COLUMBUS, Ohio— Experience Columbus, the destination marketing organization for Ohio’s capital city, is excited to kick off the spring break season and is encouraging both visitors and locals to Live to Break Free. Visitors can depart from their typical routines and leave the winter woes behind by spending a day — or several — experiencing Columbus’ welcoming vibe and world-class attractions. With new exhibits at family-friendly museums, beautiful spring blossoms and special hotel packages and discounts, Columbus is an ideal spring break destination. 

“After months of winter weather, now is the time to plan a weekend road trip or weeklong vacation and discover what’s new in the country’s 14th largest city,” said Sarah Townes, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Experience Columbus. “Recent research from Longwoods International shows that 93% of Americans are planning to travel in the next six months and that with considerations such as inflation and airfare prices, many people are choosing to drive to nearby destinations. Columbus is a one day’s drive for more than half of the U.S. population and has an abundance of new seasonal experiences to enjoy, making it a perfect option for a family getaway or weekend with friends.”  

The new spring campaign is the latest to incorporate the city’s Live Forward spirit, which encourages visitors and locals to think positively and anticipate bright possibilities, while highlighting the resilience, creativity and optimism of the Columbus community. Here are some of the experiences that await visitors to Columbus this spring:  
 
Enjoy Beautiful Blooms Throughout the City 

Take in 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 don’t have to travel to Washington, D.C. or Japan to take in cherry trees. Columbus is home to more than 5,000 of the iconic trees, with a high concentration in Franklin Park and Berliner Park. Franklin Park’s lower and upper ponds are lined with 80 cherry trees, making it a great location for a spring picnic.   
 
See the trees during their peak bloom in early April during the 2023 Greater Columbus Cherry Blossom Festival. The second-annual event takes place April 1-9 throughout Columbus with the final celebration happening April 8 at Franklin Park and featuring 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’ Blooms & Butterflies now through May 29. 
 
Become Culturally Immersed 

Take a trip back in time and explore the archaeology of ancient Egypt at the top-rated science museum in the country, COSI. Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures opens March 18 and invites visitors to experience the burial chambers and treasures of the king exactly as they were discovered in 1922. 
 
Also downtown this spring, wish the Columbus Metropolitan Library a happy 150th birthday and enjoy celebrations such as their Sesquicentennial Author Series, which will feature Julia Quinn, the New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series, on March 5 at the Main Library, among other authors. On April 22, the 2023 Ohioana Book Festival invites visitors to celebrate Ohio authors and books. 

Get a Jumpstart on Rooftop Season 

With temperatures warming, head outdoors and toast to the spring equinox at one of Columbus’ more than 15 rooftop bars and restaurants, including several new options. Enjoy stellar, panoramic views at Stories on High, Columbus’ newest and highest rooftop lounge that sits 28 stories above High Street and is located in the Hilton Columbus Downtown’s new tower. Enjoy contemporary and classic interpretations of cocktails and small plates as you soak in the sunshine and highest vantage points of the city. Beer lovers will want to check out notable Ohio brewery Jackie O’s, which is expected to open their multi-level patio downtown in March. 
 
Return to the Stands 

Sports fans can head to the Arena District and cheer on the Columbus Crew as they battle D.C. United on March 4 at Lower.com Field. The Black & Gold will continue their longstanding tradition of celebrating the first home match with the return of Crewsmas, giving the first 10,000 fans a winter beanie upon arrival. March 17 and March 19 brings March Madness® to Columbus as The Ohio State University hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship at Nationwide Arena. Then on April 4, baseball lovers can experience opening day at Huntington Park as the Columbus Clippers play the Charlotte Knights.  
 
Enjoy a spring getaway without breaking the bank by taking advantage of Experience Columbus packages and discounts. If visitors book a two-night stay through experiencecolumbus.com/hotels, they can choose from either 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 20% at the city’s top attractions is by taking advantage of the Columbus Attractions Pass. 
 
To learn more about all the ways to break free from the ordinary this spring in Columbus, visit experiencecolumbus.com/springbreak or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. To share stories of “Live Forward” in action, post on social media using #LiveForwardCbus, or email community@experiencecolumbus.com.  
 
About Columbus 

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 be selected as the host city for the 2023 U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting coming in June and to have hosted PCMA Convening Leaders 2023, which brought together the world's business events professionals in January. Free travel guides, maps, online booking and detailed information are available at www.ExperienceColumbus.com. Visitor information is also available on Facebook: @ExperienceColumbus, Twitter: @ExpCols, Instagram: @ExperienceColumbus and TikTok: @ExperienceColumbus. 

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Media Contacts:  
Leah Berger, APR: lberger@experiencecolumbus.com | 614-222-6145 
Cameron Tirado: ctirado@experiencecolumbus.com | 610-389-6833