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.
When you step into JJ’s Place on Meeting Street, you are immediately met with the hallmark aromas of a bakery filled with fresh breads, pastries and more.For owners Janice Caldwell and Andrew Reininger, their new West Columbia shop is a dream several years in the making.JJ’s Place officially opened its doors June 2 at 557 Meeting St., right next door to Brookland United Methodist Church and just east of the popular WECO Bottle & Biergarten. The bakery is currently open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday...
When you step into JJ’s Place on Meeting Street, you are immediately met with the hallmark aromas of a bakery filled with fresh breads, pastries and more.
For owners Janice Caldwell and Andrew Reininger, their new West Columbia shop is a dream several years in the making.
JJ’s Place officially opened its doors June 2 at 557 Meeting St., right next door to Brookland United Methodist Church and just east of the popular WECO Bottle & Biergarten. The bakery is currently open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Caldwell and Reininger’s baking prowess is familiar to many in the Midlands, as JJ’s has been a well-known bread vendor at Soda City Market for roughly three years. And while they still plan to sell at Soda City on Saturday mornings, they have now launched a full storefront operation in the two-story brick home at 557 Meeting St. The new space has been under renovation for more than two years, Reininger said, and signage out in front of the bakery as of Thursday morning cheekily announced that the business is “finally” open.
“I feel like it’s been going really great,” Reininger said of the nascent days of the new storefront. “The first week, we were doing more than we expected. There’s a new flow, so we are trying to figure out which things sell best at the store, which may not be the same things that sell best at the [Soda City] Market.”
Jalapeno cheddar bread has proven to be a universally popular selection, Reininger noted. Other popular breads at JJ’s Place include a traditional sourdough — it’s the top-seller, he said — and the garlic rosemary.
As the Meeting Street bakery has launched, JJ’s Place has expanded its offerings beyond bread. Treats at the shop include brownies, danishes, muffins, scones and much more. This reporter purchased a cinnamon bun during a recent visit. The offering was wonderfully flavorful, with a potent cinnamon taste and a generous, but expertly applied, amount of icing.
Caldwell said she started baking when she was a teenager, and still remembers the oatmeal cookies that were her starter specialty back then. Through the years she’s learned, read and experimented, honed her skills and explored new and creative recipes.
She is hopeful the recently opened storefront will connect them with their neighbors on a community level.
“We just really want to become a part of people’s routines, and genuinely be that neighborhood bakery that people come to,” Caldwell said. “One of our favorite things about [Soda City] is that we get to know people and follow their stories. We want to be able to do that [at the Meeting Street bakery], too. I’m a people person and I love to get to know people’s stories and follow up with them.
“That connection is important to what we do.”
Meeting new customers and sharing a bond through baked goods — both at Soda City and at the new bakery — has been a welcome aspect of the business, Reininger noted.
“Connecting with people through food has been fantastic,” Reininger said. “We’ve had people say, ‘Oh, my father really likes your bread and he’s Italian and he doesn’t like anybody’s bread but yours’ or ‘This reminds me of this cake that we used to get’ wherever. That’s really awesome, that we get to be a part of people’s family.”
This story was originally published June 13, 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.
A West Columbia restaurant is closed, at least for now, after being heavily damaged by a fire early Tuesday morning.According to a statement from West Columbia Fire Department Chief Marquis Solomon, firefighters from West Columbia and Cayce, as well as Lexington County’s fire service, responded to a blaze at 12:55 a.m. Tuesday at the small shopping strip at 1117 Augusta St.“Upon arrival, crews encountered smoke and visible flames coming from the central business unit within a strip mall,” Solomon said in the s...
A West Columbia restaurant is closed, at least for now, after being heavily damaged by a fire early Tuesday morning.
According to a statement from West Columbia Fire Department Chief Marquis Solomon, firefighters from West Columbia and Cayce, as well as Lexington County’s fire service, responded to a blaze at 12:55 a.m. Tuesday at the small shopping strip at 1117 Augusta St.
“Upon arrival, crews encountered smoke and visible flames coming from the central business unit within a strip mall,” Solomon said in the statement. “Firefighters initiated an aggressive offensive attack and successfully confined the fire primarily to the business of origin.”
June Mari’s Deli was the business primarily affected. The fire department noted that it “sustained heavy fire damage.” Two adjacent businesses had moderate smoke and water damage, the department said.
The inside of June Mari’s was visibly blackened and damaged by fire when a reporter stopped by Monday afternoon — two neighboring businesses, Glover’s 1 Barber Shop and Bella Donna, were open.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported us in this business journey,” June Mari’s Deli posted on Facebook on Monday. “Due to unfortunate unforeseen incidents that occurred this morning June Mari’s Deli will be closed until further notice. We will miss you until we return.”
