Posts with tag 'Things to do in Columbus'
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9
Where to Take Your Parents When They Visit Columbus
Entertaining your parents in your hometown can be intimidating. Putting together a perfect schedule full of fun activities, incredible restaurants, tourist attractions and local hangouts is almost impossible. Thankfully, your parents probably just want to see what your life is like in Columbus—giving you the perfect excuse to mix in spots like your favorite cafe and craft brewery with the touristy stops like art museums and trendy neighborhoods.
We rounded up some of our must-visit stops to put on your parent-friendly itinerary. Have fun!
Buckeye Donuts
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You haven't had a donut until you've had a Buckeye donut. From Boston Cream to plain glazed, all of the donuts at Buckeye are made fresh daily using only quality ingredients. The shop is conveniently located on High Street in the heart of the campus neighborhood and is a favorite for college students looking for a late-night study snack. Looking for something savory? Buckeye Donuts also has a selection of delicious breakfast items, gyros, salads and more—but seriously, don't leave the shop without a donut.
Center of Science and Industry
One of the most famous, and impressive, attractions in Columbus is the Center of Science and Industry or COSI. Officially opened in 1964, COSI inspires interest in science, technology, engineering and math topics through a special "hands-on fun" brand of learning. All across their 320,000-square-foot facility, they bring science to life through 300+ interactive experiences and exhibits. Go stargazing in the Planetarium; interact with dinosaurs in the Dinosaur Gallery; or take a ride on the High Wire Unicycle—17 feet above the ground!
Ohio Statehouse
The Ohio Statehouse is our state capitol building and is truly a magnificent sight to behold! Unlike many of the other states' capitol buildings, the Ohio Statehouse didn't take inspiration from the United States Capitol, because it was actually designed and built before the glorious building in D.C. was ever erected. Instead, it was built in the Greek Revival Style, with many features drawing inspiration from the Tholos of Delphi and the Parthenon of Athens. You can tour the historic building for free—Monday through Friday every hour on the hour, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Park of Roses
Photo courtesy of Karen Martens via Park of Roses Foundation
This public garden in the heart of Columbus has grown over the years to include over 12,000 roses or more than 400 varieties. While late May through mid-June is the best time to visit to find peak bloom, each season offers a unique and beautiful perspective. The park is free year-round and open to visitors from dawn to dusk.
Seventh Son Brewing
Since April of 2013, Seventh Son Brewing has been producing incredible beers at the intersection of 4th and 4th in Columbus' historic Italian Village. When you visit this top-rated Columbus brewery, you're guaranteed a good time thanks to the delicious food trucks outside, the creative brews, and the unique events they hold every week.
The Topiary Park
Inspired by Georges Seurat's famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte, this park is truly a local gem. Stroll through the garden and admire the artistry of the sculptures, each of which has a personality of its own. The iconic park is located downtown and is open 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
North Market
Photo courtesy of North Market
Since 1876, the centrally located North Market has served Columbus residents—which makes it the most seasoned market in the area. The vendors (be they candy makers, fishermen, bakers or farmers) strive to promote the diversity and vibrancy of our Ohio community, serving only the best in locally produced products. They are open year-round and feature everything from ethnic foods to gourmet groceries and unique gifts.
The Ohio Theater
While this stunning theater is one of the state's most beautiful buildings, featuring Spanish-Baroque architecture with breathtaking details (including the 21-foot high chandelier!), it was created as "a palace for the average man." Thomas W. Lamp, the Scottish architect in charge of the Ohio Theatre project in the 1920s, envisioned a place where anyone, regardless of wealth or status, could go and see a film or a live performance. Today, you can experience all of the history and majesty at one of the 100+ performances the theater puts on each year.
Northstar Cafe
When visiting Columbus for the first time, a meal at this popular vegetarian eatery is a must! While they do serve a few dishes for meat-lovers at Northstar Cafe, it's their vegetable-focused meals that truly stand out. All of their salads are excellent—our favorite is the Chopped Salad, crafted with avocado, almonds, blue cheese, apples and an optional turkey or bacon topping—but you can't go wrong with anything on their extensive menu.
