When my husband got orders to Fort Irwin, CA, we made a list of all the things we wanted to do while we were in CA. Pregnancy and lack of funds cut a lot of things off that list, like amusement parks. However, as we move around with the Army, I notice that a lot of people don’t make the most of wherever they are.

There are downsides to any place. However, every place has its gems. I started exploring online looking for fun and interesting things to do near Columbus, GA (the area we are at now). Of course it’s a couple hours drive to Atlanta and there’ s loads to do there, but I’m determined to find the gems not just the main attractions. Know what I mean?

I enjoy tourist stuff as much as the next person, but I desire to dig into the local scene no matter where we live. Because we didn’t do most of the things on our CA list, I am going to push to do the things on this list. This list, you’ll see, contains a lot more interesting things that don’t cost an arm and a leg (uh, Disney?) like some of our California list. Here are some of the things on my Dirty South Bucket List:

Ma Rainey House and Blues Museum, Columbus, GA

Gina’s Junk thrift and antique store, Columbus, GA

Pasaquan St. EOM’s Compound, Buena Vista, GA (bummer I didn’t know about this)

Museum of Wonder, Seale, AL (check out the AMAZING Etsy shop)

Mass Grave of Circus Train Wreck Victims, Columbus, GA

National Infantry Museum, Fort Benning, GA

Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, GA everything pales in comparison to San Diego Zoo.

Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA (We will definitely be going again. Connal was 5 mos old at the time)

That’s it for now. I’m sure I’ll think of more and if any of you know anything fun to do in this area, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!