There were no injuries associated with the fire, Solomon said in a statement. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the West Columbia Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office.
June Mari’s Deli opened in 2024 and has gained popularity for its sandwiches, cheesesteaks, hot dogs and more. Just a few weeks ago the city of West Columbia shared an Instagram video of Mayor Tem Miles enjoying lunch at the restaurant as part of its WeCo Eats culinary social media tour.
WEST COLUMBIA — The Saluda River Pedestrian Bridge is about 70 percent of the way through the design phase of a project to build a walking path for West Columbia and Columbia residents over the Broad River, connecting the Saluda Riverwalk with the Columbia Canal.The bridge will be located near the Botanical Gardens entrance to the Riverbanks Z...
WEST COLUMBIA — The Saluda River Pedestrian Bridge is about 70 percent of the way through the design phase of a project to build a walking path for West Columbia and Columbia residents over the Broad River, connecting the Saluda Riverwalk with the Columbia Canal.
The bridge will be located near the Botanical Gardens entrance to the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens on Mohawk Drive in West Columbia.
West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles said he hopes the majority of the first phase of the nearly $6 million project will be wrapped up in about six months.
Then the city will be able to begin the permitting process with the S.C. Dept. of Environmental Control and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to be able to get approval on construction of the bridge.
"It's still certainly moving along and it's a project that we're still very, very excited for," Miles told The Post and Courier. "And it's just gonna take a while on the front end with it, because it's so design and permitting heavy."
Miles didn't have an estimate for how much the bridge project has cost thus far.
Miles looks forward to providing direct river access to neighborhoods like Saluda Gardens off of Mohawk Drive in West Columbia near the Riverbanks Botanical Garden entrance.
"It's going to open up pedestrian-based access to the river and the Riverwalk," Miles said. "And certainly, I'm excited for the expansion of the (Three Rivers) Greenway throughout our entire region."
The Three Rivers Greenway is an expansive trail network aimed at connecting Lake Murray and the Broad, Saluda and Congaree rivers with the surrounding municipalities.
Parts of the West Columbia riverwalk are currently closed due to damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene's deadly arc through the Carolinas.
Miles said he is looking forward to residents having direct river access and to have the city's waterfront amenities tied into the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden's planned $80 million expansion. He said this area public access to the restaurant the zoo plans to build.
"I think that any addition to the area that allows community member access to the outdoors and brings them closer to out beautiful river is a plus," Riverbanks spokesperson Matt Parron said. "I don't see it having a major impact on the zo, though."
Riverbanks is also in the process of a new project which will be up and running in September.
The Saluda Skyride will be a cable car to connect the zoo and garden. The price from the skyride will be included in admission into the zoo. The price for zoo admission will go up, but by how much is not known yet Parron said.
Once the skyride is open, the cars will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
A local bakery that started in a home (using an improvised sunroom as a kitchen) and built a following at Soda City Market now has a new home in West Columbia.JJ's Place SC celebrated its soft opening Monday at the new storefront at 557 Meeting Street and will be open Monday through Friday 8-5 to start, with those hours potentially shifting to meet customer demands.Co-owners Janice Caldwell and Andrew Reininger launched JJ's th...
A local bakery that started in a home (using an improvised sunroom as a kitchen) and built a following at Soda City Market now has a new home in West Columbia.
JJ's Place SC celebrated its soft opening Monday at the new storefront at 557 Meeting Street and will be open Monday through Friday 8-5 to start, with those hours potentially shifting to meet customer demands.
Co-owners Janice Caldwell and Andrew Reininger launched JJ's three years ago. Caldwell was an experienced baker, Reininger a newcomer to the craft. Both had taken evening classes through the University of South Carolina's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Caldwell shared her dream of owning her own bakery and as Reininger recalls "I said 'We can do that.' She is the mastermind." The two found an investor, took a road trip to Chicago to purchase equipment, set up in a sunroom, and were off.
They started by baking pastries and sweets, but when they applied for a spot at Soda City Market, they were told that the market's slots for dessert vendors were filled, but they could have a place if they baked bread.
"I think I had two bread recipes at the time, but I still said yes. Then I called Janice and told her we needed to come up with more," Reininger recalls. "Soda City turned out to be our bigger break."
The business partners built a loyal following at Soda City, and eventually purchased the former house at 557 Meeting Street in West Columbia that is now the home of JJ's Place SC. Reininger and his brother remodeled the interior from ground to roof.
"It was not an easy journey," as Reininger says, but they made it. Already, he and Caldwell are making plans to add on. They have a website under construction and hope to hire additional staff and eventually take online orders.
