Recently I’ve been able to spend two weekends exploring Columbus, Ohio with friends that live there. While I grew up in Ohio (I’m from Toledo), I really only went to Columbus for volleyball tournaments as a teenager (we’re Michigan fans not Ohio State fans so…). Actually, I think the last time I was in Columbus before this year was 2009 when I went on a college visit to OSU with friends. So yeah, it’s been a while haha.
We slept there for one night in January on our way home from North Carolina with friends, but really didn’t have time to see or do anything, so I was looking forward to getting to see more of the city this summer. My friend Annie lives in Short North, so staying with her is convenient because we can walk to so many great spots.
I haven’t been downtown much, so the places I’m going to share are mostly located in the Short North district, with a few in Franklinton. Let’s start with the most important category…food!
Where we ate in Columbus:
Brendan and I went down for a concert at the end of August, and then I ended up back there alone for a girl’s weekend with Annie, so two full weekends of eating meant we got to check out plenty of options. I enjoyed everything I ate, but I think my two favorite spots were Arch City Tavern + Hubbard Bar & Grille.
Arch City Tavern – their Amish chicken sandwich was delicious
Jeni’s Ice Cream – no commentary needed
The Lox – the cutest interior (very similar to our soon to be finished kitchen)
The Pearl
Strongwater – loved their colorful patio
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing – we had a big group brunch here! loved the high ceilings
Harvey & Ed’s
Late Night Slice – was I so hungry I ate two slices? (Maybe)
Hubbard Bar & Grille – Annie and I had a delicious girl’s dinner here + enjoyed the patio
Where we drank in Columbus:
Goody Boy – a casual diner, we stopped here with a big groups for drinks one afternoon.
Tastings – this was a cool spot. You can load up a card with money and then taste all different types of wine – they are each a different price, and you can get sizes ranging from 1oz taste to a full glass.
Brewdog – we went to the one in Franklinton that has an awesome patio
Land-Grant Brewing – I loved their massive outdoor space
One Line Coffee – we can walk here quickly from Annie’s place so this was our cold brew stop daily 🙂
Seventh Son Brewing – another great patio space (hi, I like patios). I’m not a big beer drinker but I did enjoy one from there – of course the name is now escaping me
Oddfellows – it was packed the night we were here, but still a fun spot!
Where we shopped in Columbus:
Red Giraffe Designs – Annie and I got some dainty rings from here that were very affordable
Ladybird – definitely on the pricier side, but they carry great brands like GANNI and Clare V.
Thread – great store + location
Smartypants Vintage – I found a gorgeous vintage Coach bag there but sadly left it behind!
Jolie Occasions – beautiful store with plenty of on-trend items
Artisan Deluxe – they carry so many great denim brands here including ones of my favorites – AGOLDE.
Rowe Boutique – another place that’s a bit pricey but with great brands (like MOTHER denim)
That’s all for now. Hoping to get to see even more next time we make the trek down to Columbus. I’d love anymore recommendations for next time so drop them in the comments below.
Thanks for stopping by!
xo, Maddy
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Looks like a fun city!! We’ll have to add that to our list. We’ve been traveling to Ohio a lot lately, haha!
yes you have! definitely add it and explore 🙂