The Daily Gamecock: Day Trips 10/4/21 by Garnet Media Group

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Cover DEsign: Sabrina Hampton

7 Letter from the editor: Take an impromtu trip

16 Column: Top local coffee shops in Columbia

27 Experts say education on slavery should be focus of plantation tours

35 Guest Column: Take day trips with Carolina mountaineering and white water club

44 Deep dive into Columbia, South Carolina: Home to vibrant, creative community 4

9 Aiken Hopelands Gardens, Rye Patch preserve history, foster community

18 Charleston home to history, southern gourmet on coast of South Carolina

28 Column: Department of Natural Resources heritage preserves offer historic outdoor activities for everyone

37 Guide to tailgating games this South Carolina football Season

46 Report says South Carolina is one of most vulnerable states to climate change

10 Students can step away from classroom, onto golf course

20 Columbia thrifting offers residents different clothing options

30 ‘One of the biggest issues in the state’: SCDOT to repave roads, improve infrastructure

38 Travel guide for Gamecock football fans attending University of Tennessee game

47 Games

12 Head-to-head: Airbnb is superior

22 Photo Story: Take in nature at

Sesquicentennial State Park

31 Column: South Carolina’s roads need serious attention

39 A gamecock’s tavel guide to College Station, Texas

48 Games cont’d

13 Head-to-head: Hotels are superior

24 Dining through the SEC: Athens, Gainesville, Knoxville

33 Day tripping guide to Charlotte, North Carolina as a sports fan

40 A gameday guide to Missouri

15 Ija Charles completes mural on Main Street, continues to ‘paint positive vibes on the canvas of life’

26 Road trip guide for history buffs

34 How to create fun, inexpensive game day shirts, jewelry

42 Asheville, North Carolina is cultural , ideal trip for all students

49 Solutions

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: e all need a break every now and then. In my experience, one of the best types of breaks is the one I take with some friends and an impromptu trip. Maybe it’s not any further than the thrift store and a coffee shop in town we haven’t tried yet. Maybe it’s a full day spent in Charleston or a park we haven’t hiked yet. Wherever the trip takes us, I’m forced to think about what’s happening in the moment and not on the dozen things stressing me out. It’s easy to get trapped in what I “should” be doing and forget to make time for the things I want to be doing. It’s about the journey as much as the destination, but you can’t start a journey without knowing where you’re headed. If you need ideas about where to set a destination for a trip of your own, look no further. From historical locations with rich history to the best spots to hang out as you follow your favorite Gamecock teams to play their SEC rivals, The Daily Gamecock has you covered. May your trip leave you feeling refreshed — and best of luck avoiding the inevitable potholes.

Aiken Hopelands Gardens, Rye Patch preserve history, foster community

Noah Trainor fter her death in 1970, Mrs. Hope Iselin gave her 14-acre estate to the City of Aiken and almost 51 years later, the city still maintains that history as the Hopelands Gardens is open to the public. Hopelands Gardens and the neighboring Rye Patch are a sprawling, beautiful landmark that is home to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, a large variety of wildlife and multiple natural and manmade water fixtures, among other attractions. Part of maintaining the beauty and history of the Gardens is protecting the trees that populate the area. “We’re considered a tree city,” Amber Coffey, the recreation program coordinator for Hopelands and the Rye Patch, said. Lisa Hall, the coordinator for the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, said there are pine trees, “cedar, lots of azaleas, dogwoods and tea olives.” The staff at Hopelands do projects to help the wildlife thrive, such as a structure built in the pond for the turtles to sit on and sun called “Turtle Island.” Hopelands is also home to an abundance of wildlife. According to Coffey, they have seen “large koi fish in the ponds, lots of squirrels, foxes; we have some raccoons that visit in the evening. Armadillos and deer also visit and eat the vegetation,” Coffey said. Beyond nature preservation, Hopelands makes it one of its goals to foster community and culture in Aiken. One event it hosts at the Gardens is the “Hopelands Concert Series.” After a cancellation in 2020 due to the situation surrounding COVID-19, the series returned this past summer. “People were just so excited to be out and be able to enjoy something like that. I think they really felt safe,” Coffey said. The concerts take place on the Roland H. Windham PerformingArts stage, a large stone platform that is outside and surrounded by a moat that separates it from a grassy seating

area. This space is important to serving the Hopelands Gardens community, as it hosts other events here, such as book groups, graduations and weddings. The Gardens and Rye Patch are also a popular wedding destination in Aiken. Shirley McClenahan, a facilities assistant for Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch, said nearly 95% of the events she schedules are for weddings. The main attractions at Hopelands aren’t just limited to the wildlife and private events, though. The Racing Hall of Fame and Museum are open to the public six days a week for free admission, hosting multiple exhibits. As part of the historic preservation that the Gardens represent, the hall of fame immortalizes the 40 thoroughbred national champions that trained at the Aiken horse track and memorializes Hope Iselin, the former owner of the estate. “It’s just pretty here, and it’s very comfortable, and it’s very laid back,” McClenahan said. “Rye Patch speaks for itself, so you really don’t have to sell it.” The non-profit group Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch works with the city of Aiken to support and maintain the beauty of the Gardens. It formed in 1971 to give advice to the city of Aiken and raise funds for projects, and in its 50 years of existence, it has built reflecting pools, a labyrinth and restored numerous buildings. All of these projects contribute to the beautiful vision Iselin had for the Gardens after her death, Hall said. “It didn’t matter what your social status was, your religious status, or anything — doesn’t matter. She wanted everybody to come out here,” Hall said. The welcoming staff, relaxing environment and nuggets of South Carolinian history to be discovered make the Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch an ideal destination for a day trip or picnic.

Photos: Dorian Nungaray Top: A statue of a women sits next to one of the refelction pools at Hopelands gardens. Middle: This is one of the many paths across Hopelands gardens’ 14 acres you can walk in the morning. Bottom: Towards the entrance of the gardens there is a white gazebo, which leads towards one of many fountains. Hopelands Gardens is a sprawling landmark in Aiken with wildlife, ponds, gazebos, a performing arts stage, and a ‘turtle island’ that aims to preserve the natural landscape.

Students can step away from classroom, onto golf course

Matthew Goins ne way students can get involved, connect with classmates and explore the community is through golf. This is because of the beautiful local courses and special discounts for students. Drew Totin, a third-year finance and supply chain management student, said he believes students should find an outlet to relieve themselves from the demands of college life. For him, golf is a mental health relief. “It’s good to have a break and time to yourself or with friends to get away from the stress,” Totin said. “It helps your mental health.” Some of the top area golf courses for USC students include the Charwood Golf Club, Indian River Golf Club, Linrick Golf Course and Oak Hills Country Club. Charwood Golf Course, located in West Columbia, provides students with a

discounted rate during the week and at twilight. The course is known for its short and mostly forgiving layout. Despite the front nine being open, the back nine is tighter and longer. Indian River in West Columbia, notable for its Scottish design, offers a student rate Monday through Thursday, where students can play nine holes for $18 or 18 holes for $29. In addition to the student rates, the course offers an afternoon rate after 2 p.m. of $25. The fee allows golfers to play up to 18 holes depending on their pace before sunset. Though the course has bigger greens, precision is still crucial due to the many hills and sand. The course, which sits along Lake Frances, also provides some breathtaking scenic views, such as hole 7, a par five with the lake behind the green. Linrick Golf Course, located north of the city, is known for its

Photo: Dorian Nungaray

A player getting ready to hit a tee shot onto the course. Oak Hills Country Club Golf Course is north of downtown Columbia and an 18 to 20 minute drive from USC’s campus.

Photo: Dorian Nungaray

The clubhouse at Oak Hills Country Club Golf Course, across the fairway.

tightness, dog legs, hills and ponds. Despite the somewhat distant drive, the course provides special student students rates. During the week, students can play nine holes for $17 or 18 holes for $29, which includes a cart. In addition to the weekly deals, the course also offers a deal for students to play 18 holes for $33. Another course that offers students a deal (and quite the challenge) is Oak Hills Country Club. As one could guess, the course contains lots of oak trees and hills, some of which are forgiving while others are not as much. The course offers a weekday deal, where students can play 18 holes at the club for $29 before 2 p.m. Afterwards, there is a twilight rate for $27. Par Tee is a place for golfers to improve their game. The lot is home to a driving range, mini-golf course, a three-hole par-three course and shop. Clubs can be provided for players if needed. Additionally, the staff offers personal instruction, club fitting, regripping and repairs. Driving range rates are $5, $8, $10 and $18 depending on the number of balls selected.

For the par-three loop with yardage ranging from 60 to 160 on each hole, patrons can take on the challenge for only $10. The initial fee for the mini golf course is $8, with a $2 fee for any additional round. “We get a lot of students,” owner and PGA professional Tom Mason said. “There’s opportunities for everyone no matter what your skill level is.” If you’re looking to play golf with classmates, Gamecock Club Golf hopes to add new members of all levels this fall. The club’s president, fourth-year political science student Ross Joliff, encourages students of any interest to come out. “We welcome all skill levels,” Jolliff said. “Our goal is just to get everybody better.” The club has a competitive team that travels throughout the region and country to compete against other schools. However, there is also a social team for students who want fellowship and play recreationally. “Whenever you see how much fun we’re having, you’re going to want to get better,” Jolliff said.

Head to head: Julia Goulet

ver since the rise of Airbnb, there has been a question raised again and again: Airbnb or hotel? Weighing the two carefully, it’s clear that Airbnb is the cheaper and superior option, especially for college students. The idea of Airbnb started in 2007 when two roommates rented out air mattresses in their apartment when they were down on rent. From there, they invited their old roommate to the business idea and created what they called an Air Bed and Breakfast service, later to be shortened to Airbnb. Today, hosts can rent out everything from their second home to a shed in their backyard. Also, it is now a $31 billion business. But what makes them better than hotels? For starters, Airbnb is much cheaper. A day trip that most USC students will take in their college career is one down to Myrtle Beach. An Airbnb right across the street from the Atlantic Ocean that houses two people can cost less than $120 a night, which includes taxes, services and cleaning fees. On the other hand, a hotel in the Myrtle Beach area can cost around $240 a night, along with a 13% tax charge that isn’t included in that price. Airbnbs are, overall, more upfront with their prices. Airbnb’s are better in the time of COVID-19 because while hotels have high cleaning standards, it’s not as safe as an Airbnb where you’re usually only interacting with the owner as opposed to hotel staff and other guests. Airbnb encourages a five-step cleaning protocol that will show up on your booking if the host follows this. “My idea is to always go in and clean first,” Charleston Superhost Sue Findley said. “To strip the bed; wash the towels; I wash the rugs on the floor every time. I sweep and mop, but, anyway, the idea is to clean it really well early and then to go back to check it and make sure.” Also, with Airbnb, you can be contact-free. Most hosts leave keys in a lockbox and allow you to do your own thing. At most hotels, you have to check in with someone and check out with someone. An Airbnb allows you to have your own clean space for your stay instead of sharing everything with hundreds of others. One of the best things about staying in an Airbnb is the personal touch. You get to stay in the neighborhood you’re visiting and learn how the people around there

live their day-to-day lives. Lots of hosts will provide information about things to do while you are staying, such as local restaurants, hotspots around town and sights to see. You are also always able to contact the hosts for questions or if anything goes wrong. “I’m all about the personal touches,” Findley said. “I have all kinds of stuff for the beach because we’re about four miles from the beach, so I got chairs, boogie boards and towels, sunscreen and sunglasses, beach bags and all that stuff.” Another upside of Airbnb for college students is that almost anyone over 18 can rent. Some hotels in the U.S. don’t rent to anyone under 21 for liability reasons, which can be a struggle for college students still awaiting their 21st birthday. In my experience, Airbnbs are 100% the way to go when taking day trips. I visited Greenville for my birthday and stayed in a small house through Airbnb. The hosts provided tips about the area and full access to their hot tub. They were very friendly and made sure that we all had a good time. Airbnb is better for college students seeking freedom with a cheap, stress-free weekend.

