Weekend Wandering | C'mon Down To Columbia
Maybe it’s me, but does anyone get tired of things always being so difficult in Nashville?
Hear me out.
Gone are the days of walking into your favorite restaurant and grabbing a table, free parking, or street parking for that matter, and reasonable commutes. Instead, Nashville has truly embraced the neon lights of Broadway as well as the moniker “Nashvegas,” and has slowly lost the charm and character that made it such a wonderful city. There’s more traffic, more skyscrapers, more party buses/pedal taverns, and undoubtedly more people. Don’t let my rant fool you, I love Nashville, but as I watch my hometown slowly lose its identity, I become a little heartbroken and homesick.
In need of a dose of small-town living and southern hospitality, I decided to travel south and revisit a city I haven’t been to in ages, Columbia, Tennessee.
Columbia, Tennessee is located 45 miles south of Nashville in Maury County. Known as “Muletown” to many Tennesseans, Columbia is widely known for Mule Day, which is an annual celebration that started back in 1840 that celebrates all things related to mules. If you are curious to learn about the festivities, click HERE.
If you’re anything like me and need an escape, I’ve put together a list of a few places I know you will enjoy.
Upon arrival, my first stop was Buck and Board. I spotted this eatery on Instagram and knew immediately it had to be at the top of the list. Buck and Board is a charming little restaurant where guests can enjoy simple food, prepared in a fresh and unique way. Ingredients are sourced from local purveyors like Santa Fe’s Kindred Farm, FireFlour Bakery in Thompson Station, and even crisp beer brewed from Little Harpeth in Nashville.
We were just in time for brunch, and at the recommendation of our server, we ordered the Mediterranean board. It was a wonderful way to start the meal and the perfect thing to share with the table. After all, I couldn’t come to Buck and Board and not order a grazing board!
While my partner in dine opted for the Pear + Walnut salad, I had my eye on the Roast Beef + Brie sandwich. Imagine warm roast beef sandwiched between a fresh baguette topped with brown sugar balsamic onions and brown butter mayo topped off with brie? Swoon! I took a bite and my eyes immediately rolled back in my head. By far the perfect sandwich! My only complaint is that it wasn’t larger.
I highly recommend grabbing brunch or lunch at Buck and Board. While I didn’t have a chance to sample any of the brunch entrees, I’m excited to return. Bananas Foster French Toast is calling my name!
Roast Beef + Brie | Roast Beef + Brie + Brown Sugar Balsamic Onions + Radishes + Brown Butter Mayonnaise + Mixed Greens
Mediterranean | Selection of Meat and Cheese + Olives + Grilled Artichokes + Hummus+ Seasonal Accompaniments+ House-made Bread/ Crackers
Mediterranean | Selection of Meat and Cheese + Olives + Grilled Artichokes + Hummus+ Seasonal Accompaniments+ House-made Bread/ Crackers
Vintage Winery | Columbia, Tennessee
Once you finish at Buck and Board, I’d encourage you to wander around and explore the area. Just steps away, tucked into a 1930’s Esso ServiCenter, you will find the cutest wine tasting room. Vintage Winery is the perfect place to pop in and sample award-winning Tennessee wines. Serving a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines from Pullen Mill Farm and Vineyard and Crown Winery, guests can choose a tasting, a flight, or by the glass.
In addition to these wines, Vintage Winery offers a variety of live music and special events. On most Fridays and Saturdays, you will likely find a local food truck featured.
If you are looking for a taste of Tennessee, you’ve definitely come to the right place!
If wine isn’t your thing, I’ve got you covered. Less than a mile from the roundabout there are a couple of breweries worth checking out. First, swing by Bad Idea Brewing located in the Columbia Arts District. You can grab a pint, wander throughout the facility, and check out the vendors. If being a bar fly is more your style, I’d recommend ordering the 9” Diameter Peanut-butter Cup Stout and pairing it with a slice of Gooey Butter Cake from Ollie and Finn. It’s a match made in heaven. Even though I gravitate towards dark, heavy beer, I really enjoyed Instagramming Photos of My Mimosa To My Friends Across the Table, which is a refreshing Farmhouse Ale -Saison mix with just the right amount of citrus punch.
I can’t wait to come back and sample more of their concoctions! Highly recommend stopping by!
Bad Idea Brewing Company | Columbia, Tennessee
9” Diameter Peanut-butter Cup Stout From Bad Idea Brewing and Gooey Butter Cake from Ollie and Finn
Asgard Brewing Co | Columbia, Tennessee
While you are in Columbia, there’s one more brewery that you need to check out, Asgard Brewing Company. Located just off the town square, Asgard has quite the beer selection with over 150 beers bottled and on draft! Talk about a selection! Since it was the end of the day, I ended up sharing a flight with my friend, and the few beers I sampled were very impressive. Did I mention that they have plenty of TVs and seating if you are looking for a spot to watch the next big sporting event! Swing by and check them out!
Even though I didn’t snap any photos, there are three other shops that are worth a visit:
Lily Jane is the cutest boutique located in the historic town square. They have unique women’s apparel, baby items, HomeGoods, and some of the best cards I’ve seen in a while! This is a great place to grab a girlfriend gift or even a little treat for yourself.
Farmstead Market is steps away from Asgard Brewing, specializing in gourmet groceries from Tennessee artisans, farmers, and makers. I was thrilled to see they carried Benton’s Bacon, so naturally, I snagged a couple of pounds along with some country ham. I can’t wait to enjoy some for breakfast!
Lime and Loaf is perfect for the kitchen enthusiast in your life. They specialize in chef-curated items for cooking and baking, including knives, cookware, and so much more. I ended up snagging my mom the most interesting bakeware, and it’s not anything like what you would find at William Sonoma, it’s MUCH better!
Next time you need to escape the city or simply want to explore the great state of Tennessee, check out Columbia, Tennessee. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Until Next Time!