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Churches near Columbus Air Force Base that are military friendly:
First United Methodist Church of Columbus
FUMC of Columbus is military friendly and offers singles classes and young married classes. Offers youth group and children’s programs. FUMC offers traditional and contemporary worship services.
Vibrant Church is a large contemporary church with a large singles and young couples’ program with a heavy military membership. Vibrant Church is all about living life with hope and purpose with a mission is to reach people far from God so they can be raised to life in Christ Jesus.
Fairview is a place where people can meet Jesus, engage in life-giving community, and everyone is welcome. Fairview believes in creating a space where people can have authentic encounters with Christ, discover their gifts and use them for God's glory.
First Baptist of Columbus is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and vibrant community centered on faith, worship, and service. The church emphasizes spiritual growth through biblical teachings, engaging programs, and meaningful connections among members.
Life Church, Golden Triangle Region (GTR), is a contemporary, charismatic, non-denominational church serving Columbus, MS, the Golden Triangle Area and the surrounding cities. Life Church is focused on being family-oriented and serving multiple generations and ethnicities.
New Journey Church exists to know God deeply, grow in Christ daily, and go make disciples across the street and around the world as a gospel-centered multi-ethnic disciple-making movement.
Redeemer Church strives to be a multi-demographic community of believers with the purpose of glorifying God by proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples, and resting in Christ.
Recreation in the local area near Columbus AFB, MS:
There are ample opportunities to enjoy wild-game hunting.
The Riverwalk Walking Trail in downtown Columbus offers opportunities for biking, walking, running, and rollerblading.
Tennis players will enjoy playing tennis at the Magnolia Tennis Club. Golfing is available at the Old Waverly Country Club (which offers a discounted rate for military members), Mossy Oak Golf, Lion Hills Golf Club, and Elm Lake. Mississippi State University also offers a golf course.
The Plymouth Bluff Center is a 190-acre educational and recreational facility. This unique center in the beautiful woodlands of east central Mississippi provides the ideal setting for learning, growth, and recreation in a natural setting.
Lake Lowndes State Park covers 150 acres and offers fishing and camping, along with facilities for softball, tennis, football and other organized sports. The facility offers campsites, cabins ,and cottages.
Dewayne Hayes Campground is located on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway next to Columbus Lake. The campground and recreation area offer convenient access to the waterway and the city of Columbus. Spend the day fishing, boating, hiking, sightseeing, picnicking, and more. Families will love the day-use spray park. The campground features over 100 sites, both full hook-up and primitive.
Beginning on the border between Alabama and Mississippi, the Tombigbee River offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and kayaking, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Along its banks, visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and exploring picturesque parks, as well as discovering local wildlife and scenic views of the river's natural beauty.
Columbus sponsors an Adult Soccer League every spring.
Freedom Park on Columbus Air Force Base was newly renovated and offers ample shade and many play structures. It also offers workout classes for parents and kids (kids play, parent works out).
Recreation within a few hours drive of Columbus AFB, MS:
There are so many places to go in all directions! Check out some of these places to visit:
Birmingham, Alabama:
Birmingham (2-hour drive) is a city with a rich industrial history and a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, exemplified by landmarks like the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Today, it boasts a vibrant arts scene, diverse cuisine, and a growing reputation as a hub for innovation and culture in the South.
The Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex is a premier convention, sports, and entertainment complex. Located in the heart of the Uptown Entertainment District, the BJCC is a world-class events campus in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Birmingham Zoo is a family-friendly destination featuring over 500 animals from around the world, with a strong emphasis on conservation and education. Its lush grounds include interactive exhibits, a children's zoo, and unique attractions like the ZOOkitchen, where visitors can learn about animal diets and care.
The McWane Science Center is a children’s museum that features engaging hands-on exhibits that inspire curiosity about science and the natural world through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations. The museum features an aquarium, a planetarium, and educational programs, it offers a fun and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
As a big city, Birmingham, also offers many big city attractions, like Top Golf.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa (1-hour drive) houses the campus of the University of Alabama which is a beautiful campus. Tuscaloosa is your nearest town for ample shopping opportunities and a close Target Store. The city boasts a blend of Southern charm, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a lively arts scene, making it a unique destination in the heart of the Deep South. Tuscaloosa also offers Putt-Putt golf at an elaborate course at PopStroke. An outdoor amphitheater features live entertainment in the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater. The Sipsey-Wilderness areas offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation to include fishing, boating, hiking, biking, camping, and hunting.
