Capital Idea
Still need to plan that summer vacation? We’re here to help, with an assist from everyone’s favorite Cincinnati dish, with a Travel 3-Way!
We’ve put together can’t-miss events, attractions, hotels, eateries, and more that are perfect for Sports Fans, Art Lovers or the Family Unit.
Looking for place that has all the comforts of home but boasts the best science museum in the country (according to USA Today 10Best), is one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest, and was named one of the best “Destinations for Culinary Travel in 2024” (according to Essence)? Head north on I-71, to Ohio’s capital!
From unique neighborhoods to professional sports and one of top Pride celebration in the country, Columbus is worth the drive.
Sports Fans
From minor league baseball to Big 10 football, there’s no shortage of great sports in Columbus. You can head up now for the Crew and the Clippers, or catch the Blue Jackets later this year.
For a summer trip to see the minor league Clippers, knock it out of the park at the Junto Hotel, (77 Belle St.), located in a lively neighborhood with many restaurants and shops. It’s also a good central location for exploring the city's unique local culture, restaurants, and bars. Guests enjoy stunning city skyline views from the hotel's rooftop bar. Bonus: Junto is pet-friendly, for an additional fee.
If you arrive early for a game, you can stroll through the Arena District’s DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area). Participating restaurants provide the option to buy an alcoholic beverage in a unique DORA cup, so you can take a refreshing beverage on your way to a game or event. These DORA restaurants include Betty’s Bar, Sunny Street Cafe, and Fanatics Sportsbook. Not to mention that all these locations are within short walking distance of the arenas. The DORA kicks off three hours prior to any event or game at Nationwide Arena, Huntington Park, and Lower.com Field.
But all that carrying a drink or cheering on your fave team can really work up an appetite. The Arena District offers more than dozen options, including Ohio’s top hockey bar R Bar Arena (413 N. Front St.). R Bar shows all international and NHL games, serving pizza, burgers, and fittingly named sandwiches – The Gordie, anyone?
Rattlesnake Pasta: Baked Cajun chicken breast with red & green peppers, red onion, tossed in a signature spicy cream sauce.
Another local favorite is Moran's Bar and Grille (415 N. Front St.). Though named for Chicago mob boss “Bugs” Moran – who spent a decade behind bars at the location in the 1920s when it was an Ohio penitentiary – the restaurant now promises a relaxed atmosphere and a happy hour Monday thru Friday. The menu starts with Jalapeno cheddar hush puppies and house-made sauerkraut balls, with entrees ranging from pasta to fried chicken and ribs to tacos.
Arts lovers
Columbus is home to many arts institutions, like the Wexner Center for the Arts (1871 North High St.) The art gallery is centrally located, just eight minutes from the Arena District and 10 minutes from COSI. Right now, you can see Jonas N.T. Becker: A Hole is not a Void, new photography, video, sculpture, and installation work by the artist-in-residence. Along with visual arts exhibitions, the Wex is also stacked with theater, dance, and music performances throughout the year.
Jonas N.T. Becker, Better or Equal Use: Coalfield Expressway on the former Bull Creek Mountain, 2020/2024. Coal, gelatin, dichromate, and paper, 20 x 24 in. Courtesy of the artist.
While you’re there, you can enjoy the Heirloom Cafe, offering all-day breakfast specialties, fresh salads, and hearty sandwiches. For a pick-me-up, the Crimson Cup has coffee and artisan baked goods.
Looking to dive deeper into the performing arts? Head to the Columbus Theater District for everything from opera and ballet to avant-garde works at The Palace Theatre, Southern Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, and Ohio Theatre. The Brewery District’s Shadowbox Live!, an artist-operated company that produces original works to create immersive experiences.
For a hotel that blends the modern and historic, check into Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection. Hotel LeVeque is the second tallest building in Columbus and a local landmark. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour fitness area.
Family Unit
Consistently named one of the best science museums in the country COSI (Center of Science and Industry) has been blending science education with fun since 1964. COSI eatures more than 300 hands-on exhibits, Ohio's largest planetarium, a Giant Screen Theater, live shows, and an exceptional partnership with the d American Museum of Natural History. Everyone in the fam will be enjoy exploreing the permanent Dinosaur Gallery, where visitors can see a full-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex cast, 100-million-year-old fossilized amber, an 8-foot titanosaur femur cast, and much more.C Close to the museum is a 6.5-acre park that includes a splash pad, playground, picnic tables, and swings. Through Sept. 24, you can see Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition to experience the wonder and tragedy of the world’s most famous ocean-liner.
After an eventful day experiencing the best of what COSI has to offer, indulge at Pecan Penny’s (113 E. Main St.). Pecan Penny’s serves delicious smoked barbecue with traditional sides, so even picky eaters will find something to like. The menu also includes “ghost dogs” – gourmet hot dogs, available with Nathan's All-Beef and vegetarian hot dogs. And don’t leave without dessert – funnel cake fries or pecan pie, of course!
– Kennedy Penn