Ask anyone who knows me, and they will agree—I am a card-carrying, foam-finger-wearing cheerleader for the Midlands community, especially when it comes to the city of Columbia. Although I am not originally from Columbia, I have lived in the city for 47 years. My children (and granddaughter!) were born and raised here and, to me, it is home!!! Though it has its shortcomings just as any other town does, I could go on all day about the innumerable, wonderful things that I absolutely love about Columbia, SC. Fortunately for you, I can’t type fast enough to list them all (LOL!), so I’ll limit my rave to just the highlights.

For starters, I love local people and neighborhoods. Columbia is indeed a city of neighborhoods. A little-known fact is that Columbia is made up of approximately 90 neighborhoods. Perhaps it is for this reason that, despite Columbia’s large population, many of its residents—myself included—feel as though this city is more like a tight-knit community. It warms my heart to know that, just about anywhere I go these days, I will run into a neighbor or friend. The fellowship and communion among the people of our city is extremely special and makes me proud to call Columbia my home.

In addition to the flourishing and ever-growing sense of community in Columbia, the city has exploded in terms of its vibrancy and overall quality of living. One of my extra-favorite subjects is the local food scene, which is growing exponentially every day. The newly-opened BayLeaf restaurant is now serving up modern Indian cuisine in the Vista, and Halls Chophouse and Hendrix will be making their Main Street debuts within the next two months. But this growth would not be possible but for our city’s excellent leadership, from the Mayor and City Council, to the administrative heads, to the Yellow Shirts on Main Street. These men and women have worked hard to grow our city into what it is today, and I appreciate and commend their efforts!

Long live Columbia, my home!