![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!](https://practicalwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/things-to-do-in-columbus-Feature-Photo-.jpg)
A picturesque German Village. A stunning winding path alongside a peaceful river. A market filled with scrumptious and distinctive eats. You can argue that Ohio’s scenic capital is the perfect American metropolis, mixing Midwestern grace with a cosmopolitan life-style. Right here you possibly can take a look at the boutique outlets and classy eating places within the Brief North neighborhood and in the identical day stroll round an genuine Nineteenth-century German Village. Columbus feels directly large 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 quick automotive trip away. The Ohio Historical past Middle, close to downtown Columbus, affords considerate and academic reveals on the Adena, the individuals chargeable for the Shrum Mounds, in addition to different Indigenous teams of the Jap Plains.
Foodies can sit up for Midwestern mainstays like smashburgers and chili canine, but additionally inventive fantastic 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 additionally a bevy of destination-worthy museums just like the COSI and Columbus Museum of Artwork.
Under, discover every thing it is advisable find out about exploring the Buckeye State’s capital!
Psst: Planning a visit to the Midwest? Take a look at these different superior locations:
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When Ought to I Go to Columbus, Ohio?
April via June, and September and October, months with crisp climate and all of the verve of soccer season, are one of the 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 soccer and tailgating season—a really large deal within the Buckeye State. Be aware that Columbus can get snowy and chilly within the winter, so if you happen to’re not a cold climate particular person, it’s best to 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 Truthful, 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 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 via Ohio’s fascinating Amish nation. Pittsburg and Louisville are additionally inside placing distance, about 3 hours, and 5 hours from Chicago.
Lyft and Uber (or your personal automotive) are most likely one of the best ways to discover Columbus, and fares not often exceed $20. From The Junto, my lodge within the Franklinton neighborhood, rides averaged round $15.
In the event 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.
Issues to do in Columbus, Ohio
Whether or not your thought of a wonderful afternoon appears like a sunny patio bar, a fascinating museum, or a medley of culinary delights, Columbus has acquired you coated.
For instructional 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 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.
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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 all of sudden. There may be a lot to see and do, it’s exhausting to determine the place to start out!
Even coming into Otherworld offers you selections, whether or not you’re taking place a red-velvet-lined corridor and peeling off into completely different rooms, or coming into via 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 a large 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 possibly can paint and a sepia-tone room that involves life in colour. There are additionally secret passageways to discover, some you possibly can solely crawl via, that take you to hidden little areas.
Otherworld additionally hosts a slew of occasions, many that includes DJs and dancing, so you possibly can really occasion to thumping music as you discover the fantasy and storytelling that’s Otherworld!
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Step Again in Time on the Kelton Home Museum and Backyard
The Kelton Home Museum and Backyard is a historic dwelling 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 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 in the course of the Civil Struggle, and harbored fugitive slaves Martha and Pearl Hartway. Martha was unwell when she arrived, so she stayed on the Kelton dwelling and was raised there.
Grace Kelton, the final proprietor of the Kelton dwelling who handed in 1975, was a outstanding inside decorator, who labored with Jacqueline Kennedy to revive the White Home. You’ll be able to 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 be taught extra about not solely the household however Columbus itself!
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 outlets, dive bars, and artistic eating places. Stroll alongside Excessive Road, a thoroughfare lined with public homes, file shops, and consignment outlets, to get a superb really feel for the neighborhood.
A number of gems in Brief North:
- Smartypants Classic – In the event you’re available in the market for classic band t-shirts, uncommon sneakers, or evenly used flannels, make a detour to this buzzing thrift retailer on Excessive Road. It’s an awesome place to get a brand new outfit for an evening in town!
- Spoonful Data – Vinyl-heads and followers of the cult-classics of rock, blues, and rap should put aside at the very least an hour to peruse the spectacular choice at Spoonful Data, a file retailer that draws music lovers from far and large.
- Blissful Go Fortunate Residence & Her – This blissful, colourful retailer pops with fashionable clothes with daring prints, and enjoyable items for adults and kids like puzzles, crops, and candles. You’ll critically battle between selecting a stunning 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.
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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 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 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 canine to hearty German-American plates and wealthy malted milkshakes, Columbus does tried-n-true heartland fare with unequalled pizzazz.
Martini Fashionable Italian
Situated within the fashionable Brief North neighborhood, Martini Fashionable Italian is a glossy and classy restaurant with loads of wealthy and scrumptious Italian choices.
The ambiance is darkish and romantic, with chandeliers and purple 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, positively attempt the Arancini to start out which has gorgonzola, marinara, and parmigiano reggiano, and though they’re fried they really feel mild with a savory punch. On your most 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’ll be able to spy Ritzy’s from afar by the big plastic cheeseburger close to the doorway. Ritzy’s serves what might be described because the Platonic 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.
