Columbia in the Spotlight: From The "Can Opener" to The Mulehouse

Issue #646

January 16, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 45, low of 16

📰 Carters Creek “Can Opener” Steals the Spotlight

📰 The Factory at Columbia: Where Local Business and Flavor Meet

📰 Columbia’s Arts District: A Growing Hub for Art, Shops, and Coffee

📰 The Mulehouse and More…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Carters Creek “Can Opener” Steals the Spotlight

Columbia’s infamous Carters Creek Railroad Bridge - better known locally as “The Can Opener” - got its moment in the spotlight in News 2’s "On Tour” series, and it’s by far the most viewed segment on their YouTube page.

The bridge has a reputation for tearing the tops off trucks and tall vehicles—and that’s exactly what makes it so famous. Locals have embraced its quirks, even forming a Facebook group with more than 27,000 members who follow every new encounter with the bridge.

For many in the area, the bridge is more than an obstacle—it’s entertainment, a conversation starter, and a unique piece of Columbia character. Residents enjoy sharing stories of trucks that get stuck, imagining playful additions like graffiti, and celebrating each new “hit” as a community moment. The Maury County Collection Center sits nearby and offers a front-row view of the action. In 2025 alone, the bridge was struck a record 32 times.

Fans of the bridge say it brings people together, sparks laughter, and has even inspired merchandise. While it may frustrate some drivers, for the locals who love it, the bridge is indestructible, unforgettable, and uniquely Columbia.

The Factory at Columbia: Where Local Business and Flavor Meet

The Factory at Columbia is home to an eclectic mix of businesses and News 2 highlighted how the former shirt factory has taken on new life. What was once an industrial space is now filled with locally owned shops and eateries, shaped gradually by the entrepreneurs who call it home.

Inside the Factory, longtime tenants like Columbia Antique Marketplace remain a cornerstone, while newer concepts continue to add variety to the space. Food and drink options are a big part of the draw, from dirty sodas and fresh-squeezed lemonade at Gimme Lemmee to pasta at Grazie!, pastries from Kings Baking Company, and teas from Nashville Tea Company. Together, they’ve helped turn the building into an easy place to linger rather than just pass through.

Owner Ashley Pomeroy, who also runs Dwell Boutique inside the Factory, shared how important it has been to create a space that supports entrepreneurship. As businesses come and go and the mix shifts over time, the Factory has become a place layered with stories — a spot where nostalgia, creativity, and community continue to intersect in downtown Columbia.

Columbia’s Arts District: A Growing Hub for Art, Shops, and Coffee

Columbia’s Arts District reflects how the city has been steadily shaping its own identity over the past decade. An area that once saw limited activity has grown intentionally since 2017 into a destination that blends art, small businesses, food, coffee, wine, and green space — adding another layer to Columbia’s overall character.

That growth played a role in bringing Tyler and Megan Axtell to Columbia. After building their successful Bradley Mountain brand in San Diego, the couple relocated the operation to Tennessee and chose the Arts District as its new home. Since making the move, the shop — which combines leather goods and coffee — has thrived alongside neighboring businesses, including Mamma Mila’s, salons, vintage shops, and other creative ventures that give the area its warm, welcoming feel.

More changes are on the horizon. A new shopping center in the area is under construction and expected to bring in additional small businesses. Mayor Chaz Molder also shared a longer-term vision of creating a pedestrian connection between downtown and the Arts District, a step that would better link the two areas and make it easier for people to move between them as they explore Columbia.

The Mulehouse and More…

Amy Fish, the director of concerts and private events for The Mulehouse, talked about the beautiful venue that’s been coined the “Mini Ryman.” Built in the 1940’s originally as First Baptist Church of Columbia, the building still features its original stained glass windows. She highlighted two upcoming events: an Easton Corbin concert on March 28 and a Dolly Parton Pop-Up celebrating Dolly’s birthday on January 23.

Daniel Medina, the owner for almost two years, said that they are expanding - he says that his vision is for this to be Columbia’s living room. “We’re going to hopefully have a hotel and a food court here.” 

Beyond headline concerts and special events, The Mulehouse has built a steady rhythm of regular programming, including country dance nights and the popular Songwriter Series. It’s become a go-to spot for hearing great music up close and personal, without the drive to Nashville. For many locals, it’s proof that Columbia doesn’t just support live music — we have a venue that does it at a very high level, right here at home.

News 2 also highlighted other parts of Columbia that make the city special. They spoke with Mayor Chaz Molder about infrastructure projects, including the new Muletown Rec Center, and showcased downtown dining and live music at Whiskey Alley Saloon. Jana’s Jumbo House got a special feature on their “Big Joe” burger which has a pound and a half of meat! And families got a peek inside Amuse’um, the city’s hands-on children’s museum.

Columbia’s history and culture were also on display, from President Lyndon B. Johnson’s visit to dedicate Columbia State Community College, to the new Thurgood Marshall statue and roundabout, which honors the city’s role in civil rights history. The Polk Home and the early career of former Vols broadcaster Lindsey Nelson were also featured.

Together, these stories offer a glimpse of the people, places, and history that define Columbia. Viewers can explore the full videos to see each feature and learn even more about what makes our city unique.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, January 16th

Saturday, January 17th

Sunday, January 18th

Monday, January 19th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, January 16th
Brin Banta - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7–9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Troy Castellano - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
DownSouth Band - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, January 17th
Los Swamp Monsters - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 5:30 PM
Winter Series - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
The Howlin Embers - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Rubiks Groove - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Escape - The Boondox, 8 PM
Reba’s Hairdo - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

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