Scioto Mile in Downtown Columbus in springtime
Since my first visit to Columbus last year—when I fell hard for Ohio’s capital—the city has continued to flourish. In fact, a study released by the Bank of America Institute a couple of months ago reported that Columbus is now the fastest growing city in America.
No wonder people from all over the U.S. have been flocking here. It’s got everything you’d want in a major city, such as a diverse population, rich culture, and exceptional dining. Perhaps more important: It’s where a high quality of living is well within reach for many.
As it turns out: all the reasons why people have moved here also make it a wonderful travel destination. Below, six more reasons why you should plan a trip to Columbus.
Cobra
An Asian-American neighborhood bar in Columbus's Brewery District, Cobra is also one of the best ... [+]
Taking up residence in a former Panera in the Brewery District, Cobra is one of my favorite discoveries this year. Run by four industry pals (Alex Chien, David Ye, Jack Dale Bennett Jr., Josh Spiers), this buzzy Asian-American bar dishes up seriously creative fare like the deeply craveable Saké Pomodoro. Picture a bowl of chewy, handmade noodles enrobed in a zesty tomato sauce and crowned with a soy cured egg yolk and lashings of salty Parmigiano Reggiano. The dish is as luscious as you’d imagine, and best followed up with a Cobra house cocktail. Try the Banana Bread at Work, an easy-drinking blend of banana rum, brown butter, and bourbon.
Agni
Agni's fun and engaging tasting menus draw inspiration from chef Avishar Barua's multi-cultural ... [+]
More often than not, tasting menus are excruciatingly long, rigid, and very rarely memorable. But chef Avishar Barua is hoping to shift our thinking with his latest endeavor, the Brewery District’s Agni. Here, he’s set the stage for a wholly original multi-course meal: one that draws inspiration from his multi-cultural background as a Bengali-American; one that’s peppered with plenty of fun touches; and one that’s engaging and delicious. Unlike other stuffy spots, Angi’s staff is happy to work around allergies and dietary preferences with menus for vegetarians, pescetarians, and those avoiding gluten.
Littleton’s Market
Try one of Executive Pastry Chef Aaron Clouse's imaginative croissants when visiting Littleton's ... [+]
Opened last December in Upper Arlington, Littleton’s Market is where culinary and retail go hand-in-hand. Sustainable meats and seafood, wine, globetrotting pantry staples—the olive oil selection is especially impressive—and ready-made foods like hoisin-glazed chicken wings are meticulously merchandised, making browsing and shopping a gourmand’s dream. Afterwards, wind down at The Café helmed by Culinary Director Alexia Orsburn and rising star Executive Pastry Chef Aaron Clouse with the daily crudo, shoestring fries with caviar, and exquisite croissants in whimsical flavors such as carrot cake and Lucky Charms.
Lawbird
Law Bird is a hip hangout with natural wines, fancy snacks, and 1990s-inspired cocktails.
Owned by Annie Williams Pierce and husband Luke Pierce, Lawbird is a hip hangout balancing a smart selection of natural wines and fancy snacks (tinned fish with Triscuits, kettle chips and caviar) with 1990s’-inspired cocktails that’ll transport you back to simpler times. Not sure where to start? Go for the highly sippable Shine of the Silver Monkey, a shaken blend of three liquors (tequila, banana liqueur, amaro) and tropical fruits presented in a skull glass. No matter what: end the evening with the Orange Slice, a mezcal-spiked jello shot.
Paloma
Paloma is Columbus' best spa and wellness destination.
On an unassuming strip in Columbus’ Grandview neighborhood, in what used to a drab payday loan office, is where you’ll discover Columbus’ best spa and wellness center. Founded by founded by former Victoria's Secret executives Stella Giometti and Angela Gann in 2020, Paloma is a serene hideaway specializing in holistic treatments to rebalance your body and mind. The popular meditation dome hosts daily meditations and sound baths, while Infrared Sauna sessions reportedly promote cellular health. And don’t sleep on more traditional treatments, like CBD deep tissue massages and sculpting facials, as they’re delivered with precision and care.
South Wind Motel
Columbus' South Wind Motel is family-run and offers 22 rooms and suites.
Since Columbus is the 14th largest city in the United States, there’s a strong presence of corporate hotels in town. But why not venture off the beaten path and book something smaller, independent, and with more personality? That’s when South Wind Motel enters the picture. This recently revamped 1959 motel with 22 guest rooms and suites has everything you’d want in a comfortable stay: spacious and spotless accommodations, thoughtful touches such as locally-made coffee and bathroom amenities, and a convenient address in German Village, one of Columbus’ coolest neighborhoods.