They will still be at Soda City on Saturday mornings. "It's one of our favorite parts of the week," Reininger says. "We love our regular customers and having time to just chat."
JJ's offers a variety of fresh homemade loaf bread, baguettes, smaller breads, traditional English-style scones, muffins, pastries and other sweets. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more information.
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles announced that it will close its Blythewood branch office for customer service on July 3.
Officials say the closure is a result of reduced parking availability at the location due to the recent sale of several buildings on the Wilson Boulevard campus, located at 10311 Wilson Blvd. in Blythewood. This is also where the SCDMV headquarters and the SC Department of public safety are located, both of which will remain on the Wilson Boulevard campus.
Customers in northeast Richland County should visit the SCDMV branch office at 228 O'Neil Court in Columbia or the office at 1161 Kincaid Bridge Road in Winnsboro. The O'Neil Court location will offer expanded services and augmented SCDMV staff to accommodate the anticipated increased demand at that office. The O’Neil Court location will also become a motor carriers service site, which was a service previously provided in the Blythewood office.
The last day of customer service at the Blythewood branch office is Thursday, July 3. All SCDMV offices are closed for Independence Day on Friday, July 4.
More than 10,000 customers had no power Sunday morning, hours after powerful storms lashed the Midlands region of South Carolina with strong winds and heavy rain. More severe weather is in the forecast for Sunday and Monday, according to the National Weather Service.A ...
More than 10,000 customers had no power Sunday morning, hours after powerful storms lashed the Midlands region of South Carolina with strong winds and heavy rain. More severe weather is in the forecast for Sunday and Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Columbia, Lexington and West Columbia, the National Weather Service said Sunday at about 10:40 a.m. The warning is in effect through 11:15 a.m., as wind gusts traveling at 60 mph and hail could rip through those areas, according to the National Weather Service.
It would be a repeat of the last series of storms, when winds moving as fast as 60 mph blasted their way through parts of the Columbia area Saturday night, some for sustained periods of 20 minutes, the National Weather Service said. This led to downed branches, trees and utility poles across the Midlands, which caused treacherous driving conditions and thousands of power outages, according to officials.
While the cleanup and repairs from Saturday night continue, Columbia area residents need to prepare for another round of storms.
Damaging winds continue to be the greatest threat in the severe weather that’s forecast to impact the area Sunday, National Weather Service meteorologists said in a morning briefing.
Activity to the west of the Midlands already started and the Columbia area could start feeling the effects in the morning, the National Weather Service said. Severe weather is most likely from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., according to the briefing.
This round of storms is not expected to be as widespread as the ones that battered South Carolina Saturday night, but the storms that do develop Sunday will likely be strong-to-severe, meteorologists said.
The area south of the Interstate 20 corridor — running from the CSRA, toward the state line between South Carolina and Georgia, and up to the Midlands — is most likely to feel the greatest impacts of Sunday’s severe weather, according to the briefing.
Gusts exceeding 60 mph in Columbia could cause even more power outages, the National Weather Service said. Richland, Lexington and norther Calhoun counties were included in that severe thunderstorm warning.
“Boaters on Lake Murray should seek safe harbor ... (and) if outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building,” the National Weather Service said.
Powerful winds hit in Saluda, Edgefield and McCormick counties, where a severe thunderstorm warning was issued earlier Sunday morning.
No other warnings, watches or advisories have been issued for any part of the Midlands, but that is subject to change as the storms get closer.
Large amounts of rain are not expected to accumulate Sunday, when there’s a 40% chance of precipitation, the forecast shows. Localized amounts could be higher, especially during thunderstorms.
More of the same severe weather is forecast for the Columbia area on Monday, including the possibility of tornadoes, according to the briefing.
Damaging winds are expected during several rounds of strong storms Monday, meteorologists said. An isolated tornado also is possible, according to the briefing.
Powerful winds and tornadoes could cause considerable damage to trees and branches, in addition to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings. Vehicles would also be under siege in the case of a tornado.
Damage to trees and branches creates the possibility of more downed power lines and further power outages.
The greatest risk of severe weather Monday is early in the afternoon and continuing through the night, according to the briefing. Monday’s storms could more closely resemble what affected the Midlands Saturday night, and might be more widespread than what’s forecast for Sunday, the National Weather Service said. Several waves of strong storms are predicted in the briefing.
Up to an inch of rain could accumulate by the times the storms wind down Monday night, the forecast shows.
The Columbia area is not expected to dry out this week, as chances of rain and showers and thunderstorms persist every day — except for Wednesday — through next weekend, according to the current long-range forecast. Conditions will also be hot, as temperatures are forecast to reach highs around 90 most days.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
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