16 Cool Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio

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A picturesque German Village. A gorgeous winding trail along a calm river. A market full of delicious and unique eats. You could argue that Ohio’s scenic capital is the ideal American city, blending Midwestern grace with a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Here you can check out the boutique shops and trendy restaurants in the Short North neighborhood and in the same day stroll around an authentic 19th-century German Village. Columbus feels at once big but homey, and there are plenty of amazing things to do in Columbus, Ohio!

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A picturesque German Village. A stunning winding path alongside a relaxed river. A market filled with scrumptious and distinctive eats. You may argue that Ohio’s scenic capital is the perfect American metropolis, mixing Midwestern grace with a cosmopolitan life-style. Right here you’ll be able to take a look at the boutique retailers and classy eating places within the Brief North neighborhood and in the identical day stroll round an genuine Nineteenth-century German Village. Columbus feels without delay large however homey, and there are many wonderful issues to do in Columbus, Ohio!

Germans and Italians settled a lot of the town within the early 20th century, and in current many years, Ohio State College and a thriving white-collar economic system have attracted transplants from each nook of the globe. Indigenous historical past additionally runs deep in Columbus, with the Shrum Mound, a sequence of earthen hillocks constructed by pre-Columbian civilizations over 2,000 years in the past, only a quick automotive trip away. The Ohio History Center, close to downtown Columbus, provides considerate and academic displays on the Adena, the individuals chargeable for the Shrum Mounds, in addition to different Indigenous teams of the Jap Plains. 

Foodies can look ahead to Midwestern mainstays like smashburgers and chili canines, but additionally artistic effective eating, swank speakeasies, and the pleasant smorgasbord that’s North Market. For hop heads, Columbus punches nicely above its weight for incredible breweries, together with nationally acknowledged standouts like Land Grant. Lastly, the town buzzes with mental vitality: not solely is there Ohio State College, a world-renowned analysis college, but additionally a bevy of destination-worthy museums just like the COSI and Columbus Museum of Art. 

Under, discover all the pieces it’s good to learn about exploring the Buckeye State’s capital!

Psst: Planning a visit to the Midwest? Try these different superior locations:

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When Ought to I Go to Columbus, Ohio?

April by means of June, and September and October, months with crisp climate and all of the verve of soccer season, are the very best months to go to Columbus. The autumn, a time of sweaters, pumpkins, and autumn hues, is especially pretty right here. The autumn additionally means football and tailgating season—a really large deal within the Buckeye State. Word that Columbus can get snowy and chilly within the winter, so if you happen to’re not a cold climate particular person, you must keep away from planning a visit in January or February.

A succession of huge festivals and cultural occasions enliven Columbus all year long. For a robust dose of Midwestern nostalgia, possibly chased with a deep-fried Twinkie, come for the Ohio State Fair, every year from early July to early August. As you’d count on in a metropolis with deep German roots, Columbus celebrates Oktoberfest with aplomb, significantly in German Village. The Ohio Black Expo in Might showcases the contributions of African People to Columbus’s meals, music, and artwork. 

How do I get round Columbus, Ohio?

Driving to Columbus from Cleveland takes only a contact over two hours, with the route working by means of Ohio’s fascinating Amish nation. Pittsburg and Louisville are additionally inside hanging distance, about 3 hours, and 5 hours from Chicago.

Lyft and Uber (or your individual automotive) are most likely one of the simplest ways to discover Columbus, and fares not often exceed $20. From The Junto, my resort within the Franklinton neighborhood, rides averaged round $15.

When you wish to hoof it, neighborhoods like German Village, Short North, and Downtown are compact and eminently walkable. Columbus has a well-integrated bike– and scooter-share program, with well-paved paths and handy docking ports all through the town.

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Issues to do in Columbus, Ohio

Whether or not your concept of a wonderful afternoon appears to be like like a sunny patio bar, a fascinating museum, or a medley of culinary delights, Columbus has acquired you lined.

