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Italian cuisine is an all-time favorite here in the Columbus, OH area. Nothing makes you feel more welcome than having a heaping bowl of pasta served up to you with a smile. The generous portions, fresh flavors, and personable customer service make the five Italian restaurants that we’ve highlighted for you below stand out from the competition, in terms of the quality that they offer to guests. 1. Due Amici The renovated historic building that Due Amici is located in creates the perfect setting to enjoy some classic Italian food with a modern twist. Start out with their antipasti plate to get a chef's selection of Italian cheeses and meats along with olives and other accouterments. For your main course, it's hard not to recommend the Sausage Diavolo, served in a spicy marinara sauce with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, cilantro, and basil. more 2. Marcella's With accommodations available for large groups, Marcella's makes the perfect venue for you to host your next party or event. The first-class cuisine that they provide also makes this a great spot to eat with your friends or family on more regular occasions. They'll let you build a pasta dish to your exact specifications, selecting the noodles, sauce, and any proteins or extras you want added into the mix! 3. Trattoria Roma Experience a taste of Rome right here in our hometown at a restaurant that has been serving our area for more than three decades. Trattoria Roma has plenty of great starter plates to kick your meal off with, such as their delicious cheese-stuffed meatballs.  For your main course, the pork chop is one classic entrée that’s hard to top, served with a flavorful Dijon asiago cream sauce and a side of spinach gnocchi. 4. Villa Nova Ristorante You won't go hungry when you visit this family-run eatery and feast on the large portions that they serve up! They've been cooking the best of Italian cuisine ever since opening for business in 1977, making visiting this spot for a terrific meal a long-standing local tradition. Dig into their savory and delicious chicken tortellini for your main course, then enjoy some rich tiramisu for an Italian after-dinner treat that will undoubtedly satisfy your sweet tooth! 5. Lola and Giuseppe's Trattoria Authentic Italian cuisine is what the folks at Lola and Giuseppe's Trattoria specialize in. They use their traditional recipes to create some exceptional food for you and anyone coming along on your visit to enjoy! One baked pasta dish here that gets a special shout-out from us is the meat lasagna. Layers of pasta with a four-cheese blend, homemade marinara sauce, and savory ground chuck make this dish a meaty and filling meal that you're sure to love. Nobody knows Italian food better than these local restaurants do, so start making plans to visit one – or all! – and who knows, you might just find a new favorite spot! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

You'll find plenty of unique venues, banquet rooms, and outdoor spaces around Columbus, OH, when planning your wedding day! Whether you're planning a large wedding party with out-of-town guests and family or a small ceremony, there are plenty of options. We’ve gathered together a few of our favorites – check them out below! 1. The Ivory Room This spectacular space offers a modern, classic room ideal for any special occasion, including your memorable wedding day. You'll find everything you need for your event in the Ivory Room, including a private bathroom, excellent lighting, access to an espresso cart, and a built-in sound system for music and live entertainment. There's a valet service, a self-parking garage, and various rental services available for your event. more This fantastic venue offers professional event planners to provide the best experience for your wedding. You'll find the Ivory Room centrally located in Columbus, close to excellent shopping and attractions. This location is a beautiful place to enjoy your special day and is available for a reasonable price. 2. The Wells Barn This fantastic venue is located at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which features high ceilings, access to indoor tropical gardens, and rustic decor for your wedding. It's a wonderfully easy place to decorate. There are excellent amenities, including an accessible elevator to the restrooms, spacious kitchen facilities, catering services, and outdoor scenery that's perfect for capturing photos of your special day. You'll find the staff professional and friendly, with lots of great options for your event, including background music, large screens to showcase photos, access to decorative tables, chairs, linens, and beautifully maintained gardens. 3. Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center is a family-owned business that opened in 1982 and has since become a popular place for weddings, parties, and corporate events. The Consumer's Choice Awards recognized this remarkable space as one of the top facilities in the state. There are plenty of great amenities and services available, including authentic Italian cuisine, delicious appetizers, an elegantly decorated space, and free parking. You'll love this venue's classic European style, including a dancefloor for receptions and galas with 1,200 feet of space. There's an on-site wedding consultant, customized dining arrangements including designer linens, a private, fully stocked bar, a cake-cutting service, and more. You'll find this conference center ideal for large wedding parties, with a beautiful variety of custom services and decoration options for your special day.   You'll find plenty of spectacular venues and locations for your special day in the Columbus area – keep them in mind while planning your special day! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

