Source: Makers Social
DAY ONE
Suggestions highlight various neighborhoods and may need customized depending on lodging location
Breakfast | New Albany, Italian Village or German Village
Fox in the Snow, a local favorite with several locations, is a must-stop for any Columbus itinerary. This Food & Wine-lauded coffee shop and café (and a stop on the Columbus Coffee Trail) serves a delicious breakfast sandwich alongside delightful pastries. If you have a sweet tooth, check out Donna's Delicious Dozen, located near New Albany.
Morning Activity | Easton
Head to the Midwest's premier shopping and dining destination, named best retail experience in the nation by Chain Store Age magazine for three years in a row. Packed with indoor/outdoor shopping, dining and more, you'll find a walkable, vibrant atmosphere at Easton.
Lunch | Easton
Stop into Brassica to pack a pita with every topping you could imagine, and on summery days, enjoy your meal on the patio.
Afternoon Adventure | German Village
Spend the afternoon in German Village, one of the most idyllic neighborhoods in the country. Don't miss the 32-room Book Loft, and next door, you'll find Stauf's, another Columbus Coffee Trail stop. We also suggest 3rd & Sycamore and The Red Stable. Nearby, you'll find a window-serve location for Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, as well as dessert shops Pistacia Vera and Kittie's Cakes. Grab a treat and walk to Schiller Park, a hub of the neighborhood.
Dinner | German Village
Stick around German Village and enjoy Barcelona for Spanish-inspired cuisine, Lindey's, a popular and elegant local bistro, or Schmidt's Sausage Haus for delicious German food.
Evening Exploration | Around Town
Book yourself a Makers Social slot to make everything from pet collars to macrame plant hangers, all with a drink in hand. Catch a show at Ohio Theatre, like the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus or the Columbus Symphony, or head to Short North Stage to enjoy professional theater.
Source: Understory
DAY TWO
Suggestions highlight various neighborhoods and may need customized depending on lodging location
Breakfast | Olde Towne East
Grab breakfast at Hangover Easy, a must-stop for anyone who enjoys excellent breakfast food with quirky names.
Morning Activity | Downtown Columbus
Plan ahead and reserve a kayak or paddleboard from Windrose Outdoor, or stroll along the Scioto Mile to take in the sights on foot. Head further into the city to take a free tour of the Ohio Statehouse, or explore the one-of-a-kind National Veterans Memorial and Museum.
Lunch | Downtown Columbus
For lunch, head to Downtown's Gay Street District, always buzzing with activity and make a reservation at Speck Italian Eatery for made-from-scratch dishes that will fill your heart and your stomach.
Afternoon Adventure | Near East Side
Head to Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens to enjoy this oasis from city life. If you're moving to the area and have an Ohio state-issued ID or driver's license, check the calendar for their Community Days, because you'll get in free! Keep an eye out for their special evening events, like Chihuly Nights. This event showcases the Dale Chihuly glasswork that lives permanently throughout the Conservatory in a new light—literally.
Happy Hour and Dinner | Grandview or Gahanna
Head to the Grandview or Gahanna locations of High Bank Distillery, a stop on the Columbus Distillery Trail, for their much-loved happy hour. Stay and grab dinner while you're there!
Evening Exploration | Old North
Check out Understory, a hidden gem close to Ohio State University. This close-to-nature creation is housed in a historic building and with nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, you're sure to enjoy a serene evening overlooking the Olentangy Trail.
Columbus Fury at Nationwide Arena
DAY THREE
Suggestions highlight various neighborhoods and may need customized depending on lodging location
Breakfast | Short North Arts District
Enjoy breakfast at The Lox Bagel Shop, included in Food & Wine's list of the best bagels in America.
Morning Activity | Short North Arts District
Explore the Short North! Stop at Penn & Beech Candle Co. to pour your own candle, shop local at Red Giraffe Designs, and enjoy art galleries and local coffee shops. We also suggest Columbus Food Adventures, a local company that offers in-depth explorations and the history of several Columbus neighborhoods.
Lunch | Arena District
Head to Columbus's nearly 150-year-old public market, North Market, boasting more than 30 food vendors representing countries from across the globe.
Afternoon Adventure | Near Downtown
Explore the Columbus Museum of Art. If you're here on a weekend, go on Sunday for free admission. Sensory and accessibility info is available on their website. Afterward, walk over to Roosevelt Coffeehouse, a café that's passionate about social justice (and it's a stop on the Columbus Coffee Trail!).
If you're feeling adventurous, drive to Quarry Trails Metro Park to enjoy a waterfall, space for kayaking and trails for biking. Be sure to check in on the Columbus Outdoor Trails Pass while you're there!
Happy Hour | Short North Arts District
The Guild House provides an elegant, upscale happy hour environment.
Dinner | Around Town
Enjoy dinner at Budd Dairy Food Hall, one of Fodor Travel's top ten best new food halls in the U.S. Or, plan ahead with reservations at Veritas.
Evening Exploration | Arena District
Depending on the season, catch a Columbus Clippers MiLB game, a Columbus Blue Jackets NHL game, a Columbus Crew MLS match or a Columbus Fury pro volleyball match. Go early to enjoy the DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) beforehand.
