Thinking about buying or renovating a historic home in Columbia? There may be more benefits and fewer restrictions than you think.

Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Betsy Kleinfelder from the City of Columbia’s historic preservation and planning team to discuss what it really means to own a historic property. They cover how to determine whether a home is in a historic district, which exterior renovations may require approval, and why replacing original windows isn’t always the smartest investment.

You’ll also learn about the Bailey Bill, a tax-abatement program that can help qualifying property owners offset renovation costs, plus the differences between local historic districts and the National Register of Historic Places.

Whether you own an older home, are considering buying one, or simply love Columbia’s history and architecture, this episode offers a fascinating look at the homes and neighborhoods that give our city its character.

For more about City of Columbia Planning & Development

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There’s a lot more happening at Columbia Metropolitan Airport than most travelers realize. In this episode, Brad and Mary Lane sit down with Chris White, President and CEO of Columbia Metropolitan Airport, and Kim Crafton, Vice President of Marketing and Service Development, for an inside look at CAE’s recent growth and what could be coming next.

Chris and Kim explain what officially makes CAE an international airport, how its newly completed Customs and Border Protection facility supports private aviation and international business, and why the airport plays such an important role in economic development throughout the Midlands. They also discuss the possibility of a future name change, ongoing efforts to attract additional airlines and nonstop routes, and the biggest factor travelers can influence: choosing to fly local.

The conversation also explores the airport’s recent improvements, including an expanded TSA checkpoint, an indoor-outdoor passenger lounge, a new business center, family restrooms, a sensory room, and a meditation and interfaith space. Kim shares how CAE is making travel more accessible through programs like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, while Chris explains the airport’s cargo operations, military presence, diversion flights, and plans for a solar-powered microgrid.

Plus, the guests share some of their favorite features at CAE, why booking early can make flying from Columbia more affordable, and what they enjoy doing when they’re away from the airport and exploring the Midlands.

Whether you fly through CAE regularly, automatically head to Charlotte for every trip, or simply want to know how Columbia is preparing for future growth, this episode offers a fascinating look at the airport connecting our community to the rest of the world.

✈️ Learn more about Columbia Metropolitan Airport

🏡 Living in Columbia or thinking about moving here? Download The ART of Real Estate app to search for homes, explore local resources, receive event updates, and connect with our team.

What happens when you leave a decade-long legal career to finally pursue the business you’ve been dreaming about for years?

In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad and Mary Lane sit down with Grace Berger, owner of The Honey Market, a new coffee and wine bar, gourmet market, and housewares shop located on Forest Drive in Forest Acres.

Grace shares the childhood fascination that inspired the business’s name, why Forest Acres was always the right location, and what it took to bring her longtime vision to life. We also get a taste of the creativity behind The Honey Market, from the Velvet King made with Coca-Cola and a coffee ice sphere to a brown butter latte topped with 24-karat gold.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Why Grace left her legal career to open The Honey Market
• The inspiration behind the business and its name
• Her experience opening a small business in Forest Acres
• The shop’s unexpected drinks, specialty foods, wine, and gifts
• Creating a welcoming space for parents, children, and the community
• Columbia’s evolving restaurant scene and what it still needs
• What’s ahead for The Honey Market

It’s a conversation about taking a chance on a longtime dream, creating something completely different, and bringing a fresh new experience to Columbia.

☕️🍯 More on The Honey Market

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What makes The Nickelodeon Theater one of Columbia's most beloved destinations? It's about much more than the movies.

In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Sumner Bender, Executive Director of The Nick, to explore the story behind Columbia's only nonprofit art house cinema and the role it plays in shaping the city's culture.

From choosing which films make it to the big screen to hosting film festivals, Oscar parties, documentaries, and community events, Sumner shares what goes on behind the scenes at one of Main Street's most iconic landmarks. The conversation also dives into the changing movie industry, how AI is impacting Hollywood, why some films are nearly impossible for independent theaters to show, and what keeps people coming back to The Nick year after year.

Along the way, you'll also hear why Sumner believes Columbia continues to grow into one of the best places to live, how The Nick has helped energize Main Street, and why supporting local arts organizations matters more than ever.

Whether you're a movie lover, a longtime Columbia resident, or simply looking for unique things to do in the Midlands, this episode will give you a whole new appreciation for The Nick.

In this episode:

• The history of The Nickelodeon Theater
• How independent theaters choose their movies
• Why some films can't be shown
• The future of movie theaters and AI in Hollywood
• The Nick's events, memberships, and community impact
• Why Columbia's arts scene continues to thrive

🍿 More About The Nick

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Columbia Classical Ballet is entering a new era, and Artistic Director Joseph Phillips is leading the way.

