What to Do in Columbus, Georgia: A Fountain of Fun

Situated on the Chattahoochee River across from Phenix City, Alabama, the Columbus, Georgia metro area spans six counties in Georgia and two in Alabama. Columbus is the second-most populated city in the state after Atlanta, and a weekend trip promises abundant history and culture. Nicknamed the “Fountain City” for the number of public fountains located along its streets, this town will leave you thirsting for more adventures.

Where to Go

The Columbus Museum reopened this year after extensive renovations and improvements. While the original footprint of the museum hasn’t changed, the revamped space offers a Children’s Gallery and Garden near the main entrance (ensuring the kids are intrigued right away), reimagined galleries, a sunlight-filled courtyard, a cafe and more. Music and art fans shouldn’t miss current exhibitions, including “Crossroads: Chattahoochee Valley Blues and Folk Music” and “Andy Warhol: Silver Clouds and Cow Wallpaper,” through early 2025.

Meanwhile, the LunchBox Museum, located inside River Market Antiques, boasts more than 3,000 lunch boxes featuring the familiar characters of multiple generations—from the Wizard of Oz to E.T. to Care Bears to Hello Kitty.

Get outdoors in Columbus and explore the whitewater of the Chattahoochee River on either the “Classic Trip” between the low-flow hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or the “Challenge Trip” after 3 p.m., when the river flows a bit faster. The Riverwalk, spanning 22 miles, is an ideal park for biking, strolling or jogging and offers access to several spots for watching rafters, birdwatching, enjoying public art or stepping off the path to shops and restaurants.

Where to Eat

If it’s date night while you’re in Columbus, indulge your senses at Saltcellar. Located in the uptown business district, the menu includes a range of small plates, from sweet vidalia onion rings and coconut shrimp to mango glazed pork ribs and the namesake salad with creamy lemon herb dressing. Afterward, opt for entrees such as Florida mahi or the thick-cut ribeye, and pair your meal with our favorite, truffled mac ‘n’ cheese. Save room for local, homemade desserts from the Sugar Peddler—or call ahead and get a whole cake or pie to go.

Calling all Orwell fans! (Or really, just fans of food.) The Animal Farm, located uptown, draws a busy lunch crowd thanks to its selection of fresh salads and delicious sandwiches. Vegetarians will love the Black Bean Burger topped with red pepper jelly, banana peppers and pickled red onions, or get the Little Miss Havana with braised pork shoulder, the Chicken Parm Sammy or the affectionately named Harlot Burger … which we are definitely ordering next time.

Savor a slice of history along with your food at the historic Goetchius House, an antebellum building situated on the river and built in 1839. Revived as a restaurant in 2023, the establishment is more than a restaurant; the Goetchius House is also an event venue for community gatherings, live music, art classes and more. Various menus span from fine dining with “tastes of land and sea” as well as casual daytime dining and a Sunday brunch with “Devilishly Great” eggs, “Elvis Ran Out of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes” and more.

For modern Indian cuisine, visit Dishoom Bistro. The reasonably priced lunch menu features intriguing small plates, such as Tanga Masala Cauliflower, Dosa—a type of Indian crepe—with spiced mashed potatoes and various brunch specials. After hours, the large dinner menu offers a wide assortment of vegan and vegetarian dishes, traditional Indian entrees, street food and more.

Where to Stay

History buffs will appreciate staying at City Mills Hotel, a former gristmill from the 1800s, now salvaged for years to come. The hotel is decorated with local art and faces the Chattahoochee River, and amenities include an on-site yoga and wellness center, as well as Millhouse Kitchen + Bar for upscale cuisine and cocktails.

Denise K. James is based in Atlanta. She is a senior editor for theater and film+TV at ArtsATL, and her work has appeared or is forthcoming in Eater, Atlanta, Gloria, Apartment Therapy, The Local Palate, and other publications. Find her on Instagram: @denise_k._.