Weekend Guide to Columbus, Georgia

Columbus, Georgia’s Chattahoochee River skyline

Georgia’s second largest city, about two hours south of Atlanta, sometimes falls under the radar — and that’s a mistake. Columbus offers the perfect blend of outdoors adventures, cultural attractions and nightlife paired with an innovative hotel and dining scene.

Day One

Morning Start the day with a full American breakfast, a unique eggs Benedict or the trademark Captn’ Crunch French toast at Ruth Ann’s Restaurant, a Columbus morning staple since 1959. It’s a family-style diner so the place to join residents fueling up for the day. Ruth Ann’s is open from 7:00 a.m. to mid-afternoon but breakfast is served all day long.

The Chattahoochee River curves through downtown Columbus, and once served a roaring textile industry. Those old mills have been repurposed into commercial establishments, such as the boutique hotel City Mills with its industrial but cozy ambience. Follow the Chattahoochee RiverWalk through town and enjoy downtown’s many restaurants, shopping and museums. Columbus was home to Gertrude “Ma” Pridgett Rainey, known as the “Mother of the Blues,” and Carson McCullers, author of the novel “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter,” based in Columbus. The Carson McCullers’ House is open by appointment. Other museums to consider are the interactive Coca-Cola Space Science Center and the National Civil War Naval Museum featuring the massive hull of the CSS Jackson rescued from the waters of the “Hooch.”

Afternoon  There’s an Animal Farm in the heart of downtown, but we’re talking exquisite dishes from South Georgia farms, craft cocktails and innovative artwork. After lunch, head to the Bo Bartlett Center at Columbus State University to view the renowned American realist’s work as well as exhibits by other artists. The center also serves as an experimental arts incubator and community hub. To view more artists who hail from Columbus, plus other American art and regional history, visit the award-winning Columbus Museum, one of the largest museums in the Southeast.

Evening Watch the sun set over the Chattahoochee River (and Alabama on the other side) while enjoying drinks in Hotel Indigo’s Eighteen85 Rooftop Bar. The lounge offers unique cocktails and small plates with comfortable spots to relax before a night out.

The RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in the historic uptown neighborhood brings in major productions to its 1,992-seat Bill Heard Theatre, but also smaller performances in the elegant 412-seat Legacy Hall and the intimate 155-seat Studio Theatre. This fall the Center celebrates 25 years with a full Broadway schedule and major musical artists.

Coca-Cola Space Science Center

Day Two

Morning Grab a breakfast of chicken and biscuits at Plucked Up, a restaurant that not only specializes in chicken dishes but showcases poultry art throughout its walls — as well as some hippie memorabilia. Drive south of town to U.S. Army Fort Benning where the impressive National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center pays homage to the American Infantry Soldier. Within the 190,000-square-foot museum are artifacts, photography and interactive exhibits of eight landmark battles. Be sure to plan plenty of time to peruse all the museum has to offer.

Afternoon After the textile industry disappeared, city planners decided to remove the dams lining the Chattahoochee River used for powering the mills. Those natural rapids now allow for the longest urban whitewater course in the world, regulated by an upriver power plant that controls the river’s flow. Visitors can choose their water strength depending on the flow with guided trips through Whitewater Express outfitters. The fun begins downtown with a shuttle upriver, concluding with a paddle through the heart of downtown. Want more adventure? The company also offers a zipline that allows guests to sail over the river and back again.

Evening After a wild jaunt on the river, relax with an elevated Southern meal overlooking the Chattahoochee at Millhouse Kitchen + Bar of the historic City Mills hotel. Then take in a play at the Springer Opera House, built in 1871 and the official State Theatre of Georgia. The not-for-profit professional theater producing several shows a year is the largest theater training program for young actors in the Southeast and some say houses ghostly actors who refuse to leave.

Sautéed Kvaroy salmon served over wild mushroom risotto at Millhouse Kitchen + Bar

Don’t Miss

For something unique, travel just outside of town to the nonprofit Food Mill café that serves up dishes straight from their garden and local farms. You can even bring home some of that Georgia goodness for sale in their market. Other items that may find their way into your suitcase are antiques and collectibles from the Columbus Collective Museums. This out-of-the-way spot includes the popular Lunch Box Museum, the Royal Crown Cola Museum, the Chero-Cola Museum, the Folk Art Museum, the Georgia Radio Museum and the Tom Huston Peanuts Museum. Yes, those were all created in Columbus.