COLUMBUS, Ohio—Spring brings longer days, colorful blossoms and the first major travel season of the year as families hit the road for spring break getaways. In fact, 92% of Americans are expected to travel during the first half of the year, a near record high percentage in the past year, according to Longwoods International. In its newest campaign launching today, Experience Columbus, the destination marketing organization for Ohio’s capital city, invites visitors and locals to “Get a Spring Breakover.”
“Through this new campaign we want to flip the script on what a spring break trip looks like,” said Sarah Townes, ECI, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer for Experience Columbus. “Whether you’re traveling with family, friends or on your own, visitors will find that Columbus offers all you want from a big city trip without the costs, crowds and complications.”
From new exhibitions at Columbus’ attractions to the once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse on April 8 and from the city’s new professional volleyball team to special hotel packages and discounts, here’s how to enjoy a whole new way to spring break in Columbus:
Experience New Exhibits at Top Attractions
One of the most highly anticipated new exhibitions coming to Columbus this spring is TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition. The Center of Science and Industry (COSI), named the best science museum in the country by USA Today 10Best for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023, will display more than 200 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreckage site March 9 through Sept. 2, 2024. Upon entering the exhibition, guests will be taken back in time to April 1912 when the ship embarked on its first and final journey. Visitors will receive a replica boarding pass, assume the role of a passenger and follow a journey through life on Titanic—from the ship’s construction to life on board to the infamous sinking.
At the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM), the only museum in the country devoted to telling the stories of veterans from all branches of service, visitors can experience new exhibitions about World War II throughout the year as the museum gears up to recognize the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June. On view now through May 12 is Lost Man Blues: Jon Schueler-Art & War, which transports viewers into the beauty that Schueler, an esteemed, prolific American abstract expressionist, experienced as he flew among the clouds as a World War II B-17 navigator in the U.S. Army Air Corps. The exhibition of 26 oils on canvas showcases his war-themed paintings as a collective group for the first time.
Make Columbus Your Home Base for the Solar Eclipse
As cities around the country gear up to celebrate the total solar eclipse on April 8, Columbus invites visitors to experience the near totality (99.6% downtown) and make Columbus their home base if they’re planning to head to the path of totality just minutes from Columbus. Downtown, COSI is hosting a day of fun, hands-on activities and is giving away thousands of free eclipse glasses, and NVMM welcomes visitors for a rooftop viewing party presented in partnership with NASA Solar System Ambassadors program. Beer lovers won’t want to miss Land-Grant Brewing Company’s celebration, complete with a special beer, Totality, on tap. Their viewing party starts at 11 a.m. and includes free eclipse glasses, interactive experiments with the COSI team, cosmic-themed music and food from local food trucks.
In the path of totality where experts anticipate the totality will last around 1 minute, 45 seconds, the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium will host Solar Eclipse Solar-Bration from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors are invited to take in the historic sight amidst the wonders of wildlife. Learn about all of the solar eclipse happenings in the Columbus region at www.ExperienceColumbus.com/Eclipse.
Take in Beautiful Blooms Across the City
Visitors can enjoy a variety of botanical beauty throughout Columbus this spring, including along the Scioto Mile riverfront downtown, named one of the 21 Best Urban Parks and Trails for City-Dwellers by Men’s Journal and the perfect place for biking, jogging or walking. Visitors can see more than 5,000 cherry trees in Columbus, with many of them in Franklin Park and Berliner Park. April 6-14 the city celebrates the iconic trees with the third annual Greater Columbus Cherry Blossom Festival. The culminating celebration takes place April 13 at Franklin Park and features food trucks, entertainment, exhibits and cultural displays.
Nearby, get up close and personal with hundreds of butterflies while also enjoying bright tropical blooms at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The 30th annual Blooms & Butterflies event is happening now through July 7.
Enjoy Discounts and Deals in Ohio’s capital
See why TravelPulse named Columbus one of the Most Affordable U.S. Travel Destinations for 2024 by enjoying a spring getaway without breaking the bank. Starting March 1, when visitors book a two-night stay through experiencecolumbus.com/hotels, they can choose from either a $100 Delta voucher, two complimentary tickets to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, two tickets to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens or a free Lyft credit. Another way to save more than 20% at the city’s top attractions is by taking advantage of the Columbus Attractions Pass.
To learn more about how to get a spring breakover in Columbus, visit ExperienceColumbus.com/SpringBreak or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and TikTok. Share your Columbus getaway by using #LiveForwardCbus online.
About Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is a city unlike any other. Vibrant and alive, Ohio’s capital is known for its open attitude, smart style and entrepreneurial spirit. Columbus' blend of neighborhoods, dynamic nightlife, noteworthy music scene, arts and culinary experiences, events, attractions and accommodations are all made unforgettable by the diversity of its outgoing locals who eagerly await and warmly welcome visitors. Columbus is proud to have hosted the 2023 U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting in June 2023 and PCMA Convening Leaders 2023, which brought together the world's business events professionals in January 2023. Free travel guides, maps, online booking and detailed information are available at www.ExperienceColumbus.com. Visitor information is also available on Instagram: @ExperienceColumbus, Facebook: @ExperienceColumbus, Threads: @ExperienceColumbus and TikTok: @ExperienceColumbus.
###
Media Contacts:
Leah Berger, APR, ECI: lberger@experiencecolumbus.com | 614-222-6145
Cameron Tirado, ECI: ctirado@experiencecolumbus.com | 610-389-6833
