16 Cool Issues to Do in Columbus, Ohio


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 stuffed with scrumptious and distinctive eats. You might argue that Ohio’s scenic capital is the best 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 huge however homey, and there are many superb issues to do in Columbus, Ohio!

Germans and Italians settled a lot of 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 brief automotive trip away. The Ohio Historical past Middle, close to downtown Columbus, gives considerate and academic displays on the Adena, the individuals liable for the Shrum Mounds, in addition to different Indigenous teams of the Japanese Plains. 

Foodies can sit up for Midwestern mainstays like smashburgers and chili canines, but in addition inventive superb eating, swank speakeasies, and the pleasant smorgasbord that’s North Market. For hop heads, Columbus punches effectively above its weight for unbelievable breweries, together with nationally acknowledged standouts like Land Grant. Lastly, town buzzes with mental vitality: not solely is there Ohio State College, a world-renowned analysis college, but in addition a bevy of destination-worthy museums just like the COSI and Columbus Museum of Artwork. 

Beneath, discover all the things you might want to find out about exploring the Buckeye State’s capital!

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When Ought to I Go to Columbus, Ohio?

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

A succession of enormous festivals and cultural occasions enliven Columbus all year long. For a robust dose of Midwestern nostalgia, perhaps chased with a deep-fried Twinkie, come for the Ohio State Honest, every year from early July to early August. As you’ll count on in a metropolis with deep German roots, Columbus celebrates Oktoberfest with aplomb, significantly in German Village. The Ohio Black Expo in Could showcases the contributions of African Individuals 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 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 personal 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, Brief 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 town.

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Issues to do in Columbus, Ohio

Whether or not your thought of an excellent afternoon appears like a sunny patio bar, a fascinating museum, or a medley of culinary delights, Columbus has bought you lined.

For academic vacationers, the Ohio State Home, Shrum Mounds, and the Columbus Museum of Artwork promise ample meals for thought. For the itinerant epicure, a complete journey could possibly 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 greatest 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 creative suddenly. There may be a lot to see and do, it’s exhausting to determine the place to start out!

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 a completely regular (?) janitor’s closet. As soon as inside there are over 40 scenes to discover, full of large-scale artwork, like an unlimited tree, a flying-horned-rabbit-beast, and an enormous bull.

Lots of the rooms characteristic puzzles and video games, and should you 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 shade. There are additionally secret passageways to discover, some you’ll be able to solely crawl by, that take you to hidden little areas.

Otherworld additionally hosts a slew of occasions, many that includes DJs and dancing, so you’ll be able to truly get together 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 Home Museum and Backyard 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, that means which you could 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 through the Civil Warfare, and harbored fugitive slaves Martha and Pearl Hartway. Martha was ailing 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 labored with Jacqueline Kennedy to revive the White Home. You possibly can see these design components in the home, from beautiful wallpaper, to Victorian hair wreaths, to a big assortment of her design books.

Excursions are an hour lengthy 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 Brief 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 Avenue, a thoroughfare lined with public homes, file shops, and consignment retailers, to get a superb really feel for the neighborhood.  

A couple of gems in Brief North: 

  • Smartypants Classic – When you’re available in the market for classic band t-shirts, uncommon sneakers, or flippantly used flannels, make a detour to this buzzing thrift retailer on Excessive Avenue. It’s an ideal place to get a brand new outfit for an evening in town!
  • Spoonful Information – Vinyl-heads and followers of the cult-classics of rock, blues, and rap must put aside not less than an hour to peruse the spectacular choice at Spoonful Information, a file retailer that draws music lovers from far and broad. 
  • Joyful Go Fortunate Dwelling & Her – This joyful, colourful retailer pops with stylish clothes with daring prints, and enjoyable presents for adults and youngsters like puzzles, vegetation, and candles. You’ll severely battle between selecting a beautiful piece of jewellery, a brand new purse, or a two-tone jumpsuit. I say get all of them!
  • Brief North Pint Home – After scooping up some uncommon treasures from the file or clothes racks, get your drink on at Brief North Pint Home, a vivacious pub with a selection 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. 
Nothing like do-it-yourself 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 Lotions, two iconic manufacturers that embody the dual faces of town’s culinary tradition. Like Jeni’s wildly inventive flavors, Columbus cooks are recognized for innovation and experimentation. Take Agni, a beloved Bengali-fusion restaurant: Chef Avishar Barua fuses Bengali classics with the flavors of Korea and South America—and, like a pint of All the things Bagel ice cream, it really works surprisingly effectively.

