Phenix City is a small city located on the Chattahoochee River in Russell County, Alabama. With a population of around 32,000 people, Phenix City offers visitors a slice of classic Southern hospitality and charm. Though it may be small, there are still plenty of things to see and do during your time there.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Phenix City Riverwalk | A scenic walking trail along the Chattahoochee River. |
| Phenix City Farmers Market | Local market with fresh produce, food, and crafts. |
| Phenix City Museum | Museum highlighting local history and notable figures. |
| Phenix Theatre | Historic theater showcasing various performances. |
| Riverwalk Trail Bike Rental | Rent bikes to explore the extended Chattahoochee River Trail. |
| Lakewood Golf Course | A golf course offering scenic views and challenging play. |
| National Civil War Naval Museum IMAX Show | Engaging IMAX presentations on naval warfare history. |
| Haunted Tour | Explore the city’s haunted spots with a guided ghost tour. |
| Consolidated Whiskey Tasting | Sample locally produced whiskey and craft cocktails. |
| Phenix City Agricultural Fair | A fair featuring agriculture, history, and family fun. |
| Artistic Workshops | Participate in creative workshops across various arts. |
| Dining at Captain’s Grill | Enjoy traditional Southern cuisine in a historic setting. |
From unique museums that preserve local history to outdoor adventures along the river, Phenix City is a wonderful weekend destination in the Heart of Dixie.
Explore the following 12 things to do in Phenix City to make the most out of your trip:
Visit the Phenix City Riverwalk
Name and Location: The Phenix City Riverwalk is located along the Chattahoochee River in downtown Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: Constructed in 2006, this half-mile paved walking trail highlights Phenix City’s riverfront while providing educational and recreational opportunities with markers about the Chattahoochee’s history and views of the riverfront.
What to Expect: Visitors can take peaceful, relaxing strolls along the Riverwalk, read signs about local history and river ecology, sit on benches overlooking the water, and access downtown amenities near the path.
Visitor Information: The trail is freely accessible daily from dawn to dusk. Find entrance points along 1st Avenue or 14th Street.
The Phenix City Riverwalk is a beautiful 1.5 mile walking trail that runs along the Chattahoochee River in the heart of downtown. Stroll along the paved path shaded by oak trees and enjoy scenic views of the riverfront.
There are several places to stop and sit along the trail including a large amphitheater which often hosts free concerts and events. The Riverwalk is also home to several historical markers detailing important moments in the city’s past.
Tour the Phenix City Farmers Market
Name and Location: The Phenix City Farmers Market is located at 1010 Broad Street in downtown Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: Launched in 2012, this seasonal open-air market allows regional growers and producers to sell fruits, vegetables, breads, sweets and craft items directly to the local community.
What to Expect: Visitors can browse over 30 farmer and artisan stall booths filled with fresh produce, food items like honey and eggs, garden plants and homemade soaps, jewelry and textiles on market days.
Visitor Information: Open every Tuesday and Saturday, 9am-1pm from May – October. More details at phenixcityalabama.org.
Open every Tuesday and Saturday morning, the Phenix City Farmers Market features over 30 local farmers and artisans selling fresh produce, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Stroll through the open-air market and stock up on seasonal fruits and veggies straight from the farm.
You’ll also find beautiful bouquets of flowers, herbs and plants. Hungry visitors will love the breakfast sandwiches, fresh baked goods and kettle corn. The lively, friendly atmosphere makes the farmers market a can’t miss during your stay.
Learn about local history at the Phenix City Museum
Name and Location: The Phenix City Museum is located at 601 11th Street in Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: Housed in the 1912 Central High School building, this museum opened in 1982 to promote interest and understanding of local history through exhibits, collections and programs.
What to Expect: Guests can explore exhibits on early settlers, Native American artifacts, war memorabilia, textiles, a historic classroom and more while enjoying lectures, activities and gift shop.
Visitor Information: Open Wed-Sat 10am-4pm. Details at phenixcitymuseum.com or (334) 291-4978.
This small but informative museum preserves important artifacts and stories from Phenix City’s unique past. Peruse exhibits detailing the town’s founding after the Civil War to its dangerous days as “Sin City USA” in the 1940s. Other exhibits spotlight important citizens who impacted local history.
Friendly docents are available to answer questions or provide guided tours. With free admission, it’s definitely worth a quick stop to immerse yourself in the area’s rich history.
See a show at the Phenix Theatre
Name and Location: The Phenix Theatre is located at 1500 Broad Street in downtown Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: Constructed in 1912 with ornate architecture, this historic theater hosted vaudeville shows and films through its heyday before its 2010 restoration and reopening as an event venue, adding cultural charm downtown.
What to Expect: Today the elegant 500-seat Phenix Theatre presents community productions, concerts, comedy shows and classic movies in a beautifully preserved setting with modern sound and lighting.