There are few better ways to exercise and put a difficult week behind you than enjoying a good game of golf. It's a perfect sport to share with friends, but you can also enjoy time by yourself at the putting greens. Near Columbus, OH, and Dublin, OH, there are plenty of golf courses, each of them offering acres of nature so you can relax and focus on your swing. 1. The Golf Club of Dublin The Golf Club of Dublin offers an 18-hole, par-72 course sitting in the middle of a residential neighborhood. The club welcomes players of all ages and skill levels, and they offer several clinics, including a juniors league. Interested in a visit? You can book a tee time through their website, and if you like it, memberships are available. more On the premises, you can find a pub, where you can enjoy lunch, snacks, and dinner. Their menu includes simple items like sandwiches, pizza, flatbreads, and delicious main courses. 2. Brookside Golf and Country Club Located in Columbus and founded in 1927, the Brookside Golf and Country Club offers an 18-hole course on 260 acres of beautiful land surrounded by trees. The course is only open to adults, but the Club offers a kid-friendly area for the little ones. Brookside offers a wedding and event venue and plenty of member events and tournaments. For inquiries about private events, you can contact them via their contact form. 3. Tartan Fields Tartan Fields is located in Dublin and offers an 18-hole, championship-level course designed by Arnold Palmer. The Club also offers a fitness center, a clubhouse, swimming pool, and tennis courts. They organize yearly golf tournaments, and there's a private event venue available for members.  For membership inquiries, you can use the contact form on their website or call their Memberships Director. 4. Worthington Hills Country Club At Worthington Hills, located in Columbus, you will find a championship-level, 18-hole course. If you want to up your game, the club offers putting greens and an indoor simulator. They welcome players of any skill level and offer junior programs and classes. Their PGA professional staff is friendly and ready to help you bring your swing to the next level. The club also features a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a business center. 5. Wedgewood Golf and Country Club Located a few miles away from either Columbus or Dublin, in the neighboring town of Powell, you can find the Wedgewood Golf and Country club. Wedgewood offers an 18-hole course designed by architect Robert Trent Jones II. The club offers a PGA professional-led junior golf program during the summer and plenty of amenities, including tennis and a swimming pool. Hungry? The Westwood dining space offers a varied and delicious menu. If you live in Dublin or Columbus, any of these clubs is a perfect option to relax and enjoy golfing. Before you make a final choice, we recommend visiting them all. Start your tour and who knows – you may find a new favorite! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

There's nothing more satisfying and delicious than a freshly baked pie from a local eatery. You'll discover lots of fantastic restaurants and some of the best pizza places and takeout spots in and around Columbus, OH – check them out now! 1. Adriatico's New York Style Pizza If you're looking for New York-style pizza, you'll want to visit Adriatico's for a taste of this spot's amazing selection of pizza, submarines, pasta, salads, bacon fries, and other tasty dishes. This eatery is centrally located and offers both dine-in and takeout options. You'll find the atmosphere friendly, with fast service and generous portions. Vegetarian options and gelato are also available. more 2. OH Pizza and Brew This small pizza joint has everything you need to enjoy a satisfying meal at a reasonable price. OH Pizza and Brew features traditional baked pies, deep-fried treats and desserts, submarines, and chicken wings. It's a great spot to visit for lunch during your break or a quick meal in between errands. The restaurant offers a fantastic selection of beer and cider. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. Please drink responsibly and in moderation. 3. Terita's Pizza Terita's Pizza is a family-owned shop and local favorite in the city. This pizzeria opened over 50 years ago and has become one of the top places to order submarines, chicken wings, pizza, and pasta dishes for takeout. You'll find this local gem offers friendly and fast service, with a cozy atmosphere and delicious meals. 4. Grandad's Pizza This is a terrific spot to order your next baked pie or combo special for takeout or delivery. Grandad's Pizza offers a great selection of pizza, submarines, and lunch and dinner specials with beer. It's an excellent option for family dinner, with various toppings and options, including vegetarian pies and homemade cauliflower crust for a low-carb pizza. 5. Hounddog's Pizza Hounddog's Pizza is a classic joint that offers the best of home-style baked pies, submarines, and tasty comfort food for any occasion. This laid-back spot is ideal for a quick bite on the road, for dine-in, or delivery. 6. GoreMade Pizza If you're in search of a casual, friendly place to enjoy the best deep-dish pizza, you'll love GoreMade Pizza. This cozy spot is well-known for its artisan, wood-fired pies, an impressive selection of toppings, hand-crafted cocktails, and locally brewed beer. It's the perfect place to book your next group event with friends or to grab a tasty meal with colleagues after work. This pizzeria also features gluten-free fare, vegetarian meals, and homemade desserts. 7. Borgata Pizza Cafe Borgata Pizza Cafe is a great spot to order tasty New York-style pizza and homemade pasta. This small counter-service shop features high-quality food and desserts for takeout and delivery at a reasonable price, seven days a week. When you drive in and around Columbus, you'll find many fabulous pizzerias and diners featuring quality baked pies and comfort food. Make your way through our recommendations and who knows – you may find a new favorite spot!

