Ease into your first day with a leisurely breakfast at Papi's Cuban & Caribbean Grill on Broadway for strong coffee and a hearty plate to fuel exploration, then stroll over to the nearby Columbus Riverwalk for fresh air and views of the Chattahoochee. Continue with a relaxed self-guided tour of the historic Uptown Columbus district-browse local boutiques and pop into Iron Bank Antique Mall to find unique keepsakes before checking into your accommodation and freshening up for the afternoon.
Head to the vibrant Columbus Museum to browse regional art and rotating exhibits, then take a short walk to the nearby National Civil War Naval Museum for immersive displays and the impressive USS watercraft models. Finish the afternoon with a scenic ride on the Columbus Historic Trolley to get an overview of the city's neighborhoods and drop-off options for dinner and evening plans.
As twilight falls, enjoy a relaxed dinner at The Loft at 210 for Southern-inspired small plates and craft cocktails in a cozy, artsy setting, then wander to Peachtree Night Market (check seasonal schedule) or the nearby RiverMarket on Broadway if open for local treats and live music. Finish the night with a peaceful, illuminated stroll across the Dillingham Street Bridge to watch the Chattahoochee shimmer and take photos of the downtown skyline before returning to your lodging to rest up for tomorrow's museums and riverwalk.
Start your morning with a light, Southern-style breakfast at Queen City Bakery before heading to the peaceful landscapes of Flat Rock Park, where a short loop trail and river overlooks make for a refreshing wake-up walk. Afterward, visit the engaging exhibits at the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music recital hall or catch a morning gallery show at the nearby Springer Opera House Gallery to connect with local arts before lunch, keeping the pace relaxed after yesterday's Uptown wandering.
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the interactive exhibits at the Columbus Museum of Arts & Gardens, then cross over to the scenic Whitewater Express Kayak Launch for a guided paddle or a peaceful solo float on the calmer stretches of the Chattahoochee. Wrap the hours before dinner with a stroll through the landscaped paths and public art at Burr Park-a peaceful spot for photos and to watch riverboats pass as the light softens.
As dusk settles, enjoy dinner at Fate Brewing Company's taproom where local brews and shareable plates create a relaxed, friendly vibe, then take a short drive to Springfield Park to catch sunset views from the bluff and watch kayakers return to shore. Afterward, wander through the illuminated outdoor sculptures at Life Sciences Park and finish with a nightcap at Rivermill District's Café 290, soaking in soft lighting and riverside atmosphere before heading back to your lodging.
Ease into the wedding day with a relaxed breakfast and pampering: stop by The Daily Grind Coffee Co. for a specialty latte and a fresh pastry, then head to Salon Myra for a quick blowout or touch-up so you feel camera-ready. If time allows, take a calming pre-ceremony stroll through the gardens at Lakebottom Park to collect your thoughts and capture a few candid photos by the willow-lined paths before preparations ramp up for the 1:00 PM ceremony.
After the ceremony, gather your party for celebratory photos along the riverfront at Dillingham Street Bridge and then head to a relaxed reception at The Loft on Broadway, where Southern-inspired passed hors d'oeuvres and a signature cocktail keep the mood festive. Later, slip away for a quiet hour of conversation and dessert at Pontotoc Creek Park's shaded benches or take a short drive to Fate Brewing Company's tasting room for local beers and a casual toast as the afternoon light softens.
Wind down the wedding day with an intimate dinner at Palladio-reserve a window table for Italian-inspired plates and a celebratory bottle as you relive highlights from the ceremony. After dinner, take a short walk to Broad Street's Live Oak Plaza for ambient lighting and a relaxed post-reception mingle, then finish the night with dessert cocktails at The Vault Rooftop Bar where skyline views and soft music make for a perfect, calm close to the festivities.
Begin the day with a light, elegant breakfast at Bread & Butter Bakery for flaky pastries and strong coffee before a calm, prep-focused morning; then arrive early at Heritage Park to take relaxed pre-ceremony photos among the manicured lawns and historic monuments. After the 10:00 AM ceremony, stroll over to RiverCenter Plaza for group photos with river views, then head to a celebratory brunch reservation at The Iron Bank Café where Southern brunch staples and mimosas keep the mood joyful and unhurried.
After brunch, continue the celebration with a relaxed riverside stroll and photos at Flat Rock Park where shaded paths and overlooks offer quiet moments with the Chattahoochee. Then head to Columbus Museum's Arts & Gardens for a leisurely gallery walk and courtyard seating-perfect for mingling and candid portraits-before capping the afternoon with a scenic ride on the Columbus Historic Trolley to rest, refresh, and reach evening meeting points with guests.
As evening settles after a day of celebrations, enjoy a relaxed dinner at Mabella's Southern Kitchen, where refined comfort food and a celebratory dessert menu make for a cozy post-brunch meal with family. After dinner, take a short drive to Standing Boy Creek Park for a gentle riverside walk and sunset viewing from the boardwalk, then cap the night with craft cocktails and live acoustic music at The Cellar at Broad Street, a low-lit lounge perfect for toasting the couple and winding down.
Savor a slow final morning with breakfast at The Egg & I for classic Southern plates and a strong cup of coffee, then take a gentle stroll through the landscaped paths and ponds of Bradley Park, perfect for one last quiet pause and candid departure photos. Before you check out, pop into Sweet Pea Market for locally made treats or snacks to bring on the road and pick up a final souvenir that captures Columbus' small-town charm.
After checking out, enjoy a leisurely late-afternoon stop at Columbus RiverMarket on Broadway (if open) to browse local artisan stalls and pick up last-minute edible souvenirs, then stroll along the nearby Dillingham Street Bridge for final river views and farewell photos of the Chattahoochee. If time allows before leaving town, unwind with a relaxed tea or light bite at Queen City Roasters and take a short detour to the peaceful walking paths of Whitewater Express Park for one last riverside moment before you head home.
Before you head out of town, settle into a relaxed final evening with a riverside meal at Rivermill Taproom & Kitchen, enjoying locally sourced small plates and a last look at the Chattahoochee from their patio. After dinner, take a gentle twilight stroll through Life Sciences Park to see the illuminated sculptures and winding paths, then finish with a nightcap or coffee and farewell conversation at Nostalgia Coffee & Cocktails to close the trip on a warm, unhurried note.