Our Local Favorites
Great Outdoors
Big Walnut Creek holds a special place in the hearts of Gahanna locals, offering a peaceful glimpse of natural woodlands, popular dining destinations, paddle boating, and seasonal fishing opportunities at Creekside Park. This year-round park features a delightful, family-friendly walking trail in a serene setting.
The Ohio Herb Center, located at the historic Nafzger-Miller house (110 Mill St. Gahanna, Ohio 43230), is the perfect spot to explore the world of herbs, covering gardening, cooking, scents, and health. This charming house, dating back to 1855 and listed on the National Register of Historical Places, hosts various classes and workshops. While you’re in town, you can join classes like tea blending, making your herbal cosmetics, and cost-effective herbal home care. For workshop schedules, please refer to their calendar.
Gahanna Woods includes diverse wooded and evolving environments within an urban context. This sanctuary safeguards possibly the finest surviving collection of buttonbush swamps and vernal pools in central Ohio. These woodland pools are encompassed by a forest of pin oak and silver maple. On the elevated and drier sections of the preserve, you’ll find mature oak-hickory and beech-maple communities.
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Gahanna Friendship Park in Ohio is a much-loved place for fun and togetherness. It offers outdoor activities like walking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds, making it a great spot for families and friends.
You can take leisurely walks along the park’s scenic paths, surrounded by lush greenery. There are fields for soccer and baseball, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Kids can have a blast at the playgrounds, where they can play safely.
You’ll also find picnic areas, making it a great place for meals and hanging out with friends. The park hosts events and programs that bring the community together. Gahanna Friendship Park reflects the city’s commitment to community involvement and enjoying the outdoors.
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The Scioto Mile Fountain is a prominent water feature located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. It serves as a central attraction within the Scioto Mile, a vibrant urban park that stretches along the Scioto River. The fountain is known for its impressive water displays, synchronized jets, and LED lighting, creating captivating visual effects during the day and evening.
It provides a space for relaxation, entertainment, and recreation, offering a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of flowing water and the surrounding urban landscape. The Scioto Mile Fountain enhances the city’s public spaces, offering a unique blend of nature and modern design for both residents and tourists to appreciate.
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Scioto Audubon has transformed from an industrial site to a thriving green space for wildlife. This 119-acre park offers recreation and education by the Scioto River, south of downtown Columbus. It’s a partnership between Columbus City, Ohio Audubon, and Columbus Metro Parks to bring nature to the city.
This urban oasis in Columbus, part of Central Ohio’s Metro Parks, blends nature and recreation. Habitats like wetlands and woodlands offer wildlife and birdwatching. Trails cater to hiking, jogging, and cycling, and fishing is possible in the Scioto River. The Grange Insurance Audubon Center at the park’s heart hosts educational programs for ecology and conservation appreciation.
Blendon Woods features captivating ravines carved by streams, showcasing exposed ripple rock sandstone alongside open fields encircled by beech-maple and oak-hickory forests. Encompassing 653 acres, this park offers an ideal setting to witness a diverse range of songbirds, waterfowl, and other creatures. Particularly, a gathering of wild turkeys roams in search of sustenance. Moreover, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge spans 118 acres and includes Thoreau Lake, a serene 11-acre haven. Serving as a sanctuary, it hosts numerous birds, ducks, and wildlife. Accessible year-round, the refuge boasts two elevated observation shelters complete with spotting scopes, facilitating the observation of waterfowl.
The Columbus Park of Roses stands out as one of the largest public rose gardens in the United States, boasting an impressive collection of over 12,000 rose specimens. With its diverse array of plantings and over a mile of paved pathways adorned with seating areas, the park offers year-round allure for visitors.
Encompassing 13 acres, this garden holds accreditation as an arboretum and showcases five distinct horticultural themes. Situated in Clintonville, Columbus, Ohio, the Columbus Park of Roses is a captivating haven that beckons nature enthusiasts and flower lovers alike. Its expansive landscape hosts an array of stunning rose varieties and other flowering plants. Beyond its floral abundance, the park serves as a place of discovery and admiration. The Whetstone Park Shelter House, nestled within the park, plays host to informative programs, hands-on workshops, and engaging events centered around gardening and horticulture.
Located in downtown Columbus, the seven-acre Topiary Park is, well, a topiary park that fully recreates the scene depicted in Georges Seurat’s famous painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. The unique project was the brainchild of Columbus sculptor James T. Mason, who had the idea when his then-wife Elaine asked him to make a topiary sculpture for their backyard.
