Columbus, KY is a tiny, historic Mississippi‑river town (≈140 residents) perched above scenic bluffs next to Columbus‑Belmont State Park, offering a peaceful, low‑cost base for multi‑week contracts where evenings are river walks, local diners and easy outdoor escapes rather than nightlife.
If you want more weekend options, Paducah — a regional arts hub with museums (including the National Quilt Museum) and about 27,000 residents — and Cape Girardeau across the river are both within roughly 40–60 miles by car, giving you dining, galleries, events and regional services when you crave a change of pace.