One city. One local guide. Two itineraries you’ll want to steal.
Words by Ashley Locke
Some cities make a strong first impression. Columbus, Georgia sneaks up on you.
Maybe it’s the way the Chattahoochee River cuts through the heart of downtown, bringing whitewater rapids, riverwalk views, and outdoor adventure to a city that also happens to have one of the South’s most vibrant arts scenes. Maybe it’s the fact that you can spend the morning in a museum, the afternoon on the water, and the evening enjoying a rooftop cocktail or catching a Broadway-style show without ever feeling rushed. Or maybe it’s because Columbus feels refreshingly comfortable in its own skin.
Tucked along Georgia’s western border, Columbus has the cultural energy of a much larger city but none of the headaches that usually come with one. Historic theaters share blocks with chef-driven restaurants. Public art appears around corners, live music fills patios, and throughout it all runs a strong sense of community that makes visitors feel less like tourists and more like future regulars.
To help us experience Columbus like a local, we turned to Carrie Beth Wallace, founder and editor-in-chief of The Columbusite. Few people know the city better, and her recommendations revealed something important: there isn’t one perfect Columbus weekend. There are many. It simply depends on who’s coming with you.
The Girls’ Trip Weekend
Friday Night: Check In and Head Uptown
Carrie Beth’s girls’ weekend begins with a room overlooking the river at Hotel Indigo, one of the best home bases for exploring downtown. From there, it’s straight to dinner at Mabella Italian Steakhouse. If the weather cooperates, grab a table outside overlooking the courtyard. Carrie Beth insists you order the cheesecake and the affogato.
After dinner, keep the evening going with rooftop cocktails. Eighteen 85 at Hotel Indigo offers river views and a relaxed atmosphere, while Nonic’s rooftop at Highside Market brings a little extra energy to the night.
Saturday Morning: Coffee and a Stroll
Grab a coffee from Fountain City Coffee and pastries from My Boulange before wandering through the Saturday Market on Broadway. Local makers, fresh flowers, and neighborhood conversations create the kind of morning that makes you wish you had nowhere else to be. If the market isn’t happening, take a walk along the Riverwalk, where the Chattahoochee provides a constant backdrop to the city.
Saturday Afternoon: Arts, Baseball, and Local Finds
One thing Columbus does exceptionally well is art. Carrie Beth recommends spending the afternoon at The Columbus Museum and The Bo Bartlett Center, which many visitors accidentally overlook despite housing some of the city’s most significant artwork.
Grab lunch at The Animal Farm or The Food Mill before heading to a Columbus Clingstones game. There’s something undeniably fun about spending an afternoon at the ballpark, especially when it’s close enough to walk to dinner afterward.
Saturday Evening: Dress Up a Little
Freshen up and make dinner an occasion.
Carrie Beth’s pick is Gabagool, which she calls some of the best Italian food in the region. If you’re celebrating something special, EPIC’s Chef’s Table experience offers one of the most memorable dining experiences in Georgia, with guests seated inside the kitchen for a custom meal prepared by Chef Jamie Keating and his team.
Finish the night with a performance at RiverCenter or Springer Opera House before one final rooftop cocktail overlooking the river.
The Family Weekend
Morning: Adventure on the River
If there’s one thing families shouldn’t skip in Columbus, it’s the river. The city is home to the longest urban whitewater course in the world, and Whitewater Express offers options ranging from high-adrenaline rafting trips to paddleboard rentals and calmer experiences perfect for younger adventurers.
Families looking to stay on land can explore sections of the Dragonfly Trail, one of the nation’s premier urban trail systems, or head to the children’s bike park in Midtown.
Afternoon: Museums and Exploration
After lunch, dive into Columbus’s cultural side. The National Infantry Museum consistently ranks among the best museums in the country and captivates visitors of all ages. The Columbus Museum’s Children’s Gallery offers hands-on experiences, while the city’s growing collection of public murals creates a self-guided adventure through downtown.
Dinner: The Family-Friendly Local Secret
Carrie Beth’s favorite family dinner setup is Salt Cellar. Adults can enjoy fresh seafood and drinks on the patio while kids order pizza from The Mix Market and play in the shared courtyard. Bring a football, bubbles, or sidewalk chalk and settle in for the evening.
Evening: Choose Your Own Adventure
End the day cheering on the Columbus Clingstones, watching the RiverDragons hit the ice, or catching a performance at Springer Opera House or RiverCenter. Depending on the season, each offers a different way to experience the city’s creative spirit.
As Carrie Beth puts it, Columbus is a city that can be tailored to whoever is visiting. Some people come for the arts. Some come for the outdoors. Some come for the food. Most leave realizing they barely scratched the surface.
And that’s usually when they start planning their next trip.
