Follow the Theo of Golden literary tour through Columbus, GA, the city behind Allen Levi's bestseller. See the portraits, the river and Theo's bench.

Welcome to Columbus, Georgia, the real-life city that inspired Allen Levi’s New York Times bestseller Theo of Golden. A native of Columbus, Levi lovingly crafted the world of Theo in the image of his beloved hometown. Golden is a fictional place with real roots in Columbus, and the city is every bit as welcoming and Southern as the book feels. 

Use this self-guided Theo of Golden literary tour to explore the Columbus places, streets, riverfront views, and local businesses that inspired Allen Levi’s fictional town. We hope you find whatever you’re looking for, and that Columbus, Georgia, bestows its own gifts to you along the way. 

Golden is fictional, but based on Columbus, Georgia, pulling from real places in the town like Fountain City Coffee and its Garry Pound portraits, the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, and the RiverCenter. Our Theo of Golden Tour is free and self-guided, and takes you on foot through Uptown Columbus. 

What Is Theo of Golden?

Theo of Golden is a New York Times bestselling novel by Allen Levi in which an elderly stranger named Theo arrives in the town of Golden, finds charcoal portraits of local people hanging in a coffee shop called The Chalice, buys them, and gives each one to the person in the portrait. The story is about kindness, goodness and community and many readers describe it as a quietly Christian novel. 

Visitors to Columbus will find the townspeople are incredible friendly and welcoming. It's a common occurrence to find visitors in the coffee shop connecting with locals over their favorite chapters or themes in the book. 

The Story Behind Theo of Golden: Allen Levi's Columbus Roots

Although Allen Levi was born in Bay Minnette, Alabama, the author has said he considers Columbus, Georgia his hometown. A Columbus author and former lawyer, Levi self-published Theo of Golden in 2023. The book quickly spread by word of mouth and book clubs across the Southeast. Then, Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, re-released it in October 2025, and it reached No. 1 on The New York Times best seller list in 2026. Now it is set to become a movie starring Tom Hanks. 

Levi has spoken openly of his long friendship with Columbus artist Garry Pound, whose portraits inspired the character Asher. He's also discussed how friendship has shaped his life both personally and creatively, especially as he has made friends with fellow authors and colleagues in publishing along the way.

Levi has confirmed he is currently in the process of writing the second book, which will also be set in Golden, and will cover the story of one of the characters from Theo of Golden.

Follow the Theo of Golden Literary Tour in Columbus, Georgia

This tour was designed to allow fans of the novel to discover seven stops in Columbus, Georgia that inspired the setting and characters in Theo of Golden. The tour starts and ends in Uptown and includes places like the coffee shop that inspired The Chalice, the real portraits that inspired Theo's bestowals, the bike shop, the historic district that inspired the architecture of Golden, the real Promenade and Fedder, and the river where Theo sits to search for the evening star. 

The tour covers approximately 2.5-3 miles and will take around 1.5-2 hours if you intend to allow time for brief sightseeing stops along the way. It's important to remember that many of the stops are real businesses and public places, so opening hours vary.

Start the Theo of Golden Tour at Broadway and 10th

Visitors to Columbus, Georgia, often find a good central place to begin exploring the city is at the corner of Broadway and 10th Street in Uptown. At this intersection, you can turn in all directions and spot something that inspired a bit of Theo’s world. If at any point in your visit, you get turned around or aren’t sure what to do next, this is a place to which you can always return.

Fountain City Coffee: Inspiration for The Chalice

Your first official stop on the Theo of Golden literary tour is Fountain City Coffee, the local shop associated with The Chalice and the portraits described in the novel. While The Chalice is a fictional place and certainly not laid out or identical to Fountain City Coffee, this is the beloved local coffee shop that is home to the 90 charcoal portraits created by Allen Levi’s longtime friend Garry Pound. Levi has credited Pound with this many times in interviews across the globe and we are so thankful Columbus, Georgia, is home to Garry Pound. For Theo lovers, Pound is the artist who inspired the character Asher, and his exceptional work is unmistakable. We’re certain you’ll know the portraits the minute you see them. “Asher” has created them exactly as Levi describes in the book, and they will captivate you just as they did Theo. 

 

 

In the spirit of Theo, don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee (or two!) and support our friends and small business owners at Fountain City Coffee. We’re proud of our local small businesses in Columbus, Georgia, and we’re grateful for the people who make them possible. Please thank your baristas and be sure to tell them we said "hello"!

 

 

Columbus Fountains: Searching for The Fedder

You’ll discover quickly that Columbus, Georgia, is known as The Fountain City for good reason! We know of almost a dozen within a three-mile radius of Uptown, and thankfully, Levi has told us exactly which one inspired The Fedder. You'll find The Fedder in the median of the 1000 block of Broadway. According to Levi, this entire block inspired The Promenade, as confimed by a drawing shared by the author on social media just after the novel's publication. 