Visitor Information: Show and ticket info can be found at phenixtheatre.com or (334) 291-0881.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Phenix Theatre originally opened in 1912. Today, after undergoing renovations, the 500-seat Romanesque Revival style theater hosts concerts, theater productions, dance recitals and other lively performances. Classic movie screenings also occur weekly.
Pop in to view the ornate interior architecture including dramatic arches and gold leaf detailing. Event calendars are posted online so you can see what’s playing during your stay.
Rent a bike for the Riverwalk Trail
Name and Location: Chattahoochee RiverWalk bike rentals are available at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center at 801 Front Ave in Columbus, GA, accessed from the Riverwalk trail.
History and Significance: The 15-mile Riverwalk Trail connects pedestrians between Georgia and Alabama across the river. Bike rentals allow visitors easy, active exploration of the path.
What to Expect: Rent cruisers, tandem bikes, kids bikes with helmets and biking maps to traverse the Riverwalk on vibrant blue rails-to-trails pathways overlooking the Chattahoochee River waterway and through scenic parks.
Visitor Information: Open daily 9am-5pm. Rates and reservations at visitcolumbusga.com/bikes or (706) 322-1613.
The lengthy Chattahoochee Riverwalk Trail stretches 15 miles from Phenix City through Columbus, Georgia. Rent a bike and hit the paved cycling and pedestrian path to explore at a comfortable pace. Cruise through woodlands and wetlands, cross over the river on pedestrian bridges and take breaks in riverside parks.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the green spaces with pretty views. Bike rentals are available from multiple outfitters in town.
Tee off at Lakewood Golf Course
Name and Location: Lakewood Golf Course is located at 1515 Lakewood Drive in Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: Established 1923 overlooking Lake Harding, Lakewood is Alabama’s oldest golf course designed by Edgewater Engineering. Its challenging play attracts regional tournaments and events.
What to Expect: This 18-hole, par-72 course stretches over 6,700 yards lined with trees, bunkers and water features presenting a test to casual and seasoned golfers within a well-maintained scenic landscape.
Visitor Information: Open 7am-7pm daily. Schedule tee times and green fees at golflivonia.com or (334) 298-0399.
Golfers will love teeing off at the scenic Lakewood Golf Course located right along the Chattahoochee River. This well maintained 18-hole course features contoured fairways, doglegs, sand traps and large greens for an exciting game. The course is considered challenging but fair for all skill levels.
Reasonable prices make Lakewood an affordable option for visitors. Keep an eye out for river views between holes and the small island green on hole 9. Rent a cart to enjoy the full experience.
See an IMAX show at the National Civil War Naval Museum
Name and Location: The National Civil War Naval Museum is located at 1002 Victory Drive in Columbus, GA along the Chattahoochee River.
History and Significance: Established 1963, this was the first museum dedicated to the Confederate Navy. It houses a collection of artifacts, ship models, paintings and 4D theater presenting the Civil War naval history through interactive storytelling.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore the museum’s collections and full-scale replica ships before enjoying Civil War films, documentary footage and simulated battle rides in the high-definition IMAX theater onsite bringing history to life.
Visitor Information: Open daily 10am-4:30pm. Combination ticket prices at portcolumbus.org or (706) 327-9798.
The National Civil War Naval Museum is dedicated to the often overlooked naval battles from America’s bloodiest war. Their state-of-the-art IMAX theater sits viewers right in the action with movies shown on a six story tall screen.
Narrated films use reenactments, animations and paintings to share dramatic stories about wartime battles on ships and rivers. Arrive early to explore the museum’s comprehensive collection of artifacts and vessels before enjoying a captivating film. It’s the perfect way to beat the Alabama heat for an hour.
Take a haunted tour around town
Name and Location: Haunted walking ghost tours depart from Deluxe Tours transportation at 1010 Broadway St in Phenix City, AL to downtown sites.
History and Significance: Phenix City has a storied, occasionally sinister history that local storytellers leverage into compelling haunted tales on experiential twilight walking tours offered seasonally around downtown and the riverfront area nearby.
What to Expect: Listen to creepy stories of spirits while exploring historical haunts after dark. Tours may visit churches, homes, cemeteries, parks and businesses with purported supernatural activity and psychic remnants.
Visitor Information: 90-minute tours offered select nights September-November. Check schedules and buy tickets ($10+) at hauntedphenixcity.com.
Walk through the shadowy streets of Phenix City after dark on a guided ghost tour. An experienced storyteller will lead your group to dozens of haunted hotspots while sharing chilling ghost stories and unexplained occurrences.
You’ll learn all about the town’s macabre history from its lawless days up through recent paranormal activity reported in historical buildings. Some tours even use ghost hunting equipment to search for spirits. It’s a spooky and fun way to discover a different side of this small Southern town.
Enjoy whiskey tastings at Consolidated Whiskey
Name and Location: Consolidated Whiskey is located at 127 Broadway St in Phenix City, Alabama inside an old bank building.
