It’s Time for a Girls’ Getaway to Columbus, GA!
In a world filled with hustle and bustle, there's nothing quite like a girls' getaway to refresh the soul and strengthen the bonds of friendship. If you're looking for the perfect destination for your next escapade, look no further than Columbus, Georgia!
This charming city, located along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventures that will make your trip unforgettable. Need some ideas for how to #GoAllOut on your trip? Here’s an itinerary for the ultimate girls’ getaway.
Day 1: Exploring Uptown Columbus
Your adventure begins in the heart of Columbus, where you’ll check into one of our incredible local accommodations. If you prefer a boutique hotel, try a stay at Hotel Indigo Columbus at Riverfront Place or book rooms at the beautiful new City Mills Hotel. Looking for something different? Try the Rothschild Pound House Inn — our favorite bed and breakfast in the Historic District. Click here to see a complete list of accommodations.
If you arrive before dinner, consider exploring Uptown! There are more than 35 restaurants, bars and eateries, plus dozens of shops, boutiques, galleries and more all within a few walkable blocks.
When you’re ready for dinner, choose from any of the following highly-rated, local places depending on what sounds good to your group. Most do not require a reservation, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead and make one – especially on a Friday or Saturday night!
Local tip: Splurge for a slice of Mama Kay’s Cheesecake at Salt Cellar. This local dessert is so popular they sell merchandise featuring it and even have a mural outside dedicated to it as well!
Day 2: Arts and Culture
Columbus has a thriving arts and cultural scene that you simply can’t pass up the opportunity to explore with the girls! Start your day with a walk to and through The Bo Bartlett Center. This dynamic, creative learning laboratory is part gallery/museum, part experimental arts incubator, and part community center. This gallery’s diverse range of art and historical artifacts offers something for everyone.
Local Tip: Don't miss the view from the two-story outdoor terrace behind the main gallery. It's one of the best views in town.
If you’re up for a short drive, the newly-renovated Columbus Museum or the world’s largest Lunchbox Museum, one of six interesting and quirky collections at the Columbus Collective Museums located at The River Market Antiques, would be a great adventure for your group.
For lunch, visit Dinglewood Pharmacy for one of their famous Scrambled Dogs or try the Bacon Pimento Cheese Burger that was voted one of the Best Burgers in the South by Garden & Gun readers from The Black Cow.
After lunch, take a stroll around Uptown to check out Columbus’s impressive collection of public art murals and sculptures.
In the evening, plan to attend a show at one of Columbus’ incredible performing arts venues! The Springer Opera House is the State Theatre of Georgia and boasts stunning architecture and a rich history of hosting captivating performances. Another option is the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts which, in addition to presenting a full season of Broadway productions, also serves as the launch location for multiple national tours a year.
For a full list of upcoming events in Columbus, click here for a look at the Community Calendar.
Day 3: Chattahoochee River Adventures
Indulge at one of our favorite brunch spots in town! Denim & Oak has an incredible menu and views that will not disappoint! This is a restaurant that prioritizes offering diverse selections to illustrate Georgia's culinary heritage. Denim & Oak has become a local favorite for its dedication to delivering delicious meals in a welcoming environment, making it a must-visit for both residents and visitors alike.
Local tip: Don’t miss a chance to take a photo on the patio overlooking the Chattahoochee River because these are the kinds of trips that make memories all the more precious. Plus, you may spot whitewater rafters or kayakers heading down the Chattahoochee!
Columbus is renowned for its outdoor activities, so at least part of your trip should be dedicated to exploring the scenic Chattahoochee River! Consider a whitewater trip to tackle the famous Cutbait rapid as a team or zipline across the stateline (and back!) for something a little less ambitious.
When you finish your adventuring at RushSouth, chances are you’ll be ready for lunch. For this, we recommend walking next door to BANKS Food Hall. This popular spot boasts several restaurants that serve a wide variety of cuisines, so it’s almost certain they’ll be something for everyone. (We love Poke Sun’s healthy bowls, and the delicious sandwiches made in-house by Fountain City Coffee. Vegan options included!)
Ready to get back to adventuring? After lunch, explore the Columbus RiverWalk by biking The Dragonfly Trail. This well-maintained Trail offers beautiful views of the river and many other attractions in town.
For your last dinner in Columbus, here are two upscale dining favorites:
Walk to EPIC, one of only two 4 Diamond Award restaurants in Georgia outside of Atlanta. With a cozy atmosphere and attentive service, it has become a local favorite and a must-visit destination for those seeking a remarkable gastronomic journey in Columbus.
Or head over to the new Millhouse Kitchen + Bar, located adjacent to the City Mills Hotel. Millhouse has quickly become popular for its inviting ambiance and farm-to-table approach to dining. With a focus on using locally sourced ingredients, the menu is filled with creative dishes that showcase the flavors of the region.
There are so many experiences in Columbus to enjoy— our vibrant artsy energy, our rich local history, our epic outdoor adventures, and our thriving food scene. It’s no wonder we were named “Georgia’s Cool Cat City” by Forbes and one of the Best Trips of the Year by Explore Georgia. Start planning your one-of-a-kind getaway!