German Village
Photo courtesy of the German Village Society
German Village is located in the heart of Columbus but still feels like it's worlds away. This is due to the German Village Society's efforts to maintain the historical feel of the neighborhood, the intricate architecture, and the idyllic urban garden parks throughout the area. In fact, German Village is one of the largest, privately funded historic districts in the country. Take a few hours to explore the charming streets and quaint shops and restaurants all around the neighborhood to give your parents a true taste of Columbus area history.
The Book Loft
While you're exploring German Village, don't miss the chance to stop into this bibliophile gem. The Book Loft offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is one of the nation's largest independent bookstores and is made up of a grouping of pre-Civil War era buildings that were once general stores, a saloon and a nickelodeon cinema. The 32 rooms of bargain-priced books are bound to make you forget about the outside world for just a bit.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Even most out-of-towners know about Jeni's. Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream creates some of the most famous ice creams around—they've even been named one of the best ice cream shops in the country by Food & Wine Magazine, Thrillist and US News. And it all started right here in Columbus when Jeni Britton Bauer decided to open a trendy ice cream shop in 2002. Stop by one of their many locations around the city for a cold treat; we highly recommend Brambleberry Crisp!
The Scioto Mile
Stretching along downtown Columbus' riverfront, The Scioto Mile offers 145 acres of lush parkland, fountains and scenic overlooks, providing the perfect destination when entertaining out-of-town guests. Not only will you get a spectacular view of Columbus right on the river, but there are plenty of stops along the Mile that you can explore! Learn something new at COSI, get cultured at the Cultural Arts Center, or see a show at the Riverfront Amphitheater—there are endless opportunities for fun downtown.View this post on Instagram
Short North Arts District
Due to its high concentration of art galleries, music venues, boutiques, restaurants and the like, the Short North Arts District is sometimes fondly referred to as the "art and soul" of Columbus. Vibrant urban attractions abound in this area, so there is never a shortage of fun things to do and see. In fact, it's one of the areas most recommended for visitors! Need some itinerary inspiration? Check out our guide to the neighborhood.
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16
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The 11 Best Hiking Trails Near Columbus
Hocking Hills
Photo courtesy of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association
Hocking Hills State Park is one of central Ohio's most popular wilderness escapes, complete with striking waterfalls, awe-inspiring caves, lush greenery, wildlife and ample trails to explore it all. The park is situated just one hour away and is perfect for a day trip or for camping overnight. Before or after your hike, try one of the other activities offered in the park, including kayaking and zip-lining! The hike we like: Ash Cave is the must-try hike in Hocking Hills. Trek approximately a half-mile across rugged terrain on the high trail to the cave, which is the largest recess cave east of the Mississippi. We also love the trails in the Cedar Falls area, which allow easy access to both the falls and Old Man's Cave.Gahanna Woods
Wildflower aficionados will love exploring Gahanna Woods, which is filled with them during the spring and summer months. The urban getaway is part city park and part state nature preserve, and includes several hiking and walking trails for your enjoyment. It's a popular destination for wildlife photographers and families looking for an easier hike! The hike we like: There are several short loops that are pretty easy to link together here. Since this park's main attribute is its natural scenery and wildlife, we recommend hitting the trails without a plan! You can opt for a quick half-mile walk or a multi-mile trek.Highbanks Metro Park
Photo courtesy of Kim Strosnider via Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
Nestled between Franklin and Delaware counties, Highbanks Metro Park offers more than 1,000 acres of space and approximately 10 trails. There's a reason it's the most highly visited park in town! Your journey will lead you past shale bluffs, breathtaking vistas of the Olentangy River, and an 100-foot-tall sandstone bluff. The hike we like: Opt to link up the Coyote Run and Overlook trails for more than 5 miles of hiking!Scioto Trail State Park
This 218-acre park is situated within the Scioto Trail State Forest — a lush oasis within the Columbus Metro Area. The trails here boast breathtaking views of the Scioto River Valley, plenty of spots for picnicking, and just enough isolation from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hike we like: The DeBroad Vista Trail to the Fire Tower Trail is reserved for hikers only, which means you won't have to look out for mountain bikers along the way! It's a 2.5-mile trek one way and is rated as moderate.The Denison Biological Reserve