For academic vacationers, the Ohio State House, Shrum Mounds, and the Columbus Museum of Art promise ample meals for thought. For the itinerant epicure, a whole journey might be deliberate round North Market, nationally famend breweries, and the hip eating places and cocktails lounges of Brief North and Downtown. Household vacationers will discover hours of enjoyment on the COSI (Middle of Science & Trade), one of many nation’s finest science museums. 

Get Misplaced in Otherworld

Otherworld is a 32,000-square-foot immersive artwork set up that’s like falling down the rabbit gap into Wonderland. It’s overstimulating, fascinating, and inventive . There’s a lot to see and do, it’s laborious to determine the place to begin!

Even coming into Otherworld provides you decisions, whether or not you’re happening a red-velvet-lined corridor and peeling off into totally different rooms, or coming into by means of a very regular (?) janitor’s closet. As soon as inside there are over 40 scenes to discover, stuffed with large-scale artwork, like an unlimited tree, a flying-horned-rabbit-beast, and an enormous bull.

Most of the rooms function puzzles and video games, and if you happen to resolve them, reward you with an auditory/visible expertise, just like the bed room with a wall you’ll be able to paint and a sepia-tone room that involves life in colour. There are additionally secret passageways to discover, some you’ll be able to solely crawl by means of, that take you to hidden little areas.

Otherworld additionally hosts a slew of events, many that includes DJs and dancing, so you’ll be able to really celebration to thumping music as you discover the fantasy and storytelling that’s Otherworld!

Step Again in Time on the Kelton Home Museum and Backyard

The Kelton House Museum and Garden is a historic house in Columbus that tells the story of three generations of the Kelton household. Over 80% of the unique artifacts of the Kelton household exist, which means that you would be able to actually step again in time on this museum so far as 1760.

The museum focuses on the Underground Railroad, native historical past and ornamental arts. The Kelton’s have been staunchly antislavery again in the course of the Civil Conflict, and harbored fugitive slaves Martha and Pearl Hartway. Martha was in poor health when she arrived, so she stayed on the Kelton house and was raised there.

Grace Kelton, the final proprietor of the Kelton house who handed in 1975, was a outstanding inside decorator, who worked with Jacqueline Kennedy to restore the White House. You may see these design parts in the home, from beautiful wallpaper, to Victorian hair wreaths, to a big assortment of her design books.

Tours are an hour long and occur on the hour, and are a superb technique to study extra about not solely the household however Columbus itself!

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Stroll Down The Brief North Arts District 

Close to Downtown Columbus, the Short North Neighborhood is Ohio’s reply to Bushwick in Brooklyn or Silver Lake in LA – an city enclave oozing with Bohemian aptitude and choc-full of hipster espresso retailers, dive bars, and inventive eating places. Stroll alongside Excessive Road, a thoroughfare lined with public homes, document shops, and consignment retailers, to get really feel for the neighborhood.  

A number of gems in Brief North: 

  • Smartypants Vintage – When you’re out there for classic band t-shirts, uncommon sneakers, or flippantly used flannels, make a detour to this buzzing thrift retailer on Excessive Road. It’s an important place to get a brand new outfit for an evening in town!
  • Spoonful Records – Vinyl-heads and followers of the cult-classics of rock, blues, and rap should put aside not less than an hour to peruse the spectacular choice at Spoonful Data, a document retailer that draws music lovers from far and large. 
  • Happy Go Lucky Home & Her – This pleased, colourful retailer pops with fashionable clothes with daring prints, and enjoyable presents for adults and youngsters like puzzles, crops, and candles. You’ll critically wrestle between selecting a stunning piece of jewellery, a brand new purse, or a two-tone jumpsuit. I say get all of them!
  • Short North Pint House – After scooping up some uncommon treasures from the document or clothes racks, get your drink on at Brief North Pint Home, a vivacious pub with a alternative number of suds from round Ohio. Seize a seat on the well-worn bar amongst patrons starting from L Manufacturers and NationWide executives to native artists and musicians. 
food from martini modern italian columbus ohio Blog Photo 2
Nothing like home made pasta, like this Butternut Squash Tortellini from Martini Trendy Italian!