We invite you to take a walk down Broadway to find The Fedder. Which of Theo's bestowals can you picture most vividly here?

 

 

Find Theo’s Bench Along the Chattahoochee River

As you continue to explore the city, we encourage you to make your way west toward the river. Yes, Theo’s river is just a few blocks away—and its historical impact can be seen all around you. 

If you're tired of walking, stop by Ride on Bikes at 1036 Broadway which Levi has confirmed inspired the bike shop in the novel. Ride on Bikes boasts some of the friendliest folks in town, so if you'd rather tackle the next parts of the tour on two wheels, we highly encouage renting bikes from the owner Jason and his team. (Yes, the real owner's name is Jason, just like in the novel!)

The Chattahoochee River creates the border between Alabama and Georgia, and for generations, Columbus’ livelihood has been tied to the river. As you head from Broadway down to the river, you’ll pass historic mills that once held some of the largest textile manufacturers in the South. 

 

 

Columbus was one of the South’s most important textile centers during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The river’s powerful current provided the energy needed to operate large cotton mills, helping transform the city into an industrial hub. Companies such as Eagle & Phenix Mills produced textiles that were shipped across the country and around the world, shaping both the local economy and the daily lives of generations of workers. Today, the legacy of Columbus’s textile era can still be seen in the historic mill buildings that line the riverfront, reminders of a time when the rhythm of looms and the flow of the Chattahoochee helped define the city’s identity.

Due to the river’s presence and influence over the city’s history, Columbus has invested heavily in its upkeep and restoration. These improvements resulted in the creation of the world’s longest urban whitewater course, and put Columbus on the map as a global paddling adventure destination. 

 

 

Today, this means you’ll hear the river long before you see it. Keep walking and make your way to Bay Avenue and 12th, where you’ll find the Eagle & Phenix Mill and a staircase leading down to the Riverwalk. Once you’re at the bottom of the stairs, you’ll be directly across from Waveshaper Island which has the best views of the rapids on the entire river. 

 

 

As you follow the Columbus Riverwalk, take time to enjoy the Chattahoochee River views and the stretch of the Dragonfly Trail connected to Theo’s daily walks. This is a stretch of the Dragonfly Trail, one of the nation’s most developed trail networks, and the very place Theo walked every day to sit on his bench and greet the first evening star. 

 

 

We don’t know which bench was Theo’s, but we encourage you to find one to call your own. If time allows, we encourage you to sit for a spell and make yourself at home as you enjoy the natural sights and sounds that surround you. It’s likely you’ll spot a plethora of birds, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a Great Blue Heron or two. 

 

 

RiverCenter and Legacy Hall: Where Theo Attended Concerts

Once you’re ready to walk again, make your way to the corner of 10th and Bay. This is one of the liveliest spots in Uptown. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you come up from the Riverwalk and immediately see a zip line, a massive theatre, a whitewater outfitter, a splash pad, and BANKS Food Hall all within eyeshot. 

BANKS Food Hall is a perfect opportunity to use the restroom, grab a refreshment or a meal, and get refueled before you start walking again. One of the best parts about BANKS? Your purchase of food or drink from one of the vendors inside supports local small businesses and ensures they’ll be serving visitors and locals for years to come. BANKS also has a beautiful wrap around porch and patio, so grab a seat and enjoy some live music under their giant overhead fans if you need to cool off after being down by the river. 

 

 

When you’re ready to keep walking, head up 10th Street towards the intersection where this trail began. Turn right, and you’ll notice a giant performing arts center across the street from you. This is RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and is the home of the School of Music where Theo’s friend Simone is studying. If you can, check our event calendar to see if a concert is happening in Legacy Hall while you're here.  This is the concert venue where Simone performs his Senior Recital. The hall is beautiful, and artists from across the globe travel to perform and compete in Legacy Hall every year. It's definitely worth seeing if there's a concert during your stay.

 

 

Explore Columbus’s Historic District in Theo of Golden

Columbus’s historic districts add another stop to the Theo of Golden tour, with preserved homes, churches, and civic buildings that reflect the architecture described in the novel. Tree-lined streets are filled with beautifully preserved homes, churches, and civic buildings that date from the 19th and early 20th centuries. 

In Theo of Golden, this is the area of town that Theo spends Thanksgiving with his friends. It’s also where he visits Asher’s studio which is located in an old church. This is true of artist Garry Pound, who still works in an old church in the Historic District today. 

