Tucked along the winding Duck River, Columbia is a Tennessee charmer with small-town soul and a creative edge. Its red-brick square and Victorian storefronts set the scene, while new-wave makers, roasters, and brewers keep the energy current. On any given day you might catch a live set echoing from a restored music hall, the clink of glasses at a cozy wine tasting, or the carefree cadence of families strolling the riverwalk with ice cream in hand.
This is a town that celebrates heritage without getting stuck in it. You can trace presidential history in the morning, wander studios in the Columbia Arts District by afternoon, and chase golden-hour paddles on the Duck River before dinner. It suits families seeking easy-going fun, food lovers hunting flaky biscuits and slow-smoked barbecue, and adventurers craving trails, water, and a dash of Americana. If you’re looking for a mellow Tennessee base with real character, you’ll find it here.
Why Visit Columbia
The appeal of Columbia starts with its sense of place. The Public Square is ringed by beautifully preserved façades, awnings shading window displays, and the gentle hum of conversation drifting from benches. Pop into an antique shop, then step back into the sun and catch whiffs of coffee beans roasting nearby. The town moves at a walkable, unhurried pace, with enough culture and cuisine to feel fresh yet approachable. For first-timers scanning for the best things to do in Columbia, downtown’s historic core makes a charming introduction.
Columbia also leans proudly into its heritage. Each spring, the city hosts Mule Day, a century-old celebration that transforms downtown into a festive parade of wagons, music, and mule-driving pageantry. History isn’t just an exhibit here; it’s a living tradition, carried forward in festivals, storytelling, and a Main Street lined with locally owned businesses. That blend of authenticity and vitality is a major draw for travelers who want to feel the pulse of a place.
Nature lovers find an easy gateway to Tennessee’s wild side. The town’s riverfront parks slip you right to the banks of the Duck River, one of North America’s most biodiverse waterways, where the breeze smells faintly of sycamore and river stones warm beneath your feet. Trails and bike paths lace the countryside, and the Natchez Trace, wending toward rolling overlooks and quiet trailheads, lies within a scenic drive. Families and casual adventurers alike discover that the best things to do in Columbia often start outdoors.
And yet, Columbia’s contemporary spirit shines. A revitalized arts district, a craft brewery scene, and chef-led kitchens add a creative spark that surprises many first-time visitors. Between concerts at a restored music hall and scoops at a modern creamery, the town feels both familiar and new. Local tip: “Plan your first evening around sunset on the Square—watch the courthouse glow, then wander to a show at The Mulehouse,” suggests Kim, a downtown shop owner.
Things to Do in Columbia
Begin your dive into local history at the President James K. Polk Home & Museum, the only surviving residence of the 11th U.S. president, where docents guide you through period rooms filled with Polk family artifacts. The air smells faintly of old wood and beeswax, and floorboards creak with the kind of honesty you can’t fake. Pair it with a visit to the Gothic Revival Historic Athenaeum, a striking 19th-century girls’ school with a fascinating backstory and evocative architecture that sparks the imagination. For history buffs, these are the best things to do in Columbia on a culture-forward morning.
As the day warms, drift toward the riverbanks at Riverwalk Park. The path hums with joggers, strollers, and cyclists, while the Duck River murmurs beside you. If you want to get on the water, consider a short drive to Henry Horton State Park, where outfitters at the park help arrange seasonal kayak and canoe trips along the Duck’s gentle current. The ripple of water against your paddle, the flash of kingfishers, and the jasmine-sweet summer air set a restorative tone.
Back in town, the creative heartbeat thumps at the Columbia Arts Building, an old factory turned multi-artist studio space where you can peruse galleries, chat with makers, and smell that somehow universal studio mix of paint, wood dust, and coffee. Music fans should check the calendar at The Mulehouse, a restored music venue with pitch-perfect acoustics, glowing marquee lights, and crowds that know how to listen. For exhibit-hopping, the intimate Pryor Art Gallery at Columbia State Community College often features regional artists in a calm, contemplative space.
When you need an afternoon exhale, explore the shops and tastings at The Factory at Columbia, where boutiques meet sips from local producers, including the Columbia tasting room of Grinder’s Switch Winery. Prefer open air? Mountain bikers rave about the flow at Chickasaw Trace Park, a 300-acre gem with trails that swoop through meadows and woods. For day trips, the historic mansion Rippavilla in nearby Spring Hill and scenic overlooks on the Natchez Trace Parkway add depth and drama. Cap your afternoon with a stroll through the Maury County Farmers Market—check dates via the Maury County Farmers Market page—for ripe tomatoes, local honey, and the sound of live pickers under the pavilion. Local tip: “Grab a Polk Home tour before lunch, then head straight to the Riverwalk—parking’s easiest near the playground at mid-mornings,” says Aaron, a frequent visitor from Franklin.
Where to Eat and Drink in Columbia
Start with the classics: Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant – Columbia serves smoky pulled pork, skillet cornbread, and southern comfort that fills the room with hickory perfume. The dining room buzzes with families and live tunes on select nights, making it an easy candidate for top restaurants in Columbia, Tennessee. For a refined supper with small-town warmth, reserve a table at Southern Tré Steakhouse, where ribeyes arrive sizzling, butter melts into whipped potatoes, and the chatter feels celebratory without tipping into noisy.
