Time Capsule Found At South Carolina Mall

Spending 8 years total in Columbia, South Carolina, I'm quite familiar with the big shopping spots. Although I had no idea the Richland Mall was being torn down. While demolishing the property, crews found something odd, a time capsule. According to WLTX, the time capsule isn't set to be opened until 2033.

The time capsule was buried when the mall first opened in 2000. That's the year I first moved to Columbia for my first on-air job in radio. Writing on the time capsule says the due date for it to be opened is January 20, 2033. No telling what's in it! I'm guessing things that were relevant and popular at that time.

With its last remaining store closing in September 2023, the mall is being torn down for a new mixed-use development. A $100 million project is set to be constructed on the old mall property. It will feature a mix of apartments, businesses including a grocery store and a brewery, and a 6-acre green space for hosting events and concerts.

Richland Mall isn't the only mall to be demolished for newer developments. Malls around the country have seen declining customers for the last few years. Malls, sadly, are a thing of the past. Growing up in Gastonia, Eastridge Mall was the mall we all went to. In the 1980's, that mall was hoppin'! Most shopping malls were THE place to go in the 80's.

I'm a bit surprised that Eastridge Mall is still standing. I'm waiting on someone to decide to tear it down and use the property for something else. One of the only malls in our area that still does stellar business is Southpark Mall. Malls around the country are being turned into living spaces or flattened so that other things can be built on the property.

Lots of Gen X'ers would love to see shopping malls turned into 55 and up living. We'd be all about it! Keeping the food court, the other areas could be turned into apartments. Add a bar, exercise areas, and an arcade, and we'd never leave! A mall in Milwaukee turned a mall into a living space and it's rockin'.

According to WLTX, the city says it will re-bury the time capsule that the demolition crew discovered. The city says they'll re-bury it on the property before the construction begins on the new development. Guess we'll have to wait until 2033 to see the contents. What would you put into a time capsule?

Looking at the popular items in 2000, I'm guessing flip phones, Ugg boots, and a Brittany Spears CD. Maybe a video game cartridge and a Tamagotchi virtual pet. Possibly an energy drink too!

USA Today recently had their readers vote for their "10 best" campaign. One of those categories was "The Best Small Towns for Shopping". And one North Carolina town made the top 10 best small towns for the shopping list! I've never been to this mountain town, so a visit may be in order. Summer is the perfect time to travel and enjoy the mainly open air shopping districts on this list. I'm surprised that I have only been to one of these towns (and it's actually the farthest one away...go figure!) But I have bookmarked multiple of these that I can't wait to visit. Shopping and historic towns are some of my favorite things.

It's not too late to plan your summer getaway and each of these small towns offers a shopping lover's paradise! Especially if you are in to unique and or handmade items. Some of these are mountain towns there could be a good winter destination as well. As long as you don't mind the cold that is.  We've got multiple areas of the country covered, so whether you want to fly or drive one of these is doable!

View the full article here or keep reading for the list!

The Best Small Towns For Shopping 

According to USA Today Readers

Located on the mid-coast of Maine you'll find Camden. The downtown is home to many upscale shops, antique shops, and general stores for all your shopping pleasure.

This scenic small town is located on the Delaware River. It's known for its history, bed & breakfasts, and of course shopping. In the downtown district, you will find a sprawling collection of boutiques, gift shops, galleries, and more!

The scenic red rocks aren't the only thing Sedona is known for. There are tons of shopping destinations no matter what you're looking for. Apparel, art, home decor, antiques, beauty, jewelry, and everything else you may want.

According to CarmelCalifornia.com: Carmel shopping is metropolitan style, though wholly unique in the setting. It is also an all-day experience, and then some. The most discriminating shopper is sure to find something of great appeal in one of the town's hidden passageways or curlicue-roofed shops. From outdoor malls to family-owned boutiques, Carmel offers a shopping environment that wants nothing but infinite time to explore.

The best small-town Georgia shopping is found in the northern part of the state in Dahlonega. Gift shops, wine tasting rooms, furniture, antiques, home decor, and more!

The main street of this mountain town plays host to unique small business shopping. Browse offerings here.

This quaint town on the Jersey Cape boasts the Washington Mall, a three-block outdoor shopping mall filled with shops, brick pathways, fountains, and benches. More shopping is also available in the Washington Commons and Carpenter Square Mall among others.

A previous winner of this title is Montpelier. While in this pedestrian-friendly town be sure to browse the numerous independently-owned boutiques, as well as local merchants selling crafts, books, music items, gifts, clothing, decor and much much more.

You'll find historic Rhinebeck nestled in the Hudson Valley. Shopping in the area is full of  Books, Music, Clothing, Shoes, Gifts, Stationery, Furniture, Jewelry, Home Decor, Art, Antiques, Wine & Spirits, and more!

The borough of Frenchtown, NJ is located along the banks of the Hudson River. And its numerous boutiques make it the best small town for shopping in the country! Guess I'll have to check it out.