Those big fireworks displays might not be happening this year, but there are still lots of ways to spend a fun summer weekend in Columbus. Here are some tips for a great weekend in the city. 

 

Grilling Guide

If you're staying home to celebrate, there are lots of places in the city offering convenient grilling staples packaged up and ready to go. 

Cameron Mitchell Premier Events is offering grill kits, including burgers and brats with traditional picnic sides or kabobs with Mediterranean sides. 

The Butcher & Grocer in Grandview is a great place to pick up Ohio-grown cuts of meat and house-made sausages, along with elevated picnic staples like Matija Breads sandwich rolls and local cheeses. 

North Country Charcuterie has some unique packs, like the Evening 'roud the Campfire Charcuterie Kit, which includes their house-made spreadable chorizo, locust honey, local sheep's milk cheese and a s'mores kit. 

 

Picnic Pickups

Comune - vegetarian carry-out meal for twoThe Kitchen has meal kit options ranging from barbecue sliders to red-and blue-berry arugula salad to their popular cheese and charcuterie boards.

For a vegetarian feast, the South Side's Comune has just re-opened and has a small plates carry-out dinner for two that includes a decadent vegan dessert.

The Whitney House in Worthington offers a variety of family-style takeout dishes, including a low-country boil, short rib tacos and eggplant parmesan. 

 

 

 

Parks and Gardens 

Family Picnic- Scioto AudubonWhere should you take that great picnic? If you don't have access to a back yard or need a change of scenery, plan a picnic in one of Columbus' great Metro Parks

Blendon Woods Metro Park has lots of shady spots for picnics. It also has an outstanding natural play area for kids, where they can get messy in nature without worrying about wiping down playground equipment. 

Inniswood Metro Garden is 123 acres of wooded and landscaped splendor, and early July is the peak of the bloom season. 

For a wilder approach, Scioto Grove Metro Park has seven miles of wilderness trails, scenic views overlooking the bluffs of the Scioto River and two picnic areas.