Columbus, OH is a lovely city full of art, culture, and of course great coffee. One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in this city is Dublin, OH, known for its beautiful streets, history, and friendly people. There are lots of great coffee shops to explore in Columbus and Dublin, which are conveniently located on main roads so that you can grab a drink and go for a walk around town to experience all the great things these cities have to offer. 1. Crimson Cup Coffee Shop You can find the Crimson Cup on High Street, close to both Dublin and central Columbus. This great little coffee shop has a drive-through, a fun retro vibe, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. We recommend trying the New Orleans iced coffee or the Mayan Mocha, which are both delicious every time. more 2. Highline Coffee Co Located a little further north on High Street is Highline Coffee Co, an excellent local coffee shop with plenty of regular customers and beautiful local art hung on the walls. There is lots of seating next to their big street-facing windows, so you can watch people pass by while sipping an excellently crafted morning latte. There are lots of hot and cold drink options here, with a variety of flavor options. 3. Bruegger's Bagels Bruegger's is the best place to get a bagel and coffee in central Dublin, and you absolutely have to stop by here for breakfast while you're in town. The bagels are made fresh in small batches and can be bought as is, or in one of their delicious sandwiches. We recommend getting the farmhouse sandwich on an everything bagel with a cup of hot coffee - a tasty and filling breakfast that is sure to start your day off right. 4. Winans Fine Chocolate & Coffees If you're looking for the perfect gift for a chocolate lover, or if you're looking to satisfy your own sweet tooth, you need to drop by Winans. This little shop carries a mouthwatering array of chocolate truffles, which perfectly compliment their smooth, rich coffee which is roasted in-house. Winans is also located right next to two beautiful parks, so you may want to grab a coffee and treat here and go for a stroll on a nice day. 5. Tabletop Game Cafe Tabletop is the perfect place to spend rainy days, as they have an impressive collection of board games, delicious food and drinks, and friendly staff who are always happy to help make suggestions. This place is great for parties, or just as a casual hang-out spot. While there's a $6 cover charge to play games here, that money can be put towards any food or drinks you order so you will get more than your money's worth. These are just a few suggestions to get you started on discovering the amazing coffee scene here in Columbus and Dublin - we're sure you'll find lots more hidden gems while exploring this city!

