10 Columbus City Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Columbus is a beautiful city with rich cultural heritage. There is no shortage of things to do around Columbus. From sophisticated gallery viewings to family-friendly festivals, there’s something for everyone. Below you’ll find ten of the best events the city of Columbus has to offer.

1. Red, White, and Boom! – Downtown Columbus
This annual fireworks display is an excellent addition to the city of Columbus. We love celebrating Independence Day weekend with this colorful, loud display. It also just so happens to be the biggest annual fireworks display in all of Ohio.

2. Dublin Irish Festival – Dublin
Bring in August with our homage to the Irish Heritage. We host the second largest Irish celebration in the world. This event gets us excited every year with over 65 acts involving 500 performers.

3. Creekside Jazz and Blues Festival – Gahanna
The Creekside Jazz and Blues Festival happens every June. With over 90 hours of some of the best blues and jazz we’ve heard, it’s no wonder it’s called “the best Jazz and Blues in Ohio”. They also have plenty of other entertainment to cater to the whole family such as amusement rides and a musical discovery zone stage.

4. Music in the Atrium – Grandview
You don’t want to miss the Music in the Atrium Indoor Concert Series, with musical performances organized every month. Columbus classics The Sandy Tar Brothers will play their old-time bluegrass as the resident band.

5. Labor Day Arts Festival – Upper Arlington
The Labour Day Art’s Festival is a signature trademark of Upper Arlington. This festival is an opportunity for local and national artists to come together and showcase their creativity. The festival attracts up to 25,000 people each year. It is located in beautiful Northam Park with an entertainment stage and an art activities area for both children and adults.

6. Monthly Gallery Hop – Short North
Mix and mingle with the locals every month at the Gallery Hop in the Short North district. Thousands of people come together on High Street to celebrate all things creative, from performing arts to gallery exhibitions.

7. Farmers Market – Worthington
One of the best parts of living in Columbus is experiencing the goodness our Farmer’s market has to offer from November to April every year. This is a seasonal market hosted by The Shops at Worthington Place. Experience it indoors in winter and outdoors in summer.

8. The Brass Tap Trivia Night – Polaris
Polaris Fashion Place is home to one of the best Trivia nights we’ve experienced. Hosted by The Brass Tap, come along every Wednesday for a chance to win prizes. We compete against some top teams. The best part is that it’s free to play.

9. Columbus Arts Festival – Riverfront
Celebrate the very best fine arts and crafts in Columbus with the Columbus Art’s Festival. Typically held in June, this summer event includes great music, gourmet food, and enviable art. It also features hands-on art activities and a grass patch theater to keep the kids entertained.

10. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides – Easton
Ring in the magic of Christmas at the end of 2018 with Easton’s famous horse-drawn carriage rides. Admire the view as you dash through Easton’s North District streets. These are only available from November to December, and we look forward to it all year round.

9 Great Places to Shop in Columbus

If you love to shop, you won’t want to miss out on this great list to whet your appetite and lighten your wallet. From boutique gems hidden away that only the locals know about to sprawling malls that offer dinner and a place to put your feet up, you’ll consider the time well spent. Below you’ll find nine of the best places to shop in Columbus.

1. Anthropologie – Downtown Columbus
Don’t take a stroll through the main streets of Columbus without stepping foot into this creative closet for the expressive and bold. Anthropologie is the perfect combination of unique yet composed. Its clothes are designed for those who have a sense of adventure about what to wear.

2. Vintage Restyled – New Albany
New Albany is an area where you’ll find Estates at New Albany, classy dining, and Vintage Restyled. What better way to christen a new home than to fill it with classic furniture that’s been restyled. From handmade creations to unique jewelry, you’re bound to find something that suits your tastes.

3. The Mall at Tuttle Crossing – Dublin
We love nothing more than finding those hidden gems, but sometimes a mall is where we know we’ll find what we’re looking for. The Mall at Tuttle Crossing has an extensive range of stores. It’s open from 10 am until 9 pm every day, shop ‘til you drop, then enjoy some post-dinner shopping.

