A walking tour of five properties including the headquarters of the Historic Columbus Foundation* (700 Broadway); the Walker-Peters-Langdon House*–the oldest house in Columbus; the Pemberton House*–home of originator of the Coca-Cola formula; Period Pieces–a museum gift shop of the Historic Columbus Foundation; and a restored ca. 1820 log cabin. Tours are given at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. EST Monday-Friday and at 2 p.m. EST Saturday-Sunday. Guide fee charged. Tours originate at 700 Broadway, Columbus, Georgia. *National Historic Register)

1871 Victorian Opera House. It is a National Historic Landmark and the State Theatre of Georgia. Tours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EST Monday-Friday; admission charged. 103 10th Street, Columbus, Georgia.

Hull of ironclad ram Muscogee* and gunboat Chattahoochee* salvaged from the Chattahoochee River. Features extensive collection of artifacts, weapons and models from the Confederate Navy. Open Tuesday-Sunday; admission charged. 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus, Georgia. (*National Historcic Register)

One of the country’s most exciting adaptive reuses of industrial buildings. The complex now features 77,000 square feet of convention facilities in a modern setting which retains the best of the structure’s historic fabric. 801 Front Avenue, Columbus, Georgia.

Features Chattahoochee Legacy, a regional history gallery; Transformations, a youth-oriented participatory exhibition; and permanent and changing exhibitions of fine and decorative arts. Open Tuesday-Sunday; admission free. 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus, Georgia.

This unique facility allows visitors to touch a turtle, measure a tree, see a beaver’s house or soar with a butterfly. It is a learning center where children and adults can see how the environment shapes our lives by focusing on the Chattahoochee River and adjacent wetlands. There are great birding opportunities on the two trails that wind around the wetland habitat. Open Tuesday-Saturday and Monday by appointment. 3535 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus, Georgia.

One of 31 Challenger Centers in the U.S., this facility offers simulated space flight, a spectacular planetarium, laser programs and an observatory that will bring the moon, stars and universe to your doorstep. Admission charged for planetarium. Open Tuesday-Friday. Front Avenue near Seventh Street, Columbus, Georgia.

A celebration of the industrial heritage of Columbus, Georgia, 1850-1910. Bronze plaques at each venue here identify the various industries and businesses that accelerated Columbus’ early growth and development. Located on Seventh Street between Broadway and Front Avenue in the Historic District, Columbus, Georgia.

This landscaped twelve-mile-long pathway along the east bank of the Chattahoochee River is routinely enjoyed on foot, bicycles or roller blades. Columbus, Georgia.

Houses one of the most complete collections of military and small arms in the United States. Open Monday-Sunday; admission free. Baltzell Avenue, Fort Benning, Georgia.

This 3,800-foot walking trail follows the west bank of the Chattahoochee River beginning at the Phenix City Amphitheater and meanders north toward the 13th Street bridge. The riverwalk has lights and benches about every 50 feet, observation decks, an angler’s entrance and a boardwalk. Phenix City, Alabama.

This monument was erected by Horace King, a former slave of bridge builder John Godwin. The marker was placed in "lasting remembrance of the love and gratitude he felt for his lost friend and former master." Godwin’s Cemetery, Phenix City, Alabama.

Originally known as "Fort No. 5," this fortification contained gun emplacements behind pentagonal-shaped breastworks on a hill crest. It was designed to protect Columbus, Georgia from attack by Union forces during the Civil War. Historical marker. US 431, Phenix City, Alabama.

Former Russell County Courthouse when county seat was at Seale (1866-1943). Third oldest extant courthouse in the State of Alabama and the oldest in the eastern section of the state (1868). Historical marker. 14 miles south of Phenix City, Alabama, off US 431, Seale, Alabama.

Site of Fort Mitchell, a National Historic Landmark. The 1813 fort was erected as a staging center for operations against the Creek Indians. After abandonment the fort was rebuilt in 1825 and later served as an assembly point for removal of Indians to the West. Historic sites are interpreted by a series of markers. Park amenities include picnic tables, grills and a pavilion. AL 165, Fort Mitchell, Alabama.

This beautiful 280-acre tract of land is often called "The Arlington of the South" and is a final resting place for veterans of the United States military forces. Open daily. AL 165, Fort Mitchell, Alabama.

Celebrate the culture of the Native Americans who inhabited the Chattahoochee Valley. Includes stick ball field, sacred fire sculpture, interpretive trail and plaques that list the names of the Indians recorded in a special 1832 census. Open daily, sunup-sundown; admission free. Fort Mitchell County Park, AL 165, Fort Mitchell, Alabama.

Spanish fortification (1689-1691) on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. National Historic Landmark. Historical marker. AL 165, Holy Trinity, Alabama.

Features a boat ramp, protected boat slips, fishing pier and air conditioned cabins. The Kirbo Interpretive Center showcases the native wildlife of Lake Eufaula/George and colorfully depicts the history of Florence, the town that was once located where the park is now situated. GA 39, Omaha, Georgia.

Known as Little Grand Canyon of the Southeast. Park facilities include a day-use park/picnic area and a visitors center. 7 miles west of Lumpkin via GA 39 connector.

1836 residence and former stagecoach stop. It is now a furnished 1840 house museum. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM (ET); Closed for lunch 12 PM - 1PM (ET). Admission charged. US 27, GA 27, Courthouse Square, Lumpkin, Georgia.

Outstanding collection of drug store artifacts housed in old drug store building (circa 1900). Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM (ET); closed for lunch 12 PM - 1 PM (ET); admission charged. US 27, GA 27, Lumpkin, Georgia.

A drive along Lumpkin’s well marked Stagecoach Trail provides an exterior view of over 20 homes built in the Lumpkin area before 1850. Lumpkin, Georgia.

A working village of relocated, authentically restored original buildings and environment depicting the handicrafts and culture of 1850 Georgia. Open Tuesday-Sunday; admission charged. 1 mile south of Lumpkin, Georgia, US 27, GA 27.

This 77-acre site includes the Old Plains High School*, Carter’s boyhood home and present home, as well as the Railroad Depot* in which Carter’s presidential campaigns were based. US 280, GA 27, Plains, Georgia. (*National Historic Register)