Columbus ranked “Highest In Visitor Satisfaction in the Midwest” by J.D Power in the 2016 Destination Experience Satisfaction Study.

I invite you to come and enjoy beautiful Columbus, Ohio home of the Ohio State Buckeyes. I can assure Columbus has plenty to offer and you will pleasantly be surprised with local and tourist attractions alike for a perfect getaway. The several things which draw me to Columbus as an excellent place to visit are the festivals, attractions, history and popular events there is just so much to do without breaking the bank.

What To Explore (Check for Winter Hours)

Columbus Museum of Art is a very diverse oasis of cultural art. They have a collection of exhibits, events, and programs which education you on a higher level about the history and culture of various eras and pieces through a self-guided tour you will enjoy. Located at 480 East Broad Street please note the museum is not open on Mondays.

Scioto Mile is 175 acres of beautiful parkland located in downtown Columbus. Scioto Mile calls itself as an “urban oasis comprised of more than 175 acres of lush parkland. Stretching along the riverfront from the vibrant Arena District to the natural beauty of the Whittier Peninsula, the Scioto Mile reconnects downtown to the Scioto River through an integrated system of parks, boulevards, bikeways and pedestrian paths.” and I agree. It is simply beautiful especially right before the sun sets.

Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Garden is full of natural beauty, events, exhibits and memorable experiences for all ages. The Conservatory is situated in the 88-acre Franklin Park just two miles east of downtown Columbus. Featuring indoor gardens filled with exotic plant life and artwork, including a collection of glass works by artist Dale Chihuly, the Conservatory offers the enjoyment of the natural world any time of the day or year. Outdoors, botanical gardens, art sculptures, open green space and a one-mile walking loop offer respite from everyday life.

There is so much to do, see, and take in, Columbus truly is a gem, but let’s not forget the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and Discover Reef a 100,000-gallon saltwater aquarium which is found on the west side of the Zoo on the right once guests pass through the tunnel. The Columbus Zoo owns and operates a water park called Zoombezi Bay at the Zoo. Did you know Jungle Jack Hanna is the Director Emeritus who often makes appearances at the Zoo for special events, as well as, filming his two hit shows Jack Hanna’s Into The Wild and Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown? Please visit www.jackhanna.com to view his schedule.

The Columbus Zoo is the Safari Golf Club a place to de-stress and have a fantastic time with friends while teeing up on the green. Book a tee time today and discover a world of private club amenities, smart course design, and surprisingly affordable rates. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open 363 days of the year, rain or shine! To view our operating hours click here.

Where To Eat & Drink

North Market is fun gathering spot in Columbus known for being a foodie’s hub you can always get a variety of fresh and excellent meals here as well as tickle your shopping fancy. Check out this list of merchants. They also house some of the best farmers in Columbus and also offer various events. Please make sure this is on your list of stops. Tips for first-time visitors: http://www.northmarket.com/NoMa-Press/Tips-for-First-Time-Visitors.aspx

Dirty Frank’s Hotdog Palace is a favorite of both locals and tourist. It popped up on the scene in 2009 and has made a huge impact ever since. Dirty Frank’s Hotdog Palace is a “hot-dog lover’s” dream. Plus they have beef, vegan, and vegetarian hotdogs a little something for everyone. There are two locations in the greater Columbus area.

Hot Chicken Takeover is impressive this restaurant spun as a result of the Nashville, TN hot chicken market. I just love their backstory after a baby-moon to Nashville and experiencing hot chicken they knew they had to bring the concept to Columbus and that is what they did through community efforts and a Kick Starter campaign.

King Gyros Greek Restaurant has been around for twenty-five years. The owner, Yanni, takes great pride in staying true to his roots and following in his father’s footsteps off having an authentic Greek-owned restaurant with the experience to match.

Columbus has over 35 breweries with refreshing hand-crafted beers, cocktails, and live entertainment throughout the city. So, don’t miss the chance to experience one the Columbus Brew Adventures. Their tours will provide you with the opportunity to explore Central Ohio from Downtown Columbus and Grandview where you will go behind the scenes to see and taste from producers of some the finest craft beers, cider, meads, and spirits; the Columbus Brew Adventure offers something for everyone! Columbus Brew Adventures even offers day trip beer tours to Licking County and other craft destinations in Ohio. If you’re visiting Columbus, Ohio, this unique attraction is not to be missed!

Where To Shop

Columbus is the headquarters for many big-name retailers like Express, DSW, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Work and several others just to name a few. Did you know Columbus also has the third highest concentration of fashion designers behind only New York and Los Angeles?

In the heart of Columbus neighborhoods, there are a few chic boutiques from independent fashion retailers and designers. The Short North Arts District is full of one-of-a-kind shops for men and women alike. Also located in the Short North is one of favorite stores FOUNT the Cleveland-based leather goods company offer an array of handbags.

The Candle Lab, in Worthington and the Short North Arts District, offers hand-poured candles in more than 120 fragrances, pour-your-own custom scented candles, customization home fragrance products and small-batch natural bath and body products.

Easton an indoor/outdoor shopping center with its unique village setting and a broad assortment of restaurants, entertainment and retailers is a fashion guru’s dream. Also located at Easton another one of my favorite stores is Homage features screened vintage sports and civic logos from around the nation and carries only the best and softest t-shirts.

Polaris Fashion Place features an indoor/outdoor mall and close by stores such as Cabelas, and IKEA (opening summer 2017). Just north of Columbus is Tanger Outlets, Ohio’s outlet mall with more than 90 name brands.

There is so much to do, see, and take in, Columbus truly is a gem I invite you to come and explore Columbus as my guest! For a full list of upcoming attractions, places to stay and much more please visit https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/.

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See you soon!

All photos contained in this post belong to the business establishment mentioned in the post above. I don’t own rights to any of the photos. Links provided to each of the locations directly. I have quoted some information from the site links embedded within the post but provided 100% of my opinion without bias. This is not a sponsored post.