Brunch is pretty much the perfect way to start a lazy Sunday. Whether you’re an in-towner or visiting Columbus, you’ve got to take the time to slow down your pace and enjoy the simple things in life. While I’m not really a breakfast food guy, I love brunch, because I can get a sandwich or soup while my co-diners can order omelets and waffles. The added bonus of brunch: it’s a socially acceptable way to have a cocktail before noon. Here are my three favorite brunch beverages in Columbus:

Due Amici – Bloody Marys
How awesome is this: You walk into this upscale, loungy spot for brunch, find a plush booth and while you’re waiting for your dining companions to arrive, a server wheels over a cart with all the fixings to make your perfect, customized bloody mary! Order an extra spicy (Tabasco, pepperoncini and pickle spear) for an added kick to your meal, or steer to classic (celery stalk.) Life is good. If you’re not a fan of tomato juice, Due Amici also serves mimosas and peach bellinis at brunch – thought I’ve never known anyone to pass up the bloody mary cart.

The Jury Room – The Nina West
Reopening earlier this year, the Jury Room has put a new spin on Columbus’ oldest restaurant. Serving hearty brunch staples with a twist, there is also a nice bar menu, to indulge a little more. One of the most fanciful drinks, (available for lunch and dinner, too) is the Nina West, named for Columbus’ premiere drag queen, comes complete with pop rocks and a candy cigarette. Fanciful, tasty, a bit tacky – perfect for a fun brunch.

Northstar Café – Shooting Star
OK, this one is perfect for teetotalers, and it also leaves you feeling like you’ve got the energy to conquer the world on your day off. Northstar Café, with locations in the Short North, Clintonville and at Easton, is a brunch mainstay in Columbus. While there are some boozy drink options, I always steer to the Shooting Star – and invigorating, organic blend of orange juice, carrot juice, lemon and ginger. And let’s be honest, I also grab a mug for a never-ending cup of eye-opening, mild coffee.

What would you add to the list?

Photo: Barrio

This post is part four of a seven part series featuring Columbus happy hours . Check back each week as Experience Columbus staff spotlight their favorite areas of Columbus to meet friends, share a drink and have some fun.

In this post, Kelly explores the happy hour specials downtown. You can also check out options in the Short North Arts District , Grandview , or Park Street . Stay tuned for future posts in the series, where we’ll feature the University District at OSU, Easton Town Center and Worthington.

Downtown Columbus restaurants are known for many different things - some are trendy and upscale, while others are more laid back and casual. Whatever atmosphere you choose, you’re also sure to find great happy hour deals. Whether it’s half-price drinks, specially priced bar menus or daily food specials, you can’t go wrong.

One of my favorite happy hours is at Barrio Tapas Lounge, especially for their 2-for-1 Tapas Tuesdays. Every Tuesday tapas are buy-one-get-one-free, all day. Create a new combination each week and never get bored, or stick with your trusty favorites (I recommend the Fried Potatos and Crab and Almond Empanadas). Pair your tapas with a half-price pitcher of sangria, and you’re in for a good night at a great price.

Check out more details and other downtown options: (more…)

If you only had 24 hours to spend in Columbus, what would you do? This was a hard question for me to answer, but I’ve come up with a list of must sees and must dos that I feel will leave any visitor with an experience uniquely Columbus.

I’m sharing these ideas in a three part series - the first post is geared to families, the next to the business traveler, and finally, a post to help a local decide what to do with visiting friends or family.

Here’s part two of three, with suggestions geared to the business traveler.

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With Columbus being the state capital and the home of 14 Fortune 1,000 companies (six of which are Fortune 500), it is a frequent stop among business travelers. The city is located within a one-day drive or one-hour flight of nearly half of the population of the U.S. and Canada, so those who do travel here may be in and out of town in a day or after a brief overnight stay.

Here are some helpful tips and recommendations to make the most of your visit.

Where to Stay
Like I mentioned in the family travel post , there are several great hotel options at varying price points around downtown - click here to check them out. One property great for business travelers is The Columbus, A Renaissance Hotel , located on N. 3rd St. in the heart of downtown and near the capital, Nationwide Arena and the Greater Columbus Convention Center . The Columbus has the city’s only seasonal rooftop pool with great views of downtown; it’s often the site of an impromptu happy hour and always a great place to relax or swim a few laps. The hotel also has Wi-Fi access throughout, a large lounge and bar in the lobby.

Where to Eat

Photo: Latitude 41

If you’re staying at The Columbus, I recommend dining at Latitude 41 .  It’s located in the lobby of the hotel and it’s known for unique American cuisine. Also, a quick walk down Gay Street (across from the hotel) offers several unique Columbus restaurant options including fine Italian at Due Amici , great comfort food at Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails and Cuban cuisine at Plantain Cafe.

Once you’re done with business, a few great places to get dinner and a drink with locals downtown include the Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus , M restaurant, Mitchell’s Steakhouse and The River Club at Confluence Park .

Another uniquely Columbus eatery is our public market, the North Market . This is one of my favorite places to grab a quick bite and people-watch, as it is home to dozens of unique, independent merchants and farmers. Merchants offer ethnic food specialties, gourmet groceries, flowers and gifts. (more…)