 

 

As you explore the neighborhood, you’ll enjoy a range of architectural styles, from elegant Greek Revival and Victorian homes to charming Craftsman bungalows. Walking through these areas reveals the story of a Southern city shaped by industry, commerce, and culture.

While the majority of the homes in Columbus' Historic District are private residences, there are two special places visitors can step inside to get a feel for the architectural elegance and charm Allen Levi weaves throughout the novel.

Book a stay at the historic Rothschild-Pound House Inn to spend the night in a beautifully-restored Victorian mansion, or stop by The Goetchius House to enjoy a meal in their restaurant or cafe. Together, these two landmarks offer the rare opportunity to experience the beauty, warmth, and slower pace of life that make the Columbus Historic District—and Allen Levi's fictional Golden—so memorable. 

If you're booking a stay at the Rothschild-Pound House, make sure to ask about their Theo of Golden Package. This package includes a specially curated walking tour that begins and ends at the Rothschild-Pound House Inn. With this self-guided tour, guests will explore historic treasures and hidden details about the city of “Golden.” You’ll enjoy a yummy Southern breakfast each morning, a pound of coffee from “The Chalice,” a “fedder”, and a reproduction of an original Garry Pound drawing, the artist on which the main character of Asher is based.

If you'd like to plan to enjoy a meal at The Goetchius House, reservations are highly suggested in advance. Their cafe and restaurant keep different hours, so make sure to check and plan accordingly. 

Today, the Historic District remains a vibrant part of Columbus, where historic preservation, local pride, and everyday life continue to meet beneath sweeping oak canopies and welcoming front porches. It’s easy to see why Golden has captured the hearts of so many—it’s built on a real place that quickly feels like home.

 

 

The Historic District is the last walking stop on the Theo of Golden tour, but we hope you'll stick around awhile and enjoy all that Columbus, Georgia, has to offer you.

Check out some of our other resources if you need recommendations for where to stay, what to eat, or other areas of town to explore.

 

Bonus Stop: Dinner at EPIC

In Theo of Golden, Theo has dinner catered by a fine dining restaurant in town owned by a man named Chef Bouchard, and his dinner is served by a remarkable local student named Mia. 

In Columbus, EPIC is a four-diamond restaurant led by Chef Jamie Keating. Known for their inventive menus and exquisite approach to the experiential aspect of dining, EPIC has won countless awards for everything from their artisan cocktails to their Chef’s Table Experience. Reservations are highly recommended due to the popularity of the restaurant. 

One of our favorite things to share with visitors? They also have a longstanding history of employing local students. Bon appétit!

 

Planning Your Literary Tour of Columbus

Ready to book your trip to visit Columbus, Georgia? Here is everything you need to plan a day (or a weekend) around the Theo of Golden tour. 

Your Trip Planner

It's helpful to know in advance this tour is self-guided and free. The only costs are what you spend at the coffee shop, local small businesses, or restaurants along the way. Nothing on the route charges admission.

Tips for the Self-Guided Walking Tour

Time to plan for your walking tour? Here are our best tips to help you at each of the stops.

Getting There and Parking

Whether you're driving or flying, it's best to arrive in Uptown Columbus via I-185. From I-185, take Exit 10 toward US-80 West/J.R. Allen Parkway in the direction of Phenix City and Downtown Columbus.

Continue on US-80 West and take Exit 1 for Downtown Columbus/2nd Avenue.

Follow 2nd Avenue south to 10th Street and turn right. Continue to Broadway, where you'll find the starting point for the Theo of Golden Self-Guided Walking Tour at the intersection of 10th Street and Broadway.

Parking is available in Uptown Columbus, including the RiverCenter Parking Garage near the tour's starting point. Both street parking and the public parking deck are free. 

What to Expect on the Walk

The route for this walk is comprised of mostly flat Uptown sidewalks. There is a staircase down the Riverwalk at Bay Avenue and 12th. If you need an accessible alternative, there is a ramp located at 11th and Bay that passes just in front of the Blue Heron Zip Line Tower and zigzags down to the Riverwalk. On the second half of the tour, you will encounter some uneven historic streets and sidewalks, but every stop has accessible entrances so everyone can complete the tour. Remember, the tour covers approximately 2.5-3 miles and will take around 1.5-2 hours if you intend to allow time for brief sightseeing stops along the way.

Best Time to Go

If you prefer a cooler walk, Fall and Spring typically tend to offer lower temperatures. Summer afternoons can be extremely hot along the river, so please bring extra water if you plan to complete the tour in warmer months. The best time for going down to the river is either early morning when it's cool, or around dusk in the evening if you're hoping to greet the first evening star. Times for this vary, so please research the time of sunset for the days you'll be in Columbus, Georgia. If you're looking to time your trip in conjunction with a concert or series of events in Legacy Hall, check their calendar of performances. 

