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Plan Your Trip to Columbus: Best of Columbus Tourism

By Exp_Columbus

Explore Columbus

For a small city, Columbus has a lot to offer. Once somewhat eclipsed by Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio's capital city has emerged to offer visitors world-class culture, sports, entertainment and a vibe all of its own. Enjoy a day at the zoo, aquarium or the nationally-known science centre. Art lovers will relish the collections at the Columbus Museum of Art and gardeners will revel in the magnificent roses at Whetstone Park. The Franklin Conservatory and Botanical Garden also boasts beautiful flora and fauna. And the city is chock-full of government landmarks, both historic and modern. Spend the weekend savouring celebrated attractions and exploring unique neighbourhoods, all served up in Columbus's welcoming, friendly style.

Essential Columbus

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Traveller Spotlight

The best Black-owned spots in Columbus, OH

My husband and I are the co-founders of an events tech startup, MYLE, an acronym for “Make Your Life Entertaining.” We’ve lived in a few different parts of the U.S. and have travelled extensively but we settled in Columbus where our company really took off. The city is incredible with so much creative energy. Here are a few great places to check out if you come. (As told to Taryn White)
Sherry Lloyd, Columbus, OH
  • Upper Cup Coffee
    14
    Not all coffee shops are created equal, and this unique coffee shop with two locations in Columbus delivers an amazing atmosphere and coffee. From their chess games and local artist exhibits, I always feel the presence of Black culture when I visit. The owners of Upper Cup Coffee are so friendly, and they’ve brought their deep roots and coffee culture from Eritrea to Columbus. In addition to coffee, the shop also sells coffee beans from Ethiopia, Panama, and other parts of the world.
  • Shrimp Lips Seafood
    4
    Having lived in New Orleans, I’m always looking for the Cajun and Creole flavours from “the Bayou.” I’ve found that at Shrimp Lips. Their crab legs and shrimp dishes are my favourites, as both are always seasoned to perfection. The restaurant also has foods you just won’t find elsewhere like lobster fries and crawfish Philly.
  • Donatos Pizza
    43
    When I’m catching a flight at John Glenn International Airport, I always grab a slice of pepperoni pizza and a salad from Donatos Pizza. Although it’s part of a chain of nearly 200 restaurants, the airport location is Black-owned and operated. Known for its “Edge to Edge” pizza toppings, the restaurant chain uses a 50-year old recipe for the most golden and crispy pizza crust.
  • Bake Me Happy
    12
    Bake Me Happy sells treats so good, you’ll be surprised that they’re all gluten free. One reason is the owners have taken great care to craft each food item using individualized flour blends with local ingredients like Ohio maple syrup. I’m not a vegan or gluten-free eater, but this bakery delivers for all lovers of baked sweet treats. My personal favourite is the snack cake, which I could eat every day. I consistently have dreams of the moist and creamy inside of their dark chocolate cake. The bakery also serves coffee and tea.

Columbus Is Great For

Self-guided Tours

Bars

Mountain Bike Tours

Local eats

Eat & drink

After dark

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