Columbus is a DIYer's dream with so many places to explore, build and channel your inner creative. See our itinerary below and plan your trip to Columbus today.
DAY ONE
Breakfast | New Albany, Italian Village or German Village
Check out a famous 3-location stop on the Columbus Coffee Trail, Fox in the Snow. Try the breakfast sandwich or a delicious pastry. Feeling up for more? Head to Donna’s Delicious Dozen near New Albany.
Morning Activity | Grandview
Stop in at the Grandview location of Penn & Beech Candle Co. to pour your own candle! This activity is a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
While you wait to pick up your finalized candle creation, take a short walk on Grandview Ave to Vernacular, Red Giraffe Designs or State of Devotion local Columbus boutiques.
Lunch | Downtown Columbus
Enjoy a meal in the heart of downtown Columbus at Speck Italian Eatery. Influenced by the vibrant culture of Italy, Speck serves up creative interpretations of Italian classics in a modern, eclectic environment.
Afternoon Adventure | Franklinton Arts District
Head south of downtown Columbus to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), voted best science museum in the nation, five times. From special exhibits to year-round displays, COSI showcases innovation and development for all ages!
Dinner | Italian Village
Pop over to Italian Village and enjoy dinner (and happy hour) at Budd Dairy Food Hall, one of Fodor Travel’s top ten new food halls in the U.S. This chef incubator space has something for everyone (they even have an all-weather rooftop) and is housed in a historic milk bottling plant.
Evening Exploration | Franklinton Arts District
Head over to Land-Grant Brewing, home to an incredible outdoor beer garden where you can sip on their innovative craft brews. Stay for a game of pickleball at the nearby Gravity Park or make a reservation at Makers Social, a full-service bar offering up tons of fun DIY projects.
Land-Grant Brewing Company
DAY TWO
Breakfast | Clintonville
Head to the legendary Katalina’s Café in Clintonville to try their famous pancake balls.
Morning Activity | West Side or Around Town
Families will enjoy the opportunity to tour the Anthony-Thomas chocolate factory on the west side of the city, available Tuesdays–Thursdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. by appointment.
If you’ve got more time, peruse these stores in the area: Red Giraffe Designs, zer0z wallets, Wild Cat, 3rd & Sycamore, Homage and Ladybird.
Lunch | Arena District
Stop in at Columbus’ nearly 150-year-old public market, North Market, for an experience like no other. From traditional market vendors to restaurant booths, there’s something for every flavor palette.
Afternoon Adventure | Around Town
Plan ahead and check out classes, tours and workshops at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, Columbus Glass Art Center or the Idea Foundry. These local makers are producing innovative art and ideas regularly and are a great stop for anyone interested in the Columbus makers scene! We also suggest checking out local businesses, like The Red Stable and the 32-room Book Loft in German Village and Samson Men's Emporium in the Short North.
Dinner | Around Town
Stop in at Northstar Café in the Short North or Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in German Village, or plan ahead and make reservations at upscale options Chapman’s Eat Market or Veritas.
Evening Exploration | Around Town
Register for classes at Studio 614 or Pinot’s Palette for a fun evening spent creating. Another great option if you’re traveling with several people is to check out The Kitchen’s schedule. This participatory dining class is a unique and popular group experience.
Pinot's Palette
DAY THREE
Breakfast | Worthington
Stop in at La Chatelaine French Bakery and Bistro for great breakfast in a charming area of town.
Morning Activity | Worthington, Clintonville Or Easton
If you’re in Worthington on a weekend, be sure to peruse their excellent farmers market! Head down to Clintonville to try Destination Donuts, and plan ahead to see if the Seasoned Farmhouse, created by local entrepreneur and chef Tricia Wheeler, is offering classes or experiences during your stay. These elegant meals and workshops are taught by local experts and put on with the highest customer experience and aesthetic in mind.
Another option is to spend your morning at Easton’s Crimson coffee shop. Reach out ahead of time to see if you can book one of their tasting experiences, private brewing sessions where you’ll get to try coffee made several different ways right in front of you.
Lunch | Clintonville
Harvest Pizzeria offers locally sourced ingredients for their elevated pizza and sandwiches, as well as veggie favorites like cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.
Afternoon Adventure | Around Town
Check out the CBUS Soul® Sculpture Trail, a self-guided exploration of Columbus that follows sculptures throughout the city from African American artists. Don’t forget to head over to the Two Dollar Radio headquarters, a groundbreaking indie book publishing house that also runs a bookstore and vegan café.
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 And Dinner | Around Town
Check out Columbus Distillery Trail stops like Echo Spirits Distilling Co. for happy hour and Watershed Distillery Kitchen + Bar for dinner (both near Grandview), or stop at Understory (Old North neighborhood), a nature-focused lounge concept off the Olentangy Trail that’s housed in a historic school building.
Watershed Distillery
Get your creativity on in the 614! We can't wait to hear you say, #yesColumbus.
