Columbus is full of energy, incredible food, and a mix of neighborhoods that all have their own personality. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a whole week, these are the five things you absolutely can’t miss if you’re searching for the Top Things to Do in Columbus Ohio and want the full local experience.
If Columbus has a “cool neighborhood,” this is it. The Short North is packed with colorful murals, indie boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. Spend a few hours just wandering — snap photos of the murals (they’re everywhere), pop into the shops, and stop for coffee or brunch along the way.
Tip: Go in the morning or early afternoon when the light is good for photos and the shops aren’t too crowded.
If you want to plan a full weekend in the city, check out my Romantic Getaway in Columbus – 2-Day Itinerary for more ideas.
North Market is Columbus’s foodie hub — an indoor food hall with dozens of vendors. There’s something for everyone here, from spices and flowers to full meals.
Must-Try Stops:
Jeni’s Ice Cream – Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, and Wildberry Lavender are my go-to flavors. Get it in a butterscotch waffle cone for the ultimate experience.
Mo Mo Ghar – Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Order the Johl Mo Mo dumplings or Choila Set for something spicy, flavorful, and totally unique.
Barrel & Boar – Solid BBQ if you want something savory.
Tip: Grab lunch here, then wander through the stalls for souvenirs like spice blends or local honey.
Watershed Kitchen & Bar is one of Columbus’s best restaurants — and it just happens to be attached to a working distillery. Book a distillery tour ahead of time to see how their spirits are made, then stay for dinner.
What to Order (My Picks):
Crispy potatoes – 8/10
Caesar salad – 8.5/10
Mushroom pasta with short rib – 9/10
Pork chops – 8/10
Tip: Portions are generous, so split an appetizer, entrée, and dessert if you want to try more than one thing.
German Village is like stepping into another era — red-brick streets, gas lanterns, and 19th-century homes. Stroll through the neighborhood and make time for The Book Loft, a 32-room maze of books that’s one of the largest independent bookstores in the country.
Don’t Miss:
Boutiques and shops along Mohawk Street.
Lindey’s Restaurant for dinner (make reservations two to three weeks in advance).
Private drive near St. Mary’s Church — follow it back to discover hidden courtyards and a little candle shop.
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For a full review of this spot, read my blog on Unforgettable Dining at Lindey’s Columbus Ohio.
Columbus has some truly beautiful parks, and sunset is the best time to see them. Here are a few favorites:
Scioto Mile – Best cityscape views along the river.
Scioto Grove Metro Park – Climb the fire tower for panoramic sunset views.
Highbanks Metro Park – Scenic overlooks surrounded by trees.
Antrim Park – A tranquil lake that reflects the evening light.
Tip: Pack a blanket or pick up takeout and make it a picnic night.
Columbus is a city that surprises people — it’s creative, walkable, and full of good food and hidden gems. Start with these five activities and you’ll leave feeling like you really experienced the city. To round out your trip, don’t miss my guide on Where to Stay in Columbus, Ohio so you’re close to everything.
I walked down what looked like a regular hillside entrance and came out into a room that could almost fit a football stadium. 🪨 Tuckaleechee Caverns is the highest-rated cavern in the Eastern US and until you’re standing inside it, that’s just a fact. When you’re actually there, it feels earned.
Stalagmites 24 feet tall. A 210-foot underground waterfall. Formations that took 20 to 30 million years to build. A family that still runs the whole thing.
Bring a jacket. Wear good shoes. Don’t Google how it was discovered before you go hearing it on the tour is so much better.
#townsend #visittennessee #travel #travelling #travelvlog
If you’ve only ever seen the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge side of the Smokies, Townsend is going to feel like a completely different state. 🌲 No neon signs. No traffic. No crowds fighting for the same overlook.
🥾 Middle Prong Trail | River views, small waterfalls & fresh air the whole way. Hike as little or as much as you want.
⛰️ Tuckaleechee Caverns | Start underground with massive cave rooms, waterfalls & guided tours. Go early, beat the rush.
🍕 Peaceful Side Social | Made-from-scratch food, craft beer & mountain views. Fair warning: you’ll stay longer than planned.
🚗 Scenic Drive to Tremont | Slow down. Stop. Take it in. The drive itself is part of the experience.
Summer swap? Ditch the hike for River Rat Tubing — same vibe, more splash.
Townsend calls itself the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. After one full day there, I completely understood why. Entire itinerary linked in bio.
@peacefulsidesocial is what happens when someone builds exactly the restaurant a mountain town deserves. Made-from-scratch food. Craft beer brewed on site. A kids’ play area outside, & mountain views from the patio. ⛰️
It’s casual in the best way, the kind of place where you sit down for lunch and suddenly it’s two hours later and you don’t care.
@cityoftownsend | 📍Townsend, TN
I walked through the gates and immediately understood why people fly back to Curaçao just for this place. 🌴
23 rooms. Private beach. A Balinese-inspired resort built stone by stone by the owners themselves. Buddha statues next to conch shells. Candles lit everywhere at night. Beachfront dining that eats like fine dining but feels like you’re just having dinner on the sand.
It’s currently the #1 resort in the Caribbean and after spending time there, I get it completely.
Full review linked in bio
#travelling #curaçao #visitcuraçao #luxuryresort #travelvlog
I walked down to the beach and immediately noticed how calm the water was. 🐚
It sits in a small cove, so there’s really no waves pushing in. You just walk right in without thinking about it. I grabbed my snorkel (they actually rent them for free at the resort, which I didn’t expect) and went out near the pier and stayed way longer than I planned, because the water was that clear.
Honest caveat: if you need a lot of energy and activity at a beach, this probably isn’t it. It’s quiet, it’s calm, and you’re mostly just... sitting there. Which for me was exactly the point.☀️
Full Baoase review linked in bio. 🔗
#curaçao #travel #luxuryresort #privatebeach #visitcuraçao
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
