Home to the largest Pride Festival in the Midwest, our city fully celebrates its diversity each year in June, but Columbus is a welcoming, affirming place to live and visit year-round. See our ultimate itinerary for the LGBTQ+ traveler below and book your trip today.
DAY ONE
Breakfast | New Albany, Italian Village or German Village
Check one of three locations of the famous Fox in the Snow, a stop on the Columbus Coffee Trail. Try the breakfast sandwich or a delicious pastry. For the gluten-free sweet tooth, head to Bake Me Happy, a GF bakery in German Village.
Morning Activity | Downtown Columbus
Explore the innovative and beautiful Columbus Museum of Art. Specific exhibitions to check out include the Queer/Modern gallery, found in the Ross building.
Lunch | Italian Village
Head to Budd Dairy Food Hall, one of Fodor Travel’s top ten new food halls in the U.S. This chef incubator space in Italian Village has something for everyone (they even have an all-weather rooftop) and is housed in a historic milk bottling plant.
Afternoon Adventures | Around Downtown
Stroll through Topiary Park, one of the most unique parks in the world. You’ll find towering greenery pruned to bring alive Georges Seurat’s famous painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of Le Grand Jatte.” Next, head to the Scioto River and consider renting a Veo bike to venture along the Scioto Mile, or plan ahead and reserve a kayak or paddleboard from Windrose Outdoor.
Located nearby, head to the one-of-a-kind National Veterans Memorial and Museum.
Dinner | Around Town
For a special night out, plan ahead and make reservations at upscale options Chapman’s Eat Market (included in the 2021 New York Times Restaurant List) or Veritas.
Evening Exploration | Franklinton
We suggest Land-Grant Brewing Company and their amazing craft beer and outdoor beer garden (check their live music schedule!), or plan ahead and make a reservation at Makers Social—this bar + makers space offers fun projects (from coasters to pet accessories) accompanied by delicious beverages.
Photo courtesy of Makers Social
DAY TWO
Breakfast | Short North Arts District
If you’re visiting over a weekend, stop in at Forno in the Short North Arts District for brunch. On weekdays, check out nearby Northstar Café’s breakfast menu or try local coffee shops, One Line or Roaming Goat.
Morning Activity | Short North Arts District
Stay a while in the Short North. Locals and visitors alike love the area’s amazing street art, great dining, diverse shops, boutique accommodations and nightlife. LGBTQ+-owned stores to check out include Samson Men's Emporium and Torso, and you can stop in at Stonewall Columbus’ headquarters, too. Plan ahead and get into a class at the Macaron Bar or Pinot’s Palette. On the first Saturday of the month, don’t miss the lively Gallery Hop.
Lunch | Short North Arts District
Grab lunch from one of the many delicious options in the Short North. Brassica’s casual pitas and salads, Forno’s delicious pizza, or Woodhouse Vegan's imaginative light bites.
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 historic Book Loft, and right next door, you’ll find Stauf’s, another Columbus Coffee Trail stop. We also suggest 3rd & Sycamore and The Red Stable. You’ll find a charming window-service location for Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, as well as elegant dessert shops Pistacia Vera and Kittie’s Cakes. Grab a treat and walk down to Schiller Park, a hub of the neighborhood that hosts free Shakespeare in the Park.
Dinner | German Village
Enjoy dinner at LGBTQ+-owned Barcelona, known throughout the city for its delicious Spanish cuisine, or try delicious German food from Schmidt’s Sausage Haus.
Evening Exploration | Short North Arts District
Check out LGBTQ+ nightlife options Axis, District West (home to the West family), Union Cafe or Slammers, one of 15 lesbian bars left in the U.S.
Union Cafe
DAY THREE
Breakfast | Short North Arts District
If you’re visiting on a weekend, stop in at Union Café for brunch (check their calendar to see if they’re hosting a drag brunch during your visit!). On weekdays, head to The Lox Bagel Shop, included in Food & Wine’s “Best Bagels in America.”
Morning Activity | Bexley
Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens offers an exotic oasis beloved by Columbus residents. (If you’re moving in, show your new Ohio state-issued ID or driver’s license on Community Days to get free admission!) In the evenings, they offer special admission for events like Chihuly Nights, a showcase of Dale Chihuly’s stunning glasswork in a new light—literally.
Lunch | Arena District
Stop in at Columbus’ nearly 150-year-old public market, North Market, for traditional market vendors and restaurant booths alike.
Afternoon Adventure | Easton
Take a short drive east to Easton, the Midwest’s premiere shopping and dining area that was named best retail experience in the nation. With shopping available at all price points and plenty of dining options, this indoor/outdoor shopping hub is definitely worth a stop!
We also suggest scheduling ahead with Columbus Food Adventures, a local company that offers in-depth explorations and the history of several Columbus neighborhoods.
Happy Hour + Dinner | Gahanna Or Downtown
Try High Bank Distillery, a stop on the Columbus Distillery Trail, at their newest location in Gahanna (the original is located near Grandview). Or, check out Lumin Sky Bar (a rooftop bar inside the AC Hotel).
Evening Exploration | Around Town
Plan ahead and grab tickets to a show at the Ohio Theatre, such as the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus or the Columbus Symphony, or head to the Short North Stage to enjoy professional theater.
"Dreamgirls" production at Short North Stage
There are so many reasons to say #yesColumbus. Plan your trip today.