Convey a heroic urge for food to Ritzy’s: apart from the burger, you’ll must attempt a chili canine, milkshake, fries, and perhaps even their PB&J. Afterwards, as soon as you possibly can 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 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 Indian delicacies, riffing on South Asian staples like panipuri and chapati with the flavors of Indonesia, Peru, and Korea. As a toddler, Chef Avishar discovered to prepare dinner Bengali soul meals in his mom’s kitchen, and as a younger grownup, discovered himself as a High Chef contender.
In Agni’s glossy eating room, patrons take pleasure in a six-course tasting menu, with plates starting from house-smoked BBQ with masala spices to chai-infused ice cream embellished 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.
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 formidable wine record, Brass Eye serves up a curated number of Ohio craft beer. The menu leans into nostalgic Midwestern consolation meals—suppose fried rooster sandwiches, smashburgers, and fries—however with chefly thrives like duck-fat fries and house-made pickles. It’s also possible to 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’s 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. Actually, 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 fantastic bourbon. Excessive Financial institution Distillery was named after the period when Ohio Prohibitionists and bootleggers settled their disagreements on the streets. Whisky Struggle Barrel Proof, Highbank’s flagship providing, has received first place for Greatest Blended Whiskey on the San Francisco World Spirits Competitors for 5 years working.
Attempt their rye whiskey as effectively for comparability with their conventional bourbon. On the bar, a protracted counter crowded with Ohio State college students and visiting whiskey aficionados, you possibly can pattern flights of whiskey or delectable whiskey-based cocktails.
Along with wonderful spirits, Highbank serves strong meals, largely basic pub grub with a connoisseur aptitude. The Philly cheesesteak spiked with Korean gochujang and the buffalo wings, obtainable in a rating of flavors, are standouts.
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Take a look at 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. In the present day, 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 fanatics will discover the North Market, a purple brick Georgian masterpiece, equally compelling.
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Lotions – This ice cream has taken the nation by storm in just some years. In my neighborhood in Brooklyn, the native bodega goes via 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 Every thing 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 selection beers from Cleveland, Cincinnati, and different components of the Buckeye State. You’ll be able to even take your drinks and wander across the market!
- Momo Ghar – Right here you possibly can have the uncommon alternative to attempt 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. Attempt the Jhol Momo, a Kathmandu-style steamed rooster dumpling or the Tibetan Momo, a steamed pork dumpling.
Step right into a Secret Speakeasy
Dive into the depths of Columbus by exploring one of many many speakeasies, the place you possibly can 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 stuffed with faux 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 – Situated within the basement of a 130+ year-old church, Sotto Terra (Italian for “underground”) serves up drinks in a Communicate-easy fashion bar and cabaret membership. They’ve loads of occasions on a regular basis, from trivia nights, to reside performances, to pull exhibits, and far more!
- Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce – Nothing says “speakeasy” like mixing superb 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 via 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 a bit liquored up, you’ll enter via a secret door to search out top-shelf bourbon on this cozy, brick-lined basement speakeasy.
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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 record of locations to see in Columbus. The go to exceeded my expectations and proved to be a spotlight of my journey via 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 prepare set whirrs via one room of the indoor gardens, and the Youngsters’s Backyard, outdoors the greenhouse, affords a serene refuge to each children and grown-ups alike. In the event you’re the kind of museum customer who likes to linger, studying placards and skimming reveals slowly, put aside at the very least two hours for this tour.
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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. In the present day, German Village is certainly one of 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 at the very least an hour (and some shekels) for The E-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. In the event 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 nice Teutonic poet and polymath, German immigrants within the Nineteenth century constructed Schiller Park, a large inexperienced house within the coronary heart of German Village. Criss-crossed by streams and riveted with majestic timber, Schiller Park makes for blissful strolling. Statues all through the park honor Columbus’s most famous little children, and a bronze casting of Schiller himself gazes out on the park from a marble pedestal.
Discover Italian Village
Adjoining to Brief North, Italian Village was certainly one of Columbus’s first suburbs, and the enclave’s broad, tree-lined streets and good-looking brick properties 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 unbelievable neighborhood to take in 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.
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Wander via A Museum
Columbus is dwelling 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 Artwork and Historical past, Columbus punches above its weight for cultural clout. Under, 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 fashionable museum and world-renowned analysis institute, COSI homes marvels like dinosaur skeletons, replicas of the photo voltaic system, and interactive reveals for studying about scientific ideas.
You can spend days exploring COSI’s reveals, however if you happen to’re pressed for time, contemplate hitting the Area and Devices reveals. 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 reveals provide a captivating tour via the historical past of equipment and engineering—an mental deal with even for these, like this creator, with no mechanical leanings in any respect.
Make sure that to verify COSI’s web site for updates on rotating reveals.
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 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 effectively, full with a well-trained barista and a well-stocked fridge filled 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 affords great 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 dwelling to many occasions all year long, 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.
In the event you’re up for some train or contemporary air, choose up a motorcycle at a CoGo Bike Share docking station, positioned conveniently all through Columbus, and hit the paths subsequent to the riverside promenade.
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, effectively, likes to drink. The storied Columbus Ale Path encompasses lots of the metropolis’s most interesting taphouses.
