Columbus Ohio might not be the first place you think of to take a vacation, but we found, with all its charm and locally owned businesses, it is an excellent weekend trip! We were able to discover THE school, delicious food and great shops. If you are looking for things to do in Columbus Ohio, look no further. We have the perfect activities for any weekend trip!
THE Ohio State University
Now let’s start with the most obvious stop when you are visiting Columbus. Ever heard of a little school called THE Ohio State University? Okay so the university isn’t actually little. Far from it actually. With more than 60,000 students and 1600 acres of land, there is a lot of ground to cover.
Due to their sheer size the athletic facility and stadium are a must see. Then discover the heart of the campus with a walk around the oval. For a spectacular view of the oval take a quick elevator ride up to the top floor of the library! Our guess is, this is a pretty popular study spot for the views alone.
Now, while on campus, if you have any interest in space, pop into Page Hall. This Hall is home to the John Glenn college of public affairs and what is essentially a mini museum. John Glenn was an Ohio senator and one of the first American astronauts in space. John Glenn went on to bring some incredible artifacts, including a piece of the moon, to Ohio State!
Fox in the Snow
Now a college visit is great but what else does Columbus have to offer? If you’re like us and you like to start your morning with a pastry and yummy coffee then Fox in the Snow is the place for you.
This company has two locations in Columbus, one in German Village and the other in Italian Village. Their long list of delicious treats include cinnamon rolls, blueberry scones, and coffee cakes will make your mouth water as soon as you walk in the door.
We learned that they actually don’t have public wifi in their shop because they want to foster an unplugged environment where you can connect with those you are with. In our short time in the shop we could tell they achieved their goal. Fox in the snow was brewing with conversation and laughter.
Flower Child
After your morning pick me up from Fox in the Snow, head over to Flower Child vintage shop. This is no average vintage shop. This is an expansive two story vintage shop packed to the brim with treasures! Clothes, furniture, knick knacks. You name it, they have it!
Personally, we could spend hours here! Explore the colorful dishware and home decor items on the first floor. Make your way into the back “room” where the building seems to double in size. This space is home to all the cool vintage furniture you can imagine. Midcentury couches, modern chairs, and even 50’s inspired diner booths. You’ll start calculating if there is any way for you to fit that emerald green chair in your car and bring it home with you.
Don’t forget to climb the record lined staircase to the second floor, where you’ll find thousands of articles of clothing. They have a piece for any occasion! Got a dance coming up? Looking for a graphic T-shirt? Maybe you’re directing a high school production of Grease. Well they have costume pieces for that too!
Whether you’re a vintage shop lover or not, Flower Child is a can’t miss destination when looking for things to do in Columbus, Ohio. Their collection is so expansive that there is something to peak everyone’s interest.
Book Loft
We got to do some pretty great things on our trip to Columbus, but the spectacular Book Loft stands out as the highlight of our trip. Located on the quaint streets of German village, the Book Loft is our top recommendation. This place was so cool we ended up going twice! Now, how cool can a book store actually get? You’d be surprised!
The Book Loft consists of 32 rooms and over half a million books. Despite being massive, the Book Loft is actually really well organized and fascinating to wander through. Every room you enter, you’ll find there is another room attached to that, and another attached to that. It just keeps going! Your biggest concern is going to be to not get lost.
Their 500,000 books span all genres and all interests, so there is something for everyone. Plus, if you are like me and can’t resist getting stacks of books, fear not! They have unbelievable deals. This is the only book store that I have been in where I have found new release paperbacks for $7 and hardcover books for $11. Basically any book lover’s dream. We recommend setting aside a good chunk of time to explore this gem of a bookstore!
North Market
Before you head out of town make sure to stop at North Market for a quick bite. Located in downtown Columbus Ohio, North Market’s history can be traced all the way back to 1876. A true Columbus classic! Though the venue has changed over the years, it has remained a staple in the community.
Inside you’ll find it is filled with local vendors selling a wide variety of delicious goodies. They have everything from pastries to fried chicken to sushi and so much more. Personally we found the bagel sandwiches at Block’s to be the perfect grab and go food that we could enjoy in the car on our drive back home.