However, Columbus is a city that relishes basic 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 

Situated within the stylish Brief North neighborhood, Martini Trendy Italian is a glossy and trendy restaurant with loads of wealthy and scrumptious Italian choices.

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

So far as meals, undoubtedly strive the Arancini to start out which has gorgonzola, marinara, and parmigiano reggiano, and despite the fact that they’re fried they really feel gentle with a savory punch. On your essential, strive 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 possibly can spy Ritzy’s from afar by the large plastic cheeseburger close to the doorway. Ritzy’s serves what could possibly be described because the Platonic ideally suited 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.

Convey a heroic urge for food to Ritzy’s: moreover the burger, you’ll must strive a chili canine, milkshake, fries, and perhaps even their PB&J. Afterwards, as soon as you’ll be able to stand once more, order a scoop of their do-it-yourself ice cream—it’s as wealthy and satisfying because the ice cream you dreamed about throughout childhood summers.

Enjoyable truth: 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 a superb bowl of ramen in Tokyo).

Agni

Chef Avishar Barua is just like the Jimi Hendrix of Bengali delicacies, riffing on South Asian staples like panipuri and chapati with the flavors of Indonesia, Peru, and Korea. Chef Avishar is the son of a health care provider, and was planning to be a health care provider even all through school. He didn’t study to prepare dinner till after the very fact – and ultimately discovered himself as a Prime Chef contender.

In Agni’s glossy eating room, patrons take pleasure in a six-course tasting menu, with plates starting from a Bengali tackle shrimp & grits, with Chingri Bhuna, Calabash, Pickle, Beresta to flan with Mandarin, Pistachio, and Saffron Previous Original. The cocktail program matches the creativity and eclecticism of the kitchen—strive the mango sticky rice, a spin on the Thai basic combined with Hawaiin shave ice made right into a cocktail!

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The Tuna Tartar from Brass Eye. (Picture 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 skill 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—assume fried rooster sandwiches, smashburgers, and fries—however with chefly thrives like duck-fat fries and house-made pickles. You may also 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 greatest within the metropolis, and there’s loads of cozy out of doors seating to look at a beautiful 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 anyplace 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 truth, 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 by way of superb bourbon. Excessive Financial institution Distillery was named after the period when Ohio Prohibitionists and bootleggers settled their disagreements on the streets. Whisky Warfare Barrel Proof, Highbank’s flagship providing, has gained first place for Finest Blended Whiskey on the San Francisco World Spirits Competitors for 5 years working.

Strive their rye whiskey as effectively 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 glorious spirits, Highbank serves strong meals, largely basic pub grub with a gourmand aptitude. The Philly cheesesteak spiked with Korean gochujang and the buffalo wings, out there 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 now, solely the North Market, established in 1876, stays intact. Only a fast stroll from Brief North, the North Market hums every 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 pink brick Georgian masterpiece, equally compelling.

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Lotions – This ice cream has taken the nation by storm in only a few years. In my neighborhood in Brooklyn, the native bodega goes by 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 take pleasure in conventional flavors like Honey Lavender or experimental takes like All the things Bagel. 
  • The Barrel and Bottle – Ohio, a state with deep Japanese European and German roots, is excessive within the working for greatest 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 selection beers from Cleveland, Cincinnati, and different components of the Buckeye State. You possibly can even take your drinks and wander across the market!
  • Momo Ghar – Right here you’ll be able to have the uncommon alternative to strive some Himalayan dumplings known as momos, that are savory and well-seasoned in delectable bite-sized items. Momo Ghar is tremendous effectively revered in Columbus, even having Man Fieri himself go to the institution. Strive the Jhol Momo, a Kathmandu-style steamed rooster 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 below are the speakeasies in Columbus (that we all know of), however who is aware of, perhaps there are much more secret ones?