4. One More Time – Grandview
We love a good mall, but we also like a repeat.One More Time is a few steps up from The Salvation Army, with a careful curation of only the very best second-hand clothing and furniture. They even have a sell-with-them option available if you’ve got some goods to get rid of.

5. Mary Catherine’s Antiques – Short North
In the Short North, there is no shortage of antique and vintage stores. Mary Catherine’s Antiques is a favorite, carrying only the most exquisite pieces. Take a trip back through the last century or so and pair those modern couches with some valuable end tables from a by-gone era.

6. The Shops at Worthington Place – Worthington
Visit another sprawling set of shops to fill the time between an afternoon nap and dinner. Take time out to explore the variety or scope out your new favorite restaurant with a visit to The Shops at Worthington Place. From Crabtree and Evelyn to Urban Baggerie, there is an abundance of high-end shops. This is coupled with places to eat like Aladdin’s Eatery and Amano’s Pub.

7. Bend – Upper Arlington
Bend is the place to go for workout clothes and accessories. It’s good to find a brand that’s reliable and aesthetically pleasing. Bend makes us want to work out as much as possible. Who doesn’t want to be seen in svelte yoga pants?

8. Cindy’s Handmade Originals – Hilliard
We love supporting the local talent. Cindy’s Handmade Originals is certainly on our radar when it comes to unique, creative and high-quality jewelry. Pick up a beautiful handmade necklace or get your watch fixed at this lovely local store.

9. Urban Home and Garden – Easton
At Urban Home and Garden, we stumbled across experts in both home décor and garden aesthetic. Their customer service is top notch, and their range of furniture and linen is original, yet vogue. We could spend all day in this gorgeous store.

Best Restaurants in Columbus: 10 Must-Eat Places

There’s a lot to be said about Columbus’ culinary fare. The restaurant scene is tasteful and varied with a hint of class that keeps us coming back time and again. Below you’ll find ten of the best restaurants to get your taste buds going in Columbus.

1. Bakersfield – Short North
While this doesn’t sound like a Mexican restaurant, it’s easily one of the best we’ve been to. Located in the heart of Short North, this upscale restaurant puts a refreshing spin on traditional Mexican food. From crafted cocktails to their handmade tortillas, Bakersfield is New-Age Mexican through and through.

2. The Refectory – Worthington
It doesn’t get much classier than The Refectory. This French gem emulates everything you need for an exceptional dining experience. Their award-winning wine cellar features over 600 varieties, and their game birds are field harvested from the rolling hills of Scotland.

3. Eddie Merlot’s – Polaris
There’s no better way to start off the night than with some fresh seafood or a prime aged steak. Eddie Merlot’s is an upscale all-American steakhouse that stands apart from the rest. With a menu boasting prime aged ribeye and sirloin, Eddie’s also experiments with more exotic meats like bison.

4. The Goat – Hilliard
Relax after a day of exploring with a hearty meal at The Goat. This upscale bar located in Hilliard is a great place to enjoy some classy grub with girlfriends or even a date before moving on to the nightlife scene. Their craft pizzas are best eaten with a knife and fork.

5. Mezzo – Dublin
Mezzo offers traditional Italian food with a modern twist. They combine the classic traditions of Italy with new-world cuisine, bringing them together for great flavors and better atmosphere. Reserve a table online with this favorite eatery to avoid a wait.

6. Texas de Brazil – New Albany
Texas de Brazil is an upscale Brazilian eatery that will transport you to South America with its culinary art. With private dining available, you can hide away with your significant other while taste testing some of the best Brazilian flavors available in America, like a leg of lamb or Brazilian sausage brought out on a stick.

7. Cooper’s Hawk – Easton
We indulge ourselves now and then and look for the best dinner to pair with our love of wine-tasting. Cooper’s Hawk is a contemporary winery offering award-winning labels to wash down tasteful menu options such as blackened Ahi Tuna or Mexican drunken shrimp.

8. Third and Hollywood – Grandview
This trendy haunt is located in an exposed brick building. Third and Hollywood serves upscale American fare with the novelty of a Jazz Sunday brunch to see the weekend out. Relax in a casual atmosphere with delightfully appetizing portions.