Seize a Chunk To Eat

Columbus gifted the world each Wendy’s and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, two iconic manufacturers that embody the dual faces of the town’s culinary tradition. Like Jeni’s wildly artistic flavors, Columbus cooks are recognized for innovation and experimentation. Take Agni, a beloved Indian-fusion restaurant: Chef Avishar Barua fuses Bengali classics with the flavors of Korea and South America—and, like a pint of Every thing Bagel ice cream, it really works surprisingly nicely.

However, Columbus is a city that relishes traditional American consolation meals, like Wendy’s easy however delicious burgers coveted the world over. From chili fries and corn canines to hearty German-American plates and wealthy malted milkshakes, Columbus does tried-n-true heartland fare with unequalled pizzazz.

Martini Trendy Italian 

Positioned within the fashionable Brief North neighborhood, Martini Modern Italian is a modern and trendy restaurant with loads of wealthy and scrumptious Italian choices.

The environment is darkish and romantic, with chandeliers and crimson and black accents all through. It’s good for a date night time, and the service is simply as pretty as the inside!

So far as meals, undoubtedly attempt the Arancini to begin which has gorgonzola, marinara, and parmigiano reggiano, and though they’re fried they really feel gentle with a savory punch. In your important, attempt the candy and savory Butternut Squash Tortellini with parmesan cream, Brussel leaves, and Marcona almonds which give it a pleasant crunch, or the Tenderloin, a melt-in-your-mouth Filet Mignon with contemporary pasta, Cambozola butter, and a Chianti wine discount.

Ritzy’s 

You may spy Ritzy’s from afar by the big plastic cheeseburger close to the doorway. Ritzy’s serves what might be described because the Platonic very best of a Midwest smashburger: a sesame-seed bun; two skinny patties, charred completely; American cheese; crisp lettuce; crunchy pickles; bacon; and a tangy home sauce.

Deliver a heroic urge for food to Ritzy’s: in addition to the burger, you’ll have to attempt a chili canine, milkshake, fries, and possibly even their PB&J. Afterwards, as soon as you’ll be able to stand once more, order a scoop of their home made ice cream—it’s as wealthy and satisfying because the ice cream you dreamed about throughout childhood summers.

Enjoyable reality: Ritzy’s founder was as soon as enterprise companions with Dave Thomas, the progenitor of Wendy’s (however Wendy’s is to Ritzy’s what Cup Noodles are to bowl of ramen in Tokyo).

Agni

Chef Avishar Barua is just like the Jimi Hendrix of Indian delicacies, riffing on South Asian staples like panipuri and chapati with the flavors of Indonesia, Peru, and Korea. As a toddler, Chef Avishar realized to cook dinner Bengali soul meals in his mom’s kitchen, and as a younger grownup, discovered himself as a High Chef contender.

In Agni’s modern eating room, patrons get pleasure from a six-course tasting menu, with plates starting from house-smoked BBQ with masala spices to chai-infused ice cream adorned with cardamom and jalebi. The cocktail program matches the creativity and eclecticism of the kitchen—attempt the mango lassi spiked with pisco or the garam masala-infused libations

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The Tuna Tartar from Brass Eye. (Photograph Credit score: Johnny Motley)

Brass Eye 

Brass Eye, The Junto’s beautiful rooftop sanctuary, takes its identify from a time period in Ben Franklin’s Drinker’s Dictionary for somebody with a prodigious potential to carry their liquor.

Along with stiff cocktails and a powerful wine checklist, Brass Eye serves up a curated number of Ohio craft beer. The menu leans into nostalgic Midwestern consolation meals—suppose fried hen sandwiches, smashburgers, and fries—however with chefly prospers like duck-fat fries and house-made pickles. You may as well discover extra sea-based meals, just like the beautiful tuna tartar.

The views of Columbus’s skyline from the Brass Eye are among the many finest within the metropolis, and there may be loads of cozy out of doors seating to look at a stunning sundown.

