Ft. Benning, GA

It seems like ages ago since we were stationed at Ft. Benning, now, Ft. Benning. It was our first duty station after Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC). The post’s name change was almost two years ago, just one of the many changes that have happened since I was there ten years ago. It still stands out as my favorite duty station. Perhaps it is my favorite because I like living in a hot place with only a short winter. Perhaps it is my favorite because that is where my kids went from being babies to “big boys.” Perhaps it is my favorite because there is something nostalgic about firsts.
In any case, there are three reasons for everyone to love being stationed at Ft. Benning:

1. There are plenty of activities for the whole family on post.
2. Columbus and the surrounding area are big enough to find most things you would want access to and yet it feels like a very manageable city.
3. When you need more, Atlanta and

Florida are both an easy drive.
On Fort Benning the two places we went most often to get out of the heat or to take out-of-town family were the National Infantry Museum (NIM) and the MWR Bowling and Entertainment Center.

The NIM is an engaging museum for the whole family. With interactive exhibits and simulators, you will find yourself going back again and again just so you can see it all. They host special events and graduations, so check the calendar.

If you are into marching bands and all things patriotic, going to a Basic Training graduation is a great event to take the kids. For more information on the museum and graduations visit NIM’s website.

The Ft. Benning Bowling and Entertainment Center was the best place to take the boys to get the wiggles out during the summer heat. The boys remained in the large corralled area where they could do all the jumping and sliding they wanted and my little Houdini didn’t disappear out the door. You can see what the hours and price list are on their website. Go to the Ft Benning MWR Facebook page to keep up to date on any specials they might offer.

Two other Ft. Benning activities are more “word of mouth”: Airborne and Ranger graduations and demonstrations. Every Airborne class has a few days of jumping where you can take a picnic (or other outside activity) and collapsable chairs and watch the soldiers in Airborne school jump out of an airplane. You can also take walks near the Airborne school to casually see some of the training they go through.

Ranger graduation includes a demonstration from the Ranger Battalion. They show many of the tasks that the soldiers endure during their training. While I learned about these events through word-of-mouth, you can probably keep up to date on these events via Facebook.

Beyond the Gates

Many people want to know what is “off post” before they determine whether or not they are looking forward to a duty station. Columbus, GA is just outside the Ft. Benning main gate. The city has about 200,000 people and it’s the third largest metropolitan area in Georgia.

Columbus has plenty to do! The Chattahoochee River runs through the city and provides a picturesque view as well as rapids for a competitive whitewater course.

As a young family, we were pretty frugal. Our favorite hangout places included Krispy Kreme and the Columbus Public Library.

Watching the Krispy Kreme donut conveyer belt captived the young ones and the smell was divine. We would hit this donut haven on special days and make an event out of it. It was also near all the places I wanted to go when I did errands, so quite convenient. Now they have an app so you can stay up to date on all their happenings.

The library was our favorite weekly excursion. There were regular story times and their seasonal events were special. The boys got their own tickets from a conductor when we went to see “The Polar Express” at the library theater. Some reading programs in the summer brought in magicians and even second-run movies like “The Lego Movie”. You can see their up-to-date activities on Facebook or visit their website.

The Coca-Cola Space Science Center, run by Columbus State University, lies in the heart of the city. There are plenty of activities there for the whole family. It was one of the first places we went when we moved there. We just explored the exhibits, but the Omnisphere Planetarium was something that we planned on getting back to. We didn’t. I knew many people who went there and said it was not-to-be-missed. Visit their website to checkout the shows.

While Columbus is right outside of Ft. Benning's front gate and everything in Columbus is within 20 minutes of the Ft. Benning visitor’s center, there is still more to do just outside the Dixie Road Gate. Fort Mitchell is both a small residential town in Alabama and the name of the historical site dating back to 1813. It is a small landmark site with displays and a carriage house. The website says it has a small theater now too. It was a fun little adventure with out-of-town guests between nap time and dinner. Visit the Fort Mitchell Historic Site’s website for  details.

Ande’s not done dishing on all the adventures near Ft. Benning.  Come back next week as she explores road trips you can take with the family.