9. Mozart’s – Upper Arlington
Take a trip to Austria with fine European wines and exceptional dining. Heralded as the “taste of Austria,” this upscale dining experience will transport you to the cobblestones of Vienna. From irresistible sweets to delectable dinner options, we have a hard time leaving Mozart’s.

10. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse – Downtown Columbus
When we search for quintessentially American, we look for the very best. Hyde Park is a high-end steakhouse that pairs porterhouse steaks with sophisticated cocktails in a relaxed, yet elegant setting. With private dining, this eating experience is the perfect location for a romantic meet-up or family celebration.

9 Best Nightlife Spots in Columbus

Columbus is a hotspot for nightlife. From cocktail bars to Jazz nights, there’s always something happening in the heart of Ohio. Whether you’re looking to hang with your girlfriends, meet a potential mate or carry a date through the night, there’s an evening of fun to explore. Below you’ll find nine of the best nightlife spots to experience in Columbus.

1. Wine on High – Short North
Start the night out with a sophisticated glass of wine in a relaxed and classy setting. Wine on High is a locally owned and operated wine bar serving the very best labels from Columbus. We see this as an excellent opportunity to kick back and relax before moving on to the latter part of the evening.

2. The Light of Seven Matchsticks – Worthington
Experience what it’s like to live like a star with this Wes Anderson-inspired speakeasy tucked away in the upmarket suburb of Worthington. Along with a secret menu and dangerously delectable cocktails, this piece of Columbus nightlife is known for its irresistible charm that makes you lose track of time. Order the Rose Emporia, a secret menu item.

3. Lindey’s – Polaris
Experience a little bit of New York with this high-end bar with patio dining. Come here enough and you’re sure to rub shoulders with the local celebrities at this favorite haunt. With well-poured cocktails and a lively yet reserved atmosphere, Lindey’s is a great place for your social events.

4. Rendezvous Lounge – Dublin
Rendezvous Lounge is the ultimate combination of classy yet friendly. The staff will remember your name and drink of choice while keeping the atmosphere tame and low-key. This intimate location is excellent for a romantic evening.

5. The Happy Grape – New Albany
We can’t get enough of the wine bar scene in Columbus, and The Happy Grape is another excellent choice for relaxing after a day exploring New Albany. They have a great line-up of wine tastings and even classes. The Happy Grape is ideal for mingling with old friends or new acquaintances.

6. Bar Louie – Easton
From martinis and sangrias to cocktails and mojitos, we always leave Bar Louie satisfied and well-watered. This local watering hole is a favorite joint in Easton Station. It’s a great place to meet a potential mate or hang with your girlfriends after an educational wine-tasting or exceptional dining experience elsewhere.

7. Blind Lady Tavern – Grandview
Mix with the classier faces of Grandview Heights at the Blind Lady Tavern. The simplistic menu provides an opportunity to experience cocktails as they were meant to be. From house specials to winter classics that will keep you warm all night, the Blind Lady Tavern is a cozy spot for sophisticated socializing.

8. The Daily Growler – Upper Arlington
If you’re a craft beer connoisseur and want to experience the very best brews that Columbus has to offer, The Daily Growler is open late into the night. With 60 beers available on draft and a variety of flights to choose from, you know you’re getting a taste of the best local and regional micro-breweries.

9. The Refectory – Downtown Columbus
Not only does The Refectory offer the very best in fabulous French fare, but we discovered its beautiful wine bar. Relax in this elegant, intimate atmosphere with your better half and indulge your taste buds with a trip to the best French winery. Don’t miss out on the Braised Arctic Sole on their Bistro menu.

7 Outdoor Activities in Columbus to Jump Into

Columbus has an extensive natural beauty that warrants exploration. There is a host of outdoor activities to experience and enjoy in this historic city. From dog-friendly parks to lakes and some top picks for hiking, you’ll find it all right here in Columbus. Below is our list of great outdoor activities to keep you busy in the Columbus area.

1. Pizzurro Dog Park – Gahanna
We love our pooches and are always on the lookout for parks that are dog-friendly. Pizzuro Dog Park is located in Gahanna. It is the type of dog park that caters to high energy breeds that require a lot of running around and fresh air. With large open fields and sectioned off areas for smaller dogs, this park has everything a dog needs to have a good time.