  • Sacred Palm – Step right into a walk-in cooler of a native pizza place and also you’ll end up transported to a colourful Tiki cocktail lounge full of faux vegetation, 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 – Situated within the basement of a 130+ year-old church, Sotto Terra (Italian for “underground”) serves up drinks in a Communicate-easy model bar and cabaret membership. They’ve loads of occasions on a regular basis, from trivia nights, to dwell performances, to tug exhibits, and rather more!
  • Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce – Nothing says “speakeasy” like mixing superb cocktails in a darkish room with dwell burlesque, and by chance Forty Duce has simply that. You’ll discover this extremely revered burlesque present on Fridays and Saturdays by coming into by the Forty Deuce Cafe’s swinging kitchen doorways and contained in the walk-in fridge…
  • Change – Change 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 slightly liquored up, you’ll enter by a secret door to seek out top-shelf bourbon on this cozy, brick-lined basement speakeasy.

Enterprise By way 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 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 one room of the indoor gardens, and the Kids’s Backyard, outdoors the greenhouse, gives 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 browsing displays slowly, put aside not less than two hours for this tour.

The Guide Loft is likely one of the most iconic spots in German Village. (Picture Credit score)

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 town simply south of Downtown, immigrants constructed a hamlet mirroring these of their native Bavaria. Right now, German Village is one in all Columbus’s most upscale neighborhoods, replete with elegant parks, quirky boutiques, and unbelievable eating places, together with a number of century-old German-American gems like Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Valter’s on the Maennerchor

Bibliophiles ought to put aside not less than an hour (and some shekels) for The Guide Loft, one of many largest impartial bookstores within the nation. Encompassing a number of tales of winding, book-lined corridors, the Guide Loft feels just like the library at Hogwarts. Along with books, guests can discover every kind 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 vigorous 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 area 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 in all 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 in addition from different Catholic nations like Eire and Poland. 

Much less touristic than German Village, Italian Village is one other unbelievable neighborhood to absorb historical past, tradition, and perhaps 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. 

Columbus Museum of Artwork has loads of whimsical and basic artworks. (Picture Credit score: Johnny Motley)

Wander by A Museum

Columbus is house to a litany of excellent museums, each private and non-private. From the ornate Ohio Statehouse, open to the general public most weekdays, to trendy artwork galleries and the Museum of Catholic Artwork and Historical past, Columbus punches above its weight for cultural clout. Beneath, are a number of of my favourite C-Bus museums. 

COSI

The Columbus Middle of Science and Trade (COSI) is likely one of the nation’s premier science museums, in the identical echelon because the Museum of Science in Boston or the American Pure Historical past Museum in New York. Doubling as a wildly in style 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 might spend days exploring COSI’s displays, however should you’re pressed for time, think about hitting the House and Devices displays. The previous homes a duplicate of the spacecraft piloted by John Glenn, the primary astronaut to orbit the Earth and an Ohio native. The Devices displays provide a captivating tour by the historical past of equipment and engineering—an mental deal with even for these, like this creator, with no mechanical leanings by any means. 

Be sure to verify 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 Artwork 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 greatest 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 superb as effectively, full with a well-trained barista and a well-stocked fridge stuffed with Columbus craft beer.

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 gives 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 occasions all year long, from artwork festivals, to dwell music, to vacation celebrations. It actually seems like the center of Columbus, and residents of Columbus use it as their metaphorical lounge.

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 severely as New Yorkers take pizza and bagels. And with over fifty thousand school college students, Columbus is a city that, effectively, likes to drink. The storied Columbus Ale Path encompasses lots of the metropolis’s best taphouses.

Land Grant, inside strolling distance of The Junto, is a neighborhood favourite, with a patio usually bumping with dwell 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 might have been transported instantly 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

Situated 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 Individuals. The mound itself measures 20′ in peak 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, present 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. In addition they constructed homes and burial grounds, and it’s fairly unimaginable that this mound nonetheless stands to at the present time.

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

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

Discover Ohio State’s Campus 

Ohio State is likely one of the nation’s largest college techniques 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 & Studying 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 provides you with instructions should you ask.

When you’re craving to relive these school glory days, you will discover low-cost tequila photographs, chilly beers, and sizzling dance flooring at bars like Oddfellows Liquor Bar and The Library Bar.

