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It’s not without reason that Columbus is nicknamed “the largest small city in the United States.” Visitors enjoy the state capital’s Midwestern feel, leisurely pace and reasonable prices, while enjoying big-city perks like trendy nightlife hangouts, premier cultural attractions and trendy neighborhoods. Although it only has 850,000 inhabitants, it is no less worthy of large metropolises and has nothing to envy of cities like New York or Los Angeles.
Columbus’ vibrant neighborhoods are filled with boutiques, galleries, dining establishments, parks and markets. Start in the Short North Arts District, where you can visit dozens of arts venues and admire street performers. The German Village Historic District, meanwhile, is full of stately buildings with old-world charm, community gardens, and breweries serving German beers and sausages. For sporting events and concerts, head to the Arena District, home to the Nationwide Arena and Huntington Park (home of the Indians baseball team). Explore the Franklinton and downtown neighborhoods by bike, then visit the Topiary Garden and North Market, home to dozens of independent farmers and merchants.
Take a guided tour of the Ohio Statehouse, a complex that includes the Statehouse Museum and a monument honoring Christopher Columbus. Not far away is the Columbus Museum of Art, where you can admire an exceptional collection of works of art from the 19th and early 20th centuries . Ohio Village gives you a glimpse of the city in the 1890s. Catch a musical or dance performance in the opulent Ohio Theater. The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has many exhibits, like the Exotic Plant Garden and a Victorian-style glass greenhouse dating from 1895. Kids will love the Center of Science and Industry, where they can explore the planetarium and watch a movie IMAX.
The Ohio State University football team is also the pride of the city. Catch a Buckeyes game if you visit town during sports season. If you’re not a sports fan, visit the famous Columbus Zoo and Aquarium which is home to 10,000 animals. There’s no shortage of outdoor recreation: stroll the Scioto Mile along the Scioto River, go paddle boarding, or attend a free concert. Shoppers can indulge in Easton Town Center, a unique, village-like indoor shopping center with 240 stores and more than 60 restaurants.
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29 Aug 24
Partner News
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza TrailIn a recent interview, Tony DeRubertis from Gatto's Pizza discussed the Columbus Pizza Trail ...Read moreTony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail - News & announcementsIn a recent interview, Tony DeRubertis from Gatto's Pizza discussed the Columbus Pizza Trail and the distinct characteristics of Columbus-style pizza. The trail, a collaborative effort involving local pizza enthusiasts and Experience Columbus, showcases around 15-20 independent pizzerias. Columbus-style pizza is known for its square slices, thin cracker crust, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Tony emphasized the variety among local pizzerias, with each offering unique twists on the classic style. Additionally, incentives like T-shirts and pizza cutters are available for trail participants. October’s National Pizza Month and football games significantly boost local pizza sales. -
30 May 24
Partner News
Columbus Named Third Best Beer City in the Country by 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice AwardsExperience Columbus, the destination marketing organization for Columbus, is thrilled to announce that Columbus has ...Read moreColumbus Named Third Best Beer City in the Country by 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards - News & announcementsExperience Columbus, the destination marketing organization for Columbus, is thrilled to announce that Columbus has been named one of the best beer cities in the country for 2024 according to the prestigious USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Ohio’s capital ranked third in the country following Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Columbus was one of 20 cities from across the country nominated for the award by a panel of beer experts. Nominees were recognized for hosting the best beer scenes in the nation—ones with stellar collections of established and up-and-coming breweries, beer bars, brewpubs, beer festivals and even thriving homebrewing communities where novice brewers can get their foot in the door. After four weeks of public voting, USA Today 10Best announced the top 10 winners today. Rounding out the top five after Columbus were Fort Collins, Colorado, in fourth and Richmond, Virginia in fifth.“With an impressive selection of more than 30 craft breweries in Central Ohio and more than 50 breweries across Greater Columbus, we knew our beer scene was top tier, but we’re excited that the word is out even more now thanks to this new accolade,” said Sarah Townes, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer for Experience Columbus. “Columbus has a truly unique beer scene, from craft breweries that were introducing IPAs to the market before the style gained popularity to ones that focus on sour and wild beers to the newest one that uses AI to generate beer recipes.”
Columbus’ breweries are innovative and award-winning. At the 2023 World Beer Cup, three Columbus breweries won four awards. Species X Beer Project, which utilizes artificial intelligence to craft beer recipes, is the city’s newest brewery. At Land-Grant Brewing Company, lauded by Men's Journal for its one-of-a-kind entertainment options like brewery curling and ice bumper cars, the team continues to push the boundaries. This month they will launch Land-Grant Extension, a new taproom dedicated to innovation where taps will be filled with small-batch unique, experimental beers, wine-beer hybrids, hard cider, ready-to-drink draft cocktails and more. Beer lovers visiting Columbus can enjoy a variety of brewery tours as well as festivals and special events. Columbus Food Adventures offers a walking tour of the Brewery District, where beer began in Columbus. The Columbus Brew Festival, takes place March 9 at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) downtown and features more than 50 breweries and 150 beers. The Columbus Beerfest, which took place in January, offers another chance to experience a wide variety of brews alongside delicious food and live music. In September, Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest invites visitors to raise a stein while enjoying Bavarian food, music and dancing. -
30 May 24
Partner News
Columbus Recognized with Six USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice AwardsThe votes are in, and six Columbus tours, attractions, restaurants and races are among ...Read moreColumbus Recognized with Six USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards - News & announcementsThe votes are in, and six Columbus tours, attractions, restaurants and races are among the best in the country according to the prestigious USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards announced this month. The rankings further solidify Ohio’s capital as a must-visit destination for 2024 home to unique attractions and experiences, a vibrant waterfront and some of the best culinary offerings in the country. Columbus Food Adventures, which offers a dozen unique tours throughout Columbus’ neighborhoods, earned the No. 1 spot in the Best Food Tours for 2024 category. “From neighborhood walking tours to by-van excursions and private tours, Columbus Food Adventures offers a full menu of ways to meet the area's rich culinary scene," the article reads. Also landing in the top spot nationwide is the Worthington Farmers Market in the Best Farmers Market for 2024 category. The article highlights the market’s nearly 100 vendors and how they provide year-round fresh, local produce and artisanal goods. Columbus has been recognized as a must-visit food destination for 2024 according to Essence, and USA Today 10Best readers agree with two more national rankings that point to the city’s unique culinary offerings. Budd Dairy Food Hall was named the third Best Food Hall for 2024 nationwide while North Market was named the #8 Best Public Market for 2024.“The word is getting out that Columbus is an ideal place to visit, whether you’re coming with friends or family, for a special event or for business travel,” said Sarah Townes, ECI, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Experience Columbus. “While you’re here you can immerse yourself in our award-winning, chef-driven food scene, spend time outdoors along our expansive riverwalk and abundant green spaces or explore our unique and walkable neighborhoods.”
On top of those four accolades, earlier this month USA Today 10Best also recognized the Scioto Mile as one of the Best Riverwalks in the country, while the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon was named the nation’s #2 Best Half Marathon in 2024. A panel of experts selects the nominees for each award. Then, after four weeks of public voting, the top 10 winners in each category are announced. Columbus' winning streak extends beyond USA Today's accolades. AFAR magazine recently named the city one of its favorite family destinations for 2024, while Midwest Living recognized The Junto for Best of the Midwest Lodging. Food & Wine also highlighted Columbus as a haven for bakery lovers, acknowledging the culinary prowess of local favorites like Dan the Baker and Belle's Bread.
