Centrally located in the Southeast, 90 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and home to Fort Benning, Columbus, Georgia, is an easy drive from anywhere in the Southeast. This manageable-sized city blends a vibrant artsy energy with unique local history and a thriving food scene. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, listen to local bands and taste finely brewed beer. Whether your ideal romantic getaway involves dining at a white-tablecloth restaurant and walking through world class art galleries or barbecue and adrenaline-pumping adventure, Columbus has it.
First, for outdoor lovers, the city’s marquee attraction is the Chattahoochee River and Whitewater. The 2.5-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee located in the heart of Uptown Columbus is the world’s longest urban whitewater course and was named one of the Top 12 Man-Made Adventures in the World by USA Today. State-of-the-art wave making technology controls this mild to wild adventure from Class I rapids and a Lazy River to a famous Class V rapid.
Along the famous waterway is the RiverWalk, a 22-mile linear park for getting outside, relaxing and enjoying nature. Rent a bike, get in a run, skateboard or take a romantic walk and have a picnic at the RiverWalk Waveshaper Island. Watch the river action where paddlers and rafters take on Heaven’s Gate, one of the largest rapids on the river. A sunset photo on RiverWalk is an almost mandatory memento.
Activate some endorphins with your sweetie on the Blue Heron Adventure, the only dual-zip lines that connect two states. Thrill-seekers cross the Chattahoochee reaching speeds of up to 40 m.p.h., then take on the Blue Heron Aerial Course, a treetop obstacle course experience, followed by a zip back to Georgia where the adventure began.
For city culture, check out the art galleries, theatres, breweries, and restaurants that make Columbus the South’s Coolest Uptown. The city’s thriving creative community boasts seven theatres and five art galleries all within a few city blocks of the recently developed Uptown area. Dress up for an engaging production at the Broadway-quality RiverCenter for the Performing Arts or the intimate stages of the Springer Opera House, the State Theatre of Georgia. Here’s an in-depth Uptown Guide.
I love you to the moon and back Columbus is home to the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. Enjoy interactive exhibits, NASA artifacts, opportunities to control a mock space mission, a planetarium show at the Omnisphere Theatre and more. Angel photos are a thing, so get your wings on at 11th Street and Broadway near Smoke Bourbon and BBQ. Noted mural artist Kelsey Montague created a set of wings just waiting for your sweetie to step into and smile while you capture the moment.
Dining The number of choices is dazzling, so ponder the options over a sunset drink and appetizer at Eighteen85 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen at the Hotel Indigo. Locally inspired crafted cocktails and small plates are served along with a sweeping riverfront view. Go completely Epicurean with dinner at award-winning Epic Restaurant. Chef Jamie Keating has wowed Columbus with his elevated American cuisine in a white-tablecloth setting. This popular special-occasion restaurant has earned a AAA Four Diamond Award and an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Cozy up for breakfast, lunch, or brunch for two at the European-styled café, bakery and wine bar, My Boulánge. Indulge in some decadent French pastries along with specialty lattes in a brick-walled setting decorated with local art.
Sweet dreams Columbus offers affordable lodging options with the amenities and service expected from a great southern host city. From ultra-modern hotels and historic boutiques to comfy budget inns, there are plenty of choices from trusted brands. Many are offering special sweetheart packages. www.VisitColumbusGA.com
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