o, you were planning a day trip which turned into a two-or-three day trip, and you’re looking for a place to stay. Although Airbnb might provide a bit more privacy, hotels provide better accommodations through refund and cancelation policies, access to resources and convenience. After Airbnb’s birth in 2008, the young startup swept the tourism market, causing hotels to counter with the addition of restaurants and bars to attract travelers who were flocking to Airbnb’s. But since the start of the pandemic, the tourism market has been flipped on its head, and travelers should look to hotels for a more reliable choice. As COVID-19 numbers rise and fall across the South, travel plans might be especially volatile during this time — flexibility is a must when it comes to lodging accommodations. Airbnb has what it calls its COVID-19 “Extenuating Circumstance Policy,” which only covers a cancelation of a reservation made on or before March 14, 2020, with a check-in date 45 days following. That means all cancelation policies are at the mercy of the homeowner. Renters are not protected from losing money if a trip is deemed unsafe under current COVID-19 conditions and are forced to violate the owner’s cancelation policy. Airbnb states on its website that situations including: “travel advisories and restrictions; health advisories and quarantines” are not covered, and the renter is fully reliable for their rental fee after a cancelation. Illustration: Vanessa purpura

Head to head: Audrey Elsberry Owners can choose their cancelation policy from Airbnb’s range of options from “flexible” to “Super Strict 60 Days.” Hotels see many more customers than a single Airbnb host, and in dealing with so many individual bookings, they need to cater to the hectic schedule of the traveler. The New York Times pointed out “most hotels have generous cancellation policies that allow travelers to make changes to their reservations without penalty 24 to 48 hours in advance of arrival.” The magnitude of rooms in a hotel is far more accommodating to changing schedules than a single room Airbnb. If you shift your trip a week or two, there is a greater chance that a smaller Airbnb will be unavailable versus a hotel that has access to hundreds of room options. If you have any concerns about your stay, you have access to trained concierge and customer service right away who can troubleshoot with you. Because Airbnb revolves around regular individuals renting out their space, if an issue arises all disputes are to be settled directly between the host and the customer, which can get tricky without any corporate guidelines for how the host is to handle a situation. During this time of social distancing, staying in a space shared by so many others can be daunting — but hotels are well-oiled machines with staff who serve the sole purpose of keeping the area germ-free. Rich Harrill, research professor at USC’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Tourism Management, said hotels have changed their protocols in response to COVID-19. “All the hotels at almost every level of every star has picked up their game in terms of cleanliness and doing a better job, a more diligent job, with that,” Harrill said. Airbnb doesn’t give its hosts any professional cleaning services to make sure each space is sanitized. The host oversees the process of turning over their own rental space, and all the company equips them with is a checklist posted on its website. There is no way to ensure the space is being properly cleaned, and you are left at the mercy of the host’s judgement. The hotel industry has the upper hand in overall experience, according to Harrill. “When you compare histories, the hotel industry have been around in the United States for hundreds of years, since the beginning,” Harrill said. “In times of distress or trouble it seems to me that we would fall back on the industry that has a longer track record.” Airbnb is focused on convenience for guests and host, whereas hotels are all about user experience. Whether you are following USC football at an away game or taking a beach getaway in Charleston, hotels are the way to go.

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Ija Charles completes mural on Main Street, continues to ‘paint positive vibes on the canvas of life’ Stephen Pastis

ecent visitors on Main Street might have noticed a huge mural rapidly appearing on the side of the City of Columbia building. This giant mural, by virally-appreciated artist Ija Charles, features the rich history of Columbia. The 300-by-600 foot mural depicts the once-Black Wall Street that used to be nearby, representing a bygone era with black and white 1920s imagery. The art is cornered with colors to show modernity and people to represent those who used to be present in the community. Charles, a 24-year-old self-starter from Columbia and Louisiana, hasn’t always been painting murals commissioned by the city. Although she did art her entire childhood for interest and self-therapy, her career began in middle school when she started drawing on her tests. Instead of discouraging her with frustration, teachers empowered her to develop her passion. They would buy her work, and Charles said she feels that this support inspired her to pursue her talent more. Jeff O’Shields, a long-time teacher at Charles’ high school, Westwood High School, went to see Charles’ new mural on Main Street. “For maybe a half hour, and there were five different people who walked by asking questions,” O’Shields said. “I was shocked to have that many people to approach me.”

Her art has now reached beyond Columbia residents; it has touched people all over the nation. One of the defining moments of her career was a painting she did of George Floyd and his daughter. It was a recreation of a moment during the BLM protests in the summer of 2020 between Gianna Floyd and Stephen Jackson, but instead, Charles painted with Gianna on Floyd’s shoulders. “When I found out about all the George Floyd stuff, the first video I saw was with his little daughter talking about, ‘My daddy changed the world,’ and I broke down in tears. And I was like, ‘I got to create a painting,’’’ Charles said. The Floyd family saw the painting and reached out to her for it, which inspired her to bring it to the Million Man March. It ended being the leading image of the march when someone asked her to embellish their truck bed with the painting. It was later mailed to her, signed by hundreds of encouraging names from the Columbia event. All of her art stems from emotion, she said. This, in combination with her love for a heavy use of vibrant colors, scenery and uniquely fast artistic ability, represents her mission statement: “Painting positive vibes on the canvas of life, bringing life to dark rooms.” According to her father Shawn Charles, her artistic identity can be traced back to the age of

two, with her recognizable attention to facial details, colorful tones and human emotions. “I would call it scribble scrabble,” Shawn Charles said. “But it was very neatly done. The surprising part was how she paid so much detail to the eyes, expressing that she wanted to see. So it can be a vague picture, but you knew exactly what she wanted you to get from the picture about expression. She put it in the eyes and the way she structured the face.” Since then, Ija Charles has grown into a renowned artist who takes calls from the Columbia mayor and emails from the NFL. Charles said she attributes a lot of her entrepreneurial skills to her father, a traveling medical personnel and orthopedic salesman who would do things such as give her a $5 bill and match her profit if she could resell things she bought with it. In 2020, Charles was notably one of 16 artists worldwide to be selected by the NFL and had three days to come up with a painting for them. “I don’t watch sports like that, so when they emailed me I thought it was spam until I joined the group call,” Charles said. She is also in the works to illustrate the tickets for next year’s Super Bowl. Charles has a number of other works going on in Columbia, such as her Immersion room, a mural on the bridge at Broad River Road and more.

Photo: vanessa Purpura

C olumn:

Top local coffee shops in Columbia Bridget Frame

college student’s second home often ends up being a coffee shop. With so many options in Columbia, each with different experiences, they serve as a great place to explore on a day off. Not only are these spots good to frequent, but by visiting them, you keep local businesses alive. With Starbucks and other major coffee chains taking over the nation, independent cafes and chains are at risk of becoming a thing of the past. This is especially important

post-pandemic, when many people started frequenting drive-thru locations due to closing dine-in locations. Local coffee shops are important to building community and culture; they’re a place for people to congregate and decompress from the day. Buying locally will also benefit the city’s economy and put money back into your community. Here are some of the best places in the Columbia area to sip a cappuccino and cram for your next exam.

Photo: Dorian Nungaray A fresh cup of coffee. The coffee beans are roasted in the Lovelands roastery, where customers can watch the whole process of their drink being made.

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea: This café in the city of Columbia is a newer coffee location. It opened in 2019 and is owned and managed by Greg Dodd. The original company was founded in 1993 by Wei and Lisa Bee. Sweetwaters’ proximity to the university — by the Arnold School of Public Health — makes it a favorite among students. It’s Photo: Dorian Nungaray

Customers placing their orders with the employees at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea is a modern cafe that makes styles of coffee, tea and sells various pastries and sandwiches to accommodate any beverage.

one of my favorite spots due to its unique twist on drinks and its dedication to quality beverages. As a fan of cold coffee, I would argue any of the Dreamy cold brews or the French Vietnamese au lait are a great way to caffeinate your day. Dodd’s personal favorite is the Caramel Ice Dragon, a sweet blended drink.

Loveland Coffee: This coffee shop is a little bit farther from campus, but the drive is worth it. It’s located in Irmo and has a roastery located inside the coffee shop. This means not only are you getting locally roasted coffee, but you can also watch the process. Those interested in the behind-thescenes aspects of coffee and

its origins should definitely plan a visit. The space is quite large, with both indoor and outdoor seating. This makes the shop a great place to go with friends or family on a Saturday morning outing. The vanilla lavender latte is my personal favorite, and it’s especially delicious over ice.

Photo: Dorian Nungaray The counter of Loveland Coffee shop with an employee making fresh coffee. The Irmo location offers lots of indoor and outdoor spaces to study or sip on a beverage and contains a roastery where you can watch the process of coffee being made.

Indah Coffee: Located on Sumter Street and Main Street, this is a coffee shop that’s worth the trek. It is both a local coffee shop and roaster, similar to Loveland Coffee. The space is cozy and has a welcoming atmosphere. They sell coffee, tea, whole beans and delicious pastries you can snack on while you sip. If you can catch them on the weekends, I would definitely recommend making The outside of the Indah Coffee Shop located off Sumter Street.

this next on your list. They also attend Soda City every Saturday morning. Of course, these aren’t the only coffee places you can find and visit in the Columbia area. There are already many opening up in the upcoming year. In the wake of the pandemic, supporting local businesses is vital, so take your next cup of joe at a local shop. You won’t regret it.

