Date Night in Columbus GA

We’ve all done the same ol’ dinner and a movie. We finish our date nights often bloated, unenthused and not particularly connected as a couple. Whether you’re new to Columbus, GA or you’ve lived in the Chattahoochee Valley your entire life, it can be hard to find a date night in Columbus, GA that caters to both you and your date’s expectations. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of different date ideas (for the day and the night), so you and your significant other can enjoy the time you’ve dedicated to each other.

Free & Easy

Even without a big budget, Columbus GA has options for a free date night. A must visit on your frugal venture is the Riverwalk.

A widely recognized landmark in the area, the Riverwalk offers both peace and vivacity in uptown Columbus. Part of the charm of the Riverwalk is the people. Catch it at the right time, and you’ll see Kayakers twirling through the rapids, zipliners flying overhead, fishermen reeling in a huge catch, and children awing at the train whooshing by.  Catch it at the perfect time, and you’ll hear the rush of the water, see the sun setting over the river and admire geese skiing into the water.

Bring your own bikes to ride 22 miles of paved trail from the River Road Marina, past the rapids downtown, passing many points of interest such as the Civil War Museum, the Columbus Civic Center and onto Fort Benning. If you don’t have your own, you can rent bikes for a nominal fee from Ride On Bikes on Broadway.

After the Riverwalk, take a stroll up to Broadway which is full of music, laughter and southern charm. Depending on the time of year, Uptown Columbus hosts a free concert series in the center of Broadway. There are numerous other free events that take place throughout the year, check their calendar for details.

A perfect end to your date night in Columbus is a walk-through the historic district. The homes found on brick-road Broadway and parallel streets are classic, picturesque and absolutely breathtaking. Many are on the National Historical Register (see the placards near the front doors). The massive oak trees and monumental statues are a perfect photo-op to conclude your memorable evening.

Adventure & Excitement

Catering to newbies and experienced adventurers alike, Whitewater Express offers exhilarating rafting, kayaking, and zip lining. The rapids in the Chattahoochee were custom-designed with fun in mind, and does it deliver. Not the kind of adventure you’re looking for? WW Express also offers fly-fishing training, with a discounted rate available for couples. If you’re wanting to skip the outdoors altogether, Columbus is home to two escape rooms, Escape this Live and Exodus Escape Game, that’ll challenge your wits and put you and your date in a battle against the clock.  If you’re looking for more adrenaline-rushing excitement, we recommend checking out Shooters of Columbus, open until 9pm on Monday-Saturday, you can bring your own gun to the range or select a rental. Providing everything you need for fulfilling target practice, take a shot at Shooters. Not to miss out on the nationwide craze of axe-throwing, Columbus now boasts two of their own locations for you to let out your anger and test your abilities at Columbus Axe and Stumpy’s Hatchet House. 

Music, Entertainment & Drinks

We’re letting out one of the best-kept secrets in Columbus, Outlaws Saloon!  This place boasts live entertainment, country dancing on a large dance floor (grab those cowboy boots), a projector with the night’s sportscasts on (Hello, College football), and of course, drinks. Another must-see in Columbus is The Loft.  Featuring blues music on Wednesdays, Comedy Tuesdays and Thursdays, live music Friday and Saturdays, The Loft caters to all tastes. Even the food and drink availability reaches a wide range of palates. On Fridays, make a stop at the Springer Theatre for their 10:30PM “No Shame Theatre“ take the stage yourself or watch others perform original content. For a seriously memorable date night, local readers have suggested dance lessons on Monday night by Lets Dance Y’all. It’s only $5 per person!

Want to take it slow but enjoy the rush of the rapids and a killer view? Check out Columbus’ newest bar inside the Hotel Indigo, Eighteen 85.

Art & Relaxation

Looking for a more relaxing evening? We recommend Bare Ware Pottery for a break from the stressors of life. This locally-owned business has walls full of blank pottery ready for your creative enlightenment. Whether you want to paint a Georgia Bulldogs mug, or a curious lawn gnome, they’ve got it. Maybe fused glass art or door hangers are more your taste, you’ll find it here. With pieces starting at $10, it’s a reasonable art studio for beginners just beginning to explore their creative muses.

Pottery not your thing, try instructional painting at Brushes and Beverages in Uptown while you sip on your own drinks. Book a couples class and paint something fun or meaningful on your date. Check out their website for a full list of classes.

History & Culture

There are so many museums in Columbus, GA! Voted the best free museum in the country, the National Infantry Museum takes you through the history of U.S. Army Infantryman. The vivid scenes portrayed in this museum place you right into the combat zone.  Nearby, the National Civil War Naval Museum houses the largest surviving Confederate warship. This Naval museum has lots of impressive artifacts and models. The Columbus Museum showcases an eclectic collection from American History with a local flair to highlight artists and the history of Columbus. If history is your date night choice, travel a few blocks south to and outdoor exhibit at Heritage Park. Although small, it’s equipped with functioning sculptures depicting the industrial history of the area. After visiting Heritage Park, stop by the Coca Cola Space Science Center and take a ride in a cockpit simulator or watch a show in the omnisphere.

Coffee & Columbus

Gotta get up and moving in the morning? The aroma of Ironbank Coffee lures you right on into this historic building, recognized by the U. S. National Register of Historical Sites and Places. Yes, this coffee shop is a beautiful piece of history, but it’s the coffee and treats that bring visitors back time and time again. Ironbank Coffee’s welcoming atmosphere is a perfect spot for your breakfast date. If you prefer less historical and more hipster with selections of local artwork, head down Broadway to Fountain City Coffee. And once you’ve gotten your morning jolt of caffeine, step outside and check out the Market Days on Broadway. Open Saturday mornings, 9am-12pm, fresh vegetables, locally made soaps, and beautiful gift stands line the street.

Restaurants for Date Night in Columbus GA

Sometimes dinner can be an experience in itself. There are so many wonderful places in Columbus to get a meal and experience. Below are some of our favorites. However, want to try your hand at cooking your own dinner? Divine Dinners of Columbus provides a fun and entertaining experience for you and your date cook your own meal from scratch and then get to enjoy it!

  • Mabella’s: Impressive before you even walk in the door, this Italian Steakhouse is cozy, classy and rustic all-in-one.
  • Epic: This place is beautiful. Every plate a work of art. Recognized by Gayot as one of the top fine dining restaurants in the entire country.
  • Trevioli’s Italian Kitchen at The Rapids: One of Columbus’ newest hot spots featuring traditional Italian fare in upscale dining with a fun local flair by chef Trevor
  • Nonic: 30+ beers on tap, rave reviews, very trendy décor.
  • Bare Roots Farmacy: Menu changes regularly, based on availability from local farms and growers. Healthful, diverse and delicious meals.
  • Buckhead Steak & Wine: Tucked away from the world. Make sure you take leftovers, there’s a foil swan in your future.
  • 11th & Bay Southern Table: The outdoor dining overlooks the river. The menu offers revitalized southern dishes.
  • Crowne Hookah Lounge & Restaurant: Hookah & a hamburger, can’t go wrong.

Columbus has lots of fun date night choices for all different tastes.  What’s your idea of a favorite date night in Columbus GA? If you’ve got a suggestion, contact us.

If you’re looking for a night out with your friends, we’ve got some girls’ night out ideas too.