The stunning waterfalls and dramatic rock formation that surround the state capital make camping near Columbus, OH anything but boring! The campgrounds here range from simple primitive sites where you can pitch your tent, to full-service RV parks with all the comforts of home.  There are even cabins to rent and all within only a short drive of the city. 1. Hocking Hills State Park Hocking Hills State Park enjoys widespread recognition as one of the best places in the Columbus area to visit. It's located about an hour's drive to the southeast of the city and stuns visitors all year round with its magnificent waterfalls, towering cliffs, and deep, leafy gorges that all nature lovers will want to visit again and again. The park is a great spot for hiking, with an innovative system of one-way loop trails that ensures you'll have a peaceful walk. It's also a great fishing and small game hunting spot. more The park’s campground has a variety of options for campers, including full hookups and electric sites on the main loop, with 20-, 30-, or 50-amp hookups. There are also some slightly cheaper non-electric sites, as well as a selection of hike-in primitive campsites and several types of cabins. A reservable shelter for groups is also available. All sites must be reserved in advance. 2. A.W. Marion State Park Situated in rolling, rural woodlands on the quiet shores of Hargus Lake, this former part of the prairie peninsular today exhibits a wide variety of the native plants and wildlife that call this area of Ohio home. The park is a popular place for activities on the water, including fishing, swimming, and boating, although the park's boat ramp is temporarily closed at the time of writing. If you do manage to get out on the water, you can swim from your boat in the designated “boat swim area”. The small, pet-friendly park campground offers electric and non-electric sites to campers, with flush and vault restrooms, volleyball and basketball courts, and a seasonal camp store where you can stock up on any food and equipment you might be short on. 3. Deer Creek Deer Creek Campsite is very aptly named, with a large population of deer living nearby that you can often see from the campground. It's located about 30 minutes away from Columbus to the southwest of Ohio's agricultural heartland, and is a great spot for an extended stay, with multiple dump stations, fire hydrants, and a laundromat. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and a hook for lanterns or flashlights. The creek itself is also an excellent fishing spot and is particularly famous for its suageye. These are just a small selection of the tremendous number of great campsites in the Columbus area. There are lots more out there to discover, so why not start planning your next adventure today? Get outside and enjoy everything nature has to offer during this pleasant time of year!

Whether you prefer to start your morning meal bright and early or end up eating closer to lunch, a stop by a delicious breakfast or brunch restaurant is a guaranteed way to start your day off on the right foot! Columbus, Ohio is full of top-rate bakeries, diners, and more, and we've compiled a list of our three favorite breakfast places and brunch places! 1. Tasi Tasi has been a cornerstone of the Short North Art District for more than fifteen years. Start your meal off with a treat from the bakery such as an almond croissant, or begin with a beverage like a cafe au lait, a macchiato with oat milk, or a glass of fresh orange juice. Check out the sides menu for smaller meals or delicious additions including honey wheat bagels with cream cheese, sweet & spicy bacon, and garlic rosemary potatoes. more Breakfast cuisine is served all day, and diners with a preference for savory meals can count on the Quinoa Hash with jalapeno butter, the Greek Scramble with toasted pita, and the Steak Skillet with cilantro to satisfy their taste buds. To begin your day on a sweeter note, look no further than the Challah French Toast with caramelized bananas, the Greek Yogurt with granola, or the Stuffed French Toast with blueberries, strawberries, bananas, honey, and Nutella. 2. Mimi's Cafe Mimi's Cafe is a one-stop shop in Columbus for breakfast meals, lunch options, and a brunch combination of the best of both! Treat yourself to a Triple Berry Lemonade paired with one of Mimi's freshly baked muffins in flavors such as honey bran, blueberry crumble, buttermilk spice, and carrot raisin nut. You can't go wrong with one of the classic breakfasts like the Farmhouse Breakfast Tacos or the Fried Chicken & Waffles for your main course. Egg options are extensive at Mimi's, and we particularly enjoy the Santa Fe Omelet with chipotle sauce, the Eggs & Bacon Croissant Sandwich with melted cheddar, and the Quiche Lorraine with hickory-smoked bacon. Head over to the griddle for sweet treats such as the Pain Perdu made from brioche toast stuffed with orange marmalade and cream cheese. For a later brunch choice, try the French Onion Soup with parmesan or the Citrus Salmon Salad. 3. La Chatelaine French Bakery La Chatelaine French Bakery has mastered authentic savory and sweet French cuisine. All baked goods are made by hand, and our favorites include apricot bow croissants, coconut macaroons, cherry pinwheel croissants, and traditional French beignets. Pair a glass of the Signature Chocolat Chaud with an individually sized patisserie such as a Mousse Au Chocolat or a Fresh Fruit Tart for a true Parisian breakfast. Go with a three-egg omelet such as the Fresh Spinach with Swiss cheese and red onion, the Parisienne with ham and mushroom, or the Provençal with ratatouille for a deliciously savory meal. Try the French Toast with housemade Brioche bread dipped in vanilla batter and topped with fresh berries for a sweet meal, or order the Sweet & Salty that comes with a half order of French toast, scrambled eggs, and your choice of meat for a combination of flavors. The morning meal of your dreams awaits you at any of these restaurants, and we're already planning our next trip! Try out one – or all! – of these scrumptious spots and who knows: you may find a new favorite!

