Grab a Life Vest, Helmet, and a Paddle
By Laura Anglea

Grab a life vest, helmet and a paddle and you are set to go for an exciting ride down the longest urban whitewater course in the world!  Whitewater Express in Columbus, Georgia has something for everyone in your family.  You can choose from mild to wild, and everything in between … you can pick what fits your family's adventure preferences. The low-water trip offers a Class I-II rapids and the high-water trip offers Class II-IV rapids. Take a trip down the Chattahoochee with one of their many experienced and friendly raft guides. Our river guide, Andrew, took us on an exciting ride down the river rapids with a few stops to enjoy the water and just float. He was also very knowledgeable of the rich history of Columbus and shared many fun facts throughout our trip.

Whitewater also offers the Blue Herron adventure course.  A 1200' zip line, 100' over the Chattahoochee, leads you to a rope course. It is challenging for the young and old, but very doable.  If you want to take a more leisurely approach the RiverWalk may be more your speed. With 15 miles of trails along the river, you can enjoy a bike ride with amazing views or even explore the RiverWalk Geo-Tour.  Make sure you stop to watch the rafters going through rapids and cheer them on or commiserate with them as they either succeed or fail.

Columbus offers a wide variety of places to eat, which are all in walking distance of Whitewater Express. The Iron Bank, a converted old bank right in downtown Columbus has several things to offer.  The coffee, pastries, quiches and breakfast sandwiches will keep you fueled up for the day of adventure ahead.

The Black Cow had several delicious offerings and you will not be disappointed.  Our waitress, Bella, took great care of us and was eager to recommend dishes. We started off with the Oysters Chelsea … steamed oysters with pimento cheese, jalapeno jelly and bacon as a appetizer. Then made room for a very tender ribeye sandwich and a grouper basket fried to perfection. After a long day of zip lining, rafting and biking, you will be ready for another delicious meal and The Loft downtown, which also will not disappoint. Be sure to start with the house chips and fresh made onion dip, or maybe try the buffalo chicken dip with pita bread. Still hungry? The unstuffed chicken was the favorite at our table, with the bacon cheeseburgers and the grouper over cheese running a close second.  

Whether you are looking for a quick weekend getaway or week-long adventure you will not have a hard time finding things to do or delicious food to eat in Columbus Georgia.