2. DogE Days of October – Easton
Easton Town Center has worked hard to accommodate those that love their pets and want to experience a day out together. They call this experience the DogE Days of October at Easton where they allow you to explore the town center with your best animal friend. Stores that allow dogs inside have signs indicating as such on their windows, and there will be water stations on various street corners.

3. Sharon Woods Metro Park – Worthington
Hiking is a great outdoor activity that can be enjoyed in solitude or with your nearest and dearest. Sharon Woods Metro Park is not to be missed if you’re an avid hiker and keen outdoor adventurer. This park sits on 761 acres of preserved forests and fields. It includes jogging trails, a lake, a playground and nature walks so it’s fun for the whole family. Make a day of it and see how much land you can cover in this beautiful natural metro park.

4. Homestead Park – Hilliard
Homestead Park is one of Columbus’ all-inclusive parks, boasting several outdoor activities that you can enjoy, including biking. There is a three-quarter mile paved trail that runs through the park which is intended to be shared with runners and hikers alike. Get on your bike and enjoy a park that is popular with the locals.

5. Olentangy Trail – Upper Arlington
Close to Upper Arlington is the Olentangy trail, another gold medal winner for avid bike riders everywhere. The Olentangy trail offers a seamless ride from Worthington to downtown Columbus. It also allows you to experience several trailheads posted at parks including Antrium Park and Whetstone Park. The Olentangy trail is a great way to see the sights and get in your daily workout.

6. Paddle in the City – Downtown Columbus
Columbus is famous for its iconic riverfront scenery along the Scioto Mile right in the heart of downtown. Instead of taking a stroll along the riverbank, why not get adventurous with a paddlesports education program? It’s a gentle introduction to paddling, sending you 3.6 miles down the river to see Columbus from a different perspective.

7. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Downtown Columbus
Experience nature’s beauty at its finest in Franklin Park. This beautiful piece of downtown Columbus plays host to a wide range of natural and cultural activities. Through horticulture, the Franklin Park aims at giving back to the community through social, educational and cultural experiences. We love immersing ourselves in the natural beauty found in the city of Columbus.

Exploring Museums and the Arts in Columbus

We love to immerse ourselves in the art scene of Columbus every chance we get. With its rich heritage of history and art, there’s a lot to explore. Whether it’s hidden away on the main street or displayed in the latest art exhibition, in Columbus, you’ve got access to a world of art and culture. Below you’ll find nine of the best cultural innovations that you won’t want to miss.

1. Hayley Gallery – New Albany
There’s no better way to support local artistic talent than visiting a public gallery. Hayley Gallery is home to over 20 local artists. This diverse mix of both emerging and established talent will stimulate your senses. We love exploring what is quintessential and proudly Columbus. Take a trip to New Albany and discover what Hayley Gallery has to offer.

2. Wexner Center for the Arts – Easton
Ohio State University boasts a state-of-the-art performing arts center that is continually buzzing with exhibitions, tours, workshops, performances and even film screenings. The Wexner Center prides itself on putting on shows from the most current artists of our time such as fashion prodigy Todd Oldham and artist William Kentridge.

3. Jubilee Museum – Grandview
Explore the rich history of religion in the city of Columbus at the Jubilee Museum. The Jubilee Museum has been acknowledged by The Vatican as the greatest gathering of religious art in America. Its purpose is to serve the memory of the Catholic mind through the representation of art.

4. Columbus Museum of Art – Upper Arlington
Columbus Museum of Art plays host to a diverse range of art, gathered from various locations. Its mission is simply to create great experiences through art that everyone and anyone can enjoy and appreciate. Through its exhibitions, the Columbus Museum of Art encourages curiosity and conversations about creativity and connecting with different cultures. Its collection is special in that it’s built for the community, by the community. There are generations of families who have invested their time and money in this hub of a community where ideas are free to be exchanged.

5. Ohio History Connection – Downtown Columbus
We love embracing the rich cultural heritage of a city like Columbus, and respecting the past as it complements the present. The Ohio History Connection carries out essential history services for Ohio, preserving important documents and making them available for public viewing. There wouldn’t be a portal into Columbus’ arts and cultural scene without the Ohio History Connection.

