BY: CHRISTOPHER BROWN

 

Sometimes, you just need a quick escape. A change of scenery to recharge, explore, and break free from the daily routine.

 

The “Weekender” is a travel series that is your go-to guide for the perfect weekend getaway. Each article will spotlight a different destination, offering insider tips on where to stay, what to do, what to eat and drink, and how to make the most of your time—so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying your trip.

 

This weekend we’re going to Columbus, Ohio

 

My wife and I travel frequently, but we don’t always fly across the country or leave the United States. Some of our favorite destinations are within driving distance of our home in West Virginia. We often take short weekend trips when we want to break the monotony of daily life or simply change our scenery. West Virginia is perfectly situated on the East Coast, providing us with easy access to many great cities. One of our favorite weekend getaways is Columbus, Ohio, which we visit multiple times a year.

 

As the capital of Ohio and home to THE Ohio State Buckeyes, Columbus is approximately three hours from Charleston, WV. The city is quite large, covering 220 square miles, and is very spread out. However, you can generally travel from one point to another in about 15 minutes. With its larger size come tons of options, and there is no shortage of activities and dining experiences that Columbus offers.

 

While I love my hometown, it simply doesn’t have the same variety of activities and food and drink options that bigger cities do. If you’ve never been to Columbus— or even if you have— and are looking for new experiences, I highly recommend adding a trip to Columbus to your list for your next weekend getaway. Here are some recommendations for your travel itinerary:

 

Where to Stay

 

Depending on your location, a day trip to Columbus can be a great option. We often leave early in the morning, spend the day exploring, and then return in the evening. However, this can honestly be pretty exhausting. Depending on your plans for the day, you might want to consider staying overnight.

 

Columbus is easy to navigate, and you can travel from one side of the city to the other fairly quickly. This means you can choose to stay in any neighborhood that suits you. We prefer to stay in Dublin because it provides easy access to the highway, and hotel rates there are typically around $100. If you have dogs, there’s a nearby facility called Pet Palace for overnight boarding. You also have the option to stay downtown, which is more centrally located, but keep in mind that hotel prices in that area tend to be higher. Additionally, if the Buckeyes or Columbus Crew are playing that weekend, hotel rates throughout the city are likely to increase.

 

Things to Do

 

THE Ohio State Buckeyes – Sports
We attended a Buckeyes football game for the first time this year, and it was an incredible experience. If you enjoy football, it’s definitely worth going to a game, even if you’re not a dedicated Ohio State fan. As a side note, their tailgate culture is different from WVU’s, which makes it easier to find parking within walking distance of the stadium.

 

 

Easton Town Center – Shopping
If you have a shop-a-holic in your family, this place is a must-visit. It’s nearly impossible for me to convince my wife that we don’t have to stop here every time we visit Columbus. Easton is a large retail center, both indoor and outdoor, that has at least 150 different retail brands and nearly 70 dining options. From common brands like American Eagle and Dick’s to luxury brands like Tiffany, Coach, and Gucci, Easton has a plethora of stores where you can shop until you drop. It also has both casual and luxury dining options. For activities, there’s an AMC movie theater, Pins Mechanical, and the Legoland Discovery Center. One spot at Easton that I ALWAYS have to go to is Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s is my happy place. It’s a grocery store that offers unique items alongside everyday essentials, all at excellent prices. There’s something special about it that sets it apart from typical grocery stores, making it worth a visit.

 

Otherworld – Fun
Otherworld is a unique and immersive art museum and experience. It features over 40 scenes and rooms filled with large-scale art, mixed-reality playgrounds, and hidden passageways. Visitors are encouraged to freely explore and interact with a surreal world inspired by science fiction and fantasy. Otherworld is suitable for all ages and is cool, unique, beautiful, and truly trippy. Some of the art installations feel like stepping into a different universe, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy taking selfies and photos.

 

 

You can expect to spend around two hours here, depending on how many photos you want to take. There is also a bar that offers both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages while you explore. Tickets are priced at $24 for children and $30 for adults.

 

Pins Mechanical – Fun

Pins Mechanical is a duckpin bowling venue, arcade, and bar. Duckpin bowling is a miniature version of bowling that features smaller pins and balls that resemble skee balls. It’s incredibly fun and more challenging than it seems. I had never heard of duckpin bowling until I visited Pins Mechanical.

 

During our first visit, we were blown away by the vibrant atmosphere. The venue offers a wide variety of games, and it’s always bustling with people. Pins features their signature duckpin bowling, foosball, ping-pong, hookie, bocce, and more. Some games are free to play, while duckpin bowling requires payment.

 

Pins Mechanical does not take reservations; everything is available on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive, head straight to the bullpen and sign up for a spot to play duckpin bowling. While you wait, you can enjoy the other games and grab a drink. They have a large bar that features fantastic signature arcade-themed cocktails, in addition to an extensive selection of both craft and domestic beers on tap.

 

 

There are multiple Pins locations in Columbus, including one in Easton. Our favorite is in Dublin, which boasts a large arcade section filled with pinball machines, skee ball, classic arcade games, and comfortable couches for enjoying classic SNES games. We always have a blast at Pins and wish there were one in West Virginia.

 

Honorable Mentions: Columbus Zoo & Aquarium; Franklin Park Conservatory; Top Golf

 

Places to Eat

 

The restaurant scene in Columbus is exceptional, offering a diverse range of cuisines. One of the main reasons we visit Columbus is to enjoy the food. Here are some of our favorite dining spots in the city, catering to both casual diners and more adventurous eaters.

