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/

On this episode of Soda Citizen, we’re joined by Joe and Mac from Classic Roofing, two local business owners who know Columbia, SC from the shingles up.

What starts as a conversation about roofs quickly turns into a deep dive on entrepreneurship, honesty in contracting, and what makes Columbia such a special place to live and work. Joe and Mac share how they went from the service industry and sales into launching their own roofing company, why “repair first, replace second” guides their business, and how word-of-mouth can make or break you in a city like Columbia.

We also cover:

• What homeowners should actually ask when hiring a roofer
• Common roofing red flags (and how people get bamboozled)
• Why permits, insurance, and licensing really matter
• Forest Acres, Shandon, and favorite Midlands neighborhoods
• Where to take friends visiting Columbia for the first time
• Why Columbia feels like a small town that’s finally coming alive

Whether you’re a homeowner, thinking about starting a business, or considering a move to the Midlands, this episode is packed with practical advice and real local insight.

📍 Need a roof inspection or just want to know how much life your roof has left?
Classic Roofing offers no-pressure evaluations and honest recommendations. Check them out here: https://classicroofingsc.com/

What’s lurking under your home? In this next episode of Soda Citizen: Local Life in Columbia, SC, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Clark McCarthy and John Dando from Crawlspace Medic, local experts and longtime friends, to talk about crawl space health, home maintenance, and the quirks of Columbia living.

From half-eaten geese to mama possums, you’ll hear the craziest things they’ve seen under homes, learn why crawl spaces are key to your family’s health, and get tips for keeping your home safe and dry.

Plus, get insider insights on Columbia SC: neighborhoods, restaurants, hidden gems, and what makes our city a great place to live and run a business.

The Vista in Columbia, South Carolina has evolved into one of the city’s most recognizable and dynamic downtown districts. In this episode of the Soda Citizen Podcast by The ART of Real Estate, we sit down with Abby Anderson, Executive Director of the Vista Guild, to talk about how The Vista has grown over the past 30 years—and where it’s headed next.

We discuss downtown development, new apartments and hotels, local restaurants and retail, and signature events like Vista Lights and Artista Vista. Abby also shares insight into the role of the Vista Guild, how it supports local businesses, and what makes The Vista such a unique place to live, work, and gather.

Whether you’re interested in downtown Columbia living, local development, or simply want to better understand one of Columbia’s most iconic neighborhoods, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at The Vista Columbia SC and its future.