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.
“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 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”
“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”
“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 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”
“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 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.
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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 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.
In our Inside Look stories, The State's journalists take you inside places around South Carolina that you maybe haven't seen before. Read more. Story idea? [email protected] new wine and cocktail bar is headed to West Columbia, bringing with it comfortable vibes and a nod to the popular jazz cafes of Japan.Ikie Lu Record Club is currentl...
In our Inside Look stories, The State's journalists take you inside places around South Carolina that you maybe haven't seen before. Read more. Story idea? [email protected].
A new wine and cocktail bar is headed to West Columbia, bringing with it comfortable vibes and a nod to the popular jazz cafes of Japan.
Ikie Lu Record Club is currently being prepped at 601 N. Lucas St. in West Columbia. The wine bar will be in a building that was formerly a Spanish-language Pentecostal church, just off Sunset Boulevard, not far from the Jarvis Klapman Bridge.
Owner Matt Catchpole and friends, family, and other helpers were hard at work prepping the Ikie Lu space when a reporter from The State dropped by last week. While the wine bar and cocktail spot isn’t open yet — Catchpole is hoping for some soft opening events in late May ahead of a fuller opening later in the summer — it hosted a collaborative kitchen event on April 24 as part of the Columbia Food & Wine Festival.
Catchpole has spent a career in the restaurant industry across multiple states, and is a former general manager at West Columbia’s Terra. In the last few years he has also been a consultant for Publick House in Columbia, which underwent an extensive renovation in 2023 and marked its 30th anniversary last year.
Now he’s getting ready to debut Ikie Lu Record Club, an ambitious project that will combine elements of wine and cocktail culture, a food menu with seafood flair, mid-century-style decor and an appreciation of jazz and other music played on vinyl records. The name of the establishment is a nod to Catchpole’s 98-year-old grandmother, Ida Louise, whose nickname is Ikie Lu.
While details for the restaurant are still being refined, Catchpole said he has big plans for the space.
“It will be a restaurant and cocktail/wine bar,” he said “We are going to focus pretty heavily on champagne. We will have cocktails, but we are trying to keep the type and style pretty focused. We are going to celebrate doing the simple things well and really executing well, rather than trying to come up with 45 flavors of the week.”
The Ikie Lu owner said the food menu will “lean a little seafood heavy,” and he mentioned possible items such as shrimp rolls and boards that could feature seafood, meats and cheeses. There will be space for indoor and outdoor dining, with counter service inside and a window to the patio where customers will be able to order from outside.
The inside space at Ikie Lu has been carefully curated for comfort and conversation. There are low-slung leather chairs, coffee tables and bookshelves. Large windows along the north side of the room offer abundant natural light, and there are plants throughout the space. A framed photo of Ikie Lu herself even adorns one of the shelves.
“From the very beginning when I looked at this I wanted to do a thing where you feel like you are in a large community living room,” Catchpole said. “You want that immersive experience when you go to a restaurant.”
And a centerpiece of the experience will be music coming from the wine bar’s high-fidelity record player. Catchpole said Chris Wenner, of West Columbia’s Seaboard Recording Studio, helped him put together Ikie Lu’s sound system, and jazz, blues and other styles will be the soundtrack of the house.
“We can play music on this hi-fi system we designed and be really, really proud of the richness and quality of the music you get out of it,” Catchpole said.
The entire enterprise is a nod to Japanese jazz kissas. As noted by tokyo.us, a jazz kissa in Japan is a place that offers “a relaxed and intimate atmosphere where patrons can enjoy listening to jazz music on high-quality audio systems while sipping drinks and subtly interacting with the cafe’s proprietor and other patrons.”
Ikie Lu Record Club will also have a retail element, where customers can purchase cookbooks and books about wine, as well as bottles of wine.
As the swirl of preparation and progress continued around him during the recent conversation, Catchpole couldn’t hide his enthusiasm to bring Ikie Lu to West Columbia.
“I’m so happy to be doing this,” the restaurateur said, with a grin. “I’m so stoked.”
