Where to eat, wander, and settle in for a few days in one of Mississippi’s most storied small towns
Columbus is one of those Southern towns where history hasn’t been tucked away behind velvet ropes. It lives out in the open in the columns of pre-Civil War homes, the brick storefronts downtown, and in streets like Catfish Alley, where blues musicians once played for passing crowds. Because Columbus was spared much of the destruction that reshaped other Southern cities during the Civil War, much of its past is still standing. More than 650 historic properties and three National Register districts later, it remains a place best understood by walking through it.
Friday
Check in and get your bearings
Arrive in the afternoon and take your first walk through downtown. Main Street is easy to navigate and full of local boutiques, painted breezeways, and historic storefronts.
Dinner at Harvey’s
A Columbus institution since 1982, Harvey’s is the kind of place locals still recommend first. Expect upscale comfort food, strong cocktails, and a dining room that stays lively well into the evening.
Nightcap at The Tavern Wine Bar
Tucked into downtown, The Tavern has the feel of a place you almost missed but are glad you didn’t. Order a glass, settle into a corner, and ease into the weekend.
Saturday
Breakfast at Coffee House on 5th
Start with coffee roasted right in Columbus by Southbound Coffee Co. The shop has an easy morning energy you want before a full day out.
Walk the historic neighborhoods
Spend the morning on foot. Columbus has more than 650 National Register properties and three historic districts, so every turn reveals another porch, iron gate, or old brick church worth stopping for.
Visit the Tennessee Williams House & Welcome Center
Before he became one of America’s most iconic playwrights, Tennessee Williams was born here. It’s the perfect place to start understanding the literary roots of the city.
Lunch at Brother’s Keeper Bar B Que
By lunchtime, you’ll probably smell this place before you see it. Smoky, unfussy, and built for big appetites, it’s one of the city’s classic stops.
Spend the afternoon on the African American Cultural Trail
Make time for Catfish Alley and the self-guided trail through downtown and Lowndes County. The history here runs deep, from blues legends to business owners who shaped the city.
Dinner at J. Broussard’s
Book this one ahead. The reservation-only restaurant changes its menu weekly based on what’s in season, and Chef Beth Broussard Rogers personally delivers many of the plates herself.
Sunday
Pastries from Baked by J. Broussard’s
Fresh croissants, pastries, and baked goods made daily with local eggs. Grab a few extras for the drive home.
Get outside
Head to Plymouth Bluff for wooded trails and river views, or spend the morning at Lake Lowndes State Park where you can hike, fish, or rent a kayak if the weather’s right.
Lunch at Huck’s Place or Munson and Brothers
If you’re craving something casual, Huck’s serves elevated comfort food with standout service. If you want one last long meal, Munson and Brothers offers wood-fired pizza, craft beer, and often live music.
One last stop at Friendship Cemetery
Before leaving town, walk through one of Columbus’ most historic sites. This cemetery helped inspire Memorial Day and remains one of the city’s most powerful places to slow down and look around.
By the time you head home, your trunk may hold a few antiques or bakery boxes. More likely, you’ll leave with restaurant recommendations scribbled on a receipt and a short list of places you didn’t quite get to this time. Don’t worry, you’ll be back soon.