 

Cheesecake Factory – Easton Town Center
I was hesitant to include this on my list because I believe there are better dining options available, and you can find this type of cuisine almost anywhere. Don’t get me wrong; the food is good, and they offer something for everyone. However, when I travel, I prefer to try dishes that I can’t find back home. If you haven’t been there before, you should at least stop by for the cheesecake. It’s absolutely delicious, and you can take it to go! [insert wink here]

 

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
Schmidt’s is located in German Village, a charming neighborhood in Columbus that has been around since the early 1880s. Schmidt’s offers authentic German cuisine, featuring a variety of sausages, pretzels, sandwiches, and more. Their Jumbo Cream Puff is a must-try dessert. Additionally, they serve German beers on tap. For those looking to sample multiple items, Schmidt’s offers a buffet. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy delicious German food.

 

 

La Tavola
If your idea of Italian food is the Olive Garden, then La Tavola will completely change your perspective. This restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine that brings you as close to the real thing as possible without actually going to Italy.

 

One excellent indicator of a fantastic restaurant is a small menu, and La Tavola delivers with just a two-page selection featuring some of the best Italian dishes you can find. You really can’t make a bad choice here, but I recommend a few standout items. Start with the Burrata cheese as your appetizer. For your main course, try the Chicken Parmigiano or the Pasta Bolognese. I’ve always been so full after my meal that I’ve never had room for dessert. To complement your meal, La Tavola also offers an extensive wine list and a variety of Italian beers.

 

Gogi Korean BBQ
Gogi is my favorite place to eat in Columbus. If you’ve never had Korean BBQ, you’re in for an unforgettable and immersive experience. Korean BBQ is exactly what it sounds like: grilled marinated Korean meats. The fun part is that you get to grill the meat yourself.

 

I know what you might be thinking: “I have to cook my own food? Isn’t the point of going to a restaurant to have someone cook for me?” But hear me out for a minute. Each table has a gas grill built into the center. You can order a combo featuring different meats, such as brisket, short rib, pork belly, and steak. The marinated meat is brought to your table, and you can cook it at your own pace to your preferred level of doneness. This creates a communal experience where you can enjoy cooking and spending time with friends and loved ones.

 

 

The meat is often served with side dishes like kimchi, pickled vegetables, steamed eggs, and rice. If you enjoy a drink, I recommend getting a bottle of Cass (Korean beer), which pairs perfectly with the BBQ. For an extra fun experience, consider ordering a bottle of soju to make Soju bombs. Gogi is a MUST-VISIT spot in Columbus.

 

Places to Drink (Mostly Beer)

I don’t frequent cocktail bars or clubs very often, so I don’t have any recommendations for good cocktails, except for Pins Mechanical. I’m more of a beer enthusiast, and Columbus has some amazing breweries to explore. Currently, Columbus boasts a total of 39 breweries, and I’ve visited at least a third of them over the years. If you enjoy beer, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite breweries for you to check out.

 

Seventh Son Brewing Co.
Seventh Son is probably my favorite brewery to visit when I go to Columbus. They have a very nice, large two-story facility with plenty of seating and a great outdoor space. On the menu, they have award-winning craft beers, craft hard seltzers, cocktails (including hard seltzer slushies), and wine. There are also options for non-alcohol drinkers. They don’t have a kitchen but usually have a food truck outside. My favorite brews here are the Assistant Manager, a golden ale, and Scientist, an IPA. I’m always tasting around their menu. Seventh Son should be a priority on your list if you’re looking for excellent brews.

 

Land Grant Brewing Co.
Land Grant is one of the most enjoyable breweries in Columbus, and they serve some of the best beer in the city. The brewery features a medium-sized taproom complemented by a spacious outdoor area and beer garden. There’s always something exciting happening at Land Grant. During the warmer months, the beer garden offers plenty of seating, large screens for watching football, and various games like cornhole, pool, and arcade basketball. Even in colder months, you can enjoy the outdoor space thanks to their heated igloos, along with winter activities like ice bumper cars and curling. For food, they typically host a different food truck each day if you’re feeling hungry. My personal favorites are their House Beer, a light lager, and Lemon Glow, a hazy IPA. If you’re not a beer drinker, they also offer craft cocktails and ciders.

 

Wolf’s Ridge Brewing
Wolf’s Ridge was the first brewery I ever visited in Columbus, and it has kept me coming back ever since. They offer excellent beers that have won multiple gold medals at both the state and national levels. In addition to their brews, they have a full bar and a kitchen. The food is fantastic; some of the best brunch I’ve ever had has come from Wolf’s Ridge (and yes, I did enjoy a beer at 10 AM). One standout beer (also my brunch beer) is their Daybreak, a Coffee Vanilla Cream Ale. Another great option on tap is the 614, a Midwestern Light Lager.

Honorable Mentions: Jackie O’s, Brewdog, Edison Brewing, Columbus Brewing, Endeavor Brewing

 

These recommendations only begin to highlight the many things Columbus has to offer. Whatever excites you—whether it’s shopping, food, drinks, or other activities—the city is full of opportunities. So, the next time you’re looking for new experiences, consider planning a weekend getaway to Columbus, where every corner offers something fresh to explore and enjoy.

 

Always remember to embrace the unfamiliar, try new things, ask the locals for recommendations, wear your seatbelt, and most importantly, get out and explore.

 

 

 

 

About the Author:

 

– Christopher Brown is a freelance writer for Digital Wax. He grew up in West Virginia and works primarily as a dental hygienist in Charleston. His wife tells him that he has too many hobbies; a musician, hip-hop head, football fanatic, beer brewer, frequent traveler, & master home chef.