The Columbia center point is about 3 miles west of Red Rose Indoor Arena and 4 miles west of Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre.
It's hard to resist the allure of Columbia in the summer. With average temperatures in the low to mid-80s, the local weather is warm without being hot. If you do start feeling sweaty, you can always cool off in the Susquehanna River. Columbia is at its busiest during this season though, so be prepared for higher-than-average accommodation prices, if you can find accommodation at all.
Early fall has similar weather conditions without the high hotel prices. September temperatures sit in the mid-70s before they fall away to the mid-60s in October. Late spring is also warm, but with more rainfall than any other month, showers can put a damper on a May vacation.
You'll need a thick skin to enjoy a winter getaway in Columbia, with temperatures hovering around the 40-degree mark daily throughout the season. While there are some great hotel deals after the festive season, most agree the freezing conditions are reason enough to postpone.
Several hotels in the Columbia area discount their regular room rates for selected travelers. Remember to present your valid identification at the check-in desk to qualify for the savings.
Comfort Inn Lancaster County is one of the few hotels in downtown Columbia. Guests don't just enjoy convenience; AAA and CAA members, seniors and auto club members, government and military personnel, and groups needing 10 rooms or more all receive discounts. Those savings make this already affordable local hotel more attractive. Its recently renovated rooms feature comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, work desks, and practical appliances. Some even have kitchenettes and hot tubs! The Comfort Inn's free hot breakfast is the perfect way to start the day. The hotel also has its own gym, business center, and heated indoor pool.
Sleep Inn & Suites of Lancaster County is another Choice Hotels property offering similar discounts to the Comfort Inn. It's conveniently located in Mountville, less than 3 miles away from Columbia and next to Scoops Ice Cream & Grill. Its modern rooms feature flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and large mirrors for touching up your makeup. Book a suite for more space and in-room microwave and fridges. The free Morning Medley buffet has your favorite hot and cold breakfast treats. The hotel also has its own gym, business center, event space, hot tub, and indoor heated pool for year-round swimming fun.
The glowing reviews of past travelers can't be wrong. The following establishments are renowned for delivering the value many business travelers and leisure seekers crave.
The Warehouse Hotel, located inside Spooky Nook Sports, North America's largest indoor sports center, is the perfect choice for active travelers. Guests enjoy access to all The Nook's facilities including indoor rock climbing walls, Ninja Warrior training course, and a 200-meter indoor running track. The well-appointed rooms feature hypoallergenic beds, fridges, and large 40-inch flat-screen TVs. American classics are always on the menu at Forklift & Palate Restaurant, the on-site restaurant. Fast Wi-Fi, coffee, and parking are all included in your room rate. The service desk is also attended 24/7 to solve any problems you have, day or night.
Comfort Suites Manheim - Lancaster is a more traditional choice that's been a popular option for visiting travelers for decades. Also on Champ Street, the Comfort Suites prides itself on clean, comfortable rooms and friendly service. All rooms feature microwaves and fridges, appliances often reserved for expensive suites. You'll also sleep like a baby on the premium beds. Comfort Suites doesn't charge extra for its Wi-Fi, parking, or the hot breakfast buffet it delivers every morning. Instead of a seasonal pool, Comfort Suites ensures its guests can swim all year round with an indoor heated pool on-site.
Columbia might be a small town, but its fascinating attractions draw visitors from across the state and further afield.
Wright's Ferry Mansion is the oldest house still standing in Columbia. Susanna Wright, a descendant of Columbia's first settler John Wright, built to the home in 1783 to share with her brother James and his wife, Rhoda. The home, which still contains much of its original furniture and other artifacts, is open for daily tours.
The National Watch and Clock Museum is of the few museums of its kind in the world. With more than 12,000 artifacts, it also has North America's largest horological collection. Highlights historic English tallcase clocks, the world's largest collection of 19th-century American clocks and watches, and the magnificent Engle Clock, dubbed the eighth wonder of the world.
Visitors also enjoy strolling the streets of the Columbia Historic District and admiring its Late Victorian period architecture.
Notable buildings including the Holy Trinity Catholic Church and School, the Columbia Town Hall, the and Reading and Columbia Freight Station. The Columbia Historic District earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Ice cream lovers shouldn't miss the Turkey Hill Experience. Learn more about the Turkey Hill Dairy and the company's famous ice creams and iced teas before creating your very own flavor! There are unlimited ice cream and iced tea samples too, so bring your appetite!
With friendly locals and a relaxed vibe, Columbia is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Accommodation is limited though, so visit Hotel Planner to book yours when you start planning your Lancaster County getaway.
Below are reviews of the city of Columbia, PA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Quiet