This story was originally published April 28, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
The State
Chris Trainor is a retail reporter for The State and has been working for newspapers in South Carolina for more than 20 years, including previous stops at the (Greenwood) Index-Journal and the (Columbia) Free Times. He is the winner of a host of South Carolina Press Association awards, including honors in column writing, government beat reporting, profile writing, food writing, business beat reporting, election coverage, social media and more.
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Have a question about life in Columbia and the Midlands you want answered? Email Zoe at [email protected] with the subject line "From Z to You."Question: When will construction along U.S. 1/Augusta Road in West Columbia wrap up? Transparency is important. This is a self-submitted question. But I drive this stretch of road — ...
Have a question about life in Columbia and the Midlands you want answered? Email Zoe at [email protected] with the subject line "From Z to You."
Question: When will construction along U.S. 1/Augusta Road in West Columbia wrap up?
Transparency is important. This is a self-submitted question. But I drive this stretch of road — between Jarvis Klapman Boulevard and Wren Road — every single day. To say it's a headache for the hundreds of commuters who traverse it is an understatement.
The stretch of Highway 1 anchors much of West Columbia's big-box retailers, and is bisected by an I-26 exit.
The $9.9 million construction project is funded by the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program and is being managed by the state Department of Transportation, according to a SCDOT spokeswoman.
Aimed at improving safety on the bottlenecking corridor, the project is adding concrete curbed median along several stretched of the road, including between Lowe's Home Improvement and Methodist Park Road.
"The purpose of this project is to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes along the corridor while maximizing traffic operations," an SCDOT handout about the project reads.
The project got federal funding based on the frequency of crashes, according to SCDOT. And according to the state agency, raised medians reduce "crash potential" by limiting the areas where drivers can turn, thus limiting the stretches of roads two cars could come head to head.
According to reporting from The State, that stretch of road saw an average of 25 crashes a month in 2014 when a study was done ahead of the project.
The project has been in the works for more than five years, according to SCDOT records.
During my drive home April 16, the framework for the medians was in, but landscaping needed to still be added.
SCDOT said the construction is supposed to wrap up "in spring of 2025," which is ... right now. So let's hope that means any day now.
"Take pride in the West Side."The City of West Columbia’s City-Wide Litter Pick-Day is coming up on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Volunteers will meet at City Hall, located at 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC, at 9:00 AM and disperse to different areas of the city for litter pickup. Bring a team! Ask friends, co-workers, church, school, clubs, and athletic teams; every litter bit counts!Volunteers must sign up in advance at ...
"Take pride in the West Side."
The City of West Columbia’s City-Wide Litter Pick-Day is coming up on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Volunteers will meet at City Hall, located at 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC, at 9:00 AM and disperse to different areas of the city for litter pickup. Bring a team! Ask friends, co-workers, church, school, clubs, and athletic teams; every litter bit counts!
Volunteers must sign up in advance at http://bit.ly/LitterPickup, no later than Wednesday, May 3, 2025, at 5 PM.
The West Columbia Beautification Foundation is a partner of the #SCSweep campaign, a statewide cleanup effort from April 25 to May 4, organized by @PalmettoPride. There’s still time to take the "Palmetto Pledge" to pick up even one piece of litter during the campaign and encourage your friends, families, and coworkers to do the same: palmettopride.org/scsweep.
Listen to this articleA Midlands barbecue master is South Carolina’s only representative for the annual James Beard Awards.The James Beard Foundation has revealed its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees.Robbie Robinson, of City Limits Barbeque in West Columbia, has been nominated for best chef in the Southeast region. This is the second consecutive year Robinson has been nominated.The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional talent in th...
Listen to this article
A Midlands barbecue master is South Carolina’s only representative for the annual James Beard Awards.
The James Beard Foundation has revealed its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees.
Robbie Robinson, of City Limits Barbeque in West Columbia, has been nominated for best chef in the Southeast region. This is the second consecutive year Robinson has been nominated.
The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a commitment to creating a culture where all can thrive, according to a news release.
The 2025 awards will commemorate a milestone — the 35th anniversary of the awards — celebrating the transformative role the awards have played in honoring culinary excellence and shaping the evolution of American food culture, while reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to leading and supporting the industry for years to come, the release stated.
The nominees were revealed during a live ceremony at the Conrad Los Angeles.