6. Short North Art Trail – Short North
Short North is the place to be for anything to do with the arts. The Art District Art Trail offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in local and cultural art. From iconic permanent murals to the colorful Short North Arches, you could spend days experiencing art as it collides with the architecture of the city.

7. Ohio Railway Museum – Worthington
The Ohio Railway Museum might boast one of the richest histories in Columbus. It is officially the oldest railway museum in America. Its mission is to educate people through its well-assembled displays and demonstrations so that we gain a new-found respect for the railroad and its relationship with this historic city. You can take a ride on one of its two streetcars or experience a ride from a by-gone era with the Pullman passenger car.

8. Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum – Ohio State University
Explore the world of comics and cartoons at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum. Ireland was a self-taught cartoonist and Columbus local. The museum offers the largest collection of comics, cartoons, magazines, journals, books and archival materials. Take a trip down memory lane with your favorite cartoons and comics like Felix the Cat and Flash Gordon. Experience a one-off exhibition or hunt through the archives for your favorite childhood comic.

9. Early Television Museum – Hilliard
This quirky, eclectic museum plays host to everything we need to know about early technology and the television. It aims to preserve all technology that existed in the early days of television. This history begins with the black and white models of the 1920’s and travels right through to the introduction of color in the 1950’s.

8 Must-Try Family Fun Events in Columbus

Working out where to go and what to do as a family can be a bit befuddling at times, especially if you’re new to the area. Columbus has an exciting and diverse range of family-friendly activities to explore. There’s never a dull moment in this historic city. Below is our list of fun activities that the whole family can enjoy in Columbus.

1. COSI Columbus – Downtown Columbus
COSI, or Center of Science and Industry, is an exciting and dynamic hands-on science center located in the heart of Columbus. With exhibits, a dinosaur museum and National Geographic screenings, this is the perfect place to entertain kids on a rainy day. They also have an amazing tightrope unicycle that runs across the museum for the kids to test their balancing skills. With so much to see, it’s hard to do COSI in just one day.

2. Easton Town Splash Pad – Easton
We love finding something that the kids will like while having an excuse to shop at the same time. Easton Town Center not only has a tempting range of shops to spend your time in, but they also have a splash pad to keep the kids entertained. This impressive water play is a great way to cool down in the summer months.

3. Gym Skills – Gahanna
This is a gymnastics center for kids with a twist. With kid’s birthday parties available and parent’s night out every Saturday night, there’s an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy themselves here. From an open gym floor to tumble classes and even adult classes, you can all learn a new skill through this fun and inviting gym.

4. Columbus Commons – Downtown Columbus
There’s no better way to spend the day outdoors with the family than finding a spacious green park right in the middle of a city. Columbus Commons is located in downtown Columbus, where the Columbus city mall used to be. It boasts a carousel, performance stage, two cafes and a reading room. Your children won’t be short of things to explore at the Columbus Commons.

5. The Chiller Ice Rink – Dublin
It’s often easier to find activities the kids will love in summer than in winter. Beat the boredom in the colder months by spending your days as a family at The Chiller Ice Rink. From public skating to classes and even birthday parties, it’s fun for the whole family, located in Dublin.

6. Magic Mountain Fun Center – Polaris
Magic Mountain Fun Center is the place to be for birthday parties and family entertainment all year round. Magic Mountain is a child’s idea of a good time. It features attractions including go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, mini golf and a state-of-the-art video arcade. Let the kids roam free for a day at Magic Mountain.

7. Anthony-Thomas Candy Company – Hilliard
We can’t think of anything children like more than candy, so a whole factory of candy is bound to be a hit. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the entire family can take a tour of the factory where the kids can walk along a suspended conveyer belt as they watch and learn how chocolate is made. Let’s not forget the treats they’ll be able to take away with them at the end.

8. Ables Golf on Avery – Dublin
We love that the beautiful course found at Ables Golf on Avery has a miniature golf course as well. Mini golf is your ticket to a fun time that the whole family can enjoy. While dad can brush up on his golf skills with a regular round, the whole family can get together for a game of mini golf. It’s an excellent way to entertain the kids and indulge in some friendly competition.