columbus, georgia: where the river meets weird vibes
you ever just roll into a city and immediately feel like you've stepped into someone else's fever dream? that's columbus for ya. i rolled in off the interstate, half-expecting tumbleweeds, but nope-just a river, some old brick buildings, and the distinct feeling that i'd wandered into a time capsule that forgot to close properly.
*the weather was doing that weird indecisive thing-sunny one minute, threatening drizzle the next. i just checked and it's hovering around 16°c with that sticky humidity that makes your shirt cling like an ex who won't take the hint. bring layers, or don't-either way, you'll regret it.
first stop: the riverwalk. someone told me it's "the pride of columbus," which sounded like drunk advice until i actually walked it. the chattahoochee river is genuinely stunning-fast-moving, wide, and loud enough that you forget the highway's right there. i overheard a local say they once saw an alligator sunbathing like it owned the place. no idea if that's true, but it's the kind of rumor that makes you look twice at every log.
if you get bored, atlanta and montgomery are just a short drive away, but honestly? columbus deserves more than a pit stop. the food scene is weirdly good-i hit up a place called the cannon brew pub because a bartender with a sleeve tattoo insisted i try the beer cheese soup. it tasted like liquid comfort and regret. highly recommend.
for the history nerds (i see you), the national infantry museum is worth the hype. i'm not usually into military stuff, but the dioramas are so detailed you half-expect the toy soldiers to start moving. someone whispered that the place is haunted by a civil war ghost who likes to rearrange the exhibits at night. again, no clue if that's true, but it adds flavor.
the vibe* here is a mix of "sleepy southern town" and "unexpected artsy streak." i stumbled into a tiny gallery where a woman was selling paintings of catfish wearing bow ties. no idea why, but i bought one. it's now sitting on my dashboard, judging me.
if you're into outdoor stuff, white water express offers rafting that's apparently intense enough to make grown men cry. i passed on that because i value my dignity (and my ability to sit comfortably), but the people coming off the river looked equal parts exhilarated and traumatized.
random tip: the locals are ridiculously friendly. like, "stranger at the bar buys you a drink and then invites you to their niece's wedding" friendly. i didn't go to the wedding, but the offer was made.
bottom line: columbus isn't trying to be cool, and that's exactly why it is. go for the river, stay for the catfish paintings, and leave with a story about that time you almost went to a stranger's family wedding.
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