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus

Based in 1886, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus has lengthy been a German Village mainstay. Like Milwaukee’s old-school beer halls, here’s a restaurant extra German than anywhere in Germany – waiters decked out in Lederhosen and feathered caps, partitions festooned with ornate wooden carvings, and plates heaped excessive with knockwurst, sauerkraut, and seemingly infinite variations of potatoes.

Whereas the decor is a bit kitschy, the German-American consolation meals is legit. In reality, round lunch, count on to attend as much as an hour earlier than snagging a desk and tucking into delicious schnitzel sandwiches and frosty pints of Weihenstephaner.

Excessive Financial institution Distillery

Ohio shares a border with Kentucky, and the Buckeye State holds its personal when it comes to effective bourbon. High Bank Distillery was named after the period when Ohio Prohibitionists and bootleggers settled their disagreements on the streets. Whisky War Barrel Proof, Highbank’s flagship providing, has received first place for Finest Blended Whiskey on the San Francisco World Spirits Competitors for 5 years working.

Attempt their rye whiskey as nicely for comparability with their conventional bourbon. On the bar, an extended counter crowded with Ohio State college students and visiting whiskey aficionados, you’ll be able to pattern flights of whiskey or delectable whiskey-based cocktails.

Along with wonderful spirits, Highbank serves stable meals, largely traditional pub grub with a gourmand aptitude. The Philly cheesesteak spiked with Korean gochujang and the buffalo wings, accessible in a rating of flavors, are standouts. 

Try the North Market

In former centuries, Columbus boasted a number of elegant markets homes the place farmers and artisans from throughout Ohio got here to promote their wares. Right this moment, solely the North Market, established in 1876, stays intact. Only a fast stroll from Brief North, the North Market hums day by day with eating places, bars, and distributors starting from Amish cheese-mongers to kimchi distributors to Polish grocers. It is a veritable fairyland for foodies, however structure lovers will discover the North Market, a crimson brick Georgian masterpiece, equally compelling.

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – This ice cream has taken the nation by storm in just some years. In my neighborhood in Brooklyn, the native bodega goes by means of extra pints of Jeni’s than even vacuum-sealed slices of Junior’s cheesecake. Whereas Jeni’s now has ice cream parlors throughout Columbus, the unique location is within the North Market, the place patrons can get pleasure from conventional flavors like Honey Lavender or experimental takes like Everything Bagel. 
  • The Barrel and Bottle – Ohio, a state with deep Jap European and German roots, is excessive within the working for finest beer states within the U.S.—up there with Michigan, Colorado, and Oregon. To pattern a number of Ohio suds, snag a bar stool at The Barrel and Bottle, an open-air store proper subsequent to Jeni’s. The rotating faucets spotlight beloved Columbus breweries like Land Grant and Endeavor Brewing in addition to some alternative beers from Cleveland, Cincinnati, and different elements of the Buckeye State. You may even take your drinks and wander across the market!
  • Momo Ghar – Right here you’ll be able to have the uncommon alternative to attempt some Himalayan dumplings referred to as momos, that are savory and well-seasoned in delectable bite-sized items. Momo Ghar is tremendous nicely revered in Columbus, even having Man Fieri himself go to the institution. Attempt the Jhol Momo, a Kathmandu-style steamed hen dumpling or the Tibetan Momo, a steamed pork dumpling.

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Step right into a Secret Speakeasy

Dive into the depths of Columbus by exploring one of many many speakeasies, the place you’ll be able to drink specialty cocktails in a darkish and mysterious venue. Listed here are the speakeasies in Columbus (that we all know of), however who is aware of, possibly there are much more secret ones?

