What do authors, artists, blues musicians, and sportsmen all have in common?
The quiet, idyllic town of Columbus, Mississippi, looks like something from the pages of a Tennessee Williams play. The birthplace of America’s greatest playwright, Columbus for decades has captivated writers, artists, and musicians alike with its classic Southern architecture, small-town charm and scenic outdoor backdrop.
In Downtown Columbus, where welcoming shops line the street, family-friendly activities make this area a lively hub of activity, and just a few blocks away is Mississippi University for Women (The W). The W was the first state-supported women’s college in the nation. The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway wraps itself around the town and beckons visitors to come on in. The Riverwalk starts in downtown and weaves 4-miles along the river.
Discover Columbus’ History and Heritage
Having a grand time takes on an entirely new meaning when visiting Columbus. With more than 650 historic properties, Columbus is a history buff’s dream. With a plethora of historic Italianate and 19th century Greek Revival townhouses, there is no shortage of historic homes and unique architecture. Visit historic Friendship Cemetery, the first site where both Union and Confederate soldiers were honored on April 25, 1866. It is credited as the forerunner of the modern Memorial Day.
Likewise, the Black Prairies of Eastern Mississippi produced distinguished blues musicians, including Howlin’ Wolf, Bukka White, and Big Joe Williams. The Mississippi Blues Trail identifies influential musicians and historic sites that contributed to the area’s blues heritage. Among the area’s four blues markers is the one designating “Catfish Alley,” the legendary epicenter of blues, jazz, and soul music in North Mississippi. Columbus was known for hosting musicians such as B.B. King, Duke Ellington, Little Richard, Louis Armstrong, and James Brown at Queen City Hotel.
Explore Charming Downtown Columbus
With its variety of multicolored storefronts and calendar full of events, historic Downtown Columbus is as picturesque as it is busy. The walkable shopping district features specialty boutiques. Columbus’ food scene is worth biting into with local favorites restaurants downtown or within a short drive. Farmers’ market, parades, festivals, and outdoor concerts are just a few of the family-oriented events held throughout the year. A popular spring event is “Catfish in the Alley,” which features lives blues music, savory Mississippi farm-raised catfish, and local artisans.
Experience the Wonders of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
Columbus Lake feeds into the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and offers outdoor enthusiasts an additional 9,000 acres of fresh water for boating, fishing, and watersports. Outdoor fun is always in season. In addition to watersports, Columbus is home to Propst Park, Roger Short Soccer Complex, Lowndes County Sportsplex, and two speedways. Located on a 150-acre lake, Lake Lowndes State Park offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, and outdoor sports. Dewayne Hayes Recreation and Campground also sits on the Tenn-Tom Waterway.
Visit Columbus, Mississippi
With its classic Southern architecture, blues music legacy, vibrant downtown, 135 restaurant choices, 1250 hotel rooms, lively festival scene, and world-class recreation, Columbus is the South’s best-kept secret.
Learn more at www.VisitColumbusMS.org.
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