Columbia, South CarolinA
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Columbia, SC called the Soda City?
Columbia is called the Soda City because locals have often used Cola, as an abbreviation for Columbia. And thus, Cola Town is also the Soda City. Records suggest that usage of the nickname, Soda City, dates back to the early 2000s?
Did Sherman burn Columbia, SC during his Civil War march to the sea?
To this day, there are conflicting reports and theories about the burning of Columbia, South Carolina as Gen. Sherman led U.S. forces across the South during the Civil War.
Where is the best cheeseburger in Columbia, SC?
Currently, the downtown location of Five Guys is indefinitely closed. As such, the capital city relies more on it’s local establishments to feed its residents a diet of burgers. Check out Transmission on Main St. and The Kingsmen, across the River in Cayce.
Who has the best brunch in Columbia, SC?
The Original Pancake House on Forest Dr. has the best brunch. Check out the baked omelets.
What county is Columbia, SC in?
Columbia, SC is in Richland County.
Who is the most famous person from Columbia, SC?
Darius Rucker, lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish is the most famous person from Columbia, SC. USC basketball coach Dawn Staley is also a contender for this distinction.
What colleges and universities are in Columbia, SC?
Allen University, Benedict College, Columbia University, Midlands Tech and the University of South Carolina are located in Columbia, SC.
Does it snow in Columbia, SC?
On rare occasions, it snows in Columbia, SC. On even rarer occasions, it snows enough to accumulate for winter activities.
Where is the best hill for sledding in Columbia, SC.
College students flock to Barnwell St. on University Hill and the community uses the grass hills near the University of South Carolina
Is is hot in Columbia, SC?
During July and August, it can be unbearably hot and humid in Columbia, SC. If you need to do anything outside, do it before 8 am. Even still, you will sweat your ass off.
How do locals beat the heat in Columbia, SC?
Locals tube on the Lower Saluda River because the water comes from the bottom of Lake Murray where it maintains a temperature below 60 degrees, year round.
Are there alligators in the Congaree River near Columbia, SC?
There are no alligators in the Congaree River in Columbia, SC near it’s confluence with the Broad and Saluda. The water in the Saluda River is too cold for alligators. However there are alligators in the Columbia Canal.
What to do in Columbia, SC?
Check out my monthly event listings for the Palmetto State for fun things to do in the state capital.
Where is Columbia, SC located?
Columbia is centrally located in South Carolina, aka, the Palmetto State.
Does Southwest fly into Columbia, SC?
Southwest Airlines does not fly into Columbia, South Carolina.
What is there to do in Columbia, SC?
Columbia, SC is a small capital city with a wide range of activities available for locals and visitors. See my monthly event listing on SodaCitizen.com
What airlines fly into Columbia, SC?
American, Delta, and United Airlines flky out of Columbia, South Carolina
When is the State Fair in Columbia, SC?
The South Carolina State Fair is typically in the middle of October for about ten days. The 2026 dates are October 15-25.
How many people live in Columbia, SC?
According to the 2025 census, 147,000+ people live in Columbia, South Carolina.
Does Columbia, SC have an airport?
The airport with commercial flights in Columbia, SC is CAE.
How far is Columbia, SC from Myrtle Beach?
Via I-20 and 378, it’s about 150 miles from Columbia to Myrtle Beach and should take a motorist less than three hours to make the drive.
How far is Columbia, SC from the Beach?
Columbia is 150 miles from Myrtle Beach and 126 miles to Folly Beach near Charleston.
How far is Asheville, NC from Columbia, SC?
Columbia is 158 miles from Asheville, North Carolina.
How far is Columbia, SC from Raleigh, NC?
Columbia is 230 miles from Raleigh, NC
How far is Columbia, SC from Charlotte, NC?
Columbia is 95 miles from Raleigh, NC.