What to Bring

We recommend packing comfortable walking shoes, extra water, sun protection, and a copy of the book to reread passages at each stop. Please don't forget your camera so you can take photos of the portraits and other popular stops along the route. Be sure to ask before taking photographs inside Fountain City Coffee, and ensure your flash is off to protect the portraits.
 

Nearby Attractions and Activities

Looking to turn your tour into a full weekend? There are so many things to do in Columbus that will allow you to explore nature together. Consider booking an outdoor adventure with a whitewater rafting trip or a zip line course with Whitewater Express at RushSouth Whitewater Park. Or plan a day at one of our award winning museums like the National Infantry Museum and The Columbus Museum. 

Where to Buy Theo of Golden in Columbus, GA

Visit Columbus Bound Bookshop in Midtown to look for Theo of Golden, including signed copies when available; contact the shop to confirm current inventory. If they’re out of stock, we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed by their friendly staff and carefully curated selection of books and gifts. Thanks for choosing to support another local small business. Just don’t forget to tell them we said hello! Have questions for them? Contact the shop. 

Theo of Golden Tours for Book Clubs and Groups

Many readers found Theo of Golden through book clubs, and we are seeing more and more of them coming to Columbus, Georgia to experience it all for themselves. There is currently not a guided tour, but this self-guided tour is an easy group outing. For groups, our top tips are to make reservations early! Consider reserving a table at EPIC ahead of your trip. If you're hoping to tack on a few extra activities, all of our museums and attractions are fantastic at working with groups. Just let them know you're a group ahead of time so they can best serve you. This is also true for Whitewater Express, Columbus' outdoor adventure hub. If your group would like to raft, zip line, or take a flyfishing class, reach out to them and see if they can book your group ahead of time. 

What Readers Are Saying About Theo of Golden

Readers are enamored with Theo of Golden and leaving rave reviews from across the globe. Notable themes that consistently appear in the reviews are Allen Levi's emphasis on kindness, the gifting of the portraits, and the enchanting nature of the town and its people. Overall, the novel's gooness and positive pursuit of wonderful acts of kindness have touched the soul of readers from across the world. 

"Goodness gracious, what an utter treat this book was! It was the feast for the senses, particularly focusing on light and color and for the heart with the delightful array of characters you get to know better and better. I teared up multiple times being allowed into their stories and bawled like a baby at the last few chapters. Levi has such a warm, kind, and genuine tone and isn't afraid to explore hard situations but makes it alright in the end. Much like the artwork and music and people in the book, this book is a Masterpiece and is one of my top books of the year." - Anna, Goodreads

"A small town, a coffee shop with beautifully displayed portraits and an octogenarian with a purpose. What an enchanting read. Theo, 86, is visiting Golden, Georgia. He lives in the moment- appreciating nature, art, music and humans. He leads a quiet life. When he drops into a cafe, he is quick to notice the 92 portraits on the wall. He studies each and every one. This is where the story begins." - Jen, Goodreads

Theo of Golden FAQ

Is Golden a real town?

No. Golden is fictional, but is based on the real city of Columbus, Georgia. Columbus is located in West Georgia along the Chattahoochee River just 90 miles from Atlanta.

Who wrote the book, and is he from Columbus?

Allen Levi is the author of Theo of Golden. Although he was born in Bay Minnette, Alabama, Levi considers Columbus his hometown. He has spent the majority of his adult life here and based the novel off of some of his favorite places in the area. 

Is Theo of Golden a Christian book?

Allen Levi is a Christian and he is the author of the book. The novel has Christian themes woven throughout, but Levi has said explicity that you do not have to be a Christian to read and enjoy the book. 

Is there a Theo of Golden movie?

Although a movie has been confirmed by Warner Brothers, there is not a completed movie. Deadline announced Warner Brothers would be producing the film, and that Tom Hanks will play the lead of Theo. Official start dates and locations of the movie have not been confirmed. 

How long does the literary tour take?

The tour will take around 1.5-2 hours if you intend to allow time for brief sightseeing stops along the way. If you do not want to stop, the tour can be completed at a normal walking pace in about 55-75 minutes. 

Can I see the real portraits from the book?

Yes. The portraits in the book are based on real portraits by Columbus artist Garry Pound. You can see a collection of the portraits on the walls at Fountain City Coffee in Uptown Columbus. The coffee shop is located at 1007 Broadway.

Final Thoughts: Make Theo of Golden Part of Your Columbus Trip

So, dear readers, consider this your invitation to come see the places behind the book for yourself! Ready to book your trip? Plan your stay in Columbus. 

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