Things to do in Columbus, Ga
 

Just booked another 5 day stay with another hilton category 1 hotel for 20k points. Just wondering if anyone has suggestion on things to do in Columbus in the summer. Thanks!

Not sure what you enjoy, but they have set up a whitewater section of the river near Columbus. I haven't done it but might be some fun. Here is a Tripadvisor review.

Thanks! looks pretty fun!

You can check out the National Infantry Museum.

What types of activities are you looking for? How far are you willing to venture from Columbus? How is your heat tolerance?

I'd recommend Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain if you aren't looking to stick strictly to Columbus.

anywhere within two hours lol. Book 5 nights, so time should not be an issue:)

The Little White House in Warm Springs is probably worth a visit.

There's all the Jimmy Carter-related stuff in Americus. The Andersonville POW camp is also nearby.

The Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Ga. is about a 90 minute drive east.

In Alabama, the town of Auburn is worth a visit. There's also the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, and downtown Montgomery is potentially of interest.

Of course Atlanta is within a two-hour drive and there's plenty to do there too.

Also, if you are a golfer, the Robert Trent Jones courses in Opelika AL are worth a day to play 36.

Good idea! Just hope it doesn't get too hot

Thanks!

When in the summer are you going to be there? My girlfriend lives near Columbus and I visit there from MI every other week. It can get pretty hot down there at times.

I would second the National Infantry Museum. I haven't been there but I'd like to see the National Civil War Naval Museum, which is also in Columbus. I do want to see Andersonville too.

Another option if you're outdoorsy is Providence Canyon State Park, near Lumpkin. There's a nice little hike down there, but again you might want to think twice if it's hot, and watch out for snakes. Lumpkin also has Historic Westville, but I'm not sure what their hours are.

If you're into wildlife/birding, there is the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge near Eufaula, AL. There might not be a lot of birds around in the middle of summer, though.

I would second all of above and just add -- just for some relaxation and low intensity exercise -- there is a very nice river walk in Columbus with access to restaurants, shopping, etc. to perhaps pass the time in the late afternoons or early evenings.

Angusho,

I live 45 mins away in Auburn, AL. I would suggest the white water rafting in Columbus. I've only heard good things about it. http://www.whitewaterexpress.com

There are a number of good restaurants downtown. My favorites are Plucked Up, Flip Side, and Black Cow.

Another way to cool down is by visiting Auburn's state park (45 mins away). Chewacla State Park is a gorgeous area. It includes a lake for canoeing/kayaking, fishing, hiking trails (including a awesome waterfall). http://www.alapark.com/chewacla-state-park

Eufaula also has one of the nicest collections of antebellum homes in the south. You can't go in (except maybe around Christmas) but a drive past them is worthwhile.

The lake itself is awesome as well. I'm pretty sure you can rent a pontoon boat at one of the marinas for an afternoon on the lake. Then you don't have to worry about how hot it is.

Macon, GA isn't too far north-northeast of Columbus. There's a few decent things to do. Also home to the most churches per capita, last time I checked. If you haven't heard, Mercer Univ is located in Macon. They are the team that beat Duke last year in the NCAA Tournament. :D Glad to call it my alma mater.

Wow! I remember watching that game!

I know I'm bumping a thread that's a few months old but if you still haven't made it to town yet I can suggest some other stuff. Columbus (or rather Phenix City, right across the river in Alabama) is my hometown.

There is no end to the outdoor stuff to do if you can stand the heat. If you wanna stay close and get on the water, Lake Harding is less than 30 minutes away and there is at least 1 company that does pontoon/jet ski rentals.

Callaway Gardens is worth a day trip. They have a man made beach, butterfly garden, and many other activities on site. Pine Mountain and FDR's Little White House is interesting as well.

The poster recommending the Mark Jones restaurants has good taste...Plucked Up is on 2nd Ave and is only open for breakfast and lunch. My favorite meal there is The Coop. Flip Side is a good burger joint and another one of his restaurants, Phillyosophy are both on Broadway. Try Cannon Brew Pub for some local brews if thats your thing. The Loft upstairs will usually have good music. If you're into BBQ, try Chicken Comber, 13th Street, or go across the river and hit Mike and Ed's or Smokey Pig in Phenix City.

The Infantry Museum and the Naval Museum are nice. The Springer Opera House is the oldest Theater in Georgia and I believe they do tours if there's no shows scheduled.

Rent a bike from Ride On Bikes or the whitewater outfitter and ride the riverwalk. It runs several miles from downtown columbus, past Oxbow Meadows (outdoor area with different animals) all the way to Ft Benning.

Spend some time down on the river watching all the kayaks, rafts, bodyboards, etc. come through the rapids. On the weekends, many people come down with their pups and hang out/picnic.

Feel free to PM me with any questions or if you wanna grab a beer. It's nice to meet other FTers!