Photo: Jatin Patel

Charleston home to history, southern gourmet on coast of South Carolina holly poag

harleston is one of the most haunted cities in America, according to CNBC. One first-year student at the College of Charleston loves to go on ghost tours through the downtown area. “I’ve done every single one. There’s one of this old county prison where they actually hung the first woman in America,” Audrey Kelly, first-year College of Charleston student, said. “It’s insane, and it’s so creepy. You can go at night, and there’s bats in there, and it’s really scary.” There are also ghost tours in many of Charleston’s graveyards, and carriage tours that snake through downtown. Tickets cost anywhere from about $20 to $30. “It’s kind of like a mix of historical, and ghost, and folklore and stuff. That would probably be better for people that haven’t been to Charleston, so you get history as well as the ghost stuff,” Kelly said. Charleston is one of the most famous cities in South Carolina, acclaimed for its historic churches, pastel antebellum mansions and Southern gourmet restaurants. Each year, Charleston welcomes about 7.3 million visitors. In addition to the ghost tours, Graham McAlister, a first-year student at Clemson University who has lived in the Charleston area his whole life, recommends students explore downtown for free and low-cost activities to do in Charleston. “There’s the Charleston Place Hotel. It’s a really beautiful old building that they changed into a hotel. It’s super luxurious,

but even if you’re not staying there, it’s really nice to walk around and explore the halls in there. There’s a bunch of restaurants and shops in there, as well. They’re always changing,” McAlister said. Just outside the Charleston Place Hotel is Charleston City Market, a centuries-old market where local vendors sell crafts and merchandise, such as sweetgrass baskets and handmade jewelry. The market is Charleston’s No. 1 most visited attraction, according to its website. Near the Charleston Harbor, visitors can walk along The Battery and Charleston Waterfront Park for gorgeous views of boats sailing through the Cooper and Ashley Rivers. In North Charleston, Kelly said she recommends local thrifting stores, such as Community Thrift and a Goodwill Outlet store, for students wanting to save money. “Those are definitely the best hidden gems for shopping, in my opinion, because most stuff you’re going to get in Charleston is boutique stuff, especially downtown, but the first area in North Charleston is definitely the best,” Kelly said. Outside of Charleston’s city limits is Mount Pleasant, a suburban town on the outskirts of Charleston. Kelly said the town hosts an outdoor shopping center called Towne Centre. Towne Centre has some chain stores such as Victoria’s Secret in addition to local businesses from the Charleston area.

“There’s a movie theater, so it’s a really nice area, and [has] good food as well,” Kelly said. Shem Creek, an area outside of Mount Pleasant bordering the Charleston Harbor, has several restaurants such as Shem Creek Crab House, Tavern & Table and Saltwater Cowboys on the waterfront. “They have some of the best food, like food on the water, and you can just watch the boats go through and everything,” Kelly said. McAlister said he loves to surf locally at Folly Beach. Folly is known throughout Charleston as one of the best spots to surf in the area. In addition to surfing, Folly has several restaurants lining the beach. “I would definitely recommend trying out surfing around here. Surf camp is good — it’s Sol Surfers Surf Camp,” McAlister said. “That’s out in Folly Beach, but we also do lessons at [Isle of Palms]; that’s really nice because you get private lessons. It also just gets you to know all the beaches around here.” From ghost tours and historic antebellum homes in downtown Charleston to surfing and water-front dining in the towns surrounding the peninsula, the Charleston area has a variety of attractions for every interest a student might have. “You can always find something to do,” Kelly said. Illustration: Michelle B al l m an

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Columbia thrifting offers residents different clothing options Patrick mcauliffe

any students and Columbia residents participate in and build the local thrifting community. In Columbia alone, there are a large number of thrift and second-hand stores that have become popular places for students to shop. Not only that, but many students have turned this pastime into financial gains through the capabilities of the internet. Gray Thomas, a fourth-year advertising student, who runs the @sodacitythrifts’ Instagram account, mainly sells clothes to USC students. He said he finds most of the items he sells through thrifting and reposts on his Instagram story from local thrift shops. “I’ll sell it for typically $10 just because I know a college kid is not going to pay much more than $10,” Thomas said. Every once in a while, however, he finds something a little too rare to sell for cheap. “We pulled out this NASCAR UPS, like actual racers jacket and, like — that you’d see, like, the NASCAR drivers wear while they’re driving,” Thomas said. The NASCAR jacket sold for around $100. Thomas has multiple items for sale on the Soda City Thrifts account, which are available for the public. When an interested buyer wants to purchase a piece, all they have to do is swipe up and ask if the item is still available. In addition to chain thrift stores in Columbia, such as multiple Goodwills or Plato’s Closet, are local options, such as Five Points’ Sid & Nancy and its sister

store Revente. Besides these options, flea markets and estate sales provide unique ways to thrift. Cheyann Dow, a first-year psychology student, said she loves to go thrifting for sweaters. She goes almost twice a week. Her favorite thing she has found was a $5 Dior sweater, which she managed to sell for around $60, she said. Many aspects of thrifting trends also happen through digital outlets. Victoria Lynch, a fourthyear advertising student, said she does most of her thrifting through Facebook Marketplace and e-commerce apps. She even used Facebook Marketplace to sublease an apartment in Boston for the summer. Thrifting can yield more than just clothes and accessories. Lynch said she used ideas from Google Images to design her own pallet couch. The entire couch, made of reclaimed pallet wood and fabrics, was cheap to make. She said she got the pallets from a warehouse near Olympia Mills and pillows and blankets from Goodwill. “It maybe, total, cost me like $15, but it looks really cool,” said Lynch. Today, it sits out on her patio. And if you’re looking for something a bit stranger than clothes or pillows, Facebook Marketplace has got you covered. According to Lynch, “people sell, like, fake-looking hands and fingers.” “Sometimes, I’ll filter for local just to see what’s going on,” Lynch said.

Thrifting also does more than help college students save money, as it’s a way to combat fast fashion and environmental effects of the clothing and trash industry. Fast fashion is the trend of quickly moving clothing articles from catwalks to stores, then repeating that process the moment a new trend begins. The articles of clothing get mass produced, and once the trend goes out of style, the clothes are taken off the shelves at stores. Fast fashion contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions every year. “It’s just really good for the environment, and you don’t realize how much clothes can become a waste,” Lynch said. Dow said if she buys new

clothes, she sometimes doesn’t wear them that often. “It’s easier for me to use someone else’s clothes that they’ve worn for a while and just reuse them and then donate them again, and they can get reused,” Dow said. This is why thrifting appeals to her more than buying firsthand. It offers cheaper clothes that she knows will be used again after her. Thrifting and buying from local vendors gives people ways to show off their talents and profit off them. By shopping local and recycled, rather than buying everything new, students across campus are saving money, growing their bank accounts and helping the environment.

Photo: Elizabeth Intemann An aisle within a Goodwill retail store. The act of thrifting and the rise of secondhand centered e-commerce apps are popular amongst college students who seek to buy clothing at lower prices and combat unsustainable fashion.

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Take in nature at Sesquicentennial State Park

A bullfrog sits on the surface of the water of the Sesquicentennial State Park pond. The park is home to many species of plants and animals.

ith social media, schoolwork and duties of various jobs, it’s common to get caught up in the allure of traveling. It’s much too easy to forget the natural environment of Columbia: the hiking trails, camp sites and green spaces the state has to offer. This region is home to multiple scenic State Parks and the Sesquicentennial State Park is no exception. Less than 20 miles away, these peaceful landscapes are right in our backyard. And if you are crunched for time, it wouldn’t even take a whole day trip.

The sunlight touches the treetops at Sesquicentiennial State Park.

A picnic bench sits besids the water at Sesquicentiennial State Park. There are many spots for civilians to enjoy lunch, read a book or soak up the sun.

A vine twists around a tree in a grove at Sesquicentiennial State Park. The park was created by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It has hiking trails, streams, a pond, camping sites, a dog park and plenty of forest and fields.

People sit, read, talk and enjoy the South Carolina weather along a paved path through Sesquicentiennial State park.

Rows of canoes sit stacked on the side of the pond at Sesquicentiennial State Park. The park offers many spaces to hike, camp, kayak or relax.

DINING THROUGH THE SEC:

Athens, Gainesville, Knoxville

S Illustration: Sabrina Hampton Source: Apple Maps

EC sports are back. Add some excitement as Gamecock teams start their seasons and take a day (or two) to follow the Gamecocks to Athens, Gainesville and Knoxville. The Daily Gamecock has dinner plans covered. Here are the essential restaurants to visit in nearby SEC towns.

Richie Holmberg

Athens, Georgia:

When watching the Gamecocks take on the Bulldogs, visit The Grill, a '50s style diner that has served burgers, fries and milkshakes since 1981. “I think if we are talking quintessential [restaurants], it would have to be The Grill in downtown Athens,” Katie Fugett, special publications coordinator at the Red and Black, said. “That's a really, really popular one on game days; I mean, downtown is walking distance from the stadium.”

Athens, Georgia (Cont.):

For a new take on a classic crêperie check out Pauley’s Crepe Bar. “They have, like, savory and sweet crepes, and it's also, like, a bar so it's just always super rowdy on game days,” Nimra Ahmad, the culture editor at the Red and Black, said You heard that right — a rowdy creperie is the place to be on game days. “It's kind of a fun experience to go and sort of see what's going on because it's a very nice place but obviously everybody's, you know, dressed up in red and black,” Ahmad said. For a taste of Athens' legendary music scene — the town that produced the Drive-by Truckers, R.E.M. and the B-52s — head to the 40 Watt Club. A place where, according to Ahmad, one can “feel the history.” “It's a great bar — it's a great place to stop by, definitely more so in terms of music,” Ahmad said. “Everybody wants to play at the 40 Watt. If you're a band in Athens, that's the goal.”

Gainesville, Florida:

Gamecock legend Steve Spurrier, who is also notable for his time with University of Florida, has a new restaurant in Gainesville. “[Spurrier’s Gridiron Grill], it's kind of a haven for, like, football nuts, but it's a little more upscale,” Ryan Haley, the sports editor at the Independent Florida Alligator, said. For any fan of the HBC, Spurrier’s restaurant will serve as a trip down memory lane as the restaurant recounts some of the highlights of his career. “Florida fans probably have to go there at least once, and South Carolina fans who are in town for like a full weekend, it probably makes sense to make a night out of that,” Haley said. “But it's not necessarily somewhere you can stroll into after spending four hours at a football game wearing the same clothes you were wearing.” For a UF institution, visit Satchel’s Pizza. According to Haley, if one asked students on UF’s campus, the restaurant they would recommend is Satchel's Pizza.

Knoxville, Tennessee:

The most famous hamburger in Knoxville may be at Litton’s Market, according to Ryan Schumpert, beat writer for Rocky Top Insider and former sports editor of the Daily Beacon. “It's got a lot of old timey kind of Tennessee stuff there, and Peyton Manning used to go there all the time,” Schumpert said. “You've got autographs from him, Bruce Pearl, Rick Barnes, you know, a lot of specific Tennessee stuff, and they're really good at burgers.” Road trips can be about embracing one's identity as a fan. For a place to proudly wear Garnet and Black, Schumpert recommends Gus’s Good Times Deli. “You know, you're on the road, you want to be the bad guy a little bit," Schumpert said. "That's a place that is really famous among old, former students, and it will be ‘poppin’ on game day.” After a big Gamecocks win, a celebratory steak dinner may be in order. “Ye Olde Steakhouse is a really good steakhouse," Schumpert said. "It's not quite as fancy as, you know, you typically would think of a steakhouse, but really good steaks; nicer sit down meal.

