15 Places You Need To Go If You’re From Columbus Ohio
I have lived in the beautiful city of Columbus, Ohio my entire life. I saw the city as a young adolescent child to my newfound adulthood going into college. The city itself is expanding like wildfire from the countrysides to the suburbs to the inner city. There are many things to do whether you are someone just passing through or you live in Columbus and cannot think of anything to do on the weekends! This article will hopefully help you out 🙂
1. Take a stroll through the Short North.
I have spent countless birthdays on the strip that is home to many restaurants from casual to fancy. No matter what you are craving you will definitely find something that you like just by walking a few feet. The short north also has plenty of unique boutiques where you can find vintage buckeye wear or handmade jewelry! If you want to experience good night life, most of the restaurants also turn into bars. Grab a few friends, put on a cute outfit and go grab a couple of drinks!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWamPIegsde/?taken-by=shortnorthartsdistrict
2. Easton Mall has it all!
I would say this is the most popular mall that people go to. There is a main building where there are shops inside, but what makes it better is that it is also an outside mall with fountains and flowers surrounding it! There are plenty of stores at Easton that it is almost guaranteed that you will find something that you like. Easton also has many restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat while you shop till you drop!
3. Polaris Mall.
Personally this is the mall that I am most often shopping at because I live only five minutes away from it. It is located in the suburbs of Lewis Center and it is much smaller than Easton but it has all the stores that you would want from forever 21, pacsun, h&m etc. Polaris also has a HUGE food court that Easton does not provide. Places ranging from Chick-fil-a to Subway to chinese food. You name it, Polaris probably has it!
4. Go get lost at Ikea on Ikea Way.
Like I said previously Columbus is expanding it’s ways. WE NOW HAVE AN IKEA! Ikea attracts people from all over Ohio. Since Ikea is located in Lewis Center (where I live) the traffic is insane but Ikea is worth it. If you are moving into a new apartment or about to be a college freshman stop by Ikea and see what kind of goodies they have to make your place look as fabulous as possible!
5. Visit the Columbus Zoo!
Are you an animal lover? Well the Columbus Zoo is a perfect place to spend your day! If you have kids or babysit children and want to treat them to a day of fun, this is the way to go. Not only can you learn a lot during this adventure but it is the perfect place to take cute pictures. And if it’s a cold winter night and you have a hot date don’t forget about the zoo lights 😉 The perfect date place!
6. Zoombezi Bay with your BAE.
Take your bf/gf on a hot summer day to play in the water! Zoombezi Bay is Columbus’s very own water park that is home to many water slides and WAVE POOL Who doesn’t love wave pools? No matter how old you going on crazy water slides will never get old especially with your significant other or friends!
7. Bullwinkles or Midway?
Trick question! It is ALWAYS Midway and then Bullwinkles. If you are into bar/club scene as a college kid THIS IS YOUR SCENE. Although, I do not condone doing illegal things if you’re under 21 get yourself a fake i.d. and thrive. It is so fun to go out with your friends and dance your hearts out.
8. Nothin like a good cup of coffee.
If you are anything like me coffee is your crack. Lucky for you guys Columbus has amazing coffee shops. My go to coffee shop would have to be Fox in The Snow cafe not only does it hold personal memories for me but it is aesthetically pleasing with the some very good coffee. There is also Luck Bro’s coffee house, Misson Coffee co, Stauf’s Coffee roasters etc!
9. Life’s a Beach.
Okay yes, technically Ohio does not have a real beach BUT alum creek beach is close enough. Alum Creek beach is a man-made beach that plenty of people go to. If you are looking to cookout, or have a cute picnic with a bf/gf it is perfect! If you’re lucky a friend of yours has a boat and you could go boating! like they S A F B (Saturdays are for boating).
10. Are you a flower child?
Check out the Franklin park conservatory and Botanical Gardens. I went for the firs time this past month and it is a wonderful place to bring your family. There are so many vibrant flowers that are just pleasing to the eye. I hear that many people also take their wedding pictures there and they turn out to be lovely.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXOvvWoB4op/?tagged=flowerchild
11. Shoot your shot at MAPRE.
Maybe I am biased but soccer is the best sport ever and Columbus is home to the Columbus Crew who kick ass! I can scream black and yellow all day! If you want to have a chill sports kind of night make your way to mapre stadium in a cute jersey and buy yourself a hot dog. Enjoy the view and take some cute pictures!
12. Be nerdy at COSI.
Any science majors in the house? Cosi is a fun way to explore the world of science in a interactive way! There are various rooms that pertain to various forms of science ranging form water, space, etc. I went often as a kid and I still enjoy it just as much as an adult.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTZ7zylgGcV/?taken-by=cosiscience&hl=en
13. Creative Columbus.
Want to do something out of your comfort zone? Visiting the Columbus Museum of Art is the best way to venture out if you are not an artist but can appreciate a beautiful piece when there is one. Personally, abstract art is my favorite because it looks so effortless but it creates a message. If you are into doing things that make you think outside of the box definitely gallery hop!
14. The Ohio State Fair.
It happens only once a year and it is the best time of the year! Who doesn’t love fair food? You cannot miss it! Call up all your friends and go stuff your face in funnel cake. However, I do not recommend to ride any of the rides especially due to the recent death of a man because of a ride malfunction. Other than that have fun and enjoy!
15. BUCKEYE PRIDE.
HELLLLLO I can’t forget about the best part about Columbus. THE OHIO STADIUM! Home of the Ohio State Buckeyes baby the best football team in the world. If you ever have the opportunity to go to a game I highly recommend. It is an experience that will always be remembered, you feel apart of something bigger than yourself. The Buckeyes have the best fans ever.