If your perfect morning starts with espresso, duck into Muletown Coffee Roasters, where the crema smells chocolatey and baristas pull shots with the smooth confidence of a city café. Grab a seat by the window and watch the Square wake up as locals drift in for lattés and fresh pastries. For brunch that sticks, Marcy Jo’s Muletown plates fluffy biscuits, cinnamon-laced French toast, and the kind of hot coffee that warms your hands and your mood. When you’re mapping the best things to do in Columbia, remember that mornings taste better here.
Afternoons are made for treats and taps. One lick of artisan scoops at Hattie Jane’s Creamery and you’ll understand the devotion—peanut butter and banana tastes like an Elvis wink, while seasonal flavors surprise with peak fruit and spice. If you want to dip into the local beer scene, Bad Idea Brewing crafts inventive, hop-forward beers in an airy space where you can smell the whisper of malt. Their seasonal releases keep regulars on their toes, and food pop-ups often bring the aromas of smashburgers or tacos drifting across the taproom.
For no-frills barbecue that nails the essentials, JJ’s Barbecue is a hometown staple. Platters arrive with barky brisket, tender ribs, and sides that taste potluck-proud. If you’re sampling your way through town, assemble your own food crawl across the Square and down West 7th—start with coffee, slide into a meat-and-three, linger over ice cream, and finish with a nightcap near the courthouse lights. With so many top restaurants in Columbia, Tennessee clustered within a walkable downtown, dinner plans often become a deliciously spontaneous wander. Local tip: “On weekends, put your name in at Puckett’s, then get a cone at Hattie Jane’s while you wait—it turns the line into dessert,” says Stephanie, a Nashville foodie who makes monthly trips.
Best Places to Stay in Columbia
For travelers who love staying right in the mix, the loft suites at Bleu 32 place you steps from the Square. Above a vintage marketplace, these stylish accommodations blend exposed brick, high ceilings, and contemporary comfort—think plush beds, tidy kitchenettes, and windows that open onto the rhythm of downtown. The thrill is feeling like a local for a few days, slipping downstairs to shop or stepping outside for a quick coffee and sunrise stroll.
If you prefer a resort-like base with plenty of green space, look to the lodge rooms and cabins at Henry Horton State Park, an easy, scenic drive from Columbia. The park’s comfortable rooms overlook lawns where the morning fog hangs low, and the cabins pair well with families or small groups. In warmer months, you can rent kayaks, walk riverside trails, and let the day slow to birdsong and breezes. It’s a natural fit for travelers who want the best things to do in Columbia to include paddles, picnics, and starry skies.
Visitors who like convenient amenities and quick interstate access can choose from Columbia’s familiar, value-forward hotels clustered along the I-65 and US-31 corridors; consult the Visit Columbia – Places to Stay listings to compare locations and perks. These properties offer hearty breakfasts, reliable Wi-Fi, and easy parking, making them ideal for road-trippers, families with young kids, or anyone planning day trips to the Natchez Trace or nearby historic sites. After a day of exploring, you’ll appreciate a quiet, cool room and a simple path to the highway the next morning.
Campers and road-trippers may prefer sleeping under the stars. Beyond Columbia, the Natchez Trace Parkway leads to the Meriwether Lewis area, where a primitive campground offers a back-to-nature stay framed by forest and the soft trill of night insects. Wake early for misty trail walks and coffee by the fire before heading into town for brunch. Whether your style is boutique loft, park lodge, or simple roadside comfort, you’ll find that the best places to stay in Columbia share one quality: they make it easy to enjoy everything downtown and the Duck River valley have to offer. Local tip: “If you’re eyeing a loft downtown, book at least a few weeks ahead for spring and fall—festival weekends fill fast,” advises Hannah, a frequent weekender from Birmingham.
Tips for Visiting Columbia
Columbia sits about an hour south of Nashville, best reached by I-65 and a scenic jog over to US-31 into the heart of town. Parking downtown is generally straightforward, with street spots and public lots near the Square; mornings are quietest, especially midweek. If you’re drafting an itinerary around the best things to do in Columbia, plan your days around the town’s rhythms—shops typically open late morning, and live music tends to pick up after dinner on weekends.
Timing matters. Spring brings creamy dogwoods, picture-perfect weather, and the jubilant pageantry of Mule Day, while autumn lights the countryside in warm rust and gold. Summer is bright and lively—great for river time and ice cream—but midday can be hot, so aim for early paddles and evening strolls. Winter quiets the streets and adds a cozy charm; museums and cafés become ideal hideaways, and tables at top restaurants in Columbia, Tennessee are easier to snag.
Getting around is blissfully simple. Downtown is compact and walkable, and most visitors keep a car for day trips to parks, wineries, and historic homes. Rideshares operate but can be spotty late at night, especially after concerts, so designate a driver or park within easy walking distance of venues like The Mulehouse. If you’re chasing outdoor time, keep a small daypack in the trunk—water bottle, sunscreen, and a light layer for breezy evenings along the river.
Before you arrive, check event calendars and hours. The Visit Columbia site is the best authoritative resource for festivals, markets, and seasonal happenings, and individual attractions like the President James K. Polk Home & Museum post current tour times online. Many downtown shops close earlier on Sundays, so do your boutique browsing Friday or Saturday. And if you’re angling for popular weekend tables, reservations are smart—especially during peak seasons and major events. Local tip: “On festival days, park by the Riverwalk, eat an early lunch, and wander the Square from there—you’ll beat the crowds and catch great photo light,” offers Marcus, a local photographer who knows the town by heart.