A ROAD TRIP GUIDE FOR HISTORY BUFFS Holly Poag

s tourism is the No. 1 economy in the state, South Carolina has 76 National Historic Landmarks and ranks seventh in the country for the number of National Historic Landmarks, tying with Ohio. Visiting spots such as the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, Table Rock State Park and the Fort Sumter National Monument are perfect day trips for history buffs at USC. Al Hester, the historic sites coordinator for the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, said he has always been interested in Hampton Plantation, an 18th-century rice plantation near McClellanville. “(It) has a wonderful mansion that’s fascinating from an architectural history standpoint, but really, more importantly, the plantation was home to generations of African Americans, first as enslaved people then later, after emancipation, as free people,” Hester said. According to Hester, Black Americans continued working and living on the plantation’s grounds and developed communities after emancipation. Even today, descendants of formerly enslaved individuals still use the park and have volunteered to help guide interpretations. H a m p t o n Plantation recently resumed tours in June after the COVID-19 pandemic. Masks are not required on the tours, but social

distancing is recommended during the tours, according to Hampton Plantation’s Facebook page. Hester also mentioned Table Rock State Park as one of his favorite historical sites in South Carolina. Located in Pickens, South Carolina, the park was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). “It’s a really great example of the work that the CCC did in the 1930s,” Hester said. “You can, for example, see the rustic style lodge that they built, which is a building that overlooks Pinnacle Lake, and you can see Table Rock Mountain from there,” Hester said. The CCC also preserves Poinsett State Park in Greenville County, Kings Mountain State Park in York Country and Hunting Island State Park. Hunting Island Park, located in Hunting Island, is home to the only lighthouse in the state that is publicly accessible. Mark Smith, a Carolina distinguished professor of history at USC, said he enjoys the “texture” of the South and the small historical oddities around South Carolina. “If you go to Darlington, for example, it’s an interesting place to go ... and you’ve got this massive NASCAR track,” Smith said. “I found that quite interesting and sort of charming in its own way.” Smith said New Ellenton is a curious town to visit in Aiken County near the banks of the Savannah River. In the 1950s, the entire town was moved by truck to make way for the Savannah River Plant. Ellenton, the original town, is fenced off so no one can access it, but there are museums in New Ellenton to educate the public about its move. Smith said he thinks this particular chapter in South Carolina history is ironic because in the 1950s, South Carolina was against any sort of

successive federal intervention besides moving New Ellenton to make way for a nuclear plant. “They were willing to move entire towns but were not really willing to desegregate in any meaningful fashion, at least in the 1950s. So it’s those kinds of ironies that I’m interested in, and places don’t often reveal those ironies,” Smith said. Sam Queen, director of corporate communications for the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, said he enjoys Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site in Camden, South Carolina. “About 30 minutes up the road in Camden is the brand new Revolutionary War Visitor Center, which interprets the South Carolina history of the American Revolution. It’s brand new, literally opened Aug. 13, and it’s created to kind of celebrate a moment of the Sestercentennial that we’re approaching in 2026,” Queen said. Hester said he recognizes that people often shy away from South Carolina’s difficult history because “it’s a past that some people are very uncomfortable with.” “One of the things we do at the plantation sites is emphasize that, yes, slavery was terrible. But the people who were enslaved found ways to be resilient, and to survive, and we need to tell those stories.” Hester said. As a teacher, Smith said he wants people to understand the nature of South Carolina’s past, but he said that some monuments are so “manifestly offensive” that you don’t want to see them. “The trick is to have them put into context, and we’re not there yet,” Smith said. “Once they are put into context, I think that they will be helpful and help us understand the pace in which we live, and the past that helped generate the present.” Fort Sumter National Monument

Hunting Island Lighthouse

Illustrations: Kate Benn

EXPERTS SAY EDUCATION ON SLAVERY SHOULD BE FOCUS OF PLANTATION TOURS Max White

ince the 1700s, the American South has been famous for the multitude of historical plantations across the region. South Carolina, home to an estimated 2,000 plantations during the antebellum period, has at least 30 open for tours. Many of these plantations advertise their beautiful scenery and stately mansions as ways for people to get a feel for Southern charm. The majority of plantations in South Carolina also rent out the land to be used as a venue for weddings or other special events. However, along with all of the advertised charms of plantations, underneath is the sobering reason of why they even existed in the first place: They acted as large farms where work was done by enslaved individuals. Joseph McGill works to tell the stories of enslaved people through his organization, The Slave Dwelling Project. Through the organization, he leads sleepovers in slave dwellings in order to honor their former inhabitants and to bring attention to the need for the dwellings to be preserved and for the voices of enslaved people to be included in the narrative of slavery. McGill also leads campfire talks prior to the sleepover on slavery and its legacy.

“A lot of people hear what I have to tell them, the real history, they hear it from me for the first time in their lives,” McGill said. This lack of awareness around the realities of slavery is what motivated McGill to start the organization. “The thing that got me inspired was what was not there, what was not being told” McGill said. The Slave Dwelling Project tours are now included with admission to Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, where McGill is the history and culture coordinator. He said this has now doubled the number of visitors to the project. Similar efforts to educate visitors on the reality of plantation life were taken at plantations themselves, as well. John Diehl, a historical tour guide at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, leads talks on slavery’s role in the plantation’s history and its lasting impact on life today. Boone Hall also has nine dwellings still standing which were formerly inhabited by enslaved people. The dwellings now act as exhibits, with each one presenting a different period in Black history, according to Diehl. “We have an opportunity with these cabins to educate people on slavery and on

A row of angel oak trees line the drive to the main house on the Boone Hall Plantation with the slave quarters nearby. Boone Hall is a tourist site that educates visitors about the history of slavery and about the role of enslaved people on the plantation.

the early plantation life, so we try and take advantage of that,” Diehl said. But not every plantation has gone to such lengths as Boone Hall and Magnolia to educate visitors on slavery. And at many plantations, it is not even visually obvious enslaved people were ever there to begin with. “There’s no tombstones. Nothing. No evidence. There’s not even the fields,” Nicole Maskiell, a professor of early American history at USC, said. “People come to a beautiful house, and they just don’t know.” Visitors could tour a plantation and not even be aware of its history due to the lack of visual indicators of slavery’s mere existence. Very often, nature walks, elaborate mansions and gardens are the most marketed aspects of the plantations. This makes it all the more important for the visitors to be aware of the history of the land they are touring, according to Maskiell. “It is on the plantations to offer that history and put it in the front of the brochure and not as a kind of back add-on,” Maskiell said. “It’s critically important to facing the history of slavery in a thoughtful and meaningful way.” Photos: Max White

Tourists walk through the mansion at Boone Hall Plantation. The imposing house attracts visitors, to whom Boone Hall tour guides tell the complete history of the grounds.

The trail to the Congaree creek heritage preserve is surrounded by tall trees, wildlife and the scent of pine.

Photo: Jatin Patel

C OLUMN:

Haley Borowy he heritage preserves managed by the Department of Natural Resources provide not only unending outdoor activities, but a way to learn about the history of the state and the country. These sites are not just lands managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) — they’re places protected specifically by the Heritage Trust Program to prevent habitat loss in vital natural habitats and culturally important places, according to the SCDNR’s website. With 75 sites, there are plenty of trips to take all over the state to cultural and natural landscapes. From the coastal beaches and marshlands, to the edges of

the Blue Ridge Mountains, to right here around Columbia, each preserve has its own rich history and scenery to discover. The Botany Bay and South Bluff Heritage Preserves contain shell rings, massive structures built into the earth thousands of years ago by indigenous people. Botany Bay is on Edisto Island, and South Bluff is an hour and a half further down the coast. Green Shell, located on Hilton Head, has structures dating back to 1335 A.D. on its small three acres. Plus, it can boast being part of the Port Royal Sound Sea Kayak Trail, a scenic network of 100 miles of water and greenways running through six other heritage preserves. These areas

are great places to see coastal birds and other wildlife too. In Oconee County, which borders Georgia and North Carolina, sits Stumphouse Mountain Heritage Site and Wildlife Management Area. Located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area provides mountainous, forested trails and plenty of opportunities to see native flora and fauna. Seeing the incredible diversity in bird species is a huge draw. Plus, it contains a unique feature – half-built railroad tunnels from the 1850s. If you’re looking for a day trip closer to home, the Wateree Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area is in

Richland County. There are more than 3,600 acres to hunt, fish, bike, hike, bird-watch and horseback ride. About 40 minutes from campus, this is a brand new heritage preserve. Another part of the newly donated land also went to Forty-Acre Rock Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area in Kershaw, an hour and a half from campus. The odd name is due to the humongous granite rock at the highest point of the site, which can be walked on and is home to a myriad of wildlife depending on the season. Various trails are found throughout the area leading to the enormous, singular flat surface that is home to pools and mosses, along with being a great site to spot some local wildlife. Visitors can also see the array of ponds, waterfalls and caves across the preserve. Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve lies 15 minutes from downtown Columbia and, as the name suggests, is along the Congaree River. Visitors can view lush forests and ponds on a looping hiking trail, along with sites where 12,000 year-old pottery shards and tools were discovered. Regardless, if you’re looking for a serious hike in the wilderness, a relaxing walk in the woods, a new hunting spot, a place to see spectacular wildlife or ways to experience American history and culture, these state heritage preserves provide a wealth of places all over the state to experience South Carolina.

The trail entrance to the 627-acre Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve, off Old State Road in Cayce, SC.

Photo: jatin patel

‘ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES IN THE STATE’:

SCDOT TO REPAVE ROADS, IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE T

Tyler Fedor he South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will improve almost a thousand miles of road in South Carolina, a state notorious for its infrastructure's poor quality, during the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The project, called the 20212022 Pavement Improvement Program, is part of the SCDOT's 10-year plan of infrastructure improvement. The plan was brought to life by the passage of the Roads Bill in 2017. According to the SCDOT's website, the passage of the bill was the first time in 30 years the department received a new source of revenue. The last gas tax hike was in 1987. This source of revenue came in

the form of an increase in the state gas tax. Over a period of six years, the gas tax will increase by two cents per gallon until 2022. The gas tax is now 26 cents and is projected to be 28 cents per gallon by 2022. This money will be put into the Infrastructure Maintenance Trust Fund, according to SCDOT public information officer Pete Poore. The trust fund will support the SCDOT's 10-year plan of improving the interstate system. This includes making the worst roads of South Carolina safer, replacing deficient bridges and repaving roads, which Poore said was "one of the biggest issues in the state." "It was kind of a record setting program, because there

was enough funding available to pave almost a thousand miles of road all around the state, funded by the two cent gas tax," Poore said. Work has been done on over 4,000 miles of road by the SCDOT since the bill was passed in 2017. During this time, according to the SCDOT website, the Gas Tax Fund has provided $1.45 billion for paving projects and $200 million in rural road safety projects. According to U.S. News and World Report, South Carolina is No. 36 in terms of infrastructure quality compared to the rest of the United States. The reason for South Carolina's poor infrastructure, Poore said, is because the maintenance of roads and bridges in South Carolina had been neglected for 30 years. "No funding to maintain the roads, resurfacing and the rehabilitation, all of that, so the roads basically just got pot hole patching and did not get the resurfacing that was needed," Poore said. Mike Burns, a Statehouse representative of District 17 in Greenville County, said infrastructure in the last five years was high on the state legislature's agenda, but it isn't making progress quickly enough. "We weren't taking very good care of it, so a lot of the paving

companies that were here weren't getting enough business to stay here, and they ended up not having a presence here. So, we eventually got down to five or six companies in the entire state that could do pavement," Burns said. As the last paving companies remained in South Carolina, prices for paving services rose. Burns said the state wasn't getting the bang for it's buck at the time due to there being so little services to pave roads. "I was at a restaurant yesterday, and the guy was actually telling the truth. He said, 'I'm actually afraid I'll be pulled for DUI on US-276 above Travelers Rest because everybody knows how you have to dance around the potholes going up that four lane stretch,'" Burns said. Burns said the return of paving services to the state and more available engineers are helping South Carolina improve its roads. "It takes two to three years to get geared up to do something like the state's trying to do. And so, they've gotten geared up, they've gotten all this money, and it's starting to show some reward. But the people are so mad and so frustrated. They've been paying this for five years, and they really haven't seen a bang for their buck," Burns said.

