How to Spend a Weekend in Columbia, Tennessee: A Charming Escape Near Nashville

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Welcome to your new favorite small town hiding just outside Nashville. This is Columbia, Tennessee, and after a refreshing weekend getaway, it’s become my new favorite spot in Tennessee! 

From wandering its charming streets, eating my way through the endless delicious restaurants (seriously, pack your appetite), and chatting with locals who feel like they’re one big family, I can’t believe it took me so long to make it here.

Because Columbia has that rare mix of charm and heart that makes a visit feel genuinely memorable.

This Columbia, Tennessee weekend itinerary is for slowing down, tasting the best bites, supporting local businesses, learning something new (hello, presidential history), and soaking up the kind of community spirit that makes the city feel special. 

Use this as your roadmap, customize as you go, and enjoy a weekend that’s both realistic and refreshingly relaxed.

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Map of Your Visit to Columbia, TN

3-Day Columbia, Tennessee Itinerary

Day 1

Brunch at August Sage Café

When you first get to Columbia, you may be hungry (I know I was after the 3.5 hour drive from Knoxville).

There’s no better spot to start your cozy Columbia getaway than August Sage Café. This restaurant has a truly delicious menu with artful creations…in fact they have some decor that says “eat more art”, so you can expect beauty as well as good taste.

If you only order one thing, let it be the Herb Butter Candle appetizer. Served with ample slices of sourdough bread, the star of the show is a literal candle made of herb butter. Why has no one done this before??

It’s just as delicious as it is stunning. I brought the extras back to my short-term rental and was eating it all weekend.

I also had the sausage and pepper jelly biscuit and it was the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and buttery tastes!

Explore The Factory

August Sage is located in The Factory, which is a revived industrial space that’s now home to makers, vendors, and boutique shops. They even have a few food and drink vendors, too.

Take some time to stretch your legs and explore.

Some of my favorite shops were:

• The Columbia Antique Marketplace feels like stepping back through time.
• Southern Polished has hand-crafted leather sandals.
• Blue Hydrangea has the cutest sweaters and pajamas.
• Nashville Tea Co. where you can sample lots of loose teas.
• Camellia Chocolates makes the best bean to bar chocolate! Their Mexican chocolate “Rooted in Love” bar was my favorite.

Aside from shops, you can also pop into Victory Box, a gaming center with slot car racing, shuffleboard, and an arcade. It costs $12 per person ($8 for kids) for access to all the games!

Check In to Your Lodging (with Recommendations)

Take a minute this afternoon to check in to your lodging.

While there are a few name brand hotels in Columbia (the Hampton Inn is highly rated), the city actually shines with its short-term rentals.

I stayed in Riverside Loft via Airbnb and while I enjoyed the space, it’s not walkable, so you’ll need a car to get around if you stay here.

If I were to return, I’d try to stay off the Downtown Columbia Square, so you’re steps from the best shops, restaurants, and coffee shops.

Two Lanes Guesthouse or this Luxury Loft Downtown would be my pick!

Casual Barbecue Dinner

No matter where you stay, grab dinner from Boot Stompin’ BBQ. This authentic Texas BBQ is so good it’ll make you stomp your boots!

Try Bobby’s Usual, which acts as a sampler plate with brisket, pulled pork, a hot link, and two sides. You might even end up ordering it from Bobby himself!

Evening Entertainment at The Mulehouse

Depending on their schedule and your energy levels, I’d recommend a show at The Mulehouse. This venue was once a church complete with a balcony and stained glass windows, but now is a music hall and event venue.

Check their event calendar to see if there are any performances will you’re visiting.

We LOVED End of the Line, an Allman Brothers tribute band. Coming from a family of musicians, I really can vouch that they were absolutely incredible!

Day 2

Breakfast at the Columbia Arts Building

Good morning! Remember where Boot Stompin’ BBQ was yesterday, well that building, called the Columbia Arts Building, is actually home to a bunch of other businesses – one of which you can start your day at today!

Hank’s Coffee Station is around the corner and upstairs from Boot Stompin BBQ. They serve some incredible drinks and simple, yet delicious food like avocado toast. I swear their mocha was one of the best I’ve ever had (and that’s my go-to drink)!

Grab a drink and a bite and take a seat in their adorable vintage Americana space. And, you can even shop for edible goods like French mustards, boutique popcorn, and high-temperature olive oil spray.

Alternatively, if you want somewhere else to try, just downstairs from Hank’s Coffee Station is Prevail Bakehouse.

They have artisanal breads and pastries including breakfast croissants, a monthly sandwich, and perfect chocolate chip cookies! Even if you don’t dine here for breakfast, I’d encourage you to grab a pastry to go!

Indoor and Outdoor Morning Activities 

This morning, I’d choose one of two activities depending on your preferences and perhaps the weather/season.

