See why Columbus, GA was selected for ConventionSouth’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Award, and why meeting planners continue to choose this dynamic Southern destination for their events.
And what a city it is. As one of Georgia’s largest destinations, Columbus offers the scale, accessibility, and infrastructure to host events of all sizes, with more than 4,800 hotel rooms and hundreds of venues to choose from. Attendees can explore a thriving culinary scene featuring more than 500 restaurants, from Southern classics to chef-driven dining that has earned national attention.
Whether your group is into outdoor thrills like rafting the world’s longest urban whitewater course that runs adjacent to the heart of downtown or zip lining over the Chattahoochee River, Columbus brings the adventure. Beyond the adrenaline, the scenic RiverWalk offers miles of space to unwind along the water. Prefer something indoors? Explore nationally recognized museums, rich history, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, most within the walkable Uptown district.
Columbus’ 180,000-plus square-foot Convention & Trade Center, located in a beautifully restored historic ironworks, anchors the dynamic Uptown filled with hotels, restaurants, and attractions. In addition to the Trade Center, Columbus offers a variety of unique meeting and event venues across the city, giving planners flexible options ranging from historic settings to modern spaces to distinctive local venues.
Behind it all, the VisitColumbusGA team is your all-out partner, coordinating site visits, logistics, and standout moments from first call to final applause. Add in a destination that balances culture, commerce, and outdoor adventure in one seamless experience, and you have a meeting destination that delivers on every level.
Ready to plan your next event? See VisitColumbusGA.com/meetings to get started and discover why meetings in Columbus truly #GoAllOut.
Flavor Profile
In Columbus, Georgia, the food scene pairs elevated dining with a deep sense of history, creating memorable experiences for groups and gatherings of all sizes. Across the city, many restaurants are set within beautifully preserved buildings, offering an atmosphere that feels both distinctive and authentically Southern.
In Uptown, Mabella’s delivers refined Italian steakhouse fare inside a building constructed in 1889, once home to a telephone company. Nearby, Epic Restaurant and Millhouse Kitchen & Bar bring contemporary energy to renovated warehouse spaces along the Chattahoochee River, where scenic views complement chef-driven menus that are ideal for group dinners or private events.
History continues to shape the culinary landscape at The Goetchius House, originally built in 1839 as a family home. Today, it serves as a chef-led dining destination with a café and garden space suited for gatherings, complete with Georgia’s own Leopold’s Ice Cream and house-made baked goods.
For a taste of local tradition, Dinglewood Pharmacy offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Operating since 1918 with its original soda fountain, it is the only place to try Columbus’ iconic “Scramble Dog.” The city’s legacy of innovation even extends to its beverages, as Coca-Cola, Nehi, and RC Cola all have roots here.
Beyond these signature spots, Uptown’s walkable district is filled with locally loved restaurants and cafés that make it easy for attendees to explore between sessions or unwind after a full day. Along the RiverWalk, the vibrant Banks Food Hall offers a range of flavors in one convenient setting, giving groups flexible dining options with scenic views of the Chattahoochee River.
With more than 500 restaurants, Columbus, Georgia, offers a culinary scene that balances sophistication, history, and local character, giving every visit something worth savoring.
Contact: Tonja Ray-Smith, Director of Sales tray-smith@visitcolumbusga.com | 800.999.1613 |
