Columbus is a book-lover’s paradise. Rooted in a strong literary history, boasting over 15 independent bookstores, and with more than 20 Columbus Metro Public Library locations throughout the city, it’s safe to say we know and love our books. Even the legendary author behind the Goosebumps series, R.L. Stine, was born here! You can even check out his permanent Hall of Fame at the Bexley Library, along with his own guide to Columbus.
Whether you’re coming to Columbus for our large annual Columbus Book Festival, the popular Annual Poetry Festival, or just to experience all of the bookstores and literary attractions throughout the city, here is your complete book-themed itinerary.
Courtesy of The Junto
Where to Stay: The Junto
77 Belle St, Columbus, OH 43215
Book a room at The Junto, an independent lifestyle hotel in the walkable Franklinton neighborhood adjacent to downtown Columbus. Complete with a relaxing yet elevated lounge, The Junto lets you gather amongst Maudine’s coffee shop or the Trade Room, creating a social hub where you can work, chat, or curl up by the fire with a book. The hotel offers onsite dining with Little West Tavern, the Brass Eye rooftop bar, and access to outdoor recreation through their gear garage and bike fleet.
DAY ONE
See literary and historic sites around the city.
Breakfast | Olde Towne East, Franklinton
Grab breakfast or brunch in the Olde Towne East neighborhood to get your day started. Tuck into the menu at Hang Over Easy, or order a brew from Upper Cup Coffee. Franklinton boasts several coffee shops and breakfast spots, like the local favorite Tommy’s Diner.
Early Afternoon Activity | Tour the Thurber House
77 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
Once home to James Thurber –one of the most notable American humorists, cartoonists, and writers of the 20th century – the historic Thurber House is open to the public as a literary hub and museum each Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 4 p.m. To best plan your trip, contact the museum ahead of time and book your tour!
Lunch | Short North Arts District
680 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Grab some lunch at Brassica – where you can build your own pita or bowl – while strolling the shops and galleries in the Shorts North Arts District.
Late Afternoon Activity | Billy Ireland Museum
1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
Visit the Billy Ireland Museum, open from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. every day of the week but Monday, to see the world’s largest collection of cartoon and comic materials.
Dinner | University District, Clintonville
Grab dinner around the University District or the Clintonville neighborhood, like Harvest Pizza or Pat and Gracie’s.
Evening Activity | Kafe Kerouac
2250 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Order at the neighborhood coffee house, Kafe Kerouac, in the evening, where you can cozy up with a good book and coffee, beer or wine late into the night. If you’d like to pick up a new read, browse the books and records for sale at the cafe.
The Book Loft. Source: Experience Columbus.
DAY TWO
Discover Columbus parks and independent bookstores.
Breakfast | German Village, Italian Village
Enjoy breakfast and your morning beverage at one of the Fox in the Snow Cafe locations, a stop on the Columbus Coffee Trail known for its egg sandwiches and giant pastries.
Morning Activity | Schiller Park and The Book Loft
Take a stroll and reading break in the lush, green Schiller Park, where there are many relaxing and scenic spots to escape with a few chapters. After, experience The Book Loft, Columbus’s 32-room indie bookstore with a surprise around every corner.
Lunch | Downtown Columbus
Try a locally-owned spot in downtown Columbus for lunch, like The Walrus for casual American fare or Speck Italian Eatery for elevated options.
Afternoon Activity | Columbus Booklovers Trail
Get ready to shop at over 15 locally owned bookstores around the city! Get your free Columbus Booklovers Trail pass to earn points and prizes. Pro tip: Some bookstores, like Two Dollar Radio Headquarters and Birdie Books, even serve coffee to keep you energized.
Need a break? Visit Quarry Trails Metro Park or another one of our Best Places to Read to dive into one of your new books.
Dinner | Food Hall
Visit one of Columbus’s many food halls, like The North Market, which just celebrated its 150th anniversary, or Budd Dairy Food Hall, consistently named among the top food halls in the country, to try diverse cuisine and shop with local vendors.
Evening Activity | Cocktails and tales
End the day by embracing your mysterious book babe vibes by sipping a cocktail, sampling light bites, and flipping through your latest read at The Citizen's Trust downtown.
Columbus Metropolitan Library, Main Branch. Photo by Angela Lee.
DAY THREE
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Breakfast | Around town
Get fueled up for the day at The Mercury Diner or Emmett’s Cafe.
Morning Activity | Columbus Metropolitan Library
96 S Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Go to the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s main branch downtown, where you can grab a coffee at the library’s cafe, check out their gift shop, and stroll the Topiary Park.
Lunch | Bexley
Enjoy lunch at one of Bexley’s local restaurants, including Katalina’s Tres – a spot known for its pancake balls and colorful murals.
Afternoon Activity | Bexley Main Street
Hang out in Bexley and check out the Bexley Public Library’s R.L. Stine display, shop around their walkable neighborhood, and visit Gramercy Books.
Dinner and Evening Activity | Easton Town Center
Grab dinner and drinks at the Easton Town Center, a walkable destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Each season in Columbus brings new bookshops, mobile pop-ups, bookfairs at breweries, and events for booklovers. Follow Experience Columbus for your full bookish lineup to see what’s next!
