Columbus, Georgia, is the place to be!
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA–JULY 2019– A new decade means there’s never been a better time to discover Columbus, Georgia. Centrally-located in the Southeast, 90 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and home to Fort Benning, relax and chill out while exploring these 19 favorite things in Uptown Columbus and more.
1) Chattahoochee RiverWalk
Be amazed that Columbus has a river right in town…the Chattahoochee River (yep, the same one Country Musician…and Georgia native…Alan Jackson sings about). Along its banks is the Chattahoochee RiverWalk, which features miles of hard surface trails and is ideal for walking, cycling and jogging. Be sure to check it out (with comfy shoes). The adrenaline junkies may want to find an outfitter and take to the waters of RushSouth Whitewater Park, a new name for the area that makes up one of the world’s largest urban whitewater course right alongside the RiverWalk.
2) Angel Wings Selfie Spot
Check #WhatLiftsYou Wing selfie off the bucket list in Columbus. As of 2019, Columbus has its own unique wing selfie-spot created by Kelsey Montague–the artist known for her interactive artwork of wing paintings. Her installation is featured at 11th Street and Broadway near the Smoke Bourbon and BBQ building. Bring a friend to take a photo and smile! (Keep reading to learn about another unique #WhatLiftsYou selfie spot.)
3) History–No Way, That’s Not Here!
Did you know? The formula for the world-famous Coca-Cola recipe was created in Columbus. While in town, be sure to look for the historical marker for Dr. Pemberton’s house, which is now a private residence, and more. Not far from his house, visitors walk or ride on actual cobblestone as they travel through the Historic Columbus district and imagine what history those stones have seen from the Civil War days and beyond. Take in some historical perspective with a visit to the National Civil War Naval Museum. Here guests can see the USS Chattahoochee, which was brought to the Columbus Naval Yard in 1864 for repairs and sunk in the Chattahoochee River intentionally to keep it out of the hands of the opponent. Amazing.
4) Artwork Bo Bartlett
Tickle the brain’s creative side with a visit to The Bo Bartlett Center (bobartlettcenter.org/). Affiliated with Columbus State University, it is named for Columbus native and artist Bo Bartlett, who is an American realist with a modernist vision. His paintings are within the tradition of American realism as defined by artists such as Thomas Eakins and Andrew Wyeth. Like these artists, Bartlett looks at America’s land and people to describe the beauty he finds in everyday life. His paintings celebrate the underlying epic nature of the commonplace and the personal significance of the extraordinary. Hint: Look at them close and then step “way” back and look again for a different perspective.
5) Dining al fresco
With so many days of mild weather, what better way to spend an afternoon and evening dining outdoors. Very European and very memorable, especially with friends and family. Many restaurants offer outside seating upon request or choose something grab-and-go and enjoy one of the many benches around the Uptown area (www.VisitColumbusGA.com/dine/). When dining out of doors, Fido can even come along (leash suggested).
6) Space, Science…What?
Yes, Columbus is home to the Coca-Cola Space Science Center (CCSSC, www.ccssc.org/), a division of Columbus State University, and Georgia’s only science center and museum facility dedicated to providing experiences for students and public visitors in astronomy and space science including interactive exhibits, opportunities to control a mock space mission, an omnisphere theatre and more. It’s out of this world. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday.
7) Sunsets
Catch a beautiful sunset–that time in the evening when the sun disappears and daylight fades in a showcase of unique colors each time–over the Chattahoochee River. While exploring Columbus, by day, pick the perfect spot to arrive at that magical time every evening of your stay.
8) Lights, Action…Live Theatre and Entertainment
From the intimate stages of the Springer Opera House, the State Theatre of Georgia, and the bright lights of traveling Broadway shows at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts to the 10,000-seat Columbus Civic Center, and venues of all sizes in between, there is always some entertainment to be enjoyed.
9) Something for All Ages
Uptown Columbus is very pedestrian-friendly. It is easy to walk to the many things to do and see, including a playground and a splash pad for warmer weather, public art, greenspaces, an accessible rock-outcrop island for a close-up view of those rafting and kayaking, fishing, public entertainment spaces, historical architecture, birding and easy access to Uptown Columbus for great dining, shopping and entertainment. And, for those ages that are just difficult to entertain, perhaps a few ghost hunts would be appealing. The most regular reports of sightings come from the historic Springer Opera House and Port Columbus National Civil War Naval Museum.
10) Explore Columbus on High-Tech Treasure Hunt
An easy way to make it an adventure is to geocache! In fact, Uptown Columbus and the region are great places to geocache and get folks excited about what could be around the next corner. For more information, visit www.VisitColumbusGA.com, choose “Visit” and then “Geocaching.”
11) The Necessity of Life…Columbus Coffee Shops
Go on a Coffee Tour of Columbus with great options…each with unique stories including Fountain City Coffee, Iron Bank Coffee and Midtown Coffee, which has a brick-and-mortar location and a drive-through coffee trailer across the street, just to name a few. Or, visit the My Boulánge for a French-style coffee experience without crossing the pond.
12) Lights, Camera, Action
As Georgia becomes the Hollywood of the South, so goes Columbus. Don’t be surprised if you stumble into a filming location. Columbus is no stranger to the lights and camera of Hollywood with blockbusters as “We Are Soldiers,” “Need for Speed,” or “The Fighting Temptations” to name a few. Flat Rock Studios recently opened in Columbus with a major focus on attracting film and television productions. Bruce Willis just completed a new project filmed in Columbus titled “The Long Night.”