History and Significance: Phenix City’s first licensed distillery opened in 2018 in a 1906 historic property, creating award-winning bourbons and ryes that can be sampled on interactive tour and tasting experiences celebrating craft spirits.
What to Expect: Guests 21+ can take guided facility tours to understand small-batch production methods before enjoying a flight tasting with exclusive bottlings and cocktail samples in an ornate Victorian-style tasting room.
Visitor Information: Tasting room open Tues-Sat. 60-90 minute tour schedules and tickets at cwsdistillery.com.
Consolidated Whiskey operates a craft distillery, speakeasy style cocktail bar and kitchen in Phenix City’s former Edmundson Electric building. Swing through their prohibition style doors to enjoy whiskey flights showcasing beers aged in charred oak barrels.
Their in-house mixologists prepare creative craft cocktails like the hot toddy and mint julep using Consolidated’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey as the starring spirit. Food options include Southern small plates like pimento cheese, pickled shrimp and homemade biscuits ideal for sharing. It makes for a great Happy Hour spot during your stay.
Explore History at the Phenix City Agricultural Fair
Name and Location: The Phenix City Agricultural Fair takes place off Hwy 165 at Sportsplex Field in Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: An annual community tradition for over 50 years, this authentic agricultural fair celebrates Phenix City’s farming heritage through livestock shows, produce exhibits, rodeo events, music, games and family activities.
What to Expect: Fairgoers can enjoy carnival rides, demolition derbies, horse shows, pie contests along with agricultural displays and educational presentations during this multiday event that brings rural traditions to town.
Visitor Information: Held each April. Find schedules, tickets and vendor info at phenixcityfair.com or call (334) 291-2596.
Taking place every October, the Phenix City Agricultural Fair has occurred for over 50 years. It began as a small farming fair to promote regional agriculture and has grown into a beloved annual tradition. In addition to livestock shows, rodeos and crop exhibits, the fair also features historical demonstrations of old timely farming techniques.
Kids love watching traditional butter churning, syrup making, blacksmith work and weaving. Tractor parades, fiddle contests and baking competitions are other highlights. Enjoy classic fair food like funnel cakes as you immerse yourself in Alabama’s agricultural history.
Take an artistic workshop
Name and Location: Artistic workshops are offered in Phenix City at venues like the Brick Yard venue at 1414 3rd Avenue or Art Center Co-Op gallery at 901 South Railroad Street.
History and Significance: Local artists provide instruction on creative techniques spanning painting, drawing, fiber arts, photography, ceramics, jewelry making, glasswork and more at occasional public community education events.
What to Expect: These short workshop sessions allow attendees to gain hands-on experience with different artistic mediums alongside practicing artists in a friendly, low-pressure environment encouraging skill development.
Visitor Information: Schedules and tickets found on venue websites and Facebook pages. Prices vary per workshop style.
Phenix City has a thriving arts scene ranging from music to theater to visual arts. Take advantage by partaking in a hands-on artistic workshop during your visit. Classes cater to all skill levels and often provide useful backgrounds on different mediums before you try creating yourself.
Previous workshop topics include painting, pottery, creative writing, jewelry making and more. A few hours is enough to discover a new passion or hobby to enjoy back home. Check schedules at community centers, museums and galleries around town.
Dine at Captain’s Grill
Name and Location: Captain’s Grill is located at 1045 Brotherton Lane in Phenix City, Alabama overlooking Lake Harding.
History and Significance: Serving patrons since 2009 in a rustic cabin-style setting, Captain’s Grill is a popular family restaurant known for hearty comfort food, scenic waterfront views and southern hospitality.
What to Expect: Guests can enjoy signature dishes like country fried steak, chicken pot pie, catfish and sandwiches in a cozy, nautically-themed dining room or on the outdoor patio with beautiful lake vistas.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-9pm. Menus and specials at captainsgrillphenixcity.com or call (334) 291-5382.
No trip to Phenix City is complete without eating at the iconic Captain’s Grill. Family owned for over 30 years, this traditional restaurant is known for delicious fried seafood plates and homemade sides. Longtime guests rave about their golden fried shrimp, oysters and catfish served with coleslaw, hush puppies and fries.
Other Southern favorites like chicken fried steak, country fried potatoes, mac and cheese, banana pudding and sweet tea are also menu staples. The vintage riverfront location sets the scene for a quintessential Southern dining experience you won’t forget.
Conclusion
Although Phenix City is small, it overflows with quintessential Southern charm and unique attractions. Nature lovers, history buffs, foodies and artists alike will find plenty to fill their itinerary when visiting this riverside town.
Stroll along the Phenix City Riverwalk, learn captivating history in museums, catch a show, play golf and dine on classic Southern cuisine during your weekend trip or short getaway. With such genuine hospitality and rich heritage, Phenix City epitomizes the best of Alabama.