Category: Columbus

Since you will be spending your Labor Day weekend with us in Columbus, we wanted to make sure we provided you with some ideas of how to explore our city!

What to Eat

German Village

• Stauf’s Coffee ($) : While Mel and Nate met at the Stauf’s Grandview location, this is now our home coffee shop.  We get coffee here EVERY DAY.  They have a nice patio if you need to take a break while on a German Village walking tour.
• Fox in the Snow ($) :  Columbus’ hippest coffee bar and pastry shop.  Everything in there demands to be Instagrammed before you devour it.
• Harvest Pizza ($$) : Mel and Nate’s go-to spot in the Village (our favorite is the mushroom pizza).  Take your pizza on the patio or go inside Curio for the best cocktails you’ve ever had by the best bartenders in the word (seriously, they’ve won international awards!).  No reservations accepted.
• Schmidt’s Sausage Haus ($$) :  If you want the German experience.  In the heart of the Village.  Try the Bahama Mama–this was a staple at every family cookout during Mel’s childhood (and now!). No reservations accepted and it will be a wait at mealtimes.
• Lindey’s ($$$$) : One of Columbus’ top restaurants.  It is perfectly tucked into the neighborhood and has one of the best patios in Columbus.  This is the place to see, be seen, and get a great meal.  Reservations highly recommend.

Short North (walking distance from the Hilton)

• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams ($) : The ice cream Columbus is known for.  A must-try.   Nate and Mel love the Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Brambleberry Crisp, and everything else! And get your photo with the Mona Lisa on the wall outside.
• Hot Chicken Takeover (Upstairs at the North Market) $$ : try one of Columbus most beloved eateries.  But be warned — the hot chicken is HOT! (Cold option available)
• Northstar ($$) : aka Nate’s cafeteria.  This is a high-quality, natural ingredient focused casual spot, with amazing veggie and traditional cheeseburgers.  Brunch is also amazing.  Order at the counter and they will bring your food out to you.
• Brassica ($$) : New concept by the people of Northstar, this is a “Mediterranean Chipotle” with delicious falafel bowls that will leave you stuffed.
• Marcella’s ($$$) : Columbus restaurateur Cameron Mitchell’s best concept, this Italian restaurant offers flat breads, shareable plates, and entrees to please everyone.  And get the Tuscan Limonata (Mel’s favorite).  Great for groups but you will need a reservation.

What to Do

• OSU v. OSU football game : Saturday, September 1 at 12pm.  See The Ohio State University Buckeyes at the Shoe in their season opener against another OSU (Oregon State)!  This is a true Columbus experience.  Even you if do not want to purchase tickets to the game, the tailgating is unmatched.  You can also check out The Varsity Club for the tailgate atmosphere.
• Greek Festival :  All weekend.  This long-running festival is right in the Short North, and offers fun, dancing, and great Greek food!
• Seventh Son Brewery :  All weekend.  Check out one of Columbus’ best craft microbreweries.  They offer multiple outdoor patios, inside upstairs seating, and good food truck options.
• Columbus Crew SC Major League Soccer Match :  Saturday, September 1 at 8pm.  Watch the Crew take on the New York City SC and look for Nate’s Pursuit ad on the scoreboard screen!

What to See 

• Pursuit! : Stop in, see where the magic happens, and pick up that tie you forgot.  Open Saturday 12pm to 7pm.
• North Market : Check out this public market offering local meat, produce, cheeses, but also lots of dining options, a cool beer and wine shop, and even Jeni’s ice creams.
• Scioto Mile Riverfront Park :  Walk through downtown Columbus along the river.  Check out the deer statue on the Rich Street bridge and look for Mel’s office building (BakerHostetler).  Or you can paddle down the river, too! If you get tired on the south end, cross the river at Rich Street and visit Land Grant Brewery for a beer and some of Ray Ray’s BBQ.
• Columbus Museum of Art : A beautiful museum with a great sculpture garden, modern collection wing, atrium, and cafe.  Its free for everyone on Sundays!
• Ohio Statehouse : The seat of Ohio’s government, this beautiful, historic statehouse has an impressive rotunda and offers guided tours Saturdays and Sundays at 12, 1, 2, and 3 p.m.  The grounds include many significant statues and memorials, including the 2014 addition, the Ohio Holocaust and Liberators Memorial.
• German Village Book Loft : Just a few blocks from Mel and Nate’s place, this local bookshop is a popular tourist spot.  It has 32 rooms of books in an historic German Village property, where you will get lost looking for something fun.  Even the entrance way garden is unique and worth experiencing.
• Schiller Park : The location of the Ceremony.  This is Mel, Nate, and Bruce’s favorite spot.  Your third Jeni’s option is right next to it — a cute walk-up window.