13) Musical Phenom Ma Rainey
Many famous entertainers have come from or through Columbus, Georgia. One such person is Ma Rainey, a Columbus native born in 1886 and famous contributor to a wide range of music. She was a musical revolutionary, incorporating various styles of blues, jazz and her own personal flair into the minstrel and vaudeville acts. Her deep, raspy vocals were said to be an influence on blues singer Bessie Smith, who had toured with Ma Rainey. Guests may visit the home of Ma Rainey (parks.columbusga.gov/Parks/MA-Rainey-Home). The home is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.
14) New perspectives
Whether it’s the newest rooftop bar at Smoke or the coolest new downtown (Uptown) loft, the continual re-development and revitalization of the city, provides new and unique ways to experience the vibrant yet Southern culture that is unique to Columbus.
15) All Things Craft Beer and Lively Libations
There are plenty of options for craft beer and a variety of adult beverage experts. Start your foodie tour at one of our faves, an Irish Pub, Scruffy Murphy’s. There is one of the early craft beer entrepreneurs that helped create the landscape at Cannon Brew Pub. Newer to the area are places like Maltitude, a craft beer bottle and can shop with all of the accessories, as well as Nonic, which is a “Beer Bar & Kitchen” including fancy drinks. If visiting a “gastropub” has-or hasn’t-been on the list of things to do, check out this place. If looking for a new favorite libation is on the agenda, there are plenty of “research” opportunities.
16) Get Outside and Play on Trails, Trails and More Trails
Spending time out of doors is a way of life in Columbus. The city’s newest recreation offering, The Dragonfly Trail, features a network of off-road greenway trails created for recreation, transportation and interaction. Connecting the RiverWalk to Fall Line Trace for a total of 34 miles, another 27 miles is planned throughout Columbus culminating with more than 60 miles of interconnected trails. “The Dragonfly” name was chosen because dragonflies are an indicator species for clean water in a community. Bring walking shoes and bike or visit one of the bike rental locations.
17) Two Unlike Words Together–“Interstate” + “Zip Lining”
A curious thing to see here is a much larger-than-life bird’s nest. It serves as the starting point of the Blue Heron Zip Line course. As the “only” dual-zip lines that connect two states, thrill-seekers cross the Chattahoochee River not once but twice as they reach speeds of up to 40 m.p.h. The fun doesn’t end there! The Blue Heron Aerial Course, a treetop experience, is made for thrill-seekers in Phenix City, Alabama, with a total of 10 obstacles. The excitement continues as guests explore the Treetops Zips Course and then zip back to the outpost in Georgia where the adventure began.
18) Splash Where Few Have Ever Splashed Before
The city’s marquee attraction is the Chattahoochee River and the world’s “longest” urban whitewater course. This section of the Chattahoochee River was named by “USA Today” as one of the “Best Man-made Adventures” on the planet. Throughout the day, the river’s flow changes to create unique and dynamic experiences for everyone who jumps at the chance to paddle the waterway. The river has state-of-the-art wave-making technology to control the water flow. Now, Columbus plays host to internationally acclaimed watersport events with a great setting for spectators.
19) The Cherry on Top
For the sweet tooth in most of us, Uptown Columbus offers two go-to locations. Kilwins Columbus features its famous chocolate candies as well as 32 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream. Guests can watch them paddle Mackinac Island Fudge the traditional way on a marble table or cook caramel to perfection in a traditional copper kettle to make a wide variety of products, including Granny Smith Caramel Apples, Corns and Brittles. And, if it’s a sweet that Kilwins doesn’t offer, right next-door Rocket Fizz blends a vast selection of more than 480 varieties of soda pop flavors and candies from yesteryear, all wrapped in a colorful and nostalgic motif. The saltwater taffy selection of flavors nears the number 90 daily. Yum!
For When You Chill Out in Columbus, Georgia:
Before you arrive, spend time perusing www.VisitColumbusGA.com for timely information and to make your personal itinerary by saving things you want to experience in a “My Faves” account. Upon arrival to Columbus, be sure to visit the Visit Columbus Welcome Center at 900 Front Avenue.
For those wanting more of an individual experience on the water, rentals and instruction are available for kayaking, inflatable duckies and stand-up paddleboards. To book a trip in advance, visit www.WhiteWaterExpress.com/chattahoochee or call 706.321.4720.
When visiting the National Civil War Naval Museum, don’t be startled if you hear a big boom. They may be doing a battle reenactment complete with cannon blasts.
If you stop by the Dr. Pemberton historical marker, please be respectful and do not disturb the homeowner.
Uptown Columbus is exceptionally dog-friendly. There are many restaurants with outside seating and water bowls can be found around town. Look for the #WhatLiftsYou Wings for dogs on Broadway between the new candy store, Rocket Fizz, and Kilwins Columbus ice cream shop. And, if you are planning to bring a dog to outdoor events, its best to bring a leash and any other needs.
When exploring Uptown Columbus, especially during business hours, take notice of the public parking decks where parking is complimentary. If you are planning to try out zip lining, be sure to pack closed-toe shoes as they are required.