A "Theo of Golden" Journey Through Art, History & the River
Trip Date: March 12-14, 2027
Price:
$950 per person, double occupancy
$1,250 per person, single occupancy
You may join this experience as an individual or with a group of friends. This would be a perfect weekend get away for a book group.
Contact Valise to enquire about creating a private trip for your group during dates of your choosing.
A private weekend among the people, places and stories of "Theo of Golden", with art, history and the Chattahoochee River at its heart.
The Experience
For this rare two-night escape, Valise invites you into the real-life setting of Allen Levi's beloved novel, Theo of Golden. Allen Levi grew up in Columbus, GA, and the southern city of Golden at the center of his novel is drawn from its streets, its river and its people.
During the weekend, you meet artist Garry Pound, whose work is characterized by Asher in the book, see his portraits on the walls of Fountain City Coffee, and walk the river and streets that give the story its sense of place.
Your home for the weekend is the beautifully restored Illges Woodruff Estate in the heart of Columbus. The group size is limited, ensuring an intimate and personal experience.
If you loved the book, you will love this trip.
YOUR HOME IN COLUMBUS
You stay together at the Illges Woodruff Estate, two neighboring historic homes, the Illges Woodruff House (circa 1850) and the J.P. Illges Woodruff House (circa 1911), reunited as one estate in 2024. Breakfast is served on the porch, in the gardens or in the glass Conservatory, and one evening we dine together at home.
THE WORLD OF THEO
A full day follows the book through Columbus: Garry Pound's studio, with the chance to sit for your own portrait; Fountain City Coffee and its walls of Garry's portraits; the bookstore next door; and the fountain where Theo met so many of the town's people.
THE RIVER
The Chattahoochee runs through the whole weekend. Walk the Riverwalk with conservationist and historian Ken Henson, and spend your final morning on the water with the Lower Chattahoochee Riverkeepers.
Day 1
Arrival to Columbus, Georgia
Friday, March 12 — Welcome to Columbus!
Settle into the beautifully restored Illges Woodruff Estate in the heart of Columbus for two nights. The historic property features bedrooms with a mix of two-bed and king-bed configurations, with single and double occupancy available.
After arrival, take time to wander the gardens or grab lunch at a local cafe.
At 2:00pm, gather with fellow travelers to begin your discovery of Columbus: its history and its deep connection to the Chattahoochee River. Your private guide leads you through Historic Linwood Cemetery and the new Heritage Park, where the story of the city and the story of the river are told together.
That evening we gather in a private room at the Goetchius House, a restored historic home on the Chattahoochee, for drinks on the balcony as the sun sets over the water, followed by dinner prepared by its chef.
Itinerary is subject to change
Day 2
B/D
Theo of Golden, Art and the River
Saturday, March 13 — The morning starts slowly, with a breakfast of local favorites and coffee on the front porch of the J.P. Illges Woodruff House, in the gardens or in the Conservatory. Afterward, you step into the world of the book. In his studio, Garry Pound, whose work is characterized by Asher in Theo of Golden, shows you his work, and you have the chance to sit for your own portrait.
A short stroll brings you to Fountain City Coffee, its walls hung with Garry's portraits. Linger for a coffee then stroll to the bookstore next door and the fountain where Theo met so many of the locals.
Lunch is on the rooftop at Hotel Indigo, with the river moving below.
In the afternoon, Historian Ken Henson walks you along the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, sharing the history, ecology and stories of the river that shaped Columbus.
We close the day with an intimate, elegant dinner at home, in the J.P. Illges Woodruff House or the glass Conservatory.
Itinerary is subject to change
Day 3
B
The Chattahoochee and Columbus History
Sunday, March 14 — After Breakfast at the Estate, your final morning is spent on the water, on a private river excursion with the Lower Chattahoochee Riverkeepers.
From there you travel the brick streets of the Historic District to the National Civil War Naval Museum, another chapter of the city's story. We end the tour and our trip with a Civil War cannon firing demonstration.
Although your official tour ends at the Naval Museum, we encourage you to explore more of Columbus on your own. Some of our suggested local treasures are: The Columbus Museum, the National Infantry Museum, the Springer Opera House, the Illges Doll House with the Historic Columbus Foundation, or the Columbus Botanical Gardens.
Itinerary is subject to change
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Two nights at the Illges Woodruff Estate with daily breakfast; private guided tours of Historic Linwood Cemetery and Heritage Park, the Chattahoochee Riverwalk with Ken Henson, and a river excursion with the Lower Chattahoochee Riverkeepers; a private visit to Garry Pound's studio; admission to the National Civil War Naval Museum; a farewell dinner at the Illges Woodruff Estate.
Not included: airfare to Atlanta, transportation to and from Columbus, travel insurance, all lunches and one dinner, portrait commissions, and optional touring on your final day.
For those arriving by plane, the nearest airport is Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL).
Upon request, Valise can arrange a private Sprinter van transfer between Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and Columbus.
This van transfer is not included in the price of this trip.
Please contact Valise with any questions about flights or transfers to/from Columbus.
A 50% deposit reserves your space, with the balance due January 15, 2027. Cancellations after January 15, 2027 are non-refundable.
Please enquire about receiving a quote for travel insurance.
This intimate journey is limited to eight and requires six travelers to depart. Should the minimum not be reached by December 15, 2026, your deposit will be refunded in full.
This is a 2-night trip. Alcoholic beverages other than those specifically stated, Airfare, Airport Transfers and Gratuities are not included in the price of this trip.