Ultimately spiraling well beyond backyard-project scale, the couple pitched the idea to the city of Columbus, and work on the installation began in 1989 with the creation of artificial hills and the digging of a pond to stand in for the River Seine in France.
Situated close to Ohio’s capital, Alum Creek State Park is a well-liked destination for boating and camping. Guests have the chance to spend their time jet skiing across vast expanses of water or locating a tranquil cove for fishing or paddling. The park’s expansive beach, the largest inland beach within the park system, is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
The park’s extensive campground offers amenities like a camp store, boating access, and a nature center for campers. Families with children can explore the family-friendly mountain bike trail or the Storybook Trail, a half-mile route. Positioned near Columbus, Ohio, Alum Creek State Park presents a charming outdoor spot with a wide array of recreational activities. Nestled around Alum Creek Lake, the park provides a calm setting suitable for water-based pursuits such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Its sandy shores are a prime location for relaxation and enjoyment under the sun.
Gather your family and grab your camera because Inniswood Metro Gardens offers a stunning backdrop for your visit! Covering 123 acres of trails and gardens, you’ll have the opportunity to explore over 2,000 species of exquisite plants, themed gardens, waterfalls, and sculptures throughout the changing seasons.
The children’s garden is a hit among young visitors. They can engage in play, learning, and exploration as they traverse the garden, visit the tree house, and cross rope bridges. Additionally, they can enjoy the accessible walking trails, including a beech-maple forest boardwalk, a “Frog Talk Walk,” and various charming corners to discover along the path.
As a tranquil and serene botanical garden, it’s important to leave active toys and pets at home. Although you can’t bring food or drinks inside the gardens, you can relish a picnic just outside the park. Don’t forget to pack bug spray and dress appropriately for the weather.
Dining Spots
High Bank Distillery is a renowned establishment based in Columbus, Ohio, known for its craft spirits, culinary offerings, and vibrant atmosphere. It functions as a distillery, restaurant, and bar, creating a unique experience for patrons. High Bank Distillery takes pride in producing high-quality, small-batch spirits on-site, including vodka, gin, and whiskey, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
In addition to its distillery operations, the establishment features a restaurant that offers a diverse menu inspired by regional and seasonal ingredients. The combination of craft spirits, delectable cuisine, and a welcoming ambiance makes High Bank Distillery a popular destination for those seeking a taste of locally crafted spirits and culinary delights in a dynamic and inviting setting.
Edison Brewing Company stands as the foremost brewery in central Ohio, committed to creating a wide range of top-notch seasonal beers that honor the time-honored beer-making heritage passed down through generations. With a focus on crafting authentic European-style brews, the brewery offers an ideal setting in its genuine German biergarten, providing a picturesque perspective of the Columbus Skyline. This endeavor brings the genuine European ambiance to life in the heart of Columbus, Ohio.
The RH Rooftop Restaurant in Columbus is a sophisticated and stylish dining destination that offers a unique blend of upscale cuisine and an elegant ambiance. Perched atop the RH Columbus design gallery, this rooftop restaurant provides a remarkable dining experience with sweeping views of the surrounding cityscape.
Renowned for its modern aesthetic and chic decor, the RH Rooftop Restaurant offers a menu that showcases a fusion of flavors, featuring dishes made from high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Guests can savor their meals in a serene and beautifully designed setting, complete with lush greenery and luxurious furnishings.
The restaurant’s commitment to providing an extraordinary dining experience extends to its attentive service and attention to detail. Whether indulging in a gourmet meal, enjoying a handcrafted cocktail, or simply soaking in the breathtaking vistas, the RH Rooftop Restaurant in Columbus promises a memorable and refined culinary journey for patrons seeking an elevated dining experience.
Recognized as one of America’s top 100 restaurants, The Refectory Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, epitomizes the pinnacle of upscale dining, seamlessly merging an elegant atmosphere with exceptional cuisine. Housed within a charming historic backdrop, this establishment offers a sophisticated encounter that has earned praise from local patrons and out-of-town visitors alike.
Celebrated for its flawless service and meticulous attention to detail, The Refectory unveils a menu that embodies an unwavering dedication to culinary mastery. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted using the finest ingredients, resulting in a symphony of flavors and textures that captivate the senses. Noteworthy among their array of offerings are the Filet Mignon, Escargot, Foie Gras, Rack of Lamb, and the indulgent Chocolate Soufflé, all of which contribute to their esteemed culinary reputation.
