· Jess & Alex ·
Things To Do
The Ohio State University
We met as tour guides at Ohio State, so we crafted a personalized self-guided tour for you to experience our favorite spots on campus... Copy/paste this link into your smartphone and open with the Google Maps app, then tap/swipe up from the bottom to view the map legend and get started: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1LhbZcR_tXfoCd1OMuXMLguvxoi4r-CIT&usp=sharing To learn specifically about tours of Ohio Stadium, visit ohiostatebuckeyes.com/stadium-tours/
Short North Arts District
The Short North is Columbus' colorful, offbeat, and trendy neighborhood filled with a variety of bars and restaurants. Our favorite places are: Bakersfield, Bodega, Brassica, Condado, The Eagle, Food Hall, Forno Kitchen, Hubbard Grill, Lincoln Social Rooftop, MELT, Northstar Cafe, Oddfellows, Short North Pint House, Standard Hall, Union Cafe, Wolf's Ridge Brewing Taproom
Jeni's Ice Cream
A Columbus staple, and the location of our first date! Jeni's is the home of artisan ice cream with superlative ingredients. Be sure to ask for a variety of free samples before deciding on a flavor! Two Locations: Downtown (near The Westin): 132 S High St Short North (first date location): 714 N High St
Condado Tacos
Our favorite tacos and margaritas in Columbus! This build-your-own taco joint utilizes Scantron menus where you fill in the bubbles of your desired ingredients to create delicious custom tacos. Jess loves the chips & queso while Alex loves the chips & guacamole (try both and tell us which is better), but we both swear by the blood orange margarita. Two locations Downtown (near The Westin): 132 S High St Short North: 1227 N High St
North Market
North Market is Central Ohio's public market and food hall with dozens of unique vendors. With over 30 different stalls, varying from international street foods to tasty desserts, North Market is a don't miss foodie-hotspot. Alex's favorite North Market treat is spicy fried chicken and sweet tea from "Hot Chicken Takeover" on the 2nd floor! ProTip: get there early because they run out of chicken by 2:00pm! The Ohio Wine Festival will be held at North Market on Fri July 12 and Sat July 13!
German Village
German Village boasts lovingly restored brick houses, shops, streets and sidewalks full of historic charm and modern swank. We recommend shopping at The Book Loft, snagging a cup of joe at Stauf's Coffee Roasters, and indulging in the famous bratwurst, sauerkraut, and giant cream puffs at Schmidt's Sausage Haus. Also nestled within German Village is the home of our favorite burgers in Columbus, The Thurman Cafe. Pick between any of the 20+ varieties of mouthwatering burgers, including the gargantuan "Thurmanator" which was a featured challenge on the Travel Channel's "Man vs. Food."
Bicentennial Park and The Scioto Mile
The Scioto Greenway is an urban oasis comprised of more than 175 acres of parkland that stretches along the Olentangy Riverfront. This is our favorite park in Columbus and home to many picnic dates! We recommend starting at Bicentennial Park (5 min walk from The Westin) and walking North/South on the paths along the river. Jess LOVES to sit on the porch swings and soak up the views of the river and the Columbus skyline.
Columbus Clippers
Taaaaake me out to the ball game! The Columbus Clippers are the Triple-A baseball team for the Cleveland Indians (Go Tribe)! The Clippers will be playing a home stand the entire weekend of our wedding at Huntington Park and tickets start at $7. Play ball!
Topgolf
Tee up! Hit micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets in this interactive driving range. Order food and drinks while you play! A perfect group activity you will never FORE get.
Easton Town Center Shopping
Central Ohio's shopping mecca boasts over 250 stores, as well as numerous dining and entertainment options. This entire town is literally a walkable shopping experience.
Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay
Consistently ranked within the Top 5 Zoos in the United States, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to over 7,000 animals from eight different regions of the world. We love the Heart of Africa exhibit where you can feed giraffes, ride camels, and watch cheetahs run at full speed. Don't forget about Zoombezi Bay Water Park attached to the zoo for a wet and wild afternoon!
COSI
An interactive science museum designed for kids (or kids at heart). COSI offers exhibits ranging from the dinosaur gallery, to space exploration, the deep ocean, and the science of life. Our favorite COSI attraction is the Planetarium!