First, for an indoor option, you can make a reservation for Heidisue’s Creative Café. This spot is owned by the same family as Hank’s Coffee Station and is a fantastic spot for families and girls trips, especially.

You can choose to either paint pottery or do a mosaic here, which is perfect for groups who can never decide on what to do and need a variety.

Alternatively, if you’re visiting on a Saturday and looking to get outside, I’d recommend going to the Columbia Farmers Market at Riverwalk Park.

It’s small but has some truly great vendors. We walked away with apple cider from Scott’s Orchard and mini cookies from AG’s Cookies that despite being fully cooked tasted like cookie dough (perfection!).

Spend some time walking the paths at Riverwalk Park taking you along Duck River, which is North America’s most biodiverse river! It’s home to over 150 species of fish and 50 species of freshwater mussels. 

Step Back in Time at President James Polk House and Museum

One of the most important places to visit in Columbia is the President James K. Polk Home and Museum, which is where our 11th president lived. When you visit, you’ll watch a brief introductory video, explore a small exhibit, and take a guided tour of the home to learn about Polk’s life, presidency, and the era he lived in.

It’s a beautifully preserved site with very knowledgeable staff. The tour focuses on Polk’s daily life and achievements (he was one of the most hard working and only took 27 vacation days in his 4 years of presidency!).

On the tour, they introduce topics like the enslaved individuals who built and maintained the home, and I found myself eager to hear more about their stories and experiences. If you’re hoping to understand more of the historical landscape surrounding President Polk’s life, going in with a bit of added context can make your visit richer.

Here are some tips to enhance your experience:

• Ask your guide follow-up questions. Staff are incredibly knowledgeable, so don’t be shy in asking them questions about the topics of slavery and the Mexican-American War.
• Explore outside perspectives afterward. Books, articles, and museum resources from historians or scholars can help expand the narrative.
• Pair your visit with nearby historical sites or exhibits. Consider visiting sites on Tennessee’s US Civil Rights Trail. The closest spots are in Nashville (just 45 minutes away).

Tours are 1.5 hours and tickets cost $14 for adults and there are discounts for students, military, and AAA.

Lunch at The Must-Try Restaurant in Columbia

There’s one spot in town that you have to go to and that’s Mama Mila’s. 

I talked to 4 locals when I arrived in Columbia about my trip plans and the first place ALL of them recommended was Mama Mila’s. I. AM. NOT. KIDDING…all 4 of them.

So naturally, we had to go.

Happy to report, the people were right.

Mama Mila’s serves authentic Italian recipes passed down generations.

You have to try the Augi “crack” sauce, which is a combination of marinara and alfredo sauces into one creamy tomato sauce. Spruce it up with The Shari, which is penne with Augi sauce and meatballs. 

Or, try the Gemma, which is the number one seller. It has baked chicken, garlic, mushrooms, and a creamy white wine reduction sauce over fettuccine.

YUM.

Just a heads up, the lines for Mama Mila’s can be long. Don’t be deterred! They actually take your order at a counter and then you choose your own seats. So the line is really just for ordering, not because you’re waiting for a table.

We went during peak hours and there were no shortage of tables.

Plus, if you’re on the go or looking for a meal to cook in your accommodation, they have to-go meals you can bake at home.

They also have a small gelato shop on site, called Gem’s Gelato, so you can get a sweet treat after your meal!

Wander Downtown Columbia

One of the best parts of Columbia is their Downtown Square. It’s quaint and looks like a storybook town à la Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow.

In the center of Downtown is the Maury County Courthouse and surrounding it is a literal square of streets full of the cutest boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants.

Here were my favorites:

• Visit Columbia, TN Welcome Center – Local goods, Columbia-branded merchandise, and helpful info for exploring the area.
• Smith & York Company – Stylish home décor, gifts, and thoughtfully curated goods for every room.
• Gather Kitchen Mercantile – Kitchen décor, cookware, and gourmet edible gifts like spices, spreads, and specialty teas.
• Duck River Books – A cozy independent bookstore with new and used titles, plus fun literary finds. Don’t miss the upstairs for horror and fantasy books!
• Lily Jane Children’s Boutique – Adorable clothing, books, and toys for babies and kids.
• Variety Records – A vast collection of records in a fun, groovy space.

P.S. If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, Muletown Coffee is the best spot on the Square! They have a fantastic seasonal drink menu, too.

Dinner on the Square

While there are a few restaurants in Downtown Columbia, I really enjoyed Southern Tré Steakhouse. It’s more casual than a typical sit-down steakhouse, but the food is quite good.

I had a New York strip steak and a side of mashed sweet potatoes, which were creamy and perfectly sweet.

This was also a spot with a bit of a crowd, so I’d either go early or late, or put your name down during peak hours while you’re walking around the square.

