Five Points isn’t just a district in Columbia, it’s a feeling.

In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, we sit down with Heather McDonald, Executive Director of the Five Points Association, to talk about what makes Columbia’s original neighborhood so special and why it continues to evolve.

From brunch crawls and record shops to family-friendly events and beautification efforts, Heather shares what’s changed in the last few years, what’s coming next, and how Five Points is experiencing its own renaissance.

We also dive into:

• The real story behind St. Pat’s in Five Points (and how big it actually is)
• Where festival proceeds go and how they support the community
• The Yellow Shirts ambassador program and safety initiatives
• Misconceptions about Five Points being “just for college kids”
• Events like JerryFest, Neon Joy, and Trick-or-Treat in Five Points
• What people moving to Columbia should know about the city’s culture and districts

If you’ve lived here your whole life, you’ll love the nostalgia.
If you’re new to Columbia (or considering a move), this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Because at the end of the day, people don’t just want a house — they want a place people love to live.

Learn more about Five Points and upcoming events:
https://fivepointscolumbia.com/

What do home inspectors really find once they get into a home—and how does that connect to living in Columbia, SC?

In this episode, we’re joined by Jacob Stevenson, owner of Magnolia Inspection Company, to talk about what commonly shows up during home inspections and why those details matter before you buy or sell. Drawing from years of inspecting homes across the Midlands, Jacob shares insight into issues buyers often overlook and how inspection results can influence negotiations.

Beyond inspections, Jacob also talks about local life in Columbia, SC, from what makes homes here unique to why he left the area and ultimately chose to come back. We discuss how the city has grown, what keeps people here, and why understanding the local market is just as important as understanding the inspection report.

Whether you’re considering moving to Columbia, SC, already live here, or simply want a better understanding of what happens during a home inspection, this episode offers practical insight and local perspective from a trusted expert.

More About Magnolia Inspection Company

In this episode of the Soda Citizen Podcast, hosts Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Steve Cook, Columbia’s 2025 Restauranteur of the Year and owner of multiple beloved local eateries.

Steve shares his journey from opening Saluda’s to building a larger restaurant group, acquiring Cafe Strudel, and rebranding Il Bucato as State Pizza. He also gives an insider look at Slip 53, a historic oyster bar coming to Five Points, and discusses what makes Columbia South Carolina’s food scene unique and full of opportunities.

Tune in as they cover:

• Why Columbia’s foodie scene is on the rise
• New and upcoming restaurant openings
• Challenges and rewards of running multiple restaurants
• What Columbia still needs for its culinary landscape

Whether you’re a local foodie, a restaurant entrepreneur, or just curious about the Columbia SC dining scene, this episode is packed with insights and stories you won’t want to miss.

Check out Steve Cook's restaurants:
https://www.saludas.com/
https://thestatepizza.com/
https://www.emberlexington.com/
https://www.arroyofivepoints.com/
https://cafestrudel.com/