C OLUMN:

South Carolina’s roads need serious attention Raymond Escoto

he state of South Carolina’s roads is unacceptable, and they need repairs. If you have ever driven on these roads, you’re bound to find at least one problem on your journey: potholes and decrepit road signs are a dime a dozen in South Carolina. In fact, our roads are ranked the worst in the nation, according to a study by Consumer Affairs. Some students at USC share this opinion on the state of our roads, especially concerning the potholes. Second-year nursing student Katie Weaver said she runs over potholes all the time. In addition, second-year psychology student Courtney Smith said the bottom of her car gets scraped up because of potholes. While Weaver and Smith got off with just some cosmetic damage and annoyance, third-year advertising student Noah OvittReed was less lucky. "About a month or two ago, I was actually driving down ... I believe it was I-26, and I hit some sort of divot in the road, and my tire actually popped in the middle of the highway,” Ovitt-Reed said. The condition of the roads is one of the main reasons second-year psychology student Gabrielle Bouchard said she doesn’t like to drive. The students all agreed it makes sense that South Carolina's roads are the worst in the country.

Some students also noticed the condition of our roads in comparison to those of our neighbors. “If you’ve ever crossed the border to Georgia, specifically, it gets better instantaneously,” third-year political science student Jonah Palmer said. Weaver echoed the statement and said drivers know as soon as they enter South Carolina because of the quality of roads. Even with those stories and opinions, questions remain: How did our roads get this way, and what can be done to fix them? Nathan Huynh, a civil and environmental engineering professor at USC, said it is due to a combination of two factors. First, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) maintains the fourth largest state-maintained roadway in the country at approximately 41,000 miles, Huynh said. “The other factor is that our funding level is at the bottom of the states. So, it’s a combination of both a lack of funding and the amount of responsibility that they have," Huynh said. Looking towards a brighter future, Huynh said in 2017, South Carolina legislature did pass a bill to increase the gas tax that will fund road construction,

and that several paving projects are already underway throughout the state. However, Huynh also gave a warning. “In the future, as more and more electric vehicles make their way into the mainstream, it’s going to create a deficit in the infrastructure fund for the DOT. Also, during the pandemic, if you recall, a lot of people were not driving at that time, and that has hurt the DOT in the recent months," Huynh said. "They’re going to have to change their mechanism of getting funds from the travelers." According to Huynh, one mechanism suggested by other states is that travelers could potentially be charged for every mile traveled, following the logic that people pay for public utilities such as water, but not for roads. “How that can be achieved has to be determined by the legislature and the DOT. So, it’s a complicated problem,” Huynh said. The state of our roads is a known problem. Although the legislature has tried to remedy it, more must be done, especially since our current primary funding strategy, gas taxes, might become obsolete.

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Day tripping guide to Charlotte, North Carolina as a sports fan Ellie Long

fter driving north for just over an hour, you’ll find yourself in the beloved Queen City. Home to the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets and five other professional teams, Charlotte is a sports lover’s paradise. Having a strong professional sports culture is an important part of the city of Charlotte. Giving both residents and visitors a fantastic experience, no matter what game they attend, is something the city prides itself in, according to Moira Quinn, the senior vice president of communications for the Charlotte Center City Partners. “There’s a huge sports culture around every type of sport,” Quinn said. Sports fans might associate the city of Charlotte with the Carolina Panthers, the city’s NFL team. The Panthers’ home turf has been the Bank of America Stadium, located in Uptown Charlotte, since 1993. If you find yourself at a Panthers game, you’ll see some familiar faces and be able to cheer on both Shi Smith and Jaycee Horn, two former Gamecocks. “It was a really good atmosphere,” Robbie Franklin, second-year sport and entertainment management student, said about his recent trip to watch the Panthers play the Baltimore Ravens. If you aren’t at Bank of America Stadium, then you will probably find yourself in The Hive with 20,000 of your new closest friends. The Hive, more formally known as Spectrum Center, is

Photo Courtesy of Vitality Media/Phillip Lewis The Bank of America stadium located in Charlotte, NC is home to the Carolina Panthers.

located only a few blocks away from Bank of America Stadium and is home to Charlotte’s NBA team, the Hornets. The team, which is owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan, is known for not only putting on a good game of basketball, but creating a show for its fans. Halftime, timeouts and any break in the game is filled with action. “The Hornets put on such a great show,” Quinn said. Aside from these two powerhouse teams, Charlotte is also known for its minor league baseball, as the city is home to the Triple-A Chicago White Sox affiliate, the Charlotte Knights. “There’s a rich history of baseball in Charlotte, North Carolina,” Tommy Viola, the vice president of communications for the Charlotte Knights, said. Baseball in Charlotte dates all the way back to 1892.

Though the Knights have been around since 1988, their current ballpark, Truist Field, opened in 2014. It has since then been named “The Best Ball Park in Minor League Baseball’’ by Baseball America and has been one of the most visited ballparks in all minor league baseball, according to Viola. “It was probably one of the nicest minor league stadiums that I’ve been to,” Max Levine, second-year sport and entertainment management student, said. The Knights’ game day experience always offers a fun environment to its fans. Whether it is Thirsty Thursday, Friday Fireworks, Bark in the Park — where fans can bring their dogs to a game — or Sunday Family Days, the organization strives to keep fans engaged and excited.

Fans can get tickets to Knights games for as little as $11, making it affordable for everyone. Thanks to its design, no matter where a fan is in the stadium, they can all feel like they are part of the action, according to Viola. “To me, there’s not a bad seat in the house,” Viola said. Charlotte has other sports teams for fans, as well. The city is home to the Checkers, a minor league hockey team and two professional soccer teams. The city’s newest addition, Charlotte FC, is the city’s major league soccer team and is expected to begin its inaugural season in 2022. The Charlotte Independence is the city’s other soccer organization, which currently plays in the United Soccer League. You can find the Independence at the American Legion Memorial Stadium, which is also located in Uptown Charlotte just blocks from the Knights’, Hornets’ and Panthers’ home fields. The city is home to countless sports bars; many are dedicated to specific college or professional teams. It is also home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Hall of Fame for a different aspect of the sports world experience. The city’s many parks and easy modes of public transportation all help to create the perfect game day experience — especially for visitors to the city. “It’s the game day, it’s walking, it’s being in Uptown,” Quinn said. “It’s, you know, the whole experience. The whole package.”

How to create fun, inexpensive game day shirts, jewelry FAITH WORRELL

ith Williams-Brice Stadium at full capacity, students have had the opportunity to return to the stands and show their Gamecock pride. Unlike last year, where students were only allowed one game in the student section, they can attend all home games this year, meaning there are more outfits that need to be planned. Here are three easy game day attire options, all for under $20, that you can make in your dorm. All the supplies can be found at Walmart.

T-Shirt Stitching:

Stitching and patchwork is a popular style of clothing, but don’t let the intimidation of sewing scare you away from stitching your own design onto a T-shirt. YouTube tutorials can help you learn the ropes of sewing, and doing this at home will ultimately save you a lot of money on a stitched T-shirt. This is another great activity to do with roommates or friends and an easy way to make any idea you have for a shirt come to life. Supplies: - White, garnet or black T-shirt with a front pocket: $15 - Thread: $1 - Needle: $2 - Total cost: approximately: $18 Instructions: 1. Find or buy a T-shirt with a front pocket. This can be an older shirt you want to upgrade or one you found at Walmart.

2. Thread the needle with the color thread you want to start with. 3. Start stitching your design by starting in the back, tying a small knot in the thread on the inside of the shirt. If this is your first time sewing, look up a sewing guide. 4. A few possible design options are “USC” or “Forever to Thee” on the pocket. If you want to design something sticking out of the pocket, you could stitch Cocky or small hands swinging rally towels.

BEADED EARRINGS

Making personalized earrings is a great way to add a bit of your own specific style into any game day outfit. The possibilities of design are seemingly endless and the supplies are cheaper than average university-colored earrings. Jewelry making is also a great bonding activity you can do with your roommates or friends to get ready for Williams-Brice together. Supplies: - Wire: $3 - Wire cutter: $5 - Beads: $8 - Earring hooks: $2 - Total cost: approximately $18 Instructions: 1. Measure and cut the wire to your desired length. For hoop earrings, you can cut 4 to 6 inches depending on how large you want the hoops to be. 2. Bend the wire to the shape you want. 3. Slide beads onto the wire in whatever pattern you like. A few options are alternating garnet and black or half garnet and half black. 4. Attach the earring hook to the top through the provided loop and tighten the loop so it stays in place.

T-Shirt Tie-Dying:

This is the perfect way to give your old white t-shirts an upgrade for game day.

Yo u could a l s o bleach tiedye a darker colored shirt to give it a more rustic look. Tie-dying is a simple and fun process that anyone can pick up without having to spend a lot of money. Supplies: - White South Carolina T-shirt - Red or black dye: $5 each - Rubber bands: $6 - Gloves: $6 - Total cost: approximately $17 Instructions: 1. Lay the T-shirt you want to tie-dye flat on a surface. There are many different tie-dye patterns you can try. 2. Once you have folded your shirt for your desired pattern, tie rubber bands around the shirt to keep it in place. 3. Follow the directions on the dye bottle and pour the dye where you want it on the shirt. 4. When you’re done, place the shirt in a plastic bag to dry and leave it for 12 to 24 hours. 5. Once it’s dry, wash any excess dye out in the sink, then wash it alone in the washing machine on cold. For other fun game day outfit inspiration, check out Kennedy Bright’s Pinterest page. Illustrations: Morgan Funk

Gue st C OLUMN:

TAKE DAY TRIPS WITH CAROLINA MOUNTAINEERING AND WHITE WATER CLUB Carolina Mountaineering and White Water Club

o, you’re in Columbia, and you want to get outside and see some nature, but for whatever reason, you’ve only got time for a day trip. Fear not: As you may have heard, in Columbia we are perfectly situated between the mountains and the coast. Even better, we have a plethora of incredible destinations right at our doorstep. We’ve narrowed down a few trips that highlight the beauty of our state and region.

