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Suggest a Feature →Columbus & the Chattahoochee River Valley
The South's toughest school. The surrounding area will surprise you.
Fort Moore (formerly Benning) is the home of the Infantry and the Army's premier combat training base. Columbus sits on the Chattahoochee River across from Phenix City, Alabama, and has quietly built a real cultural identity around its restored RiverWalk, its music history (birthplace of the blues legend Ma Rainey), and a downtown revitalization that has made it one of the more livable small cities in Georgia.
The Chattahoochee River corridor north of Columbus creates one of the finest whitewater parks in the southeast — the Chattahoochee Whitewater Park in Columbus draws international competitions. Atlanta is 100 miles north. The Alabama Black Belt, with its Civil War history and rural culture, is an hour to the east.
Must Eat
The spots worth eating at before you PCS out.
Cannon Brew Pub
"Best taproom in Columbus. Rotating local beers and solid food."
Columbus's anchor craft brewery with a taproom that does rotating seasonal taps and a food menu that actually works. The outdoor area along the riverwalk is the spot on warm evenings.
Buckhead Restaurant
"Columbus's classic upscale dining. Special occasions."
A Columbus institution since 1975 — fresh seafood flown in daily, good steaks, and the full upscale dining experience for the Columbus market. Not cheap, but the right choice for promotion dinners or anniversary nights.
The Loft (Phenix City)
"Cross the bridge for some of the best Q in the valley."
The Alabama side of the Chattahoochee has some advantages, and this is one of them. Solid Southern BBQ and comfort food in a no-frills setting at prices that make sense.
Outdoor
Get outside. The land around military installations is usually the best reason to be there.
Flat Rock Park
"Rock outcroppings, trails, and a lake. Right in Columbus."
A local park with exposed granite flatrocks (similar to Arabia Mountain near Atlanta), a spring-fed lake, and shaded trails. The flatrock formations are ecologically unique and visually striking. A good option for an easy outdoor morning.
Culture & History
Places with stories. Most military towns sit on deep history — dig in.
National Infantry Museum
"The definitive museum of the American foot soldier."
One of the finest military history museums in America, located at Fort Moore. The Journey From the American Soldier gallery covers the history of the US infantry from the Revolution to present. The WWII street scene, the Global War on Terror Gallery, and the Medal of Honor Gallery are standouts. Free admission.
Family
Stuff to do with the kids. Rated by people who have brought actual children.
Columbus Riverwalk & Uptown
"15 miles of riverfront trail connecting parks, museums, and restaurants."
The Columbus RiverWalk runs 15 miles along the Chattahoochee and links the whitewater park, outdoor amphitheater, playgrounds, and the uptown restaurant district. Biking, walking, and skating. The revitalized Uptown district makes this feel like a real urban experience.
Day Trips
When you need to remember there's a world outside the gate.
"World-class food, culture, sports, and airport."
Atlanta is close enough for a day trip but rich enough to deserve a weekend. The Georgia Aquarium (largest in the Western Hemisphere), CNN Center tours, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Ponce City Market, Little Five Points — Atlanta rewards exploration.
"A 6,000-acre private garden and resort. Butterflies, golf, and a beach."
The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens is the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatory in North America. The gardens also include a white-sand beach on Mountain Creek Lake, hiking, golf, and seasonal events. Good day trip for families.
The RiverWalk is the crown jewel of Columbus. Bike it on a weekend morning before the heat comes.
Phenix City across the river (Alabama) has some advantages — different tax environment, some cheaper options.
The Georgia/Alabama line creates a time zone split. Parts of neighboring Alabama (Phenix City) are on Central time. Pay attention.
Pine Mountain (home of Callaway Gardens and FDR's Little White House) is a beautiful 30-minute drive.
The outdoor whitewater center rents kayaks and paddleboards for the lazy current below the rapids. No experience needed.
The base is intense and the environment outside the gate reflects that. Columbus is improving but still has rough areas. The RiverWalk revitalization is real progress — but stay aware of your surroundings.
This guide is built by people who've been stationed here. If there's a spot we got wrong or a gem we missed, tell us.