Make a quick trip to Granville (just 30 or so minutes outside of town) to explore the Denison Biological Reserve. The area spans 350 acres across forest, orchards, old plantations, ponds and former agricultural fields, and is commonly used by students for field research! It's a great place to go for a leisurely walk or run in nature, and you will probably encounter one or two deer on your trek. The hike we like: Grab a map towards the beginning of your journey! All of the trails here are scenic (and fairly easy), but the Woodcock Trail is one of the most popular.Alum Creek State Park
Situated just north of Columbus, Alum Creek State Park is a haven for water sport aficionados. The beach is one of the most well-known in the state, but there is plenty more to do in the park other than enjoying the lake! You'll find three different hiking trails as well as a 7-mile multipurpose trail, all skirting the water. There is also a popular disc golf course on site with rental equipment available! The hike we like: The Rocks to Roots trail is the lengthiest hiking trail in the park, covering just over 4.1 miles. The trail is scenic and rated as moderate!Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Photo courtesy of Mac Albin via Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
Located on the far west side of Columbus, this natural oasis offers more than 20 hiking trails meandering through 7,000 acres of prairies, forests and wetlands. It's an ideal place to seek out birds and wildlife — in fact, bison have been reintroduced to the park and roam freely within their spacious enclosed pastures. The hike we like: The Dyer Mill trail is a moderate to difficult hike that winds for 3.2 miles through tall grass meadows and secluded woodlands. You'll pass by the scenic Little Darby Creek, as well! We are also fond of the Fort Ancient Mound Loop.Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
Photo courtesy of the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves
Located just over 30 miles from Columbus in Lancaster, this spectacular nature preserve features two loop trails that can be linked for a scenic hike that totals nearly 5 miles. The hike starts with an old covered bridge and winds through colorful flora and wildlife to eventually end up on a clifftop. The short climb will reward you with picturesque views of the valley below! The hike we like: Link the loops together for the full Christmas Rocks experience. You can find a map to the loop trails here!Mohican State Park
An hour drive will reward you with a scenic getaway spanning thousands of acres. Mohican State Park is a 1,110-acre preserve situated right next to a 4,525-acre state forest. Both are full of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders alike. The hike we like: There are seven hiking trails that traverse the park. The 2-mile Lyons Fall Trail is our favorite, as it follows the Clear Fork Gorge and features two scenic waterfalls. The trail is ranked as moderate to difficult.Slate Run Metropark
Photo courtesy of Jeff Sagar via Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
This spot might be most well-known for the Slate Run Living Historical Farm, but the scenery here is equally as breathtaking! Come explore the abundance of tree species, the picturesque fields, the shaded forests and the wetlands! Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, and sandhill cranes have been known to nest in the wetland areas. The park is located in Canal Winchester, just a short trek southwest of Columbus. The hike we like: To get a little sampling of everything the park has to offer, we recommend linking the Bobolink, Kokomo and Sugar Maple trails — which totals nearly 5 miles.Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Photo courtesy of Connie Mastenbrook via Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
This popular 643-acre park is located just east of town and features an abundance of forested trails and picnic trails for a convenient escape. You will likely encounter several species of wildlife, including a few varieties of colorful birds! The hike we like: The trails here are short and fairly easy — so they are perfect for families. The Beech, Maple and Buttonbush trails are all just under a mile, so try them each in turn and stop when you're tired!Happy hiking!
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12 Restaurant Patios You'll Want to Enjoy in the Columbus Area This Summer
Basi Italia
Facebook | Menu 811 Highland Street, Columbus
Photo courtesy of Karen Lynch via Basi Italia
Nestled in Columbus' Victorian Village, Basi Italia serves up market-driven and flavorful Italian dishes in a cozy dining room. The restaurant is definitely one of the highlights of the neighborhood and is a perfect setting for date night! When the weather is cooperating, opt to enjoy your meal outside on the patio — a fenced-in paradise with plenty of lush greenery and twinkle lights.Bodega Food + Beer
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 1044 North High Street, Columbus47 taps, 150 beers total, a full lineup of craft cocktails, mouthwatering grilled cheeses and juicy burgers — need we say more? The delicious American pub fare and drinks menu are great year round, but everything just seems to taste better on the patio. The outdoor space spans the length of the restaurant and is the perfect happy hour gathering spot.
