We’ve all been there: staring at a Google Maps screen with fifty saved pins, paralyzed by the "perfect" choice. In a city like Columbus, where the energy shifts from the brick-lined quiet streets of German Village to the vibrancy of the Short North Arts District in a matter of blocks, the hardest part of exploring is often deciding who you want to be for the day.
Enter the Tarot.
Tarot isn’t just about predicting the future; it’s a tool for reflection. Each card carries a specific frequency. When we "pull a card" to plan a trip, we aren't just picking a destination; we are setting an intention. We are giving ourselves permission to stop overthinking and start experiencing.
Below, we’ve mapped out Columbus through some of our favorite cards in the tarot deck. Whether you’re a local looking to break a routine or a visitor seeking a sign, let these cards be your guide.
Close your eyes, take a breath, and scroll. The card that catches your eye is exactly where you’re meant to be today.
The Empress
The Vibe: Luxury, growth, and sensory delight.
Your Destination: Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. If you pull this card, your day is about connecting with beauty. Spend your morning wandering through the Palm House and desert biomes.
Two of Cups
The Vibe: Partnership, attraction, and mutual respect.
Your Destination: The Short North Arts District. This is a place where many paths can become one. Sharing a toast under the glowing arches or getting lost in a gallery during Gallery Hop, there is a magnetic pull in the air. This isn’t just about being seen; it’s about a shared discovery and experience.
The World
The Vibe: Having it all. Completion, travel, and the "Big Picture."
Your Destination: Hit the North Market Downtown. Grab Somali curry at Hoyo’s Kitchen, Tibetan dumplings at Momo Ghar, and try tacos at Dos Hermanos. It’s the world on a plate. You don’t need a passport to feel connected. Everything you need is already here.
The Devil
The Vibe: Temptation, indulgence, and losing your inhibitions.
Your Destination: German Village. You didn’t pull this card because you wanted a salad; you pulled it because you’re ready to indulge. Start with the legendary, jumbo-sized cream puff at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. Next, allow yourself to get lost in the 32 rooms of The Book Loft; where "just one more chapter" becomes two hours. Finish the night with a sour beer at nearby Antique’s on High. In these brick-lined streets, "just one" is never enough, and bedtimes are meant to be ignored.
The Chariot
The Vibe: Victory, high-speed energy, and picking a side.
Your Destination: The Arena District. This is where the energy of the city converges. You didn't pull this card to sit on the sidelines of life. You pulled it because you want to see Columbus win.
The Magician
The Vibe: Manifestation, skill, and having all the tools at your disposal.
Your Destination: Easton Town Center. You want the best of everything, and you want it right now. This is the one place in the city where you every “tool” (store, restaurant, experience) at your fingertips. You want a new outfit? Done! A five-course meal at Mitchell’s Ocean Club? Yes! And even see a late-night comedy show at Funny Bone? You’ve manifested it and it’s yours.
The Lovers
The Vibe: Connection, desire, and making the right choice.
Your Destination: Goodale Park. Whether you’re walking hand-in-hand past the elephant fountain or finding a quiet moment in the gazebo, you are exactly where you need to be. This is a place rooted in connection and fulfillment. Whether you are connecting with the natural environment or joining your bustling community at a festival like ComFest, you are in full alignment.
The Moon
The Vibe: Intuition, mystery, and seeing behind the veil.
Your Destination: Stay at the historic LeVeque Tower. This Art Deco hotel stands prominently in the city skyline and over the Scioto River. You pulled this card because you’re looking for what lies beneath the surface. Look up at the building’s dramatic shadows and hidden gargoyles, and step inside to see the star map on the lobby floor, depicting the stars exactly as they were in 1926. End your night with a drink at The Keep. Trust your instincts; the city looks different in the dark.
The Hermit
The Vibe: Soul-searching, quiet observation, and finding your center.
Your Destination: Columbus Metro Parks. You pulled this card because the city is not where you hit your stride. You don't want a crowd; you want a trail. You’re headed to Columbus’ many parks to find peace.
There are so many more cards to be revealed, and more of Columbus to discover. Next time you pull a card in Columbus — where will it take you? Take us along on your journey by using #yesColumbus.