Mexican cuisine offers a wide range of delicious choices for appetizers, entrees, and after-dinner treats, and Columbus, OH is home to some of the state's best Mexican restaurants. We've narrowed more than a hundred restaurants down to our top three choices, and a trip to any of these places is a guarantee for the best Mexican food in the area. 1. Katalina's Katalina's is known for an authentic and tasty combination of Mexican and Latin American food served inside of a 100-year-old gas station for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you stop by in the morning, don't leave without sampling Katalina's Original Pancake Balls filled with your choice of dulce de leche, Nutella, or pumpkin-apple butter. Our recommendation for a savory breakfast is the Award-Winning Breakfast Tacos with scrambled eggs, tomatillo, and pico de gallo. more Taco lovers can take their pick from the Housemade Chorizo Tacos with roasted purple potatoes on blue corn tortillas, the Pulled Pork Tacos with queso fresco and Snowville crema, or the BLT Tacos topped with sriracha aioli and Elotes cob corn. For customers who prefer sandwiches, we suggest either the Vegan Pepper Patty Melt with a 10-ounce Impossible Burger or the Mazatlán Slow-Roasted Pork & Egg Sandwich with roasted red peppers and local Amish cheese. 2. Bakersfield Short North Bakersfield Short North is our go-to spot whenever we're craving traditional Mexican street food. Begin your meal by ordering The Trio with guacamole, rojo salsa, and verde salsa or the Short Rib Queso with braised short rib, pickled red onion, and cilantro. Salad fans will enjoy either the Johnny with cotija cheese and toasted almonds, the Loretta with grape tomatoes and spiced pepitas, or the Willie with crispy tortilla strips and buttermilk dressing. Taquitos come with enchilada sauce and queso quesadilla inside of a corn tortilla with your choice of carnitas or grilled chicken. If you prefer tacos, we highly recommend the Baja Shrimp with red cabbage and chipotle lime crema, the Al Pastor with pineapple and chile-roasted pork, and the Huitlacoche made with roasted poblano and corn truffles. Grab a shareable side like the Esquites roasted corn salad or the Roasted Cauliflower with queso to split with a buddy. 3. Condado Tacos Condado Tacos is the best pick for taco fans with a creative side who want to customize their own meals. Start off with one of the queso dips such as the Blanco with pickled jalapeños and paprika, the Dirty with chicken and black beans, or the Smoked Cheddar with Tex-Mex ground beef and pico de gallo. Alternatively, we also enjoy the Pineapple Guacamole with chipotle honey and the Corn Salsa with cilantro and lime. Build-Your-Own tacos come in corn, flour, ranch, or spicy shells with your choice of proteins like braised beef brisket, BBQ pulled jackfruit, roasted portobellos, veggie chorizo, and tequila-lime steak. Top it off with fajita peppers, pickled onions, and cabbage slaw, then take your pick of sauces like the mild Mexican Chimichurri or the spicy Habanero-Mango. We're also big fans of the signature tacos such as the Up in Smoke, the Power Plant, and the Dutch Dragon. The Mexican meal of your dreams is waiting at any of these places, and we're already looking over the menu to plan our next trip back! Start planning your next outing to visit one – or all! – of these scrumptious local eateries!

