For those seeking exclusivity and sophistication, the Palmetto Club takes the crown. Conveniently located in downtown Columbia, the Palmetto Club offers members exquisite dining, top amenities, and a rich atmosphere for fostering socializing. With a reputation for elegance and unparalleled service, the Palmetto Club remains the premier choice for those looking for a refined experience.
Honorable Mentions: Business Development Club, Spring Valley Country Club Protecting one river is no small feat, but Congaree Riverkeeper makes caring for three look like a piece of cake. This group, led by Bill Stangler, works tirelessly to improve water quality and protect wildlife habitats on the Broad, Lower Saluda, and Congaree rivers through monitoring pollution, advocating for change, and engaging the community, making them a stand out in local activism. Honorable Mentions: Animal Mission, South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center People can’t function when they’re hungry, and Harvest Hope leads the way in the fight against hunger in Columbia SC.
This dedicated organization works tirelessly to provide food to those in need, distributing millions of meals annually across the region. Through community engagement, innovative programs, and a fleet of generous volunteers, Harvest Hope is an invaluable asset to ending food insecurity in the area. Honorable Mentions: Lighthouse for Life, Animal Mission The Harriet Hancock Center stands out as a beacon of support and inclusion for its dedication to the LGBTQ+ community and allies.
Offering a wide range of support services, educational programs, and social events, the center fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, creating a safe space for some of the most isolated individuals in the community. Honorable Mentions: Drew Wellness, Columbia Music Festival Association The Darnall W. and Susan F.
Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center offers an immersive experience for guests of the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Family life is already wild, and so is the zoo! The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is the perfect place for family fun. With beautiful gardens, diverse wildlife, and engaging activities, this zoo offers endless entertainment for all ages.
Whether you’re observing cute chimpanzees, ziplining across the Broad river, the Riverbanks Zoo provides an unforgettable experience for everyone. Honorable Mentions: S.C.
State Museum, EdVenture Children’s Museum Leading the way in sustainability, City Roots made a macro impact by farming microgreens. As South Carolina’s first urban farm, this 8-acre family owned organic farm excels in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. With 11 varieties of microgreen sold year-round, City Roots sets a shining example of how small-scale initiatives can lead to significant environmental change.
Honorable Mentions: Keep the Midlands Beautiful, Palmetto Commercial Services Since first opening Crat and Draft 10 years ago, Kellen Monroe and his team have provided a inviting, family friendly atmosphere for everyone from craft beer snobs to passersby. With two locations, Irmo and Devine Street, Monroe's operation has been a stalwart small business that advocates for community. Honorable Mentions: Mike Young-Palmetto Commercial Services, Wade Douroux-Resource Financial Services Rep.
Seth Rose listens to S.C. Gov.
Henry McMaster give the State of the State address at the Statehouse in Columbia on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. John A.
Carlos II/Special to The Post and Courier They say politicians have a knack for serving up grand promises with a side of hot air. Seth Rose, however, serves up results with a side of charisma. With a focus on practical solutions and community engagement, Rose has proven himself a dedicated and effective leader in Columbia.
HIs commitment to improving policies and driving change sets him apart in the political arena. Honorable Mentions: Heather Bauer, Daniel Rickenmann Being sent to Bull Street used to be something to fear, but now people are lining up to get a spot– all thanks to the Columbia Fireflies at Segra Park. This vibrant ballpark lights up the area into a hub of excitement and fun.
Combining baseball with great food and a lively atmosphere, Segra Park offers an outdoor experience that hits a home run every time. Honorable Mentions: Riverwalk, Congaree National Park If you want to show off the best of Columbia to the out-of-towners, Soda City Market is a go-to-spot for locals and travelers alike. Every Saturday from 9 a.
m. to 1 p.m.
, this bustling market captures the city’s vibrant and diverse spirit with its assortment of local vendors, handmade crafts, delicious food, and so much more. This market feels like a European Street market, and its only on Main Street. Honorable Mentions: Congaree National Park, Riverwalk A street vendor cooks on Main Street during Columbia's weekly Soda City Market.
Who knew a private investigation firm could have such a stellar workplace? At Dukes Investigations, founded by Henry Dukes, a law enforcement pro with over 35 years of experience, employees enjoy a top-notch work environment despite the company’s serious business. From background checks to missing persons, Dukes Investigations offers a supportive workplace with a positive atmosphere. Honorable Mentions: Palmetto Citizens FCU, Loveland Coffee, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands Beach and Jessica Loveland are brewing up more than just coffee – they’re serving up love for their community.
With Beach’s experience in specialty coffee and the service industry, this duo has turned their dream into a coffee hub in Irmo. Their journey from barista to storefront proves that with the right blend of passion and dedication, you can turn your dreams into a thriving business. Honorable Mentions: Mona Elleithee Sullivan, Dan Sarantopoulos- Columbia Charlotte Shuttle Alex Murdaugh’s defense attorney Dick Harpootlian speaks during an evidentiary hearting at the Richland County Courthouse on Tuesday Jan.
16, 2024. Tracy Glantz The State, Pool When you're a staple of Capital City politics for nearly half a century, you can expect to ruffle some feathers. To some, he’s best known as the man who cleaned college bars out of Five Points.
To others, he’s convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh’s attorney. He’s been a state senator, solicitor and – most importantly, for this award – a controversial staple of Columbia and state headlines, for one reason or another. Honorable Mention: Phill Blair, Kellan Monroe, Craft and Draft The Three Rivers Greenway links together the riverfront parks and trails of Columbia, Cayce and West Columbia for miles of prime walking and biking tracks, as well as just a great place to enjoy the local outdoors.
We’re still years away from the Greenway’s final form, but if today’s system is any indicator of what’s to come, it will likely only be more of a local staple. Honorable Mention: University of South Carolina, South Carolina Philharmonic Dawn Staley has collected quite a few trophies and honors over the past month. USC’s Women's Basketball Team has been on fire for awhile now, under the guidance of the great Dawn Staley.
This year was a new high for the team – the women brought home their third NCAA Championship title, set a record with 43 straight SEC wins and were welcomed home from the national championships with a parade down Main Street. Honorable Mention: Malfunction Junction Revamp, Demolition of Richland Mall.
