Columbus
Around Columbus
Photo: Paul Wasneski · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Metro area · Georgia · 324k people
Columbus
Locals say Chattahoochee Valley · “The Fountain City”
Where the river meets the red clay.
firebrick reddodger blue
Welcome to the Chattahoochee Valley! Whether you're here for the river, the history, or the friendly rivalry between Auburn and Georgia, you'll find a warm community and plenty to explore.
Clubs for Columbus
No clubs for Columbus yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Columbus. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Columbus. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Chattahoochee Riverwalk 15-mile paved trail along the river.
- National Infantry Museum Honors the U.S. Infantry with exhibits and memorials.
- Golden Park Historic minor league baseball park.
- Coca-Cola Space Science Center Interactive space and science exhibits.
- Callaway Gardens Expansive gardens and recreational area in Pine Mountain.
- Providence Canyon State Park Known as 'Georgia's Little Grand Canyon'.
- Outdoors Raft the whitewater course
- Outdoors Hike at Pine Mountain
- With kids Visit the National Infantry Museum
- With kids Play at Callaway Gardens
- Evenings Bar-hop in Uptown Columbus
- Evenings Catch live music on the Phenix City riverfront
- Locals love Riverfront parks
- Locals love Whitewater rafting
Through the year
- RiverFest May Music festival on the riverfront.
- Callaway Gardens Steeplechase November Horse racing event at Callaway Gardens.
- Art in the Park April Annual arts festival at the Columbus Museum.
- Phenix City Riverfest September Music and arts festival along the Phenix City riverfront.
- Whitewater Festival June Outdoor celebration featuring the whitewater course.
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Best: Spring and fall are ideal, with mild temperatures and lower humidity.
Talk like a local
- “The valley”
- The Chattahoochee Valley metro area.
- “Uptown”
- Downtown Columbus.
- “The river”
- The Chattahoochee River.
- “Phenix”
- Phenix City, Alabama.
Getaways
Local flavour
Teams
- Columbus River Dragons FPHL
Also rooting for Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Atlanta United FC (MLS), Auburn Tigers (NCAA Division I), Georgia Bulldogs (NCAA Division I)
Eat and drink
- Scrambled dog A hot dog topped with chili, cheese, and onions, famously served at Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus.
- Country's Barbecue A local chain known for its pulled pork, Brunswick stew, and Southern sides.
- Peach cobbler Georgia peaches are a state staple, and the region celebrates them in desserts.
Where people go
- Chattahoochee Riverwalk A scenic riverside trail connecting parks, historic mills, and the whitewater course.
- Whitewater rafting course The longest urban whitewater course in the world, on the Chattahoochee.
- Historic mill districts
- National Infantry Museum A major military museum honoring the infantry, reflecting the area's strong military presence.
Heritage and traditions
Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley are proud of their riverfront revival, military heritage at Fort Benning, and Southern hospitality, blending Georgia and Alabama culture.
This time of year in Columbus
- Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens fall Fall horse racing with tailgating.
- Callaway Gardens Steeplechase fall Horse racing event with tailgating.
- Taste of Columbus fall Local restaurants showcase their dishes.
Say it like a local: “fixin' to” — About to do something
Festivals
- RiverFest summer Summer music and arts festival on the riverfront.
- Callaway Gardens Steeplechase fall Horse racing event with tailgating.
- Art in the Park spring Arts and crafts fair along the Riverwalk.
- Phenix City Riverfest summer Community festival on the Alabama side.
- Whitewater Festival summer Celebrates the whitewater course with races and demos.
- Taste of Columbus fall Local restaurants showcase their dishes.
Landmarks with a story
- Springer Opera House National Historic Landmark, one of the oldest theaters in the US.
- Columbus Historic District Antebellum homes and mill villages along Broadway.
- National Infantry Museum Honors the infantry soldier with exhibits and memorials.
- Providence Canyon State Park Georgia's Little Grand Canyon, a natural wonder with a history of erosion.
- Callaway Gardens Horticultural preserve and resort with a rich history.
- First Presbyterian Church Historic congregation dating to the 1830s, with a notable sanctuary.
Food traditions
- Scrambled dog A hot dog topped with chili and coleslaw—a Columbus invention.
- Barbecue Slow-cooked pork with a vinegar-based sauce, a Southern staple.
- Peach cobbler Georgia peaches baked into a sweet, buttery dessert.
- Boiled peanuts Peanuts boiled in brine, sold at roadside stands.
- Sweet tea Iced tea heavily sweetened, served at every meal.
Music and arts
- Theater at the Springer Opera House A long tradition of live performances in a historic venue.
- Columbus Museum's American art collection Highlights regional and national artists.
- Blues and country music heritage Local venues and festivals feature Southern roots music.
- Textile craft tradition The mill era left a legacy of weaving and fabric arts.
A little history
- 1865 Battle of Columbus
- late 1800s Textile mill era
- 1918 Fort Benning established
- 1990s Riverfront revitalization
- 1828 Founding of Columbus
Rivalries
- Auburn Tigers vs Georgia Bulldogs Friendly college football rivalry among locals.
- Game day Friday night high school football
- Game day Whitewater rafting competitions
- Outdoors Raft the whitewater course
- Outdoors Hike at Pine Mountain
- With kids Visit the National Infantry Museum
- With kids Play at Callaway Gardens
Locals speak with a classic Southern drawl, using phrases like 'y'all' and 'fixin' to'. The accent is warm and unhurried, with a slight Georgia–Alabama blend.
Only here
- The scrambled dog is a local specialty you won't find elsewhere.
- The whitewater course is one of the first urban whitewater parks in the US.
- The National Infantry Museum is the only museum dedicated solely to the infantry.
- The Riverwalk connects Georgia and Alabama across the Chattahoochee.
New here? A few tips
- Try a scrambled dog—a hot dog with chili and coleslaw—at any local joint.
- Learn to say 'y'all'—it's essential for fitting in.
- Expect hot, humid summers and mild winters; pack accordingly.
- Explore the Riverwalk to see the Chattahoochee up close.
- Know that Fort Benning is a major presence; traffic may be heavy near the gates.
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Part of Columbus area
Nearby
Every areaAuburn–OpelikaAlabamaWhere the Plains meet Southern heartLaGrangeGeorgiaA river valley of warm welcomesEufaulaAlabamaWhere the lake meets Southern grace.ThomastonGeorgiaWhere the red clay meets the Flint River.AmericusGeorgiaWhere the peanut fields meet a warm Southern welcome.RoanokeAlabamaWhere the pines meet the red clay.Alexander CityAlabamaWhere the lake meets the pinesTroyAlabamaSmall-town warmth, Trojan spirit.
Columbus, GA-AL. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.