Columbus, OH, and Dublin, OH are known for their amazing restaurants, shops, and cafes, and there are plenty of ice cream parlors that live up to the hype, as well. When the summer hits you'll want to try out every one of these cities' best shops for frozen treats, so we've made this convenient list so that you can find the best places right away. 1. Jeni's Jeni's has locations all over town, including one location in Dublin. The frozen desserts here are famous all over town for their delicious and creative combinations of flavors, creamy texture, and fresh ingredients. Anyone with allergies or other dietary restrictions will be impressed by the abundance of vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free options which are clearly and easily marked. more 2. Graeter's Graeter's is another local chain with locations in both Dublin and Columbus. They have lots of fun desserts, and we really recommend trying one of their sundaes - they often have seasonal flavors and you will want to keep coming back to try them all! All of the flavors are delicious, but those that include chocolate chunks are a special treat as the chunks are huge and melt in your mouth for a decadent dessert experience. 3. Dell's Dell's is located on the outskirts of Dublin and is definitely worth a visit. The shop looks like an old farmhouse and it has a homey and relaxed atmosphere to match. They serve lots of unique flavors, and they're all homemade right in-store so you can be sure that you're getting top quality. We recommend trying the blueberry cheesecake, unicorn, or cookie dough flavors, or try one of their amazing milkshakes if you're looking for something a little different. 4. Simply Rolled This Thai-inspired shop uses its own unique recipe to create delicious rolled frozen treats that are unlike anything you've tried before. You can customize your treats to have whichever flavors you like, or pick one of their pre-made options if you're not sure what to get. The staff is very friendly and professional and will explain the process to you if you're not sure how it works. 5. Dolce Vida This place is known for its wide variety of unique menu options, including lots of Mexican-style desserts. Their banana splits are to die for and we also really recommend trying their churros with your frozen treats - the combination of tastes is phenomenal. The staff is super kind and happy to talk about the different menu options, so don't be shy to ask questions if you're not sure what to get! With all of these great places to visit and decadent desserts to try, we're sure that you'll have a full schedule this summer in Dublin and Columbus. Start making plans today to visit one – or all! – of these scrumptious ice creameries for a delightful treat! Who knows – you may find a new favorite!

Staycations can be just as fun and entertaining as vacations that take you away from home, especially if you live in the Columbus, Ohio, area! Whether you don't want the hassle of packing up to head out of town or just want to experience Columbus, you don't have to travel far to feel like you are taking a vacation – you can even stay in a hotel on the other side of town to help you get away without actually getting away. Consider these staycation activities in Columbus. ZipZone Canopy Tour Take a look at Columbus from a whole new angle at ZipZone. This outdoor adventure center sits right in the heart of Columbus, offering zip line tours, a park for the kids, and a treetop obstacle course. more You can bring the whole family for a day of adventure. The zip line tours have trained guides to help you all along the way and are perfect for ages 7 and up. There are two different tours to choose from and even some fun Night Flight events! The canopy tours last about two hours, taking you over 20 acres of forest. You'll soar from treetop to treetop and cross over four suspension-style sky bridges. The guides are highly trained and take care of the braking system, so you can enjoy a hands-free flying experience. Zoombezi Bay Cool off during a summer staycation at Zoombezi Bay water park. This water adventure has something for everyone, with thrill rides for the big kids and smaller adventures for the little ones. There is even a new adults-only experience. For those 21 and over, The Sandbar attraction is a walk-up or swim-up bar with a heated lounge pool and in-water seating. You can also cruise down Croctail Creek in a tube while you sip on an adult beverage. Adventure rides at this water park include Sea Snakes with 51-foot towers that drop you down over 200 feet of acceleration and circular motion, as well as the Cyclone, a four-person raft adventure. Tiny Tides is a water playground for the little ones with marine animal play structures, and Wild Tides wave pool is perfect for playing in waves that crash down, just like at the beach. Le Meridien Columbus Spend your staycation at Le Meridien Columbus - The Joseph, and relax at the spa while enjoying delicious food and luxurious rooms. The Joseph spa offers guests a wide variety of treatments in private, personal spa suites. The hotel offers two unique dining experiences: Soul at the Joseph, with artisan cocktails and dishes in a chic atmosphere; and The Guild House, with farm-to-table menu items and seasonal dishes created by executive chef Matt Walton. If you want to get a workout in, the fitness center has cardio equipment, free weights, and Peloton bikes. During your stay at Le Meridien, make sure to explore the North Arts District – there’s unique shopping, delicious dining, and a vibrant nightlife! Plan your staycation in Columbus and experience all the city has to offer. With fun and adventure right in your backyard, there’s no reason to go anywhere else! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License