  • Sacred Palm – Step right into a walk-in cooler of a local pizza place and also you’ll end up transported to a colourful Tiki cocktail lounge stuffed with pretend crops, neon lights, and naturally, rum-filled creations. So seize a drink just like the Missionary’s Downfall with rum, peach, lime, pineapple, agave, and mint and benefit from the candy, secret tropical vibes.
  • Sotto Terra – Positioned within the basement of a 130+ year-old church, Sotto Terra (Italian for “underground”) serves up drinks in a Converse-easy fashion bar and cabaret membership. They’ve loads of events all the time, from trivia nights, to reside performances, to tug exhibits, and far more!
  • Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce – Nothing says “speakeasy” like mixing wonderful cocktails in a darkish room with reside burlesque, and fortunately Forty Duce has simply that. You’ll discover this extremely revered burlesque present on Fridays and Saturdays by coming into by means of the Forty Deuce Cafe’s swinging kitchen doorways and contained in the walk-in fridge…
  • Switch – Swap is a speakeasy that wants a password, which you’ll discover on the receipt after ordering a drink at The Railhouse within the East Market. When you’re somewhat liquored up, you’ll enter by means of a secret door to search out top-shelf bourbon on this cozy, brick-lined basement speakeasy.

Enterprise By means of the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

As an avid fan of Dale Chihuly, the world-renowned American glass artist, I positioned the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens excessive on my checklist of locations to see in Columbus. The go to exceeded my expectations and proved to be a spotlight of my journey by means of Ohio. Along with an array of delicate Chihuly flowers, the gardens boast Amazonian orchids, a garden of technicolored tulips, and botanic wonders endemic to the Midwest.

An intricate mannequin practice set whirrs by means of one room of the indoor gardens, and the Youngsters’s Backyard, outdoors the greenhouse, provides a serene refuge to each children and grown-ups alike. When you’re the kind of museum customer who likes to linger, studying placards and skimming displays slowly, put aside not less than two hours for this tour.

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The E-book Loft is among the most iconic spots in German Village. (Photo Credit)

Step Again in Time within the picturesque German Village

Within the mid-Nineteenth Century, about one-third of the inhabitants of Columbus was German. In German Village, a picturesque nook of the town simply south of Downtown, immigrants constructed a hamlet mirroring these of their native Bavaria. Right this moment, German Village is one among Columbus’s most upscale neighborhoods, replete with elegant parks, quirky boutiques, and incredible eating places, together with a number of century-old German-American gems like Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Valter’s at the Maennerchor

Bibliophiles ought to put aside not less than an hour (and some shekels) for The Book Loft, one of many largest unbiased bookstores within the nation. Encompassing a number of tales of winding, book-lined corridors, the E-book Loft feels just like the library at Hogwarts. Along with books, guests can discover all types of quirky souvenirs like magnets, mugs, and cheeky greeting playing cards. When you want a caffeine pick-me-up after perusing all these literary treasures, stroll over to Stauf’s, a energetic coffeehouse in German Village. 

In homage to Friedrich Schiller, the good Teutonic poet and polymath, German immigrants within the Nineteenth century constructed Schiller Park, an enormous inexperienced house within the coronary heart of German Village. Criss-crossed by streams and riveted with majestic bushes, Schiller Park makes for blissful strolling. Statues all through the park honor Columbus’s most famed little kids, and a bronze casting of Schiller himself gazes out on the park from a marble pedestal. 

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Discover Italian Village 

Adjoining to Brief North, Italian Village was one among Columbus’s first suburbs, and the enclave’s broad, tree-lined streets and good-looking brick houses belie its city environment. In many years previous, Italian Village attracted not solely immigrants from the Bel Paese, but additionally from different Catholic nations like Eire and Poland. 

Much less touristic than German Village, Italian Village is one other incredible neighborhood to take in historical past, tradition, and possibly a number of glasses of chianti. Borgata Pizza Cafe does an admirable New York-style slice; and Paulie Gee’s, a Brooklyn establishment, has an outpost not removed from Italian Village. 

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Columbus Museum of Artwork has loads of whimsical and traditional artistic endeavors. (Photograph Credit score: Johnny Motley)

Wander by means of A Museum

Columbus is house to a litany of very good museums, each private and non-private. From the ornate Ohio Statehouse, open to the general public most weekdays, to fashionable artwork galleries and the Museum of Catholic Art and History, Columbus punches above its weight for cultural clout. Under, are a number of of my favourite C-Bus museums. 

