Getaway of the Month

Getaway of the Month

Experience Columbus for a safe and fun getaway!

Most of us have been confined to our houses North Market. Pay homage to our veterans past and or immediate vicinities for many months, present – across all eras of conflict and branches possibly even cancelling trips elsewhere, of service – at the one-of-a-kind National Veterans but as you begin to feel more comfortable we encourMemorial and Museum. Plus, be sure to get to the age you to Experience Columbus for a not-far-fromColumbus Museum of Art for the groundbreaking “Art home “staycation”! Feel safe knowing that more than After Stonewall” exhibit, which explores the impact of 150 businesses in Columbus have signed the Live the LGBTQ civil rights movement on the art world and Forward Pledge, indicating they have made health and has been named among the top 10 most important safety of their guests a priority upon operating during exhibitions of the decade by Art News. the COVID-19 There are still plenty of opportunities to get pandemic, outside and stay safely socially distanced with 253 and many acres of greenspace scattered throughout downtown. of the city’s Grab a CoGo bike rental or take a walk along miles highest visitor of mixed-use trails along the Scioto Mile that lead to touchpoints the world’s largest outdoor climbing wall at the Scioto have leveled-up Audubon Metro Park. Downtown is also the perfect with thirdstarting point from which to explore Columbus’ party validation unique neighborhoods, including the beautiful through the architecture of Victorian Village, the charming brickGBAC STAR™ lined streets of German Village or the up-and-coming Accreditation. Franklinton neighborhood. You don’t have to travel far to feel far away, and we’ve Check out the “Experience Columbus” hotel rounded up a few great ideas you can consider. packages page for

A new self-guided Short North Art Trail helps staycation offers from you explore and discover not only the great murals the Moxy Columbus and public art in the area, but also the galleries and Short North, Graduperformance spaces, all without the crowds common ate Columbus, Le during Gallery Hop. Meridien Columbus,

Once downtown, you can easily access many of The Joseph, Hilton the city’s top attractions and cultural institutions. Eat Columbus Downtown, your way around the world all within the walls of the Drury Inn & Suites

and Hotel LeVeque.

Our “Experience Columbus” getaway started with the Hilton Columbus Downtown...a very sleek hotel located in the PERFECT location for shopping, dining and exploring the Short North and surrounding areas. Room accommodations were great...super clean and sanitized, well-appointed, large room with modern touches. Safety is a HUGE priority...from checking in, to room access and dining in the hotel.

On to happy hour at Gallerie Bar and Bistro, located just above the lobby...for a fabulous Charcuterie Board, Calamari and Dirty Martini...ahhhhh. Vacation mode!

Wearing our face masks (MANDATORY in Columbus I’m thrilled to say!)

Next up...shopping! Many stores were open and awaiting customers to peruse the stocked shelves. Galleries were also open. Felt so good to be out and about!

On to The Guild House for dinner across the street from our hotel....our favorite Columbus restaurant by the famed Cameron Mitchell.

The Guild House is a unique rustic-modern dining room for sampling eclectic, globally inspired seasonal menus. I dined on the BEST scallop dish I’ve ever had (seriously beautiful and tasted FAB!), while my better half indulged in the lamb burger. OMG. On to the Torte for dessert...a Flourless chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, peanut butter mousse, vanilla tuille. Splurge, but worth it!

Back to the super comfy bed at the hotel! We awoke early and had breakfast at the hotel...then to the North Market... a 144-year-old vibrant public mar

ket made up of Ohio’s best independent merchants, farmers, and makers, where you can eat, drink, shop, and enjoy the best of what’s local, fresh, and authentic. We shopped strong at Penny’s Meats. They grind the freshest ground beef and pork daily. They also carry a wide selection of lamb and goat, plus so much more!

Don’t miss Block’s Bagels, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Market Blooms for flowers, and so much more!

We next ventured over to the Columbus Museum of Art (Included with the Roar & Explore pass, which offers a 20% savings on the city’s top attractions and is a great deal for visitors to make sure they hit all the top spots). The Columbus Museum of Art was the perfect escape on a rainy Saturday morning, filled with wonderful exhibits and a great museum store, all with our safety as a top priority. Again, MASK ON in Columbus!

Time for more shopping! We just couldn’t get enough...store after store, galleries, art murals in cute nooks...spend spend spend!

It was the perfect little getaway. We felt very safe in Columbus, and are already planning our next visit! Get out and go places...Mask On....and stay socially distanced while still experiencing other cities.

WE MUST KEEP RESTAURANTS, STORES AND HOTELS ALIVE!

Have fun and be safe! – Patty Youkilis, Publisher