A Guide To Columbia, Tennessee: The Most Interesting City You’ve Never Heard Of

Columbia, the county seat of Maury County, Tennessee is a charming small southern town with a big personality. The town is known for its antiques, vintage shops, and unique boutiques. The “mule capital of the world,” celebrates the annual Mule Day event each April.
Columbia is a place where you can step back in time and enjoy the simple pleasures of small-town life. The town’s historic downtown is lined with brick sidewalks and is home to a variety of local businesses, a 2022 Hallmark TV film “Steppin’ Into the Holiday,” an iconic courthouse, and a number of museums.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the company of friendly locals, then Columbia, Tennessee is the place for you. Here is the ultimate guide to Columbia, Tennessee: The Most Interesting City You’ve Never Heard Of!

Columbia, Tennessee has a Rich History and Culture
Columbia, Tennessee: A Thriving Arts Community
Columbia, Tennessee: A Hub for Outdoor Recreation
Columbia, Tennessee: A Welcoming and Friendly City
Make Your Plans Today to Visit Columbia, Tennessee!

Columbia, Tennessee has a Rich History and Culture

With its unique blend of southern hospitality and history, Columbia, Tennessee is best described as a living museum. Whether you’re exploring the town’s landmarks, historic mansions or listening to the stories told by the locals, you’ll soon find yourself learning about the vibrant history of this charming town.
Columbia is also the home of the only surviving residence of the 11th U.S. President James K. Polk. Read my article about our visit to President James K. Polk Home. Colombia is often referred to as the “Antebellum Homes Capital of Tennessee” for having the most antebellum historic homes than any other location in Tennessee. Here is a interesting story about the history of Maury County and Columbia.

Columbia, Tennessee: A Thriving Arts Community

Columbia, Tennessee is a haven for the arts. From world-renowned sculptures to vibrant street murals, the town has no shortage of art. You can find great art galleries all across the city, including the West Seventh Company. The Columbia Arts Building, also known as CAB, and located at 307 W 11th Street provides artists a place to hone and show their artistic skills. The CAB houses art classes, and provides many other art services.

Columbia, Tennessee: A Hub for Outdoor Recreation

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors then Columbia, Tennessee should definitely be on your radar. The town offers a number of scenic parks and trails, including the Chickasaw Trace Park, Maury County Park and Yanahli Park. Columbia is a great place to enjoy the outdoors!
The Chickasaw Trace Park with its 300 acres is best recognized for its hiking and mountain biking trails.
The Maury County Park, with more than 240 acres is widely known for its bird watching, fishing, and camping adventures. The park also features several beautiful waterways, and its visitors can rent canoes or kayaks for a fun day on the river. There’s no shortage of wildlife and great views here.
Yanahli Park is a 474 acre ecological park featuring burial sites, historical settlements, old rock walls, and endangered fish.

Columbia, Tennessee: A Welcoming and Friendly City

It doesn’t take long to realize that Columbia, Tennessee is a friendly place and a welcoming city. The locals are always eager to chat with you and are proud to show off their hometown. Whether you’re visiting the local shops or eating in a cafe, you can be sure that you’ll end up with a few new friends whom you’ve only just met. Columbia is a great place to explore and connect with people. From the friendly shop owners to its charming diners and restaurants, you’ll never be short of conversation or good vibes. Mark your calendar for their “First Fridays” event on each first weekend of the month. You will be glad you did! They have live music, food trucks, vendors, and merchants selling their wares!

Here’s a small sampling of some downtown shoppes that grace the Square PLUS one outside the Square that you should visit!

Duck River Books in Columbia, Tennessee

Located behind the courthouse at 12 Public Square, we browsed their wide-ranging selection of books and reading material. In business since December 2012, this small-town local indie bookstore, named after the nearby Duck River, offers new and slightly used book selections. Their aisles are filled with quality reading materials that will satisfy the curiosity of any booklover. Their spiral staircase is awesome to behold and brings their shoppe a down hometown feeling.

Variety Record Shop in Columbia, Tennessee

An awesome vinyl shop on the square that carries rare, used classic vinyl records and music memorabilia, Variety Record Shop is at 24 Public Square. I really liked the photo shot that I took of the dog waiting outside!

Ted’s Sporting Goods in Columbia, Tennessee

When you see its iconic upside-down sign, you’re know you are at the right location! Located off the Square, they are at 806 S. Main Street. In business since 1955, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts featuring hunting, sporting and outdoor products.

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant in Columbia, Tennessee

Right in the heart of downtown Columbia at 15 Public Square, Puckett’s serves up good Southern cooking including Fried Chicken, Shrimp, Grits, Fried green beans, barbeque and 3 lunch specials “meat and 3.”

Hattie Jane’s Creamery in Columbia, Tennessee

Located at 16 Public Square, Hattie Jane’s Creamery is a gluten-free scratch made creamery shoppe using local and seasonal ingredients.

Pie Sensations in Columbia, Tennessee

Hungry for some pie? Pie Sensations makes all types of pies, cakes, and desserts. Awarded #1 in Paula Deen’s Pies Across America, Pie Sensations is Family and Veteran Owned! They’re located at 26 Public Square.

Flag World in Columbia, Tennessee

Located at 32 Public Square, Flag World, a family owned and operated shoppe has more than over 4,000 flags of various sizes and varieties. We enjoyed browsing their shoppe. I have never saw so many flags!

Bleu 32 Vintage Marketplace in Columbia, Tennessee

Located just off the square at 108 W 7th Street, Bleu 32 Vintage Marketplace is a 3 level antique mall offering, a great selection of vintage furniture and findings, clothing, and art with a variety of vendors and antique booths. Should you get hungry they have a eatery on the 3rd floor. We enjoyed looking at the many selections they offer!

Stan’s Restaurant, Country Store and Antique Center in Columbia, Tennessee

Not on the Square, but just down the road at 1555 Bear Creek Pike, Stan’s Restaurant offers all types of good southern cooking. I had their barbeque plate and it was GOOD!
Opened since 1947, they have expanded their growth. Their Country Store, with its many gift and grocery items provides an awesome shopping experience. Spend time wowing at their antiques while waiting on your meal. A great relaxing place with tremendous customer service!

“Visit Columbia Tn Welcome Center” has many detailed listings with contact information for attractions, accommodations and more!

Make Your Plans Today to Visit Columbia, Tennessee!

Between the vibrant culture, a bustling art community, and outdoor recreation, Columbia, Tennessee makes a great place to visit. Not to mention the friendly locals, who will always be there to greet you with a smile. You won’t find many other places like Columbia, Tennessee and it’s the perfect getaway if you’re looking for a unique and exciting place to visit. So what are you waiting for? Head on down to Columbia and discover why it’s often called the most interesting city you’ve never heard of.