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

Tour the Ohio Theater

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

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

You possibly can catch performances on the Ohio Theatre in addition to prepare free excursions by the Columbus Affiliation 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. 

Stroll alongside the beautiful Scioto Mile, shopping (and buying) artwork!

Discover the Columbus Arts Competition

Early June heralds within the Columbus Arts Competition, 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 competition and you’ll hearken to units as you are taking within the beautiful metropolis skyline behind. In years previous, they’ve additionally had a jumbo display screen taking part in cartoons (like Looney Tunes) which you’ll be able to sit on the garden and revel in.

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

Even should you’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 will not be pet pleasant.

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WHERE TO STAY IN COLUMBUS, OHIO?

For resorts inside hanging distance of most points of interest talked about above, Franklinton, a neighborhood proper subsequent to the COSI, is a superb guess. Nocturnal revelers could be sensible to guide 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 town for slightly R&R retreat!

  • The Junto – The just lately opened Junto is likely one of the most luxurious resorts within the Midwest. Situated in Franklinton, The Junto is replete with an Olympic-quality health club, an inviting foyer bar, sport gear storage (you’ll be able to borrow a kayak!) and a number of other beautiful eating places, together with Brass Eye. Named after Ben Franklin’s well-known salon, during which the Philadelphia sage convened intellectuals from various backgrounds, The Junto boasts plush leather-based couches, a central hearth, and a wonderful library within the foyer. The bar stays open late, so you’ll be able to cozy up by the fireplace with a guide 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 school nostalgia, and, as you would possibly count on, the workers are avid Buckeye followers. When you’re seeking to take pleasure 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 Lodge – This resort celebrates two of life’s most steadfast joys: canines and craft beer. Utterly 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 quirkiest resort facilities wherever, the DogHouse gives 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 Day by day Beast, Wine Fanatic, Forbes and others. Analysis and curiosity have taken him to Papua New Guinea, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Silk Highway, 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!

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Listed below are our favourite journey suggestions & sources for saving cash and planning journey logistics! For extra suggestions, take a look at our journey suggestions useful resource web page or our information to planning a visit.

  • Reserving Flights: To attain flight offers, search on Google Flights or Kayak. Cash-saving suggestions: fly mid-week or on the weekend; fly carry-on solely on a funds airline; and take red-eyes or early morning flights.
  • Lodging: We often keep in budget-friendly trip leases, boutique resorts or non-public rooms in hostels. We use Reserving.com to guide resorts (we love their versatile cancellation coverage) and Hostelworld to guide hostels (low deposit, simple change/cancellation, and glorious opinions). For trip leases, we choose to guide 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 file. You may also guide trip leases on Expedia and Motels.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 recommend it – go to our Journey Insurance coverage Information to seek out out why. We suggest both World Nomads or SafetyWing for worldwide journey insurance coverage. SafetyWing is likely one of the few insurance policies that covers Covid-19, and so they have glorious month-to-month insurance policies which might be good for Digital Nomads and long run vacationers!
  • Journey Credit score Card: We guide all of our journeys on our favourite journey bank card. Not solely can we earn money again that we will spend on extra journey, however the card gives unbelievable 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. Be taught extra right here.
  • Vaccines & Meds: We use the journey guides on the CDC web site to analysis advisable medicines and vaccines for worldwide journeys. We at all times suggest getting each vaccine advisable 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 guide our excursions utilizing Viator and GetYourGuide.
  • Transportation: We use Rome2Rio to determine the right way to get from place to put, and guide native transportation on-line utilizing Bookaway wherever we will. Once we guide a rental automotive, we use DiscoverCars to match rental corporations and discover the perfect deal.
  • Baggage Storage: Every time we’re trying out early or making the most of an extended layover, we use LuggageHero to soundly 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 data (like web site login particulars, financial institution information, and so on) secure, even while you’re related to an unsecured community whereas touring. Plus, it helps you to use Netflix & different streaming websites overseas! We use NordVPN. Use the code WANDERLUSTPROMO while you enroll!
  • What to Pack: Listed below are the journey necessities that we convey on each journey. We even have packing lists for sizzling climate, chilly climate, and lots of extra. Check out all of our packing guides!



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