an eye on Bierkeller’s social media for an announcement on this year’s Rauchbier launch.
843-640-0129