Callahan's Bar
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 520 North Park Street, ColumbusThis laid-back Irish Pub is located in the heart of Columbus' Arena District, so it's a popular place to gather with friends before or after the big game. The venue offers good pub food, a friendly atmosphere and also one of the most iconic rooftop patios in the city. Sit upstairs with a beer, cocktail or glass of wine to take in the skyline views, or dance the night away after the sun sets! Bonus: Every Wednesday evening, the bar features $5 margaritas and free chips and salsa!
Cosecha Cocina
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 987 North 4th Street, ColumbusSet in an old brick building in the heart of Italian Village, Cosecha Cocina opened its doors in March 2017 to instant success, and the buzz still hasn't died down. Locals flock here for refreshing margaritas and Mexican-inspired street food. The menu includes traditional bites like tamales, tostadas, tacos, rellenos and enchiladas. And although the cuisine is familiar, each dish is prepared with an innovative twist. Enjoy your choice on the patio, which is laden with picnic tables on warm-weather days.
The Crest Gastropub
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 2855 Indianola Avenue, Columbus AND 621 Parsons Avenue, ColumbusThere are so many reasons to love the Crest Gastropub, including the impressive selection of craft beer, the inventive cocktails and the locally sourced menu. But perhaps our favorite feature of this beloved Clintonville hotspot is the fantastic rooftop patio. The outdoor space is scattered with comfortable chairs and tables for a leisurely meal under the sun, and provides excellent views of the surrounding urban scenery.
Grandview Cafe
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 1455 West 3rd Avenue, ColumbusIt's no secret that the Grandview Cafe is a preferred gathering place among locals. The institution has been serving Columbus since 1925! The cuisine and vibe have changed over the years but the sense of community has always remained the same. In fact, the Grandview Cafe underwent a complete renovation and overhaul of the menu early last year, but fear not — the iconic, two-story patio remains. Come enjoy comforting bites, a craft cocktail and camaraderie on 3rd Avenue!
Lindey's
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 169 East Beck Street, ColumbusThis family-owned establishment is a staple in the Columbus community. The restaurant has been so successful in part due to its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, but also because of the delicious menu designed by Brett Fife and the spectacular outdoor patio. Come by during the summer months to enjoy lunch, dinner, brunch or happy hour al fresco.
Milestone 229
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 229 Civic Center Drive, ColumbusFor top-notch views of the Scioto Mile (and excellent food), look no further than Milestone 229. This bustling spot serves up comforting, new American fare in spectacular modern digs. The large windows open up to views of the spectacular Scioto Mile fountain, but on a beautiful day, we recommend sitting outside to get the full experience. The patio is shaded and provides the perfect spot for sipping on a craft cocktail and sharing a flatbread.
Seventh Son Brewing
Facebook | Instagram | Tap List 1101 North 4th Street, ColumbusSeventh Son Brewing has served the Italian Village neighborhood since April 2013, providing incredible craft beer and bites from local food trucks in a fun and airy space. Additionally, the brewery is home to one of the most iconic patios in Columbus! On weekends, the outdoor space is bustling with locals and visitors alike catching up and sipping on one of the refreshing beers on tap — which is one of the reasons it landed on our list of the top breweries in Columbus.
Trillium Kitchen and Patio
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 2333 North High Street, ColumbusTrillium Kitchen and Patio prides itself on its community atmosphere. In fact, it's one of the most popular gathering places in the Tuttle Park area! Executive Chef Bradley Balch whips up delicious, globally inspired plates with an emphasis on seafood and local ingredients, and it seems that each dish is even better than the last. Enjoy the experience on the patio, which boasts a romantic atmosphere and great opportunities for people watching.
Trism
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 1636 North High Street, ColumbusTrism is Columbus' hottest new space — and it's tough for us to decide what we love most about it. By day, it's a sunny and healthy eatery serving house-made pastries, smoothie bowls, juices and more. And by night, it's a bar and event space hosting some of the areas most renowned DJs and performers! There are even free yoga classes on the weekends. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy Trism, make sure to take advantage of the patio on summer days.
Watershed Kitchen & Bar
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 1145 Chesapeake Avenue, Suite D, ColumbusWatershed Kitchen & Bar's philosophy of honest food, honest drinks, respect for ingredients, and respect for people is what landed it on our list of Columbus' best new restaurants in 2017. The new eatery is located in the heart of the distillery and production facility and offers creative, New American fare alongside craft cocktails made with house-distilled spirits — plus the ability to enjoy your meal outside.
Enjoy your summer!
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