After a nearly two-year closure, Compton’s Restaurant is reopening in West Columbia, serving Southern classics like ribs and collards.

Gasque Marketing & Advertising is closing. They’re selling their locally famous large, red letter “G” that trumpeted their business on Leaphart Road for more than two decades. It’s listed on Facebook ...

YouTube video by Hiss Golden Messenger

To celebrate the Orangeburg HBCU’s national football championship, the S.C. capitol building will fly the SC State bulldogs’ flag on Jan. 19, aka Martin Luther King Jr. Day, in Columbia, South Carolin...

Gus Manos bought Zesto in West Columbia in 1960. Under his ownership, the restaurant has grown into one of the Midlands’ most iconic restaurants.

In this week's Ear to the Ground, Free Times readers sound off on what they think is good about BullStreet thus far, what they'd like to see, and improvements.

Bierkeller, which brews German lagers in Columbia, SC, along the Congaree River, has been named one of the 30 best breweries in the US.

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Gather COLA off of Columbia’s Bull Street is now open, serving up everything from sandwiches to barbecue to Asian fusion cuisine.

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ALT: a man in a suit and tie is saying " please god just let this end "

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Homeless No More, a Columbia, SC, nonprofit operating an emergency shelter for homeless families, is a decade in to a pursuit to build affordable housing.

Read a live review of the music festivals that took over Columbia, SC Finlay Park during its reopening weekend following $25 million renovation.

A 30-year veteran of Free Times, Lisa Willis passed away Oct. 29, 2025. She’s remembered for her hard work, dedication and relentlessly funny and social spirit.

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience, Jordan Lawrence said he is excited to continue his work covering Columbia and the SC Midlands.

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Columbia says paying the verdict would impact “its ability to provide essential public services.”