Want somewhere in town?

Harbison: Just 20 minutes north of downtown, this is truly a gem in Columbia. You get to see the rich ecosystems that exist in the Midlands, from river basins to scrubland. The varied topography makes it awesome for relaxing forest walks and intense hikes — plus, it’s a great place to mountain bike or trail run, if that’s your thing. Be sure to check out the Broad River overlook at the far east of the park. Congaree: We’ve got a national park right in our backyard, and it’s absolutely worth taking advantage of. It is a unique place where you can explore by foot or by boat, and exploring by boat is highly recommended. The experience and perspective of the park are entirely changed by being on the water as you’re enveloped in the history and mysterious aura of the hardwood bottomland. As we come into the fall, the experience is only improved by the rich colors of the changing trees. You can also paddle at Bannister Bridge canoe access. Consult the “Canoe Trail Information” page on the Congaree website for more tips regarding canoeing. Rivers and riverwalks: If you didn’t notice, we have quite a few rivers in Columbia. They provide endless opportunities, from tubing and white water kayaking on the river, biking or walking along the greenways or even having a picnic on the shores. This is perfect for any time you want to get outside for a few hours or all day. On the west bank, a popular location is West Columbia Riverwalk Park, and on the east bank, there’s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park.

Want somewhere by the beach?

Botany Bay: Just under three hours from Columbia and south of Charleston is a beautiful heritage preserve and beach called Botany Bay. It is a perfect spot to lounge, wade and hammock for a day. The palms, Spanish moss-covered oaks and drowned trees give the bay the feeling of an island paradise far from the concerns of daily life. It is seriously gorgeous. You can also check out the nearby heritage preserve.

Want somewhere in the mountains?

Crowders Mountain and Dixon School Boulders: Outside of Charlotte is the beautiful Crowders Mountain State Park. Crowders has incredible views from the summit and is home to great roped rock climbing. Dixon School has a boulder field close to the trailhead, and you can follow the ridgeline toward Crowders peak. The climax forest is wonderful year-round. Make sure to check out the trail information on the state park website. Table Rock: Sitting at the top of South Carolina in the northwestern corner of the state, Table Rock is a classic day-hike. The steep ascent is best matched with the gorgeous colors and cooler temperatures of fall. From the lakes at the base of Table Rock to the waterfalls and creeks on the way up to the sheer granite faces, this is a showcase of Upstate South Carolina. If you’re interested in joining an active community of students who love the outdoors, check out Carolina Mountaineering and White Water Club on Garnet Gate! The club does weekly trips to destinations such as these, in addition to backpacking, rock climbing and rafting. Have fun in the gorgeous landscapes around Columbia, and always be respectful of our wild spaces by following Leave No Trace principles.

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Guide to tailgating games this South Carolina football season Joe Macheca

ailgating games are an essential part of a Saturday in South Carolina, so The Daily Gamecock ran polls on social media to find out which one is the most popular. The polls received 524 total votes through Instagram and Twitter. Here’s how each of them did and how to play them.

Cornhole/Bags

Cornhole, an American classic, received the most votes with 38%. Setup Cornhole is a four player game played with eight corn-filled bean bags and two wooden cornhole boards. Sets can be found at any local sporting goods store. The boards are to be set 27 feet away from each other. Rules Players divide into two teams and play one versus another while standing behind the board. Teammates play across from each other and against their opponent beside them. The objective is to make the bean bag into the hole in the center of the board, counting for points. Scoring When a bag is tossed in the hole it counts for 3 points. When a bag is tossed onto the board it counts as 1 point. Scoring is taken against the opponent per round. For example, if the garnet team puts one on the board and one in the hole and the black team puts one on the board, the garnet team would have 3 points. The game is played to 21 points or 11 points and oftentimes with a drink in hand.

Beer pong

Beer pong came in close at second, receiving 36% of the vote. Setup Beer pong is played with four players on a standard folding table with 12 or 20 solo cups and two ping pong balls. The solo cups are to be divided in two, filled with water or beer, and put on either side of the table. They typically are arranged in a pyramid formation. Rules and scoring Teammates stand on the same side of the table and throw together. Each player throws the ball at the cups. If both players make it in the cup they each receive another throw. Makes are worth 1 point and a sip of your drink of choice. If a shot bounces in it is worth 2 points, but the opposing team can block the bounce shot.

Beer die

Beer die came in the last place, receiving 26% of the vote. Setup Beer die is played with four players with cups, two dice and a very large table. The four players are divided into two teams of two and pick sides. After sides have been picked, the cups are set onto the corners of the table and filled with beer. Rules and scoring The two teams each roll a die and the team with the highest roll goes first. Once that has been decided, it is time to “die up,” meaning it is time to throw the dice toward the other team. When throwing the

die, the player wants to throw it higher than eye level of the opponents, and the die needs to land on the table and into the opponent’s half of the table. While one team is throwing the die, the other team has a responsibility to catch the die if it hits the table. The die needs to be caught with one hand, and if it is caught with two, then a point is awarded to the throwing team. If a player throws the die and it does not bounce off the surface of the table, then it is called a social point. A social point is where everyone takes a sip and no points are awarded. Each point represents a sip of your drink. If the opponent scores then the team must take as many drinks as points scored between the two throws. When a toss hits the table and bounces off (that is not caught by an opponent), it counts as 1 point. If a toss hits the table and the opponent’s cup and bounces off the table, that is not caught by an opponent, it counts as 2 points. When a toss is sunk into their opponent’s cup, it is worth 3 points, and the opponent must finish the contents of that drink in an extremely timely manner with the die still in the cup. Once the liquid is gone, the player who just chugged flips the cup over onto the table and blindly rolls the dice, while the player who threw the die guesses a number. If the player who threw the die guesses correctly, they must then chug. The first team to 11 wins. Illustration: Kaitlyn Gough

Travel guide for Gamecock football fans attending University of Tennessee game Noah Watson

n Oct. 9, South Carolina football will travel to Knoxville, Tennessee, to take on the University of Tennessee. Fan support is crucial to the success of South Carolina football, so if you plan on traveling to the game, these are some things you need to know to make the most of your trip to the Marble City. The drive to Knoxville is pretty simple and takes about four hours to complete. You’ll mainly stay on two highways: I-26 and I-40. One thing to take into account is the mountain driving as you get closer to campus, so be prepared for the roads to get windy and drive accordingly to make the trip safe. Just like in South Carolina, traffic to the stadium on game days is heavy. “Game days are probably the biggest event in Knoxville,” according to Josh Lane, a thirdyear journalism student at Tennessee and sports editor for the UT Daily Beacon. “There’s always a ton of traffic — parking’s always a huge thing.” There’s plenty of parking around Neyland Stadium, both lots and garages, and Parkopedia will be your lifeline to find open spots. Walk times to the stadium average at around 20 to 30 minutes from most parking lots, so plan ahead to beat traffic and for the walk.

If you want to get your day started early and also find easy parking, Maddy Muschek, fourthyear English student and city news editor for Daily Beacon, recommended parking in downtown Knoxville for food and walking to the stadium from there. “Park downtown somewhere; like, get brunch or lunch or drinks,” Muschek said. “Then, just walk to the game, and that way you don’t have to worry about parking.” Once you get to the stadium, get ready for an electric college football experience. “I’ve never been to a place as loud,” said Ethan Stone, a fourthyear journalism and electronic media student at Tennessee, and assistant sports editor for Daily Beacon. “It’s kind of unlike anything sports-related that I have ever seen.” Postgame, there are plenty of things to do. Just a 25-minute walk from the stadium, downtown Knoxville is full of great restaurants and lively bars. Within downtown Knoxville, there’s an area called Market Square that has garnered a good reputation for postgame activity. “[Market Square] is in the middle of downtown Knoxville,” Lane said. “It’s another place that’s got a ton of restaurants, ton of bars there; so, definitely plenty to do.”

Photo Courtesy of Alexandra Ashmore, The Daily Beacon

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s mascot Smokey on campus on Aug. 18, 2021.

If you wanted to make a weekend out of the trip, there are great things to do in the Knoxville area. Pigeon Forge, a mountain town just about an hour out from Knoxville, is a perfect place to spend a day. “They’ve got all sorts of fun shops,” Stone said. The main road running through Pigeon Forge is packed on both sides with bars, restaurants and shops. The West Prong Little Pigeon River also runs through town, so you could decompress after the busy college game day with a scenic river walk.

As for finding a place to stay, there are plenty of hotels and Airbnb rentals in and around the University of Tennessee campus. Visitknoxville.com is your goto site for finding a hotel, and a simple search of “Knoxville, Tennessee,” on Airbnb’s website or any accommodation booking website will bring you a plethora of spots to come back to once your day has wound down. Photo Courtesy of Lucas Swinehart, The Daily Beacon Fans in the student section cheer on the Vols at Neyland Stadium during their game against South Carolina on Oct. 26, 2019.

A Gamecock’s travel guide to College Station, Texas Jack Veltri

n Oct. 23, the South Carolina football team will travel to Kyle Field and go up against No. 6 Texas A&M. Since joining the SEC in 2012, the Aggies have had no problem beating South Carolina, going a perfect 7-0. The Gamecocks will be looking to pull off a massive upset in College Station, Texas. With this being an important game on the team’s schedule, here is everything a South Carolina fan should know before making the trip.

Travel

While making the 15-hour drive is doable, flying into a nearby airport could be an easier option as gas prices continue to rise nationwide. Roundtrip flights from Charlotte to Easterwood Airport, which is located in College Station, currently range from $365 to $918, but are subject to change. There is not a non-stop flight available, so the trip would include a stop at either George Bush Intercontinental Airport or Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Things to do

Unless you are there solely for the game itself, there are plenty of great food options and fun things in the area to partake in. Century Square is a very popular place to eat and shop among the Aggie faithful. For dining, there is Velvet Taco, Canteen Bar & Grill and Piada Italian Street Food. “There are College Station favorites such as Fuego [Tortilla Grill], which serves some really good tacos,” Jenny Streeter, the co-head sports editor of the Battalion Sports, said. “There’s also more A&M themed restaurants, such as Gate 12 and Hullabaloo Diner. Those are, like, staples.” If you can’t secure tickets but are still interested in going to College Station, Chimy’s or The Corner Bar and Rooftop Grill are great places to watch the game.

Hotels

If you are looking to spend a weekend in College Station, there are a variety of hotels that are in close proximity to the campus. There is a Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, Embassy Suites by Hilton College Station, Hilton College Station & Conference Center and Hampton Inn College Station. Prices will be more expensive as kickoff approaches, so it might be smart to book a hotel to stay at as soon as possible.

Tailgating

Like any SEC school, tailgating is a hot commodity at Texas A&M. While there are many places to choose from, Spence Park, referred to as “Aggie Park,” and Reed Arena are great spots to hang out before the game starts.

