One-tank road trips are all the rage right now. A short drive ensures much more time to explore your destination once you arrive. Fortunately for me, Cleveland is located only a short distance from a lot of exciting cities in the Midwest. Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, so many options, but our stateâs capital boasts the most fun day drive in Ohio. If you are looking for a fun weekend getaway, there’s so many things to do in Columbus Ohio.
Columbus is located only a short two hours away from Cleveland. No matter your interest, you can find something exciting to do in Columbus. Experience Columbus hooked us up with an amazing weekend stay in Columbus. We stayed at the world famous Le
This boutique hotel sits on High Street right in the heart of the Short North Arts District. You couldnât pick a better spot to stay to be in the center of it all.
Things To Do in Columbus OH
Go Shopping
High Street is the main drag through the Short North Arts District. A hip, happening, culture-rich area, staying in Short North is excellent for walking to art galleries, funky boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife. This is definitely the neighborhood where you will find plenty of things to do in Columbus Ohio.
If youâre like me, shopping is a major point of vacation and Columbus does not disappoint. Short North has a lot of off beat boutiques like the . Sounds totally made up, but this Black-owned boutique was one of my favorite finds while walking High Street.
If youâre more into vintage, is right up your alley. Fashion and wares from 1930âs-1980âs fill the two-tiered nostalgia mishmash shop. Come prepared, you will likely spend a few hours getting lost through the ages.
Columbus is home to a lot of big brands like Lane Bryant, L Brands, DSW, so many brands and fashion designers call Columbus home. Many have flag ships stores at outdoor shopping centers such as Easton Town Center or inside Polaris Fashion Place. I am personally partial to Easton Town Center. I grew up taking day trips to Easton for back to school shopping as it was one of the first outdoor concept malls in the Midwest.
It was glorious to walk around, sip an iced lavender latte from Crimson, and just check out the shops. One of the things that Easton does well is blend shopping with a little art. Thereâs tons of outdoor art from murals to installations that all make great content stops.
Take in Some Art
Art in Columbus isnât just limited to Easton, itâs all over the city. With colleges like the Columbus College of Art and Design, downtown Columbus is full of creativity and vibrancy. Galleries in The Short North, studios at The Ohio State University and Columbus College of Art and Design, museums, art is very much in the pulse of Columbus.
Murals are plentiful in and around downtown. We checked out Open Door Art Studio and Gallery. They had a whole alley full of murals with the artist Venmos attached so you could tip the artist. Genius. Experience Columbus has a great blog post on if you are fancying a photoshoot.
The Columbus Museum of Art is a must visit for any art fan. Itâs a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary art; sure to please with whomever you are traveling. Whatâs cool about this museum is that photography is actually encouraged as long as it is not for commercial use! So get ready to snap away.
Visit the Gayborhood
The 15th largest city in the nation, Columbus is also home to a vibrant and growing LGBTQ+ community and neighborhood (Nina West is from Columbus and has a street named after her!). Columbusâ Gayborhood feels at lot like Boystown in Chicago, and I felt right at home.
There is so much to do in the Gayborhood and so many LGBTQ+ business to check out. Whether youâre looking for coffee, dinner, or nightlife, you can certainly find it. My favorite was . We stopped for some cocktails and an afternoon snack and it felt so much like being at Sidetrack in Chicago right down to the music videos playing on the screens and the cheeky flavored cocktails.
Let’s Eat
It should have been no surprise to me that the hometown of Guy Fieri is actually Flavortown, USA. When I tell you we ate good in Columbus, we ate good. I think I am still feeling the food coma. Hereâs some spots to check out.
Budd Dairy Food Hall
If you know me, you know I love a good food hall! Budd Dairy Food Hall didnât disappoint. Pizza, chicken fingers, lobster rolls, desserts, cocktails, the sheer amount of options ensures thereâs something for everyone. Ordering is done right on your phone with QR codes and you receive a text when your order is ready.
Sâwich Social
I have just six words for you – COUCH POTATO COOKIE ICE CREAM SANDWICH. This cookie features chocolate chunks, caramel chips, and pretzels for an amazing combination you’ll want to leave the couch for. The flavors are so inventive and you can custom cocktail whatever kind of ice cream sandwich fits your fancy. Go on and treat yourself!
Restoration Hardware
Iâm sure this is confusing. If youâre from Ohio, you know Restoration Hardware is known for their GORGEOUS furniture. The flagship store at Easton is also home to an amazing rooftop brunch spot. It was definitely our favorite meal of the trip. Decadent cheeseboards, mimosas, brunch stamps. Be right back, making a return reservation post haste.
Lincoln Social Rooftop
This is the spot to be for Columbus nightlife. This popular rooftop hang offers craft cocktails and small plates. Mini corndogs and sâmores bites? Yes please.
Ohio’s capital is truly is an amazing getaway. There’s so many things to do in Columbus OH. You could go for a weekend getaway or plan an entire week and still not run out of things to do and see. The fact that it is also an LGBTQ+ oasis in the Midwest is only an added bonus.
Did I miss your favorite thing to do in Columbus? Let me know in the comments below!