After performing with some of the world's most prestigious ballet companies including the Mariinsky Theatre, American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, and Miami City Ballet, Joseph has returned home to Columbia with a bold vision for the future of ballet in the Midlands.

In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Joseph to discuss his journey from growing up in Columbia to dancing on international stages, why he chose to come back, and what the future holds for Columbia Classical Ballet and the School of Columbia Classical Ballet.

They also discuss the opening of the new School of Columbia Ballet in Five Points, the renowned Vaganova training method, upcoming performances and Nutcracker auditions, and how the organization hopes to inspire the next generation of dancers while strengthening Columbia's growing arts community.

Whether you're passionate about the performing arts, interested in what's happening around Columbia, or simply enjoy hearing the stories of the people making a difference in our city, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

🩰 For more on School of Columbia Classical Ballet

🗓️ Open Classes Begin August 10th | 610 Harden Street Columbia, SC
❄️ The Nutcracker Open Auditions: August 22nd & September 19th

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About The Soda Citizen Podcast

Hosted by Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan, The Soda Citizen Podcast highlights the people, places, businesses, and organizations that make Columbia, South Carolina such a special place to live, work, and play. From local leaders and entrepreneurs to hidden gems and community initiatives, each episode offers a deeper look at the stories shaping the Midlands.

Most people know Columbia as the Capital City, but few realize that one of its greatest assets is flowing right through the heart of it.

In this episode of the Soda Citizen Podcast, we're joined by Congaree Riverkeeper Bill Stangler for a fascinating conversation about the Saluda, Broad, and Congaree Rivers and why they play such an important role in Columbia's past, present, and future.

We discuss what makes each river unique, the incredible recreation opportunities available right here in the Midlands, the future of Columbia's new riverfront park, and how conservation efforts are helping protect these waterways for generations to come. Along the way, Bill shares some unforgettable stories, from unusual discoveries during river cleanups to rare wildlife, hidden spots along the river, and the work that goes into keeping our rivers healthy.

Whether you're a lifelong Columbia resident, new to the area, or simply love exploring the outdoors, this episode will give you a whole new appreciation for the rivers that make our city unique.

In this episode, we cover:

• The differences between the Saluda, Broad, and Congaree Rivers
• Columbia's exciting new riverfront park project
• The best places to kayak, tube, fish, and explore
• Wildlife you can spot along the rivers
• How the Congaree Riverkeeper protects our waterways
• Water quality, conservation, and local environmental challenges
• Hidden gems and fun stories from life on the river

If you enjoy discovering the people, places, and stories that make Columbia, South Carolina such a special place to live, be sure to subscribe to the Soda Citizen Podcast so you never miss an episode.

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What does the future of public education look like in Columbia, South Carolina?

In this episode of the Soda Citizen Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Todd Walker, Superintendent of Richland School District One, to discuss his Vision 2030 plan and how one of Columbia's largest school districts is preparing students for the future.

From career and technical education to artificial intelligence in the classroom, Dr. Walker shares how Richland One is creating new opportunities for students while strengthening the community as a whole.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Richland One's Vision 2030
• How schools are preparing students for high-skill, high-wage careers
• Why career pathways are just as important as college pathways
• The role of AI in education
• Why strong schools help build strong communities
• The future of public education in Columbia

Whether you're a parent, educator, community leader, or considering a move to Columbia, this conversation offers an inside look at where education is headed and why it matters.

Richland One Vision 2030 & Beyond

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What does it take to build one of Columbia's most beloved local businesses?

This week on the Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Kellen Monroe and Katelyn Shire, the owners of Craft & Draft, to talk about how a neighborhood bottle shop grew into a true community hub.

From choosing the perfect craft beer to hosting trivia nights, live music, and family-friendly events, they share what has made Craft & Draft a place where people gather, connect, and keep coming back.

The conversation also explores Columbia's growing food and brewery scene, favorite local spots, what makes the city special, and why supporting local businesses matters now more than ever.

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, a Columbia local, or someone considering a move to the Midlands, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city's favorite gathering places.

In this episode:

• 🍻 The story behind Craft & Draft
• 🍺 How they choose hundreds of craft beers
• 📍 Columbia's best local food and drink recommendations
• 🏡 Why Columbia is such a great place to live
• 🎉 Community events, trivia, music, and more
• ❤️ Building a business centered around people, not just beer

Craft & Draft

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