Parking

Just like at South Carolina, parking is going to be a bit difficult and expensive in the surrounding areas of the stadium. There will be parking spots already sold out for the entire season, but there is parking in one of the many pre-pay garages with prices ranging from $20 to $25, according to Texas A&M Transportation Services.

The university provides game that begin three hours before end one hour postgame. Shuttle changed this year but still take stadium free of charge.

day shuttles kickoff and routes have fans to the

Kyle Field

Whether it’s due to the sheer size or loud atmosphere The 12th Man — a Texas A&M legend — brings every Saturday, Kyle Field is on the bucket list of college football fans everywhere for good reason. “It’s not a, come on game day and leave, kind of experience. It’s a get here a few days early, dive into the environment, see what being an Aggie is about,” Ryan Faulkner, assistant sports editor of The Battalion, said. “By the time you get to the football game, even if you’re here for the opposing team, you’re just a part of the environment and of the aura that really surrounds this field.” Gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff and the stadium has a clear bag policy. As for alcohol, fans are prohibited from bringing any in. However, Kyle Field has expanded the availability of beer and wine this season in accordance with the SEC’s policy regarding beer and wine sales at athletic events. South Carolina and Texas A&M will kickoff Oct. 23.

Photo Courtesy of Abbey Santoro - The Battalion

The Kyle Field is located in College Station, Texas, and is home to the Aggies football team,

A gameday guide to Missouri Joe Macheca

n Saturday, Nov. 13, Gamecock football will travel to Columbia, Missouri to take on the Missouri Tigers at Memorial Stadium. The Tigers lead the all-time series, winning six of 11 total meetings, and have won the past two meetings. If you’re planning to take the trip, know there are 870 miles and a 13-hour drive between the two Columbias. Here’s what you need to know for game day.

Hotels

Columbia has a number of options when it comes to hotels. There are three hotels within a 20-minute walk of Memorial Stadium. There is the Tiger hotel, which is right in the heart of the university side of Columbia. Reservations may be hard to come by though, so book early. Additionally, check out The Hampton Inn and Suites or The Stoney Creek Hotel Columbia — both are highly rated options and have pools.

Tailgating

Expect a lot of tailgating to happen in the university parking lots surrounding Memorial Stadium. If you are able to get a parking pass, you will be immersed in the Missouri

gameday experience. Many people also set up tents on the grass sections between parking lots. Much tailgating style is a potluck, with massive serving sizes of all the food one could eat. Barbecue plays a big role in the food culture because of Columbia’s proximity to Kansas City.

Restaurants

No game day is ever complete without pizza. The go-to spot in the city is Shakespeare’s pizza. Located across the block from campus, Shakespeare’s opened in 1973 and has been serving the hungry since. It’s open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. If you are not planning on going to the game, Campus Bar and Grill is a great place to watch the game, due to the numerous flat-screen TVs around the restaurant. Another option is Harpo’s Bar and Grill which is located further into downtown Columbia. It has rooftop bar seating and terrific barbecue food. For ice cream, you definitely want to check out Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream. It’s open until 11 p.m. and is the perfect place to top things off after a meal. If you happen to want

Photos Courtesy of Aleigha Hornaday of The Maneater

Fans of the Missouri Tigers cheer on their team.

cookies there’s also a franchise location of Insomnia cookies which is open until 1 a.m. and delivers until 3 a.m.

Parking

Parking around Memorial Stadium can be tough because of the number of university lots, but one-game passes can be bought through ticket websites, such as Stubhub. There is public parking near campus and the closest garage to all of the action is Sixth and Cherry St. Garage, which is about a 25-minute walk to the stadium. Parking is $1 for every two hours and is on a ticket payment

system.

Memorial Stadium and Traditions Having first opened in 1926, Memorial Stadium holds 61,620 fans and has received multiple renovations to increase capacity over the years. A newer University of Missouri tradition is known as “lighting the dome.” The administration building on campus has a dome that is illuminated in the color gold after every Missouri win. This is similar to USC’s tradition of lighting up the top of Capstone House after a Gamecock win. The Tigers are 297-188-19 in 94 seasons at their home stadium.

LIVE THE RETREAT

Lifestyle

Asheville, North Carolina is cultural hotspot, ideal trip for all students Lauren Leibman

sheville’s winding mountain highways, painting-like and framed in one of the country’s longest-lasting displays of fall-foliage, helped to earn the nickname “The Land of the Sky.” Even this title doesn’t do it justice, though, as this unique city is teeming with titles and recognitions. One example is the name “Beer City USA,” granted by a poll hosted by Examiner.com. Another is by the Official 2020 Asheville Visitor Guide, which called it “Foodtopia.” Laura Lanier, volunteer coordinator with the Southern Highland Craft Guild, recalled the nickname “the Paris of the South,” given because of the city’s rich arts scene and abundance of galleries. This assortment of monikers demonstrates the city’s potential as a destination for any kind of traveler. It also echoes the sentiment of Amy Hollifield, an Ashville native: “We’ve got it all here. The challenge is to figure out, kind of, what anyone wants to do.” Hollifield is the director of visitor services at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. Travelers come to the city for a variety of reasons, but the most popular pages accessed on the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor’s Center website are about ways to enjoy Asheville’s scenery and natural landscapes, according to Hollifield. Asheville’s natural beauty has a history of attracting people from a multitude of backgrounds, hometowns and interests. According to Hollifield, it might also have helped to cultivate the creative buzz seemingly infused with the mountain air. “We’ve always attracted travelers, tourists, visitors, summer residents and — because of the mountains and the amount of greenery and wildlife; the flowers; the plants — there have always been artists that have come

to Asheville,” Hollifield said. Lanier, who opened one of Asheville’s first art galleries in the 1980s, said Asheville’s art scene and creative residents are what make her proud of her hometown. When she traveled North Carolina in search of art, she ultimately returned to Asheville because she couldn’t find an art scene with the same versatility. Lanier said the area’s notoriously eclectic nature is a reason young people should experience Asheville’s art scene. “It’s very diverse,” Lanier said. “It gives an education in itself just to see the possibilities from one extreme to another.” Such diversity can be seen in the crafts produced in Asheville, from furnituremaking to blacksmithing, but also in the art forms themselves. Aside from visual arts, Asheville is also rich in performing arts, such as theater and storytelling, and is home to popular music venues, such as The Orange Peel. Visitors interested in Asheville’s local crafters and artists can drive through the Blue Ridge Craft Trail or check out the city’s River Arts District, which Hollifield said is a must. The River Arts District, or “RAD,” allows visitors to access the studios of hundreds of local artists free of charge and to enjoy galleries, live music and sample the food and drink this “foodie city” has to offer, according

Illustration: Riley Edenbeck

to the RAD website. River Arts District restaurants such as White Duck Taco Shop and 12 Bones Smokehouse are popular, and Hollifield said travelers should always make a point of trying local restaurants. Eating at chains doesn’t allow for the same variety and experience as embracing local venues, Hollifield said. Hollifield said she recommends trying out local breweries such as Hi-Wire Brewing and New Belgium Brewing, the largest brewery within the River Arts District. It’s hard to go wrong with food or drink in Asheville, according to Michael Craft, community program manager for New Belgium Brewery. “When you come to Asheville, you’d be hard pressed to find a bad beer or a bad plate of food. I think that’s what makes it so uniquely Asheville,” Craft said. According to Craft, before the onset of the pandemic, anyone interested in the brewing process, the history or culture of Belgian beer could take a free tour of the New Belgium facility. Tours have been placed on hold for safety reasons, but Asheville’s beer culture can still be experienced through annual beer festivals, walking, biking and driving beer tours or beer crawls between small, independent breweries and the Asheville locations of national favorites. “I rarely have heard anyone say that they come here for one specific reason. It’s usually a combination. And it’s all of those things ... It’s the food; the music; the outdoor activities,” Hollifield said. “They combine to make Asheville a priority destination with a lot of people.” Asheville’s versatility ensures that there is culture and creativity for everyone to explore, whether it be on a day trip or an extended stay.

Level 1

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1-9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk © 2021 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

PUZZLE SOLUTION

Deep dive into Columbia, South Carolina:

Home to vibrant, creative community Mafe Balthazar

espite being best-known for its university, Columbia expands beyond campus grounds and into a small metropolitan hub filled with culture, art, entertainment and natural beauty. Soda City Market is a “microcosm of Columbia,” operations director Erin Curtis said. It represents the city’s identities and populations along a singular street. Up to 150 vendors gather every Saturday morning to bring to life a traditional European-inspired street market. The producer-only market brings in a mix of 3,000 to 5,000 people who have “embraced this market in a way that they sort of provide an extra sort of color and flavor that happens every week, and they make it their space as a community,” Curtis said. The market is one of the most inclusive spaces in the city at any given time, Curtis said. The market’s “Brain. Body. Belly.” tag primarily encompasses different members and aspects of Columbia’s creative community and industrial, high-tech and business communities.

Vendor displays include jewelry, homemade olive oil, paintings, fresh produce and food representing 33 nationalities, among other things. “What you see on the street — on a Saturday on the street — is exactly what Columbia is on the metropolitan scale. You see that diversity there on a Saturday; it exists Sunday through Friday elsewhere,” Curtis said. Breweries are much like the market, according to Curtis. They are cultural drivers and “centers of community where you’re creating points of collision between people who live here, and maybe ideas are exchanged, maybe things are done.” An array of breweries in the city includes River Rat Brewery, Steele Hands Brewery, Savage Craft Ale Works and Columbia Craft Brewing Company. Columbia Craft runs on the values of “quality, sustainability, innovation and hospitality,” and its commitment to the art of craft brewing has earned it several awards, according to its website. Columbia’s interconnectivity allows residents to easily get from one brewery to another and back to the city’s center along what Curtis calls a hidden gem: the Saluda River. The Saluda Shoals Park offers a variety of ways to engage with nature within the urban boundaries of the city, including recreation and environmentally-based educational experiences. Situated on a t w o - a n d - a - h a l f- m i l e riverfront, the 480-acre park strives to meet the needs of the Columbia community through its unique opportunities catering to different interests, according to Photo: elizabeth intemann A girl walks down the Soda City market with a bouquet of flowers propped park director Mark Baker. “It really gives you on her shoulder. Soda City takes place every Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

an opportunity to disconnect,” Baker said. “Sometimes that’s really important, to be able to disconnect and just clear your mind and just be at one with your thoughts.” The park offers boat, tube and kayak rentals for floating down the Saluda. The greenway along the river is comprised of two and a half miles of paved trail, making a leisurely walking space in part of the park’s 10 and a half miles of trails. Tennis courts, 25 acres of field space, picnic shelter rentals and an inclusive playground are also on the grounds of the park. Guests can enjoy one of Columbia’s natural resources in a fun and sustainable way for only a $5 parking fee. Plenty of opportunities for cultural engagement and art are available throughout the city, from the Columbia Museum of Art to public art in the form of murals and sculptures. Catering to Columbia’s art community, Trustus Theatre contributes to what administrative assistant of production Abigail McNeely calls a “bustling theater scene.” It has become a “cornerstone for the arts here in the Congaree Vista,” Mcneely said. Founded in 1985, the theater will kick off its 37th season with a reimagined production of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” a musical depicting the ups-and-downs of love in the modern age. The theater puts on a variety of shows throughout its season, from classics to local, original pieces. Trustus works to push boundaries and brings typically Pulitzer Prizewinning productions to the Southeast for the first time, McNeely said. “We love to challenge our audiences. We love to speak to the modern times and modern challenges that our community goes through, that our nation is going through, that the world is going through, and we do that through theater,” McNeely said. Columbia’s diversity of fun activities makes the Gamecock’s home a place for cultural, natural and artistic engagement for students and visitors alike.

vibe check:

Your Monthly Horoscope Jennifer Shepherd

Libra: Sept. 23 _ Oct. 23 Make sure you and your honey are on the same page when handling financial, property, and legal matters. Maybe you’ll need to come up with a more realistic household budget. Saturn says talk things over with your partner to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Scorpio: Oct. 24 _ Nov. 21 Sensitive Mars has you figuring out the psychology of people you care about. You could find yourself analyzing your friends’ problems or family members’ troubles. You might be able to guide loved ones through some rough times.

