Here's Your Itinerary For An Epic, Fun-Filled, Budget-Friendly Weekend In Columbus, Ohio
By Sarah McCosham|Published October 18, 2022
×
Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Getaways abound here in the Buckeye State, and while we are all for extraordinary, bucket-list-level adventures, oftentimes, the best vacations are when we play tourist for a weekend in our own hometown. Columbus, Ohio, is a town teeming with possibilities; between the amazing parks, world-class attractions, incredible breweries, and delicious restaurants, adventure awaits in our own backyard. The best part? This experience doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg; we’ve put together a jam-packed itinerary for an epic, fun-filled, budget-friendly weekend in Columbus, Ohio, that will have you marveling over the immense possibilities in our state capital.
Columbus is not only the Buckeye State's capital city, it's a special place that offers all of the amenities of a bustling metropolis, but with a decidedly Midwestern sensibility. And, of course, the kind of scenic beauty you'll only find here in Ohio.
To prove this, we put together the following itinerary for a budget-friendly weekend in Columbus, Ohio. Our home base? Norwood Inn and Suites Columbus, located at 1213 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH, 43229.
The hotel offers amenities like an on-site pool, fitness center, Wi-Fi, and a breakfast buffet, and it's conveniently located just north of the city, in Dublin.
About 10 miles west of the Norwood Inn and Suites, you'll find one of the most iconic roadside attractions in Ohio: Cornhenge.
Field of Corn, 4995 Rings Rd, Dublin, OH 43017, USA
This fascinating public art display was commissioned by the Dublin Arts Council and completed in 1994. Its official name is Field of Corn (with Osage Oranges Trees), and it's made up of no fewer than 109 stalks of corn. Talk about an homage to Ohio's agrarian roots!
Next, we challenge you to pick a Columbus Metro Park... any Columbus Metro Park!
Scioto Audubon Metro Park, 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
There are 20 outstanding Columbus Metro Parks to explore, each offering its own unique adventure. We adore Scioto Audubon Metro Park, a downright sublime expanse that was once a blighted industrial wasteland. Today it's home to myriad flora and fauna, and is a wonderful place for hiking and kayaking. What a transformation.
After spending the morning at a park, we suggest heading to North Market in Downtown Columbus for some shopping (and sampling!). You'll find all sorts of restaurants, artisans, and local farmers at this beloved Columbus market, so definitely bring a bag and support our Ohio makers and entrepreneurs!
North Market Downtown, 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
It's a delightful slice of the Old Country, and in addition to numerous historic points of interest, it's home to one of our all-time favorite bookstores!
Advertisement
In keeping with the bookish theme, our final non-restaurant stop for the day is The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum.
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, 1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is the world’s largest collection of American printed cartoon and comics material, and it's a fascinating place to visit. Even better? Admission is free!
Happy Hour calls for a visit to one of our favorite Columbus breweries: Seventh Son Brewing.
Seventh Son Brewing Co., 1101 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
This casual brewery boasts the best Buckeye State ales and has a different food trucks on-site each night, so you're always in for a unique experience. Pizza, gourmet burgers, tacos, Hawaiian street food... you're in for a treat no matter what night you visit!
Back at the hotel, settle in for a good night's sleep in your comfy suite!
1213 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43229, USA
True to its name, this Columbus bakery is *the* premier donut destination in all of Ohio! Pro tip: try the Butterscotch & Smoked Sea Salt... it's truly the best yeast donut you'll ever have. We promise.
Of course, if you prefer more of a "sit down" brunch, you can't go wrong with Jack & Benny's Old North Diner. This Ohio State University favorite features student-approved portions *and* prices, guaranteeing a delicious and affordable dining experience.
Jack & Benny's Old North Diner, 2563 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202, USA
Before you hop in the car to return home, definitely stroll the always-gorgeous Scioto Mile Promenade. This 175-acre expanse is easily one of the best urban parks in the country, and offers unparalleled river and downtown views.
Isn’t it fun to play tourist in your own state from time to time? We hope you use this itinerary for a weekend in Columbus, Ohio, as inspiration for your next budget-friendly adventure in the Buckeye State!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.