The music was playing, the feet were moving, and the Lake Carolina community showed up ready to dance! Our Shaggin’ On The Green event brought neighbors together for an unforgettable summer evening of Carolina shag dancing, good music, and sweet memories under the stars.

While we’re still putting together the full photo gallery, we couldn’t wait to share a first look at some of our favorite moments from the night. From the incredible moves on the dance floor to the laughter shared between friends, this event reminded us of the joy that happens when community comes together.

💃 Stay tuned for the full gallery—coming soon to our Facebook Page!

First-time guest or loyal regular, MJ’s Grill offers more than great food. It offers a taste of home.

Behind the kitchen doors of MJ’s Grill, you’ll find more than just great food. You’ll find Samantha Gordon, co-owner, kitchen manager, and the driving force behind the restaurant’s evolving flavor and family-first atmosphere.

Samantha’s culinary journey began with a passion for pastry arts, nurtured in high school and refined in college. Today, that same attention to detail and love for bold flavor shape every dish at MJ’s. From house-cut lettuce to scratch-made chicken and ribs, freshness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a promise.

What started as a dream for her father, John, has grown into a full-blown family-owned operation. John is the guy everyone seems to know. He is the kind of man you can talk to for hours. Wise, warm, and full of character, he gives the bar its soul. He is someone you can trust and someone who welcomes you like you’re already part of the MJ’s family.

But recently, the Gordon family has been facing a different kind of challenge — one that has deeply touched the hearts of their customers and community.

Samantha has temporarily stepped back from her day-to-day role at MJ’s to be by the side of her 7-month-old son, Cyrus, who has been diagnosed with multiple complex neurological conditions. Despite his young age and medical challenges, Cyrus’s smile and strength have inspired everyone around him. His courage is mighty, and so is the love that surrounds him.

In true MJ’s Grill fashion, this moment isn’t just about struggle; it’s about community. The Gordons aren’t walking this road alone. On August 29th at 6 PM, MJ’s Grill will host Community for Cyrus Night — an evening of food, fellowship, and faith. It’s a chance for neighbors, friends, and guests (old and new) to rally around this beloved local family.

Whether it’s through prayer, presence, or simply sharing their story, every act of support makes a difference. As the Gordons so beautifully put it, “Cyrus may be small, but his smile is BIG, his courage is MIGHTY — and with faith, family, and community, he will never walk this road alone.”

📍 MJ’s Grill | 8/29/25 @ 6 PM
➡️ Support the Gordon family

Because at MJ’s, the food brings you in — but the family keeps you coming back.

Looking for a fun and enriching way to beat the summer heat? South Carolina residents can enjoy free general admission to the Columbia Museum of Art throughout the summer, from May 24 to August 31.

Families and art lovers alike will find something to spark their curiosity. The museum currently features two engaging exhibitions, plus plenty of creative ways to experience them. Kids can pick up scavenger hunts, art totes, and sensory bags, while visitors of all ages can get hands-on in The Cross Hatch, the museum’s interactive art-making space.

To receive free admission, simply show proof of South Carolina residency at the Welcome Desk when you arrive. This seasonal offering is made possible through generous support from the Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.

It’s the perfect opportunity to explore world-class art, engage your imagination, and make meaningful summer memories—without spending a dime.

Read about the Columbia Museum of Art and more in the latest issue of Lake Carolina Living Magazine!

Columbia’s BullStreet District just got tastier. Gather COLA, a long-anticipated food hall and community gathering space, has officially launched—and the buzz is real. Inspired by its wildly successful sister location, Gather Greenville, this Columbia edition is already drawing crowds and excitement.

At a special preview event, Lake Carolina Living had the chance to chat with key figures behind the project, as well as several of the future vendors.

“We wanted a home,” said Chef Stanley K. Livingston, owner of Smoke It Up BBQ. “Not just a place to serve food, but a place to connect. This isn’t just barbecue—it’s family, it’s culture.” For many vendors, this marks their first step into a more permanent, brick-and-mortar presence with longer hours and direct community access.

Joining the food lineup are vibrant local favorites like Los Chicanos and Spicy Voodoo. “We’ve been looking for a location for two years,” said Adrianna Favila of Los Chicanos. “Gather Cola felt like the perfect fit.” Meanwhile, New Orleans native Cedric Cole of Spicy Voodoo is bringing authentic Creole flavor to the Midlands. “I stepped out on faith,” he said. “Now it’s time for Columbia to taste the real deal.”

Janie Quinn, District Manager for the BullStreet District, emphasized the food hall’s long-term role in the area’s transformation: “This project has been ten years in the making. Gather Cola adds a much-needed nightlife and food scene to our growing community.”

City Councilman Tyler Bailey echoed the excitement. “This is a great day for Columbia. It brings people together, boosts local business, and strengthens our tax base. It’s a win all around.”

With 9 rotating vendors, live entertainment, and room to grow, Gather Cola is set to be a culinary and cultural landmark for years to come.

Read about Gather Cola and more in the latest issue of Lake Carolina Living Magazine!