Sagittarius: Nov. 22 _ Dec. 21 Be open to unexpected invitations and social opportunities, since they’re likely to come your way with Mercury’s help. You could have a chance to meet up with a friend you haven’t seen for a while. Or you might have fun going to a surprise party.

Capricorn: Dec. 22 _ Jan.19 You could find that you have strong feelings for two people at the same time. One of these people might be more of a friend, and you connect on an emotional level. The other person might inspire more of a physical attraction. The moon is complicating things.

Aquarius: Jan. 20 _ Feb. 18 As an Air sign, you have an outgoing personality. You can quickly make friends with anybody. The moon is increasing your charm this week. You might attract someone fun and flirty who could develop a big crush on you.

Pisces: Feb. 19 _ March 20 Powerhouse Mars will be in your sign for several weeks, and this will increase your confidence, health and energy levels. It’s a good time to make some bold moves. You could change your work or home situation. Or you might start a new relationship.

Aries: March 21 _ April 19 Your romantic relationship could be on hold for a bit due to the moon. It’s likely you are so busy with work or other concerns that you can’t focus as much on your sweetheart. If you need to, take a break from love and take greater care of your own stuff.

Taurus: April 20 _ May 20 With the sun opposite your sign, your energy levels could be low. Take it easy. And try not to make any huge moves in your personal and professional life, because your judgment might not be too sharp. Meditate a bit until you have greater clarity.

Gemini: May 21 _ June 21 Mercury, your planetary ruler, will be in retrograde for a few weeks. Be on the lookout for communication or technology problems. Make sure you back up your computer and scan for viruses. And don’t jump to conclusions if your honey doesn’t instantly return texts.

Cancer: June 22 _ July 22 Pay attention to any random thoughts, coincidences and ideas that pop up out of the blue. The moon is making you super psychic. Your intuition could reveal something important to you. You could be picking up on hidden undercurrents in your life.

Leo: July 23 _ Aug. 22 The moon is opposite your sign just now, and this means you and your honey could have some minor communication problems. Don’t rush into a senseless argument over nothing. Watch your anger and control your emotions as best you can.

Virgo: Aug. 23 _ Sept. 22 As Mercury goes retrograde for three weeks, you could find yourself revisiting romances from your past. Maybe you still have strong feelings for a former flame, and you’re wondering if you should get back in touch with that person. Proceed carefully.

Report says South Carolina is one of most vulnerable states to climate change Ma x Whit e

outh Carolina stands as the fourth most vulnerable state to climate change’s effects and is among the eight most unprepared states to deal with the negative health effects associated with climate change, according to a report from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Trust for America’s Health, a public health policy organization. Climate change is a big part of why Spencer Wetmore ran for the South Carolina Statehouse in 2020, and it’s something she said she hopes to address during her time in the legislature. Wetmore represents the 115th district, which includes multiple coastal communities just outside Charleston. “[Climate change is] just one of those issues that, if we don’t prioritize it, we’re not going to have the luxury of prioritizing other issues,” Wetmore said. However, the state assembly has been criticized for the lack of statewide action on climate change. Gov. Henry McMaster also supported the Paris Climate Accords pullout and has shown disinterest in combating climate change statewide, saying it could create more bureaucracy. However, Wetmore said she believes the issue of climate change supersedes partisanship. “From the voters’ perspective, it’s a nonpartisan issue,” Wetmore said. “My district is probably about 50/50 Republican-Democrat, but this is an issue that people reach out to me [about] all the time.” Recently, there has been some traction with the creation of a resilience office to combat flooding and the passage of a bill intended to aid the solar industry. There is also a lot of work being done by nongovernmental agencies. Dwayne Porter is an environmental health sciences professor at USC and part of the school’s climate change faculty. Porter and the Arnold School of Public Health collaborate with several other universities to research the implications of a changing climate to the environment and aid underserved

communities impacted by climate change. “We’re working with communities across the state to better prepare them so that they can be proactive in making sure their community is as best prepared as possible for what we know are concerns related to a changing climate,” Porter said. Porter emphasized the effectiveness of using sound science as opposed to emotion to effect change in a community. This sound science is then used to educate the communities and allow them to make informed decisions. The effects of climate change on things we might not always think of, such as fishing and tourism, are also being researched. “In South Carolina, we have so many communities and individuals where their primary livelihood is tied to ecosystem services,” Porter said. “When we have an event that begins to disrupt that, then the magnitude can be far-reaching.” And there is still room for positive change. Dalton Fulcher, the president of the Sierra Club Student Coalition, a grassroots environmental organization, spoke on the importance of young people staying active in combating climate change. “If you’re not active on the problem, then you feel like it’s impossible. But as long you’re working to improve upon it, to solve it, then you have that glimmer of optimism, glimmer of hope, even when it’s really dark,” Fulcher said. “Do you want to be reactionary or do you want to be proactive?” Fulcher said students could help fight against climate change by eating less red meat and participating in environmental education. “The single most effective thing that a student can do is to take up studies around the environment,” Fulcher said. “Education is a powerful tool. And so, if you’re interested in changing the world, if you’re interested in making an impact seriously, it’s education.”

ADVENTURE AWAITS

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ACROSS 1 Card that loses to a trey 6 Equine control 10 Dazzled 14 Boo-boo 15 Besides that 16 Waterslide cry 17 *Yellow tomato with red swirls 19 Dismiss from work 20 __ coffee: cool drink 21 Anonymous Jane 22 One-on-one teacher 23 Mortarboard hanger 25 Flier’s seat choice 27 *“Our group doesn’t agree” 31 Heed, with “by” 35 Couple’s pronoun 36 Currency for 19 states 38 Dull movie, say 39 “Spider-Man” actress Kirsten 40 Staircase part 41 Fish that complains a lot? 42 One less than nona43 Liability offset on a balance sheet 44 *Phillie Phanatic, notably 47 Environmentally friendly 48 Highway divider 53 Opposite of old age 55 Long, long time 57 About, on a memo 58 Inuit word for “house” 59 Concludes with no clear winner ... and what each answer to a starred clue 48

does? 62 Bosc or Anjou 63 Snail __: letter carrier’s burden 64 Golfer Sam 65 Arid 66 “Do __ others ... ” 67 Singer __ Rae Jepsen

DOWN 1 Ledger entry 2 “Fear of Flying” author Jong 3 Impulses 4 Firewood units 5 Victorian or Elizabethan 6 Janet __, attorney general

after Barr 7 Hamburg’s river 8 Prefix with metric 9 Never been used 10 Terrible quality 11 Low-visibility snow events 12 Gateway Arch designer

43 Absorbed, as a cost 45 [Yawn] 46 Upscale hotel 49 Ross or Rigg 50 Prefix meaning “between” 51 Sans-serif font 52 Impoverished 53 Golfer’s putting jitters, with “the” 54 Curved molding 55 Do some prosetightening 56 Nobel Peace Prize city 59 Big Aussie bird 60 Indian bread 61 Pres. advisory group PUZZLE SOLUTION

Saarinen 13 Bucks in a forest 18 Doing nothing 22 “For shame!” 24 Meadow mom 25 Respiratory cavity 26 MIT’s “I”: Abbr. 28 Froot Loops mascot __ Sam 29 Fox-and-hounds pursuits 30 Shade provider 31 Alphabet sequence symbolizing ease 32 Word with row or sail 33 Imperfect, as sale goods 34 Arrival’s opposite 37 Choose (to) 39 Capitol feature

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All-You-Care-to-Eat Dining on Campus! Check out our 5 residential restaurants on campus! Use your All Access Residential Meal Plan for unlimited swipes in these locations. Gibbes Court Bistro | Capstone House

Gibbes provides a wide array of choices, whether you are looking to customize your meal from the Global Kitchen or Savory Stack, enjoy tastes from back home at the Main Ingredient, or conclude your meal with a tasty dessert from A La Mode. The chef at Gibbes Court Bistro has a True Balance station where we serve food without the top 8 allergens. You will also be able to enjoy a fresh salad bar, grill, and Italian station featuring pizza and pasta.

Honeycomb Café | Honors Residence Hall

Honeycomb Café features a rotating menu across six stations with dedicated accommodations for guests with special dietary needs and food allergies. Honeycomb Café avoids nuts and features a True Balance station that eliminates the top 8 allergens from the menu rotation. Halal chicken is also served at the grill and salad bar. Guests will also enjoy options from the homestyle line, salad bar, pizza station, and deli. Honeycomb Café is one of three Green

Bates Diner | Bates House Residence Hall

Bates Diner provides all-you-care-to-eat service in a retro atmosphere. Order from our loaded made-to-order grill or customize a milkshake while lounging on vintage bar stools. Enjoy a delicious slice of pizza made from scratch or comfort food from the home line. Bates also

The Community Table | 650 Lincoln

The Community Table is one of the two new residential restaurants on campus and features a large oak table cut from a tree from the Horseshoe. Enjoy a premium dining experience with salad bar.

Fresh Greene’s | Russell House West Wing

Fresh Greene’s is one of the two new residential restaurants focusing on fresh, local, and organic food. If you are in the mood for a customizable, made from scratch pizza that uses organic flour and tomatoes or a salad made with local Vertical Roots lettuce, this residential restaurant has you covered. Our Chef’s Table station provides a hand-crafted meal featuring seasonal ingredients. We even grow our own lettuce and herbs on-site with a hydroponic farm!

FIND YOUR HOME HERE STUDENT APARTMENTS NEAR USC IN WEST COLUMBIA At Redtail on the River, you’ll find a community and features dedicated to helping you achieve success. Individual apartments in each unit allow students to focus and study in peace while they attend USC. Community features, like barbecue grills, sport courts, and a swimming pool lounge area, give residents a way to create their own community and celebrate on game day.

2 BED, 2 BATH

3 BED, 3 BATH

RedtailontheRiver.com | 803.937.2388 | 500 Alexander Rd | RedtailontheRiver.com | 803.937.2388 | 500 Alexander Rd | 4

4 BED, 4 BATH

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