Philadelphia, MS
Philadelphia (1.5 hour drive) offers the Dancing Rabbit Golf Resort and Pearl River Resort Casino and the Geyser Falls Water Park
Memphis, TN
Memephis(2-hour drive) is a city steeped in musical history, famously known as the birthplace of blues and home to iconic landmarks like Beale Street and Sun Studio. With a rich cultural heritage, Memphis also offers renowned barbecues, vibrant festivals, and attractions such as the National Civil Rights Museum, making it a dynamic destination.
Orpheum Theatre in Memphis is a historic venue renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant performances, hosting everything from Broadway shows to concerts. With its rich cultural heritage and intimate atmosphere, it remains a beloved destination for the performing arts in the heart of the city.
Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, is an iconic mansion in Memphis that attracts fans from around the world, showcasing the life and legacy of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. The estate features beautifully preserved rooms, extensive exhibits, and Elvis's gravesite, offering a unique glimpse into his personal and professional life.
Memphis is also home to the NBA basketball team, the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jackson, MS
Jackson (2-hour drive) offers a rich blend of cultural experiences, including visits to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Eudora Welty House, which celebrate the state's history and literary heritage. Visitors can also enjoy vibrant local cuisine, explore the scenic Bluff State Park, and take part in lively music and arts festivals throughout the year that happen at the Brandon Outdoor Amphitheater.
Starkville, MS
Starkville is only 30 minutes away. Mississippi Sate University, in Starkville, offers the opportunity to enjoy SEC conference sports – football, basketball, baseball, softball, and others.
Tupelo, MS
Tupelo (1-hour drive) is the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Guests can tour his home, complete with its 1930s furniture. Tupelo also offers ice skating in the winter and a zoo called the Buffalo Park which features 260 animals.
North Mississippi
Northern Mississippi offers recreation areas at Pickwick Lake, Tishomingo State Park, and Shiloh National Park, just past the state line in south Tennessee.
Alabama
Nearby Alabama offers boating and fishing at Smith Lake.
Gulf Coast
Along the Gulf Coast in Mississippi, in Ocean Springs, you can enjoy the coast. Stay in the golf cart district downtown and enjoy the many restaurants with live music entertainment at night. Also consider visiting the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, eating fresh seafood and staying in a boutique hotel.
Greenwood, MS
Travel to Greenwood, MS (1.5 hours) in the Mississippi Delta and stay at the Alluvian Hotel and Spa. At the Alluvian, you can enjoy a fantastic meal that you helped cook yourself via the Viking Cooking School. Also enjoy a self-guided tour of the making of the movie The Help. The Alluvian also offers live entertainment.
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville, AL offers the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, ax throwing, indoor golf carts, and the famous Wallburg’s restaurant.
Annual Events to Look Forward to Near Columbus AFB, MS:
Downtown Columbus - Market Street Festival in May
Wassail Festival (each business downtown makes an apple cider and the public gets to taste and cast their votes)
Monster Truck racing at the Magnolia Motor Speedway
Interesting Shops Near Columbus AFB, MS:
There are lots of great boutiques in Starkville, West Point, and Columbus.
J Broussard’s New Orleans’s Style Cuisine and Bakery
Southbound Coffee
Recommended Restaurants Near Columbus AFB, MS:
Golden Bowl Thai Restaurant
Up Down Eatery – Best for Brunch
The Taco Amigo (taco food truck)
Anthony’s Good Food Market in West Point
Veterinarian Near Columbus AFB, MS:
Dog/Cat Boarding/Pet Sitter Near Columbus AFB, MS:
BJ’s Dog Grooming (Columbus)
Shaggy Hound (Starkville)
Dentist:
Airports Near Columbus AFB, MS:
The local airport is very convenient but only has Delta Airlines with limited departures and increased prices. Memphis International, Birmingham, and Jackson airports are all two hours away.
What’s the best part about living near Columbus AFB, MS:
If you are boat people, you will get lots of opportunities to boat on the river. Everyone lives close and is on the same schedule, so you tend to do a lot with your military friends.
The community is very close-knit and everyone lives close to one another so there is lots of opportunities to socialize with your military unit. It’s one of those locations which forces you to form a community for something to do which is a definite plus.
What’s the most challenging part about living near Columbus AFB, MS:
The public schools don’t have a great reputation. Kids who live on base can go the county schools which have a better reputation. Heritage Academy is a private school with a great reputation but is pricey.
There isn’t a lot of entertainment in the local area. Grocery stores are somewhat limited in offerings of gluten-free or special diets. The summer is hot and humid with an abundance of insects. There is a nice pool on base that is a nice respite from the heat.
Thank you so much to my friends, Molly Ferguson Taylor and Marla Fisher, who helped me create this great guide!
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