DESTINATION

Columbus

The restored 1871 Springer Opera House, 103 10th St., is just outside Columbus' 26-block historic district. The opera house, which once featured such prominent figures as Edwin Booth, Oscar Wilde, Lily Langtry and Irving Berlin, now offers productions on a seasonal basis. One-hour tours are offered Monday and Wednesday at 3:30; phone (706) 327-3688.

Guided Historic Columbus Heritage Tours (minimum of two people) are offered by appointment and depart from 716 Broadway. The walking tours encompass dwellings built in the 1800s. All are furnished and decorated in period. Highlights include the Walker-Peters-Langdon House, a simple Federal cottage, believed to be the oldest residence in the original city of Columbus. Phone (706) 322-0756. Also nearby, the Pemberton House, now a private residence, was occupied by Dr. J.S. Pemberton, a druggist and originator of the formula for Coca-Cola.

The Columbus Historic Riverfront Industrial District is the site of the remains of 19th-century mills and ironworks along the east bank of the Chattahoochee River, beginning at 800 Front Ave.

The Columbus, Georgia Convention & Trade Center, 801 Front Ave., operated 1853-1964 as an iron works. The breech-loading cannon, the first successful ice-making machine and the Confederate ironclad CSS Jackson were manufactured at the works, which is now a convention and trade center. The Chattahoochee Promenade on Front Avenue borders the river between Fifth and Ninth streets. The Chattahoochee RiverWalk is a 15-mile linear park that offers a paved walking and bicycle path.

Noteworthy events include Christmas Made in the South, a holiday arts and crafts show, occurs in late October or early November and the Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens. It attracts more than 10,000 admirers of equestrian skills the first Saturday in November.

Visitor Centers

Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau 900 Front Ave. Columbus, GA 31902. Phone:(706)322-1613 or (800)999-1613

Self-guiding Tours

Brochures detailing a walking and/or driving tour of the original city are available at the visitors bureau Mon.-Fri. 10-5, Sat., 10-1. A RiverWalk Geo Tour with stations for geocaching along the Chattahoochee River also is available.