Foot soldiers of U.S. history

By Andy and Lori Johnston

For the AJC

Military history buffs can fill their days in Columbus, thanks to new attractions such as the nearly $100 million National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center outside Fort Benning. The focus on those who fought for our freedom is strong in the riverfront southwest Georgia city, making it worthy of a first-time or return visit.

Don’t Miss

The National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center

The free museum, which officially opened in June, immediately sends you to the front lines.

Walk straight through the doors and enter the “Last 100 Yards” exhibit, which features life-size dioramas from several of America’s wars. From Yorktown to Antietam to Omaha Beach to Vietnam’s Landing Zone X-Ray, depicted in the movie “We Were Soldiers,” this section of the museum signifies what a battle is like from an infantryman’s point of view.

You’re immersed in the sights and the sounds of each battle as you walk up a gradual ramp, and the authentic World War II glider, a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle are worth checking out. The exhibit exits into the Fort Benning Gallery, a rotunda filled with memorabilia from history of the area, dating from pre-colonization, and the post. It includes a firing range simulation (for $5) and overlooks the grand hall.

Downstairs, six era galleries offer a detailed look at the military history of our country, from its founding to present-day Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s easy to spend hours there, scanning uniforms, photos and weapons, and studying the info placards.

Medal of Honor winners are memorialized in the area between the era galleries, and the third floor features the Ranger Hall of Honor and the Officer Candidate School Hall of Honor. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday (IMAX showtimes vary and cost $8 adults; $7 military, students and seniors; $6 children). 1775 Legacy Way, 706-685-5800, www.national infantrymuseum.com.

National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus

The museum on Victory Drive, a main thoroughfare, boasts a prominent addition. A full-scale replica of the USS Water Witch, a nearly 160-foot-long paddle steamer, sits next to the building. Visitors can climb aboard the replica steamship, a Union vessel that Confederates captured in 1864 in Savannah. Inside the 40,000-square-foot museum, you’ll find Civil War flags, weapons, uniforms, equipment and surviving sections of Confederate military vessels. It also hosts unique annual activities, such as the Pirates of the Chattahoochee event every October. Admission $6.50 adults; $5.50 active military and seniors; $5 students. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Sunday. 1002 Victory Drive, 706-327-9798, www.portcolumbus.org.

RiverWalk stroll

Walk, jog, bike or ride a Segway along the Chattahoochee River in downtown Columbus. The 2.5-mile-long path leads to the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, the Columbus Convention and Trade Center, the Civil War Naval Museum, historic cemeteries, athletic stadiums and the Civic Center. For a view of the city, head across the bridge to the Phenix City (Ala.) amphitheater. ChattGlide Tours offers the Segway rentals ($55 for about two hours of training and gliding), 1000 Bay Ave., 706-660-9247, www.chattglidetours.com.

If you go

Columbus is about 2 hours south of Atlanta. Take I-85 south to Exit 21 to I-185 South to Columbus.

Information

Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau. 900 Front Ave., 706-322-1613, www.visitcolumbusga.com.

Where to stay

Doubletree Hotel Columbus: Formerly the Columbus Airport Hotel, this converted hotel off I-185 has rooms from $103 to $179. 5351 Sidney Simmons Blvd., 706-327-6868, www.columbus.doubletree .com.

Candlewood Suites: New hotels include this Fort Benning-area property with rates from $98 to $149. 3389 Victory Drive, 706-683-9900, www.candlewoodsuites .com.

Columbus Marriott: Downtown property in a former grist mill with rates from $129 to $199. 800 Front Ave., 706-324-1800, www.marriott.com/csgmc.

Where to eat

Country’s Barbecue: The most unusual of Country’s three locations is in a former Greyhound bus station in downtown Columbus, and you can even eat the barbecue, fried chicken and sandwiches in a bus. Entrees $3.69-$10.69. 1329 Broadway, 706-596-8910, www.countrysbbq.com.

Chef Lee’s Peking: This Chinese restaurant has been recognized by USA Today and trade publication Chinese Restaurant News for its fresh fare, with everything from popular Mongolian beef to unusual handmade noodles. The setting includes a see-through walkway over a koi pond inside its entryway. Dinner entrees: $8.25-$26.95 (lunch specials offered). 6100 Bradley Park Drive, Columbus, 706-653-8888.

Brother’s General Store: Ice cream with unusual ingredients such as chocolate-dipped potato chips and Jack Daniel’s (but not together) are scooped out, along with more traditional flavors at Brother’s General Store in downtown Columbus. That joins homemade fudge and hundreds of candy options. 1014 Broadway, 706-507-3503, www.brothersgeneral
store.com.