On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, it's off to Georgia's Southern Rivers region. Columbus is our destination city, where we visit the Chattahoochee River Walk, the Columbus Museum, and the Wild Animal Safari in nearby Pine Mountain. We enjoy the delights of Georgia's Official Barbecue Cooking Contest at the Big Pig Jig in Vienna. Gerald Bryant explores the sometimes ghostly Springer Opera House and the National Civil War Naval Museum. David Zelski takes a ride on the SAM Shortline through Cordele, Leslie, Plains, Archery and Americus. And Phil Proctor finds a Columbus food favorite, Lieutenant's Scrambled Dog.

Big Pig Jig (Vienna) – Watch This Segment Online
It's Georgia's Official Barbecue Cooking Contest, and it's serious business. Well, it's serious business for the cooking teams – for everyone else, it's tasty entertainment! Be sure to make the trip to Vienna for the Big Pig Jig – they'll even let you belt out your best hog call.

Lieutenant's Scrambled Dogs (Columbus) – Watch This Segment Online
They may not have a website, but do not miss the actual site of the famous Scrambled Dogs served up by Lieutenant Stevens. You can find the messy, tasty creations at the Dinglewood Pharmacy in Columbus. Track down those dogs at 1939 Wynnton Road, Columbus, GA 31906. The phone number is 706-322-0616.

National Civil War Naval Museum (Columbus) – Watch This Segment Online
So, you might be asking yourself why the National Civil War Naval Museum is in Columbus, Georgia. Well, at Port Columbus they can answer that question and tell you all about the maritime exploits of both the union and confederate navies.

SAM Shortline (Americus) – Watch This Segment Online
Long ago, it was a railway between Savannah, Americus, and Montgomery but today, it's an excursion train that explores Southwest Georgia. Many sites are within walking distance of the SAM Shortline and make it an interesting day trip or weekend getaway. It's all aboard for fun when David Zelski rides the rails from Cordele to Archery.

Springer Opera House (Columbus) – Watch This Segment Online
Over 100 years and still hosting performances! Not only is the historic Springer Opera House the official State Theater of Georgia, it's a working theater. It might also be home to some famous ghosts. Take the tour, see a show and maybe you'll encounter that feeling of presence.

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