Related: West Columbia restaurateur named James Beard finalist — again
Related: Philadelphia native brings cheesesteaks to Columbia with new spot
“Today, we are thrilled to announce the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees and Achievement Award honorees — including our first Impact Award recipients,” James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach said in the release.
“These remarkable leaders exemplify our ‘Good Food for Good’ mission through their commitment to excellence, to the evolution of the independent restaurant industry, and our broader food culture. We look forward to celebrating everyone at the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards in June.”
The full list of James Beard Award nominees can be found here (pdf).
West Columbia, SC (May 5, 2025) – Get ready for an unforgettable evening of art, music, and local charm at West Columbia’s 7th Annual Art on State! Join us on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM, along the 100-200 Blocks of State Street to celebrate creativity and community.Stroll the streets lined with live muralists, enjoy sensational performances, and explore one-of-a-kind shops and artisan vendors. Whether you are looking for a unique Mother’s Day gift, savoring delicious food and drinks from local ...
West Columbia, SC (May 5, 2025) – Get ready for an unforgettable evening of art, music, and local charm at West Columbia’s 7th Annual Art on State! Join us on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM, along the 100-200 Blocks of State Street to celebrate creativity and community.
Stroll the streets lined with live muralists, enjoy sensational performances, and explore one-of-a-kind shops and artisan vendors. Whether you are looking for a unique Mother’s Day gift, savoring delicious food and drinks from local favorites, or simply soaking in the spectacular city skyline view, Art on State has something for everyone.
Event Highlights:
Live Music – Feel the rhythm with performances by:
5:30 PM - 7:15 PM: Seven til Sunrise
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM: High Society Band
Live Mural Art & Demonstrations – Watch talented local artists transform the streets with live painting and interactive art:
Michael Krajewski
Dre Lopez
Lucas Sams
Alicia Leeke
Kristin Holzer
Laura Day
Dylan Fouste
Shaina Manuel
Local Food & Beverages for Purchase:
Savage Craft Ale Works
WECO Bottle & Biergarten
The Hideout in WeCo
Breakfast at Ruiz
Terra
D’s Wings
Black Rooster
State Street Pub
Tacos Oink Oink
Haute Dog Lady
Cox Family BBQ
Kona Ice
Brain Freeze
Shops Open Late – Explore unique finds from:
Gentleman’s Quarters Barbershop
HotWorx
State Street Trading Co.
Southern Custom Doors & Hardware
The Warehouse
Garden & Relic
Steven Whetstone Fine Art
Century 21 803 Realty
Ed’s Editions
Meeting Street Artisan Market – Special Night Edition (425 Meeting Street)
Shop handcrafted treasures from over 20 local artisans!
Emerald's Artistry
803 Candle Company
Aurora Meadows Farm & Floristry
Barefoot Pottery
Baubles and Glass
Cindy's Turn
Cute Country Coasters, LLC
Distinctly Made
Dunwoody Designs
Hephzibah Collective
Jen Carmiel
Mon Petit Chou Art and Design
New Leaf ReImagined
Organic Artistry
Palms To Palmettos
Purr Page
Q Borough Candle Bar
Royal African Company LLC
Siara Yazmin Arts
Sunnyside Prints
The Hope Chest
Wild Freeze Treats
xoxoJLo Crochet
Family Fun! – Bring the kids for interactive art experiences, including sidewalk chalk stations where they can create their masterpieces!
Getting There:
FREE Parking Available:
Carraway Park - 212 Hudson Street
Public Parking Garage - 310 Court Avenue
Capitol Square - 483 Sunset Boulevard
Interactive Art Park - 425 Meeting Street
River District Church – 400 State Street
The Warehouse – 312 State Street
Ride Share Discounts – Pick-up & Drop-off at 425 Meeting Street
Uber – $5 OFF: https://bit.ly/ARTONSTATE2025
Lyft – $5 OFF: https://lyft.com/lp/ARTONSTATE
Road Closures: (See map for details)
State Street from Court Avenue to Spring Street: Noon – Midnight
Center Street from State Street to Shuler Street: 2:30 PM – Midnight
Don’t miss out on West Columbia’s most anticipated art and music event of the year! Follow the Facebook event for updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/2430937747259407/.
Tags:
843-640-0129
