Things To Do
The Columbus Museum
One of the Southeast's largest museums. It's full of wonderful permanent exhibits - our favorite being the contemporary galleries. It's an excellent place to go to learn about Columbus history and the Chattahoochee area. Most recently, the Leongs toured a visiting exhibit of glass blown pop art celebrating diner culture. Imagine - oversized glass burgers, & curly fries as long and wide as your arm!
The Columbus Riverwalk
15 miles of paved paths line the edge of the Chattahoochee River. Rent bikes at "Ride on Bikes" downtown to explore them all or stop at "Banks Food Hall" for a quick lunch and beverage before or after a short walk. Then snag an ice cream and sit on the steps or rocks at "RushSouth Whitewater Park" to watch rafters surf in the class 4 rapids. Columbus happens to be the home to the longest URBAN whitewater course in the world.
The National Infantry Museum
This museum honors the history and legacy of the Infantry and Army in the United States as well as in the Columbus area. Fort Benning is the one of the Army’s largest installations, the home of the Infantry and Armor schools, as well as Ranger School, Officer Candidate School, and Airborne School.
Callaway Gardens
Callaway Gardens is a 2,500-acre resort and botanical garden in Pine Mountain, Georgia, founded by Cason and Virginia Callaway in 1952. In late February, the camelias and pansies will be in bloom, the first tulips may have emerged for Spring, and the butterfly center will have tropical butterflies they have hatched in their 7,000 sqft butterfly conservatory. Rent a bike at the resort and explore the many lakes, ponds, bridges, and chapels throughout the garden.
Columbus, GA Downtown Restaurant Recommendations
Downtown Columbus is full of delicious and charming local restaurants. Here are some of our favorites. We encourage reservations for these restaurants: - Salt Cellar (Seafood - their cocktail bar was on AJ and Rachel's first Columbus date) - Millhouse Kitchen (Modern Upscale Southern with River Views) - 11th and Bay (Modern Creative Southern Cuisine) - Animal Farm (Farm to Table Casual Southern Inspired Menu) - Mabella's (Italian Steakhouse - the best cheesecake in town) - Gabagool (Casual Italian) These are all casual and great for game time walk up decisions: - Nonic (Casual New American - the burger featured on AJ & Rachel's 1st Columbus date) - Mix Market (casual pizza oven, salads, tacos, beer on tap spot) - Ironbank Coffee (great coffee, but surprise bar tap at night too) - My Boulange (coffee and the best croissant in town) - The Maltitude Bar at Banks (craft beer located along the river - first stop in AJ & Rachel's 1st Columbus Date)
Meat & Three Restaurants
The "Meat & Three" is a style of meal popular in the South. You choose one meat dish (typically fried chicken) and three side dishes (collard greens, black eye peas, and creamstyle corn) from a daily-changing menu. The concept originated in early 20th-century Southern cafeterias as a way to offer affordable, customized, and hearty home-style cooking. The best place in town is Miles to Go on Whitesville Rd. Rachel meets her dad there for lunch regularly :) If you're downtown, the most convenient place is Minnie's Uptown Restaurant on 8th St.
BBQ Places
These are the best Bar-B-Que spots in town. They're going to be your holes-in-the-wall. What they don't score points on in ambience, they win back because they're all local & dishing the most authentic pork butts, sauces, and sweet tea that Columbus has to offer: - Smokey Pig on 11th Ave. - Clearview BBQ on River Rd. - Country's BBQ on Veterans Parkway or on Broadway If you're craving brisket over pork, then there's no argument - you've gotta go to: - Emerald's Touch on River Rd. If you're looking for vibes & ambience coupled with craft beer - go to Moe's BBQ on 6th Ave. It's a good southeastern restaurant chain.
Atlanta, GA (1-2 day extension)
If you're looking to spend some time in Atlanta - these are some of our favorite places. AJ lived in Atlanta for a little over a year - the two of us spent many days in his 400 sq ft studio sipping coffee on the balcony watching passerby on the Beltline, and exploring the city. These are some of our favorite places - consider visiting them too! - The Atlanta Beltline at Krog St. or Ponce City Market - Atlanta Botanical Garden - The Georgia Aquarium (Belugas and Whale Sharks!) - World of Coca-Cola Museum - Centennial Olympic Park - home of the 1996 Summer Olympics - National Center for Civil and Human Rights - Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park - Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum - Shopping at Ponce City Market, Lennox Mall, or Phipps Plaza - Hike Stone Mountain
Savannah, GA (2-3 day roadtrip)
If you want to add 2 days to your trip, consider renting a car and driving to Savannah, GA. The city offers beautiful scenery, delicious Southern food, and a historic atmosphere with Spanish moss-draped oaks and ornate architecture, all infused with legendary Southern hospitality. Explore the iconic Forsyth Park, walk the historic River Street, tour the haunting Bonaventure Cemetery, discover Savannah's famously spooky side on a ghost tour, visit The American Prohibition Museum, and dine on delicious and coastal southern food.
Destin, FL & 30A (2-3 day roadtrip)
AJ and Rachel often weekend in Florida at the LeRoy Family Beach House. Destin offers classic Gulf Coast fun with white sands and emerald waters, famous for fishing and lively atmosphere. Nearby is a stretch of charming beach towns, unique coastal dune lakes, and natural beauty along Scenic Highway 30A. For a 2-3 day extension, consider visiting this area to eat friend gulf shrimp, explore Destin's HarborWalk Village, go fishing, visit Grayton Beach State Park, bike the Timpoochee Trail, or explore the 30A beach town like Seaside (filming site of the Truman Show).
