Over the last year, America has really begun to dive deeper into its harsh reality of African American history. We’ve explored how decisions made hundreds of years ago still effect Black communities today. From redlining neighborhoods to marginalizing education, we’ve seen how decisions made by our fore-fathers affect where our nation stands today. Last summer, during the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, the conversation about historic figures + their monuments standing on government property, became a huge topic of conversation.

Continue reading Historic Columbia’s Groundbreaking Podcast Will Make You Rethink The Purpose of Historic Monuments at Shades of Pinck.

*Pictured on the porch of the Mann-Simons home during the re-opening in 2017*

One thing that I’m really looking forward to this year is becoming even more active with Historic Columbia through their young professional group, Palladium Society.

Last summer, as the social justice + civil rights protests erupted, I made a promise to myself to use my platform + my voice to share the stories of my community that our history books intentionally exclude.

Continue reading Palladium Society’s Newest Board Member // Historic Columbia at Shades of Pinck.

Even as COVID cases continue to rise, more and more people are beginning to feel COVID fatigue and are growing tired of the restrictions that have been put on us. While it’s important we find ways to make life feel normal, it’s still incredibly important to social distance + wear a mask!

One of the best way to decrease your chances of contracting the disease is to avoid eating indoors. Many restaurants around Columbia offer outdoor seating options, but if you’re looking to turn an ordinary experience into something a little more exciting, I suggest turning one of your meals into a picnic!!

Continue reading Picnicking Around Cola // Hotel Trundle Experience at Shades of Pinck.

This past week I attended my very first Free Times party…and it did not disappoint!

Once a year the weekly publication compiles a “Best of Columbia” list awarding everything from the best liquor store to the best late night food spot. Winners are chosen based on the votes of average SodaCitizens and each year I’m introduced to somewhere new. To celebrate the winners and runner-ups they throw a party the week the list is revealed.

Continue reading Party like its 1980-something! at Shades of Pinck.

For months all anyone in Colatown could talk about was The 2017 Eclipse. Actually it felt like as soon as 2017 began talks of how Columbia was one of the few “major cities” to be in the direct path of totality (and slated to have the longest period of darkness on the East coast) began to crop up. It wasn’t long before the entire event was hyped up to the max; I guessed to attract professional + amateur star gazers from near and fall.

Continue reading The celestial event of the year at Shades of Pinck.

The air is brisk in the morning, so there’s no denying that Fall upon us.

This is by far the best time of the year to stroll down Main Street before your day begins! I like to grab a cup of coffee, well really a chia tea latte — with skim milk, and walk a few blocks. In that 10 minutes I set personal goals for the upcoming day, reflect on the previous day, or just think happy, positive thoughts (like what I’m grateful for or what made me laugh last).

Continue reading Mornings on Main Street + coffee shops at Shades of Pinck.