It’s been more than four decades since Free Will Baptists last met in Columbus, Ohio. The city remains one of the most central locations in the nation, and roughly 50% of the American population lives within a 500-mile radius of the city. Columbus has been associated with many important moments in history, from the moment when President Abraham Lincoln learned he won the presidency in 1860 to the opening of the first junior high school in the nation in 1929. Geraldine Mock, the first woman to find fly solo around the globe, was a proud resident of Columbus, even naming her plane the Spirit of Columbus.
Over the decades, Columbus has earned a well-deserved reputation as a “tasty” city. Visitors can book food tours to experience the wide variety of local flavors. Two familiar fast-food chains are headquartered in Columbus — Wendy’s and White Castle.
Consider trying these local flavors while in Columbus: Columbus-style pizza (spicy, crunchy thin crust, cut into squares); Su Gai, a Chinese American fusion dish reflecting the early 1900s dining scene; and (most importantly) buckeyes!
Created in 1964, these peanut butter and chocolate bites of goodness have grown increasingly more famous. Gail Tabor, often credited with the first buckeyes, noticed her candy concoction resembled a buckeye nut. The nut is the fruit of the buckeye tree, the state symbol of Ohio. The nut even finds its way onto the state flag, which cleverly depicts both the O in Ohio and the iconic circle on the nut. (It probably should be mentioned that the buckeye also has become the mascot of THE Ohio State University, as locals say it.) Don’t miss this opportunity to taste this Ohio candy treasure.
Best for Buckeyes:
- Anthony-Thomas Candy Shoppes 1777 Arlingate Ln
- The Buckeye Lady 4493 N High St
- Brownie Points, Inc. 2220 Citygate Dr
- Schmidt’s Fudge Haus 220 E Kossuth St
- Winans Coffee & Chocolate 1125 Yard St
Store Spotlight: Winans Coffee & Chocolate opened in 1961, when brothers Max and Dick Winans opened Winans Carriage House Candies in Piqua, Ohio, reviving a family confectionery tradition that began in the early 1900s. Local store owner Daniel Hamm encourages coffee lovers to expect more than chocolate at Winan’s. “We have the best chocolate mocha in the world,” he shares enthusiastically. “Think about it. We are a chocolate company that makes our own chocolate syrup to go with the coffee we grind to go with our chocolate. Best. One. Ever!”
Learn more about the history of the buckeye candy.
The “Skinny” on Great Places to Make You Fat
Find the Lox Bagel Shop, Cravings Café, and North Market located near the Convention Center. Numerous food options are available at North Market, making it a great stop for youth and church groups with everyone craving something different.
If you are driving, the Little Grand Market offers chicken, pho, sandwiches, tacos, cookies, and more. Budd Dairy Food Hall also provides a variety of food options in one location. Wario’s Beef and Pork (featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives) is famous for over-stuffed cheesesteaks and slow-roasted pork sandwiches, while Katalina’s offers signature pancake balls, along with many southern-style brunch offerings.
- The Cravings Café: 114 North Front Street (Open 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, M-F)
- The Lox Bagel Shop: 772 N High St #106 (Open 7:30 am – 2:00 pm)
- North Market Downtown: 59 Spruce St
- Little Grand Market: 710 Grandview Xing Wy Unit 112
- Wario’s Beef and Pork: 111 W Nationwide Blvd or 2449 N High St
- Katalina’s: 1105 Pennsylvania Ave
Store Spotlight: The Craving’s Café is the self-proclaimed “Sandwich Utopia,” of Columbus, serving sandwich-centric Midwest cuisine since 2017. “We put our hearts into every single part of what we do!” owner Lindsey Tewanger exclaims, explaining she and her husband Matt are “living out their dream” every day.
Best in Beans
Note: Columbus has dozens of great options for coffee, from the city center to German Village and the Short North district. The following are a few of our favorites.
- Restoration Roastery: 66 E Broad St (6:30am – 2pm)
- Café de Nook: 66 E Broad St (7am – 3pm)
- Roaming Goat Coffee: 849 N High St (80am – 6pm)
- Starbucks: 339 N Front St (hours vary by location),
400 N High St
399 E Livingston Ave
50 W Broad St
Store Spotlight: Restoration Roastery coffee shop and bakery is dedicated both to making great coffee and helping woman rescued from human trafficking. Their gospel-centered mission is to restore and empower women. Learn more: restorationroastery.com
Make the Most of Columbus
The topiary garden is a free attraction. Based on Georges Seurat’s 1887 A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grand Jatte, the garden was created by James T. Mason as a living work of art. You can walk and explore these amazing living sculptures.
Hayden Falls offers nature lovers an easy walk to the overlook of the 30-foot tall waterfall.
Offering 53,000 feet of antiques only a short drive from downtown Columbus, this mall — more of a super center, really — features hundreds of vendors contributing to an amazing store experience.
Built in the 1800s, German Village has great historic atmosphere, stunning architecture, and plenteous dining options. This charming neighborhood includes several attractions including book stores, The Scioto Audubon Center bird sanctuary (closed Mondays), Schiller Park, and the Red Stable shop (for traditional German souvenirs). Be sure to find the “24 Gnomes” scattered throughout the village.
Quick Links
- Center of Science and Industry $30
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium $34.95
- Otherworld $30
Otherworld is an immersive art experience. Located in an old mall, this museum strives to bring art to life and give a new perspective to viewers.
Getting Around: Columbus offers bikes, scooters, and ride services along with a city bus system. COTA bus routes maps, routes, and pass prices can be found on their website: https://www.cota.com/timetables/cota-system-map.pdf.