Columbia has a long-standing tradition of preserving and growing its downtown district, which holds the distinction of being one of Tennessee’s first five Main Street communities. Dozens of shops, restaurants, breweries, boutiques, and antique stores fill downtown store fronts. An essential tradition for newcomers is “First Fridays”. On the first Friday evening of every month, you can find the square bustling with extended evening hours at shops and restaurants plus lots of live music. For more information: www.visitcolumbiatn.com/events.

The Muletown arts scene is booming! Located a few blocks from the town square, the Columbia Arts District is an up-and-coming hub for local artists to work, learn, and sell their craft. The Columbia Arts Building offers art classes, studios, and retail space. The Mulhouse is a music venue in downtown located in a restored historic church with two performance areas. The main concert area is upstairs, and still has the church’s original pews used for seating.
 

One of the most significant additions to Columbia’s retail scene is The Factory, located at 101 N. James Campbell Blvd. Originally a T-shirt factory, the building has been restored into a modern shopping mall with eclectic shops, antique malls, boutiques, and restaurants.