Columbus is the capital of Ohio and filled with people and activities. If you are looking for lots of things to do in one location, look no further. With so and numerous reasons to visit, it is the perfect spot to plan a trip to this summer.
The Gallery Hopping
Image via Flickr by neighborhoods.org
If you are looking to support local artists, Short North is the place to be. The Short North neighborhood is packed with art galleries, stores, restaurants, and bars. Join the Gallery Hop on the first Saturday of each month for a well-rounded experience.
The Local Shopping
Image via Flickr by MeRyan
The North Market is open every day of the week and offers everything from gourmet food to flowers. With a wide range of vendors, there is something for everyone in this location. The wide number of diverse foods available include everything from Polish to Indian. Stop by Gatterdam Eggs, the North Market’s oldest business which opened in 1916. The owner of Gatterdam Eggs simply puts out the eggs and a small box for shoppers to drop in their cash on an honor system.
The Animal Watching
A popular destination for families with children, the Columbus Zoo offers special events during the summertime, like drive-in movies and JAZZOO concerts. One of the best children’s zoos in the country, the Columbus Zoo provides a number of activities including food, rides, tours, shops, and (of course) animal exhibits. Take the opportunity to interact with giraffes or watch the polar bears swim.
The Bar Hopping
The Arena District offers bustling bars year-round within walking distance of many Columbus hotels. During the summer, the Clippers are likely to take the limelight in the area, but there are many other events to enjoy as well. If you are in town during the Jazz & Rib Fest in mid-July, make sure you stop by and appreciate the mouth-watering barbecue vendors and live shows performed by international musicians. From dance clubs to sports bars, you will be able to find just about any flavor of nightlife atmosphere you are looking for in the Arena District.
The Fine (And Affordable) Dining
Image via Flickr by Leigh Ann Kopans
From deserts to dinner, Columbus has some of the most delicious and mouth-watering stops you might ever make. Salty Caramel is the must-have, flavor-to-try at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and, with the small shop located in the Short North neighborhood, it is a dish you should definitely snatch while gallery hopping. Ray Ray’s Hog Pit is an inexpensive stop for some of the best barbecue in the area. Tyler’s Pizzeria & Bakery is a small hole-in-the-wall stop for delicious baked goods or freshly made pizza. If you are looking to splurge, The Refectory is a fancy French restaurant with all of the ambiance and delicious dishes you could desire. From the Franklin Park Conservatory to Ohio State University, the city is cram-packed with sporting events, parks, and educational stops. Don’t miss out this summer – plan your trip to Columbus and make sure you stay long enough to get a good taste of what the city has to offer!