COSI

The Columbus Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is among the nation’s premier science museums, in the identical echelon because the Museum of Science in Boston or the American Natural History Museum in New York. Doubling as a wildly widespread museum and world-renowned analysis institute, COSI homes marvels like dinosaur skeletons, replicas of the photo voltaic system, and interactive displays for studying about scientific ideas. 

You may spend days exploring COSI’s displays, however if you happen to’re pressed for time, think about hitting the Area and Devices displays. The previous homes a reproduction of the spacecraft piloted by John Glenn, the primary astronaut to orbit the Earth and an Ohio native. The Devices displays supply an enchanting tour by means of the historical past of equipment and engineering—an mental deal with even for these, like this creator, with no mechanical leanings in any way. 

Be certain that to examine COSI’s web site for updates on rotating displays. 

Columbus Museum of Artwork

Bask within the glory of the Renaissance masters and well-known Midwestern painters on the Columbus Museum of Artwork.

With its beautiful Neo-Classical façade, the Columbus Museum of Art has rooms devoted to the immortal Dutch, Italian, and French artwork in addition to exhibitions that includes American artists like Edward Hopper and Kehinde Wiley.

George Bellows, the realist painter finest recognized for gritty depictions of New York Metropolis, hailed from Columbus, and the museum homes a number of of his works, together with the well-known Polo at Lakewood.

The cafe, proper by the doorway, is great as nicely, full with a well-trained barista and a well-stocked fridge filled with Columbus craft beer.

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Stroll the Scioto Mile riverfront

The Scioto Mile riverfront is a serpentine public park tracing the Scioto River, with over 175 acres of lush parkland. The park provides fantastic views of Columbus’s skyline and the futuristic-looking suspension bridges spawning the Scioto River, in addition to a group of sculptures and artwork.

The Scioto Mile can be house to many events throughout the year, from artwork festivals, to reside music, to vacation celebrations. It actually appears like the guts of Columbus, and residents of Columbus use it as their metaphorical front room.

When you’re up for some train or contemporary air, decide up a motorcycle at a CoGo Bike Share docking station, situated conveniently all through Columbus, and hit the paths subsequent to the riverside promenade.

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Columbus Ale Path 

Midwesterners take beer as critically as New Yorkers take pizza and bagels. And with over fifty thousand faculty college students, Columbus is a city that, nicely, likes to drink. The storied Columbus Ale Trail encompasses lots of the metropolis’s most interesting taphouses.

Land Grant, inside strolling distance of The Junto, is a neighborhood favourite, with a patio usually bumping with reside music. Gemut Biergarten, as you would possibly infer from the identify, makes a speciality of conventional German beers.

With lengthy tables and a sausage-laden menu, this taproom may have been transported immediately from Munich. If you wish to pattern a litany of Columbus beers in a single place, hit The Barrel and Bottle in North Market.

Ponder Historical Historical past at Shrum Mound

Positioned about 12 minutes outdoors of downtown, the Shrum Mound is an unassuming grassy hill that’s steeped in historic historical past.

The Shrum Mound stands in Campbell Memorial Park, and is an historic burial mound of the Adena Native People. The mound itself measures 20′ in top and about 100′ in diameter and stands on a excessive bluff on the west aspect of the Scioto River, and has a path to the highest, in addition to an interpretive signal and a bench.

The Adena Persons are a few of Ohio’s first recognized settlers, current within the space from roughly 1000 BC to 100 AD. They hunted, gathered, traded, and farmed, in addition to carved effigy figures and made pottery. Additionally they constructed homes and burial grounds, and it’s fairly unbelievable that this mound nonetheless stands to this present day.

The mound consists of soil, stone, the our bodies of those that died, and particular burial gadgets, and have been usually constructed near waterways, just like the Scioto River the place this one stands.

It is a great spot to return pay tribute to our previous ancestors, or simply ponder time and life!

Discover Ohio State’s Campus 

Ohio State is among the nation’s largest college methods and is virtually a metropolis inside the metropolis.