Discover the joy of relishing in the freshness of delicate and ethereal seafood, delivered daily to The Barn at Rocky Fork. Treat yourself to the exquisite offerings of their unique pork and chicken dishes. Ensure you have an appetite for the opulent desserts, skillfully prepared in-house. The menu overflows with cherished steakhouse favorites, thoughtfully created by the culinary artisans of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants – a trailblazer in Columbus, Ohio’s culinary landscape.
101 Beer Kitchen is a popular dining establishment in Columbus, Ohio, celebrated for its unique fusion of craft beer and creative culinary experiences. Combining a diverse selection of craft beers with a menu inspired by American comfort food and international flavors, 101 Beer Kitchen offers a distinctive dining experience.
With a focus on using locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can savor innovative dishes and explore a curated beer list. The establishment’s commitment to quality, flavor, and a relaxed ambiance makes it a sought-after destination for those seeking a blend of delicious cuisine and a diverse range of craft beers in Columbus.
Lindey’s in Columbus, Ohio, is a highly regarded restaurant known for its exceptional dining experience and American cuisine. Nestled in the historic and beautiful German Village, Lindey’s offers both indoor and charming patio seating in a picturesque setting.
Renowned for its elegant ambiance, Lindey’s is celebrated for its diverse menu, which features a range of dishes from seafood and steaks to salads and sandwiches. The restaurant’s patio, adorned with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, provides a delightful backdrop for al fresco dining.
With its combination of classic charm and contemporary flavors, Lindey’s has become a popular destination for special occasions, romantic dinners, and upscale gatherings. Whether indulging in the delectable cuisine or enjoying the serene outdoor atmosphere, Lindey’s offers a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Columbus’s culinary scene.
The North Market Farmers’ Market in Columbus, Ohio, is a vibrant and bustling gathering place where local farmers, artisans, and producers come together to showcase their fresh, seasonal goods. Located at the iconic North Market, this outdoor market offers a diverse selection of locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more.
Visitors to the North Market Farmers’ Market can engage with the local community, meet the people behind the products, and learn about the origins of their food. The market emphasizes the importance of supporting local agriculture and sustainable practices.
In addition to the wide array of food products, the market often features live music, cooking demonstrations, and other special events that create a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors of all ages. The North Market Farmers’ Market provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the flavors of the region, connect with local producers, and immerse oneself in the vibrant food culture of Columbus.
Chapman’s Eat Market in Columbus, Ohio, is a culinary gem offering a delightful combination of gourmet dining and a market experience. This unique establishment provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy carefully crafted dishes made from locally sourced ingredients in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Known for its commitment to quality and creativity, Chapman’s Eat Market offers a diverse menu that showcases a fusion of flavors and culinary styles. From inventive dishes to classic favorites, each plate is thoughtfully prepared to deliver a satisfying and memorable dining experience.
In addition to its restaurant offerings, Chapman’s Eat Market features a market section where guests can explore a curated selection of artisanal products, pantry essentials, and fresh ingredients to take home and enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a delectable meal or a place to discover artisanal delights, Chapman’s Eat Market embodies the essence of Columbus’s culinary scene, offering a harmonious blend of dining and market exploration.
A visit to Columbus, Ohio would be incomplete without indulging in a local gem, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. This beloved brand, founded by Jeni Britton Bauer, has earned a devoted following for its imaginative and distinct ice cream flavors. Renowned for using top-notch, locally sourced ingredients, Jeni’s crafts artisanal ice creams that are both delectable and innovative.
Embracing creativity and quality, the brand presents a wide spectrum of flavors, catering to diverse preferences, from classics to unconventional pairings such as these ultimate fan favourites: Brambleberry Crisp, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Darkest Chocolate, Salted Peanut Butter Chocolate Flecks and Salty Caramel!
Distinguished as a premier vegan dining destination in Columbus, Comune offers an exquisite array of plant-based culinary creations. Demonstrating a dedicated commitment to sourcing local and organic ingredients, the restaurant takes a innovative approach to curating dishes that cater to diverse dietary preferences. Comune also boasts an impressive array of cocktails, wines, and beers, ensuring an exceptional evening for your group of travelers.
Night Life
Service Bar, situated in the vibrant historic Short North neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, is a trendy dining establishment that harmonizes creative cocktails with inventive comfort cuisine. This restaurant’s allure lies in its contemporary atmosphere and dedication to reimagining traditional favorites.
