Recognized as one of the most legendary children’s authors of our time, many are surprised to learn that R.L. Stine was born and raised in Columbus. Spending most of his youth in the suburb of Bexley and attending The Ohio State University, Stine credits his experience growing up in the Midwest for inspiring some of the locations in his famous Goosebumps series, which now features more than 150 books.
Stine's investment in his hometown is unwavering, including initiatives like the R.L. Stine Scholarship for Undergraduate Creative Writing, available to Ohio State University students, his annual writing workshops at local elementary schools and his numerous return visits for speaking engagements.
R.L. Stine
Our team had the distinct privilege of interviewing Stine about his time in Columbus, his favorite places to go and the influential people he encountered here. Read on to find out how to spend an ideal day in Columbus, according to R.L. Stine.
Main St. Bexley. Source: Stewart Blake Photography for Experience Columbus.
Start in Bexley
For Stine, everything comes back to Bexley. It’s where he spent his childhood and teen years and where he still visits when he returns to Columbus. If you’ve read the books, you will notice that the Goosebumps series never takes place in a castle in Europe or overseas; instead, they always find their anchor in backyards, much like the ones you’ll find in Bexley.
Located just east of downtown Columbus, Bexley is home to a quaint Main Street District where family-owned shops and restaurants have been operating in harmony for decades. Visitors will also find that Bexley is surrounded by many large estates, including the Ohio Governor’s Residence, where Stine remembers trick-or-treating each year.
"My brother and I used to go trick-or-treating, and every year we would trick-or-treat at the governor's mansion because it was two blocks away," Stine remembers. "And every year they gave out apples."
Bexley also boasts numerous green spaces and trails to explore, including Jeffrey Park, which hosts many city events annually, making it a great place to visit during your time in Columbus.
Gramercy Books. Source: Stewart Blake Photography for Experience Columbus.
Browse the Aisles at Gramercy Books
Gramercy Books has been connecting literary lovers with their next read since 2016. With a large selection of stories and resources, including a children’s section, Gramercy is a great place for bibliophiles to add to their Columbus itinerary. R.L. Stine refers to owner Linda Kass as one of his close friends, for whom he returns to Bexley each fall for book talks and signings.
If you need a little pick-me-up, head next door to Kitties Cakes, a locally owned coffee shop with some of the best cinnamon rolls around.
Bexley Public Library. Source: Stewart Blake Photography for Experience Columbus.
Find Inspiration at the Bexley Public Library
R.L. Stine shared that he wasn't a big reader until he encountered an influential librarian at the Bexley Public Library.
"One day, my mom dropped me off at the Bexley Library, where the librarian was waiting for me. She said, 'Bobby, I know you like comic books. I have something else I think you will like.' And she took me to a shelf of Ray Bradbury stories, and they were so amazing. It really is Ray Bradbury and that librarian turned me into a reader," Stine said.
Founded in 1924, the Bexley Public Library serves as a cultural center where visitors find inspiration, knowledge and connection. Add this stop to your itinerary and maybe even check out a Ray Bradbury book in honor of R.L. Stine. Be sure to stop by the "R.L. Stine Wall of Fame,” a permanent reference display in the children’s section that celebrates Stine’s extensive body of work as well as authors that inspired him as a young reader and writer.
Giuseppe's Ritrovo. Source: Stewart Blake Photography for Experience Columbus.
Dine al Fresco at Giuseppe’s Ritrovo
As one of R.L. Stine’s favorite local dinner spots, Giuseppe’s is a classic Italian restaurant in the heart of Main Street, Bexley. Specializing in hand-crafted dishes, guests can enjoy their favorite comfort food items while taking in the vibrant sights on the patio.
Source: The Columbus Crew.
Cheer on the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field
The Columbus Crew were the first team to join Major League Soccer in 1994 and have been a beloved part of the city’s identity ever since. Winning three MLS Championships and boasting a new European-style stadium, Lower.com Field, attending a Crew game will instantly make you a fan.
This season, players wear the Goosebumps™ Kit” by adidas, honoring Stine’s series of children’s books.
The Drexel Theater in Bexley. Source: Stewart Blake Photography for Experience Columbus.
Catch a Show at The Drexel Theater
As a child, R.L. Stine would head down the street to The Drexel Theater each weekend with his brother, where they watched Tom & Jerry cartoons together on the big screen.
"They showed the Goosebumps movie at The Drexel Theatre," said Stine, "which was a real thrill for me because that's where my brother and I used to go every Saturday morning when we were kids."
Now, visitors can catch everything from the newest Blockbuster releases to indie films at this historic theater.
Rubino's Pizzeria. Source: Stewart Blake Photography for Experience Columbus.
Grab a Pie from Rubino’s Pizzeria
As a well-traveled author, Stine has tasted flavors from across the country and around the world and still credits Rubino’s with having the best pizza he’s ever tried.
"I have it in my freezer in New York," Stine said. "They overnight it to me half-baked on dry ice. I just throw it in the oven for five minutes, and I have Rubino's pizza in New York." His favorite toppings? A classic pepperoni.
A Columbus staple since 1954, this cash-only pizzeria serves all its pies on a crunchy, thin crust in a nostalgic, old-school atmosphere.
The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum at The Ohio State University. Source: Experience Columbus.
Wander through The Ohio State University’s Campus
As a student, Stine served as the editor of the Sundial, a campus humor magazine founded in 1911, that was once helmed by James Thurber. Stine joined the staff as a freshman, leading to its selection as a top five college humor magazine by editors across the U.S.
Stine also speaks highly of the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, a free attraction home to the largest collection of cartoons and comics in the world.
In addition to the museum, visitors to The Ohio State University should plan to spend time exploring the many beloved attractions, like the Wexner Center for the Arts, the Oval, and the iconic football stadium, the Horseshoe.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of Goosebumps or just discovering the eerie charm of R.L. Stine's world, exploring Columbus through his eyes reveals a city brimming with creativity, nostalgia, and unexpected inspiration. So pack your curiosity (and maybe a flashlight), and experience Columbus the R.L. Stine way.
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