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Four ways Columbia's cultural scene is thriving

The curated articles share a focus on the revitalization and growth of Columbia's cultural scene. They highlight new restaurant openings, bookstore expansions, and increased public engagements. The emergence of Tupelo Honey in the BullStreet District signifies Columbia's culinary growth and showcases an influx of dining options. Rising Roll Gourmet Cafe plans to cater to the community by the University of South Carolina's incoming campus, enhancing the dining landscape further.

Bookstores, including Barnes & Noble's new locations and the independent All Good Books, demonstrate a resurgence in literary culture. Visitors seek physical interactions with books, reflecting a desire for community. The Columbia Museum of Art transforms Boyd Plaza with events that engage the public, offering free admission and varied programs. This initiative aims to make downtown vibrant and accessible.

People shop for books during an event at All Good Books in Columbia, South Carolina on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. By Joshua Boucher

NO. 1: TURNING THE PAGE: HOW COLUMBIA HAS SEEN A RENAISSANCE OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL BOOKSTORES

Major bookseller Barnes & Noble has debuted two new stores in Columbia this year, and new independent shops also have carved out a niche. | Published November 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

Various dishes from Tupelo Honey. By Provided

NO. 2: THE OPENING OF COLUMBIA’S FIRST TUPELO HONEY RESTAURANT IS GETTING CLOSE. WHAT WE KNOW

The company is having an event to hire more than 100 people for its coming location in a growing Columbia district. | Published January 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

Rising Roll Gourmet Cafe will open a restaurant at Columbia’s Bull Street as part of USC’s coming medical school campus there. By Photo from Rising Roll's Facebook

NO. 3: A NEW RESTAURANT IS PLANNED FOR PART OF COLUMBIA’S BULLSTREET DISTRICT. WHAT WE KNOW

The brand has locations across the South and is known for gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups and more. | Published January 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

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People talk, drink coffee, work on their computers and listen to music during Morning Blend: A Jazz, Soul, and Coffee Series, at the Columbia Museum of Art on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. By Joshua Boucher

NO. 4: COLUMBIA ART MUSEUM’S BIG (FREE!) SUMMER IS BUILDING A DOWNTOWN HOT SPOT. HOW TO ENJOY IT

This is one of the most active spots for events downtown this summer (and did we mention most of it’s free?). Here’s what’s being offered to draw people to Main Street all summer long. | Published July 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Margaret Walker

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.