Located in a prime spot, Service Bar captivates patrons with its modern charm and exceptional offerings. The restaurant stands out for its ingenious cocktail creations and a menu that puts a unique twist on comfort food classics.
Dining at Service Bar means indulging in a fusion of flavors that embraces both the familiar and the unexpected. The restaurant’s innovative approach to dining, coupled with its trendy locale, has made it a sought-after destination for those seeking a remarkable culinary experience in the heart of Columbus’s iconic Short North neighborhood.
The Funny Bone Comedy Club in Columbus, Ohio, is a popular entertainment venue known for delivering laughter and comedy performances. This club offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere where both local and nationally recognized comedians take the stage to entertain audiences. With a diverse lineup of comedic talents, patrons can enjoy a variety of humor styles, from stand-up to improv and more. The Funny Bone provides a space for people to unwind, enjoy good company, and experience the joy of laughter through its regular shows. Please check their website for regular updates on show times.
The Columbus Ale Trail is a delightful and immersive journey for beer enthusiasts, showcasing the diverse and thriving craft brewery scene in Columbus, Ohio. This trail offers participants the chance to explore a curated selection of local breweries, each with its own unique flavors and styles of craft beer. By following the trail, visitors can discover a rich tapestry of brewing traditions, from traditional lagers to innovative IPAs and experimental brews.
Hollywood Casino in Columbus, Ohio, is a popular destination for entertainment and gaming. With a vibrant atmosphere and a wide array of amenities, it offers visitors a variety of experiences. The casino features a range of slot machines, table games, and poker options for those seeking their luck. Additionally, it hosts live entertainment events, concerts, and shows, providing a well-rounded entertainment experience. Various dining options are available, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, catering to different tastes.
Shadowbox Live, the largest resident theatre company in America, offers a hybrid form of entertainment, blending diverse elements such as original sketch comedy, live rock ‘n’ roll, dance theatre, and new media into seamless, fast-paced, high energy productions. Shadowbox Live encourages audiences to come early and purchase food and drink from the full bar and bistro style menu to enhance the unique performance. For an unparalleled live experience, nothing compares to Shadowbox Live.
Family Friendly Destinations
COSI (Center of Science and Industry) in Columbus, Ohio, is a premier science center and interactive museum that offers a dynamic and engaging learning experience for visitors of all ages. COSI serves as a hub for exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning, with a wide range of exhibits and activities spanning various scientific disciplines.
The center features interactive exhibits that cover topics such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, technology, and more. Through engaging displays, demonstrations, and interactive installations, COSI encourages visitors to actively participate in learning about the world around them.
COSI is designed to be family-friendly, offering educational entertainment for children and adults alike. It often hosts special events, workshops, and live science demonstrations, further enhancing the learning experience. The center’s mission is to inspire a passion for science and learning, making it a popular destination for school groups, families, and individuals interested in expanding their knowledge and having fun while doing so.
Situated in Columbus, Ohio, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium stands as a celebrated destination blending wildlife conservation, education, and entertainment. Encompassing a sprawling expanse, this top-tier zoo boasts an impressive assortment of animal species from across the globe.
The zoo presents an array of diverse habitats, affording patrons the chance to observe creatures in surroundings that closely mimic their natural homes. From the heart of the African savanna to the ocean’s depths, guests can marvel at creatures like lions, elephants, gorillas, polar bears, penguins, and a myriad of others.
Adjacent to the zoo, Zoombezi Bay, a water park, offers a refreshing aquatic escapade during warmer seasons, with water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and other aquatic attractions adding to the excitement.
The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens stands as the foremost botanical garden in Central Ohio, featuring the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House dating back to 1895. Positioned just east of Franklin Park, the Conservatory is approximately a distance of two miles from downtown Columbus.
Covering around 13 acres, the visitor’s journey encompasses the Conservatory building, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, and the Grand Mallway. This encompassing experience includes various botanical biomes, flourishing gardens, special exhibitions focusing on horticulture and art, as well as seasonal attractions. Additionally, a selection of glass art by artist Dale Chihuly is showcased and included in the admission fee.
Adjacent to the visitor experience, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus expands across four acres, hosting an apiary, rose pavilion, berry house, 40 community garden plots, a demonstration kitchen, and a Live-Fire Cooking Theater. This section is accessible to the public free of charge from dawn until dusk.
Voted as Ohio’s top indoor playground, Momi Land offers an indoor play area and party space designed for children aged 8 and below. Our venue includes expansive ball pits, trampolines, playrooms for kitchen and vanity activities, multiple slides, and much more!