Enjoy Southern-Inspired Dessert 

I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t recommend a dessert spot and Hattie Jane’s Creamery is the one!

They have forward-thinking flavors that are an ode to Southern small town charm. If you’re like what does that mean? Think flavors like Nana Puddin’, Southern Pecan Pie, and Goo Goo and Jack (a 21+ flavor spiked with Jack Daniels No. 7).

They also have some killer seasonal flavors. When I visited late November, I tried Santa’s Milk & Cookies with sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, royal icing, & holiday sprinkles! I also love the non-seasonal Cookie Jar Supreme with cookies, brownies, and Oreos. 

Day 3

A “Why Choose” Breakfast

For your final morning, there’s two spots you can visit and honestly, I’d choose both if you have the time before departing.

First is Bradley Mountain, which is a fantastic two-for-one stop: a cozy coffee shop paired with a leather goods store, perfect for sipping a warm drink while browsing their modern adventure gear. You’ll find long-lasting leather jackets, bags, hats, and apothecary items – all crafted with durability in mind. 

Try their Mexican mocha for chocolatey goodness with a little kick to jumpstart your day. I loved this mocha, too! (Columbia is 2 for 2 on yummy mochas!).

For food, they have protein packed grain bowls, breakfast burritos, and toasts. 

I’m sure they’re great, but I opted for door number 2: Buck and Board.

Buck and Board is a wine and charcuterie board restaurant, which sounds like a not-so-good breakfast idea, but they actually have an extensive (and delicious) brunch menu on weekends.

I had their breakfast board, which came with eggs, bacon, rosemary potatoes, berries, and french toast sticks! YUM.

They also have more “traditional” breakfast items like breakfast burritos, biscuit sandwiches, toasts, pancakes, and quiche.

Even at brunch, you can also still order standard meat, cheese, and chocolate charcuterie boards and drinks!

FAQs about Visiting Columbia, TN

When is the best time to visit?

As a Tennessee local, the best times to visit are spring and fall if you’re looking for the most mild weather. Summers can be unbearably hot and Columbia is really made for walking and slowing down, which just doesn’t really mix well with that intense summer heat.

Winter might not be best for temperatures (especially January and February…cut to me in Nashville in January when it was 19°F…yes in the TEENS). However, late November and December are actually magical in Columbia, because they really get in the holiday spirit. It’s so lovely to see the city with holiday lights and the shopping in Columbia is top tier!

You’ll find the most beautiful, meaningful gifts from local businesses, makers, and artists, so while you can still find those items year round, it’s perfect for holiday shopping and a cozy getaway.

Not to mention, because short-term rentals are more common than hotels in Columbia, getting to settle into a warm, welcoming space is extra special.

Finally, Columbia has a big celebration for Mule Day in mid-April, which started as a livestock show in the 1840s, but has evolved into a multi-day festival culminating with a big parade. It’s a fun time to visit if you don’t mind navigating the crowds.

TL,DR: Spring or fall for mild weather, November or December for the best cozy holiday vibes.

How to Get to Columbia

The easiest way is to drive. Columbia is south of Nashville on I-65 South and it takes about 45 minutes to get from one city to the other. Because of that short distance, you can take a ride share instead, too!

Columbia is 3.5 hours from Knoxville and also from Memphis. If you come from either of those two cities, driving is best.

Columbia is also 1.5 hours from Huntsville, Alabama and 2.5 hours from Chattanooga.

So, it’s a very central city and a good stop on a greater Tennessee road trip!

Is Columbia walkable, or do you need a car?

Yes and no. To get to Columbia in the first place, you may need a car, although you can also take a ride share from Nashville!

Once you’re in Columbia, the biggest factor that determines if you need a car is where you’re staying. If you’re staying north of Duck River, you’ll want a car, because it’s just far enough that you won’t want to be walking to all the restaurants and attractions.

However, if you’re staying downtown, you can walk everywhere!

The farthest points on this itinerary are 1.4 miles apart (Bradley Mountain and The Factory) and I don’t have you going between those two points directly anyway. 

It takes 10-15 minutes to walk between the Downtown Square and Columbia Arts District (where Mama Mila’s, Bradley Mountain, and Columbia Arts Building are). It also takes 10-15 minutes to walk between Downtown Square and The Factory, so it’s really walkable, if you don’t have a car.

How many days do I need to visit?

I’d recommend Columbia as a weekend getaway spot! While you can certainly see the highlights as a day trip from Nashville, it’s really lovely to slow down and enjoy the charm of the city in 2-3 days.

Plus, there really are just so many restaurants to try that you’ll want more than a day’s worth of meals to taste them all! I felt like I needed more time for that reason, if nothing else.

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Thank you to Visit Columbia, TN for hosting us and sponsoring this blog post. As always, all opinions are my own.

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