It’s not something else about standing around and searching at monumental buildings or other historic architecture, taking pictures and claiming “I’ve been here”. Or eat at the trendiest restaurants or even go to the newest outdoor mall… Each person is it in every city and while it is cool to get to all “those” places, I want to Do things in a new place. You see I’m a New England native and migrated to Columbus about 5 years ago and this city just hooked me! This list is by no means exhaustive but just a peek at what Columbus has to offer. So let’s get started!
- Memorial Tournament
Every June Muirfield Village Golf Club hosts a commemorative tournament at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. This course is specifically designed for spectators to experience an unprecedented view of the field. If you are not a golf fan, you can still enjoy the event looking at all the latest summer fashion trends Dublin housewives are wearing from their fabulous floppy hats to their cool, breezy evening robes. When the game is over for the evening, continue your free time and recreation at the Bogey Inn, Dub Pub, or a private party at one of Dublin’s posh residences – by invitation only.
- Check out the Columbus Fashion Week Launch Party
It’s no secret that Columbus is the third leading city in the country for high fashion. If you are a fashion buff, launch parties are an incredible way to meet new designers, models, photographers, makeup artists, hairstylists, creatives, etc and see some of the new trends for fashion week in October.
- Go to the Ball Game
It’s not summer unless you enjoy honesty and America’s favourite pastime! The Columbus Clippers play at the iconic Huntington Ball Park in the Arena District. Tickets are inexpensive and an incredible activity to take the entire family on a breezy summer night!
- Columbus Zoo & Zoombezi Bay
Whether you are a season ticket holder or a day visitor, there’s something for everybody! When visiting the zoo & water park, make sure to grab your Zoo-It-All wristband for $9.99 in addition to your admission ticket to have access to all the unlimited rides in addition to Stingray Bay – an interactive play space where you can touch and see stingrays from near. At 11.00am, head to The Heart of Africa, the zoo’s newest area and feed the giraffes! Once you are pleased with the animal. Eat your packed lunch at the zoo because it is allowed and amusement park prices can be very expensive. Outside food and drinks are NOT allowed into the water park area and they’ll check bags. Cool off in the lazy river, wave pool and ride on the water slides on a hot summer day; as nightfall settles, catch one of Dive In Movies in their wave pool.
- Hiking/Kayaking in Hocking Hills
Take a day trip to Logan, Ohio, about 45 minutes southeast of the city of Columbus to Hocking Hills State Park. There are great hiking trails with charming views of waterfalls and hidden caves to explore. You can even rent a kayak, canoe, tube, or raft for the day and explore the banks of the Hocking River.
- Rent a COGO Bike for Today
Are you interested in seeing downtown Columbus from a distinctive perspective? Rent a COGO Bike! These bikes can be found throughout downtown and are a fun and affordable way to experience all that Columbus has to offer. Make sure to dock every ½ hour at a new location!
- Weekend Getaway at the Tree House!
Have you ever dreamed of living in all the fantastic, unique places you have browsed on AirBnB for 3 hours at work. Now, let’s make it occur by booking your weekend getaway at The Mohicans! They are only a brief 1.5 hour drive from Columbus in rural northeastern Ohio. This business really takes the idea of enjoying the outdoors to the next level! Rented one of three different lavish style treehouses, one of which is crimson with white trim, complete with cathedral windows and is my personal favorite. Perfect for peace and relaxation.
8. Red, White & BOOM!
Every Independence Day, our city hosts a fun event with food, fun and obviously fireworks! The roads were closed and native restaurateurs and food truck vendors lined the streets with their delicious dishes ready to be served to all Cbus foodies. There are parades, a kids’s park with face painting & inflatable, several stages with live music from local artists, after parties and most significantly and my favourite the grand finale fireworks show! For the best seats in the house, attend a rooftop party or head over to the main road bridge at Milestone 229 to snap some night photos of the city skyline and fireworks!
9. Cedar Point
Rated as the best amusement park in the world and known as the roller coaster capital of the world, this is a definite must if you’re a thrill seeker visiting Ohio. It’s located in Sandusky, Oh about 2.5 hours from Columbus and is well worth the drive for an epic adventure.