Land Grant, inside strolling distance of The Junto, is an area favourite, with a patio usually bumping with reside music. Gemut Biergarten, as you would possibly infer from the identify, focuses on conventional German beers.
With lengthy tables and a sausage-laden menu, this taproom may have been transported straight 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 historical historical past.
The Shrum Mound stands in Campbell Memorial Park, and is an historical 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, 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. In addition they constructed homes and burial grounds, and it’s fairly unbelievable 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 gadgets, and have been typically constructed near waterways, just like the Scioto River the place this one stands.
It is a excellent spot to come back 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 price exploring, particularly the attractive quadrangle by the library. Stroll across the Chadwick Arboretum & Studying Gardens the place you possibly can discover completely different trial gardens, plazas, and even a labyrinth. Within the spirit of Midwestern friendliness, college students and professors gives you instructions if you happen to ask.
In the event you’re craving to relive these faculty glory days, yow will discover low cost tequila pictures, chilly beers, and scorching dance flooring at bars like Oddfellows Liquor Bar and The Library Bar.
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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 almost 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’ll be able to catch performances on the Ohio Theatre in addition to prepare free excursions via the Columbus Affiliation for the Performing Arts. In the event 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.
Discover the Columbus Arts Pageant
Early June heralds within the Columbus Arts Pageant, 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 possibly can 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’re 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 sit on the garden and revel in.
A pageant wouldn’t be full with out meals and drinks as effectively, 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, it’s best to positively 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 placing distance of most sights talked about above, Franklinton, a neighborhood proper subsequent to the COSI, is a good wager. Nocturnal revelers could be smart to ebook lodging close to Brief North, a neighborhood thumping with vitality till the wee hours. For a quieter time, you possibly can keep a bit outdoors town for a bit R&R retreat!
- The Junto – The not too long ago opened Junto is likely one of the most luxurious accommodations within the Midwest. Situated in Franklinton, The Junto is replete with an Olympic-quality health club, an inviting foyer bar, sport gear storage (you possibly can 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 numerous 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 possibly can cozy up by the fireplace with a ebook and glass of scotch earlier than hitting the feathers. And, sure, the beds, as with all of the lodging, are delectably comfy.
- 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 workers are avid Buckeye followers. In the event you’re trying 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 lodge celebrates two of life’s most steadfast joys: canines and craft beer. Utterly dog-friendly, the DogHouse invitations you to deliver your pup alongside for the keep, pampering your furry good friend with deal with stations and an out of doors canine park. And, in what must be one of the quirkiest lodge facilities anyplace, the DogHouse affords beer faucets within the showers—so go forward and revel in a glass of chilly suds whereas lathering up with cleaning soap suds.
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 record.
What Issues to do in Columbus, Ohio do you wish to do first? Tell us under!
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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!](https://practicalwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/things-to-do-in-columbus-pin-683x1024.jpg)
Our High Journey Ideas & Sources
- 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 price range airline; and take red-eyes or early morning flights.
- Lodging: We normally keep in budget-friendly trip leases, boutique accommodations or personal rooms in hostels. We use Reserving.com to ebook accommodations (we love their versatile cancellation coverage) and Hostelworld to ebook hostels (low deposit, straightforward change/cancellation, and wonderful critiques). For trip leases, we want to ebook utilizing VRBO as a result of they have decrease charges and higher help than Airbnb, and we’re not followers of Airbnb’s unethical observe file. It’s also possible to ebook trip leases on Expedia and Inns.com. We additionally use TrustedHousesitters as each hosts (for our dwelling 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 Journey Insurance coverage Information to search out out why. We advocate both World Nomads or SafetyWing for worldwide journey insurance coverage. SafetyWing is likely one of 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 ebook 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 affords unbelievable journey perks like journey insurance coverage, journey delay and cancellation protection, misplaced baggage reimbursement, and rental automotive protection, which helps shield us on our travels. Be taught extra right here.
- Vaccines & Meds: We use the journey guides on the CDC web site to analysis beneficial drugs and vaccines for worldwide journeys. We at all times advocate getting each vaccine beneficial by the CDC! You may get them at your main care physician’s workplace or a walk-in pharmacy.
- Excursions: We love reserving guided excursions, particularly meals excursions and strolling excursions, to get an area’s perspective and a historical past lesson whereas sight-seeing! We ebook our excursions utilizing Viator and GetYourGuide.
- Transportation: We use Rome2Rio to determine the right way to get from place to position, and ebook native transportation on-line utilizing Bookaway wherever we will. After we ebook a rental automotive, we use DiscoverCars to match rental firms and discover one of the best deal.
- Baggage Storage: Every time we’re trying out early or benefiting from a protracted 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 info (like web site login particulars, financial institution information, and so on) secure, even once 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 once you enroll!
- What to Pack: Listed below are the journey necessities that we deliver on each journey. We even have packing lists for scorching climate, chilly climate, and plenty of extra. Check out all of our packing guides!