Young creators have the chance to set their creativity free at the Legoland Discovery Center in Columbus, Ohio! Construct vibrant flowers for the garden, engage in climbing, swinging, and sliding adventures at the LEGO City Fire & Police Academy to test your city-saving skills, or simply enjoy endless playtime with an abundance of Lego blocks. It’s an enjoyable day to be had at this center, which is also situated in the lively shopping district of Easton Center.
Generating around 50,000 pounds of delectable chocolates daily, the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory stands out as a significant family-owned business in the Midwest.
The factory provides an extensive range of chocolates and confections, including unique Ohio-themed selections and gift assortments, both accessible online and at their 13 Ohio outlets. Pay a visit to discover treats like the 1-pound Columbus Skyline bar, a collection of chocolate roses, a gift package filled with delicious buckeye candies, and more
Arts and Culture
The Columbus Museum of Art in Ohio is a renowned cultural hub with a diverse collection spanning various art forms and periods. From classics to contemporary pieces, it offers an immersive artistic journey.
The collection features paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and photography, showcasing both American and international artists, offering insights into art’s evolution.
Beyond displaying art, the museum prioritizes creative engagement and education. It hosts workshops and events for all ages, enhancing art appreciation.
Elegant galleries provide tranquil spaces for contemplation, showcasing a variety of artistic expressions to cater to diverse perspectives.
The historic Ohio Theatre, boasting a seating capacity of 2,791, draws the finest artists from across the globe, spanning genres from classical music to contemporary dance and everything in between. This venue, with its rich history and breathtaking features, including a magnificent 21-foot-high chandelier, turns every visit into an unforgettable event.
Managed by the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), the Ohio Theatre stands as a renowned cultural treasure in Columbus, Ohio. It’s celebrated for its remarkable architecture and remarkable acoustics, positioning it as a premier stage for a diverse array of performing arts performances.
Originally established as a grand movie palace in 1928, the Ohio Theatre has since transformed into a beloved setting for live entertainment, encompassing Broadway shows, concerts, ballets, operas, and more. The intricately adorned Spanish-Baroque design takes audiences on a journey to an era of sophistication and allure.
Elevated by its superb acoustics, the Ohio Theatre holds a special place for musicians and artists. The stage has witnessed iconic performances and remains a welcoming stage for world-class shows, captivating spectators with its immersive environment and high-quality productions.
Ohio Stadium, often referred to as “The Shoe,” is an iconic and historic sports venue located in Columbus, Ohio. With a seating capacity exceeding 100,000, it serves as a prominent site for college football games and other major events. The stadium is renowned for its unique features, including the famous script Ohio formation by the Ohio State University Marching Band and its signature brown stadium mustard.
Having hosted countless college football games and other significant events, Ohio Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts. Its rich history dates back to its opening game in 1922, and it has since become a symbol of pride for the Ohio State University and a recognizable landmark in the world of college athletics.
Recognized as a Preserve America Neighborhood, German Village in Columbus is a picturesque historic district that presents gorgeous gardens, brick pathways, establishments, and eateries.
Browse through handcrafted items, literature (take a look at The Book Loft of German Village), apparel, presents, and more. They can also venture into art galleries, relish meals at diverse indoor and outdoor dining spots, pubs, coffee houses, and bakeries.
The charming neighborhood boasts numerous parks and gardens and hosts special events. Reserve a guided walking or golf cart tour online, and explore further through their self-guided scavenger hunt or tour map, both accessible from their website.
Discover the Short North Arts District in Columbus, Ohio – an exhilarating hub of creativity that’s all about vibrant art, culture, and excitement. Explore an eclectic neighborhood bursting with art galleries, unique boutiques, mouthwatering dining spots, and thrilling entertainment venues. The district’s beating heart, North High Street, showcases historic buildings adorned with eye-catching murals and street art that’ll leave you in awe.
For art lovers and those seeking unforgettable shopping and dining, this is the place to be. Be part of the action during the monthly Gallery Hop, where galleries stay open late, inviting you to dive into local art and connect with artists. Throughout the year, the district comes alive with cultural festivals, live performances, and jaw-dropping installations that make every visit electric.
Soak in the atmosphere as you wander through galleries, indulge in delicious treats, and embrace the Short North Arts District’s pulsating energy. It’s an immersive experience that welcomes visitors to dive into the heart of Columbus’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