10. Rhythm on the River
“Take a blanket and have a picnic under the stars” as you watch artists ranging from music to dance perform at the Bicentennial Park Performing Arts Pavilion. This is a free event and an incredible way to spend time with family and friends. Make sure to get there early enough to get a good seat!
11. Local Farmers Market
It’s Farmers Market Season! Everyone was preparing for fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and numerous other locally made food products. Find over 30 different markets here in Columbus, my personal favourite being the Farmers Market in Grandville! View of mountains and historical architecture on Main St. creating an exceptional atmosphere similar to old New England towns.
12. Ohio State Fair
Rides, concerts & food fair, Oh My! From July 29th-9 Augustth come to exhibitions, ride rides, eat cotton candy, and funnel cakes!! There are a number of attractions for each age!
13. The Wild
Experience an African safari on over 9,000 hectares of land! The Wilds offers a wide range of Safari tours from open air transportation to sunset ziplining. This adventure is great for thrill-seeking animal lovers. They can be found east of Columbus just over an hour away.
14. Hollywood Casino
Looking for a different kind of girls night?! Dress up and head to Hollywood Casinos to play the slot machines or Black Jack tables! The interior design is similar to the Gatsby era and great for a selfie or two.
15. German Village Tour
Ok so I know I said you would not stare at the architecture but there’s something very offbeat a couple of historic German Village, wander around the brick-strewn streets and find some hidden gems! Enjoy breakfast at Pistacia Vera, a captivating little bakery & coffee shop, then wander into the Book Loft to find out how this old house was turned into the most quirky used bookstore you have ever seen. Don’t forget to buy your lavender cupcakes from Kittie Cakes and at last enjoy a refreshing glass of white wine at Lindey’s Restaurant & Bar.
16. LDNL (Lieutenant Dan’s New Leg)
What am I able to say, these guys are an amazing band!! LDNL is a cover band that takes their music straight from popular Hip Hop songs and top 40 charts. If you are searching for a good dance party, come to one of their shows! You will not sit all night!
17. Sailing
If you are around Columbus during the summer and searching for a new and thrilling hobby to learn, I suggest sailing! Columbus has three different clubs to select from and offers sessions 3-4 weeks, two days a week, rain or shine! So bring your life jacket and willingness to learn and you are already on your way to becoming a sailor!
18. Restaurant
Ok, so you want to be skinny at the place to eat at 614? It’s not what you think… Columbus has been named by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 5 Secret Foodie Cities in the country! So let me tell you where the locals go for an genuine good meal!
Vietnamese: Indochine Café is family owned and operated and this cute family will make you feel like family when you leave! I’m a regular and they know my order!!
Ethiopia: Lalibella Restaurant is family owned and operated serving the better of African cuisine!
The middle East: Nazareth Restaurant & Deli is family owned and operated and this place has the best Arabic coffee and falafel!!
Mexico: Ok this one is a toss up between El Tacoriendo (family owned & operated) and Nada (a stylish new restaurant found in the arena district.) Both offer great food choices and portions but with a totally different style.
Vegan/Organic: Portia’s Café is family owned & operated and like no other. Portia offers great raw, organic, vegan and gluten free options. Generous portions, rich flavours, and you absolutely will not go hungry!
Winery: Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is a small chain initially from Chicago. They offer an incredible selection of wines made completely from their winery. My personal favourite and a must try is rhubarb wine. It will change your life!
Late Night Snacks/Street Food: Doughby’s is the place! Located on N. High St, this is the perfect stop for a handcrafted calzone or mouth-watering cheesecake.
19. Attend Festivals
Columbus is home to some of the best festivals in central Ohio from arts, culture to food to fashion to music etc. FMMF (Fashion Meets Music Festival) is Columbus’ newest addition to the festival scene and a jam pack full of various genres. music paired with up-and-coming local fashion designers.
20. Take Selfies
Rules are supposed to be broken and you are allowed a selfie ticket or two while visiting this astonishing city! Make it count by documenting “my status here” in front of the iconic aqua blue wall and orange garage just off N. High St. on W. Poplar St.