The campus is value exploring, particularly the attractive quadrangle by the library. Stroll across the Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens the place you’ll be able to discover totally different trial gardens, plazas, and even a labyrinth. Within the spirit of Midwestern friendliness, college students and professors offers you instructions if you happen to ask.

When you’re craving to relive these faculty glory days, you could find low-cost tequila photographs, chilly beers, and scorching dance flooring at bars like Oddfellows Liquor Bar and The Library Bar.

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A part of the magic of theatre is that this theatre! (Photo Credit)

Tour the Ohio Theater

Based in 1928, the Ohio Theatre, with its colourful marquee and neon lights, has lengthy been a logo of Columbus. Embellished as intricately as a jewellery field, the Ohio Theatre is a glamorous exemplar of Spanish-Baroque structure.

Over the course of almost a century, the stage has seen the likes of Judy Garland, Alice Cooper, Ginger Rogers, and numerous different stars. The theatre was nearly razed to make room for workplace buildings, however fortunately, a bunch of activists saved this stately belle from the wrecking ball. 

You may catch performances on the Ohio Theatre in addition to organize free excursions by means of the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts. When you don’t have time to tour the theatre’s inside, take a stroll by the doorway after darkish, when the façade is illuminated with a veritable galaxy of neon lights. 

blown glass from the columbus art fair
Stroll alongside the beautiful Scioto Mile, shopping (and buying) artwork!

Discover the Columbus Arts Competition

Early June heralds within the Columbus Arts Festival, the place 250 native and nationwide artists promote their wares alongside the beautiful Scioto Mile. Whereas strolling alongside bridges that cross the winding Whittier Peninsula under, you’ll be able to peruse artist’s works together with woodworking, work, and distinctive ceramics amongst many different mediums.

Musicians are additionally part of the pageant and you’ll take heed to units as you are taking within the beautiful metropolis skyline behind. In years previous, they’ve additionally had a jumbo display screen enjoying cartoons (like Looney Tunes) which you’ll sit on the garden and revel in.

A pageant wouldn’t be full with out meals and drinks as nicely, so count on to see meals vans and loads of alcohol round. Nothing like nachos, burgers, or a bucket of cookies

Even if you happen to’re strapped for money till subsequent payday, you must undoubtedly nonetheless attend. The occasion is free and so is basking in all of the creativity, however sadly shouldn’t be pet pleasant.

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WHERE TO STAY IN COLUMBUS, OHIO?

For accommodations inside hanging distance of most points of interest talked about above, Franklinton, a neighborhood proper subsequent to the COSI, is a superb wager. Nocturnal revelers can be sensible to e book lodging close to Brief North, a neighborhood thumping with vitality till the wee hours. For a quieter time, you’ll be able to keep a bit outdoors the town for somewhat R&R retreat!

  • The Junto – The lately opened Junto is among the most luxurious accommodations within the Midwest. Positioned in Franklinton, The Junto is replete with an Olympic-quality fitness center, an inviting foyer bar, sport gear storage (you’ll be able to borrow a kayak!) and several other beautiful eating places, together with Brass Eye. Named after Ben Franklin’s well-known salon, by which the Philadelphia sage convened intellectuals from numerous backgrounds, The Junto boasts plush leather-based couches, a central fire, and a stupendous library within the foyer. The bar stays open late, so you’ll be able to cozy up by the hearth with a e book and glass of scotch earlier than hitting the feathers. And, sure, the beds, as with all of the lodging, are delectably snug.
  • The Graduate Columbus – Located inside a stone’s throw of each the Brief North and Ohio State’s campus, the decor takes inspiration from faculty nostalgia, and, as you would possibly count on, the employees are avid Buckeye followers. When you’re trying to bask in Columbus’s nightlife, The Graduate is inside a fast Uber trip of a slew of buzzy bars close to Ohio State’s campus and Brief North.
  • The DogHouse Columbus Hotel – This resort celebrates two of life’s most steadfast joys: canines and craft beer. Fully dog-friendly, the DogHouse invitations you to convey your pup alongside for the keep, pampering your furry good friend with deal with stations and an outside canine park. And, in what needs to be one of the crucial quirkiest resort facilities anyplace, the DogHouse provides beer faucets within the showers—so go forward and revel in a glass of chilly suds whereas lathering up with cleaning soap suds.

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About Our Visitor Poster: Johnny Motley is a Brooklyn-based educator and writer-photographer with bylines on The Each day Beast, Wine Fanatic, Forbes and others. Analysis and curiosity have taken him to Papua New Guinea, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Silk Street, whereas Japan and the Himalayas are subsequent on his dream journey checklist.


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A picturesque German Village. A gorgeous winding trail along a calm river. A market full of delicious and unique eats. You could argue that Ohio’s scenic capital is the ideal American city, blending Midwestern grace with a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Here you can check out the boutique shops and trendy restaurants in the Short North neighborhood and in the same day stroll around an authentic 19th-century German Village. Columbus feels at once big but homey, and there are plenty of amazing things to do in Columbus, Ohio!

Our High Journey Suggestions & Sources

Listed here are our favourite journey ideas & assets for saving cash and planning journey logistics! For extra ideas, take a look at our travel tips resource page or our guide to planning a trip.

  • Reserving Flights: To attain flight offers, search on Google Flights or Kayak. Cash-saving ideas: fly mid-week or on the weekend; fly carry-on solely on a finances airline; and take red-eyes or early morning flights.
  • Lodging: We often keep in budget-friendly trip leases, boutique accommodations or non-public rooms in hostels. We use Booking.com to e book accommodations (we love their versatile cancellation coverage) and Hostelworld to e book hostels (low deposit, simple change/cancellation, and wonderful critiques). For trip leases, we desire to e book utilizing VRBO as a result of they have decrease charges and higher help than Airbnb, and we’re not followers of Airbnb’s unethical monitor document. You may as well e book trip leases on Expedia and Hotels.com. We additionally use TrustedHousesitters as each hosts (for our house and our fur-child) and vacationers!
  • Journey Insurance coverage: We at all times, at all times, ALWAYS purchase journey insurance coverage for worldwide journeys, and we STRONGLY counsel it – go to our Travel Insurance Guide to search out out why. We suggest both World Nomads or SafetyWing for worldwide journey insurance coverage. SafetyWing is among the few insurance policies that covers Covid-19, they usually have wonderful month-to-month insurance policies which can be good for Digital Nomads and long run vacationers!
  • Journey Credit score Card: We e book all of our journeys on our favourite journey bank card. Not solely will we earn money again that we are able to spend on extra journey, however the card provides incredible journey perks like journey insurance coverage, journey delay and cancellation protection, misplaced baggage reimbursement, and rental automotive protection, which helps defend us on our travels. Learn more here.
  • Vaccines & Meds: We use the journey guides on the CDC website to analysis beneficial medicines and vaccines for worldwide journeys. We at all times suggest getting each vaccine beneficial by the CDC! You will get them at your major care physician’s workplace or a walk-in pharmacy.
  • Excursions: We love reserving guided excursions, particularly meals excursions and strolling excursions, to get a neighborhood’s perspective and a historical past lesson whereas sight-seeing! We e book our excursions utilizing Viator and GetYourGuide.
  • Transportation: We use Rome2Rio to determine the best way to get from place to put, and e book native transportation on-line utilizing Bookaway wherever we are able to. Once we e book a rental automotive, we use DiscoverCars to check rental corporations and discover the very best deal.
  • Baggage Storage: Every time we’re testing early or benefiting from an extended layover, we use LuggageHero to securely retailer our baggage whereas we’re working round. Use the code PRACTICALW for two hours of free baggage storage on us.
  • VPN Service: A VPN retains your digital info (like web site login particulars, financial institution data, and so on) secure, even if you’re related to an unsecured community whereas touring. Plus, it permits you to use Netflix & different streaming websites overseas! We use NordVPN. Use the code WANDERLUSTPROMO if you join!
  • What to Pack: Here are the travel essentials that we convey on each journey. We even have packing lists for hot weather, cold weather, and lots of extra. Check out all of our packing guides!



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