Columbus bucket list: 14 things to do before you die
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Ohio Stadium just before the Buckeyes' 2024 home opener kick off. Photo: Jason Mowry/Getty Images
Columbus is well represented in a local author's latest book highlighting our state's most iconic attractions and hidden gems.
Why it matters: Brandy Gleason's "Ohio Road Trips" Facebook group has amassed more than 1 million people since 2020, so clearly she knows her stuff.
- Her book "100 Things to Do in Ohio Before You Die" lists some of the group's top suggestions, from underground caverns and cozy cottages to what Gleason calls the world's best bologna sandwich.
Writing the news: Gleason, from Ostrander in Delaware County, told Cleveland.com she was inspired to explore her home state during the pandemic, when businesses needed support more than ever.
- She never planned to become a travel writer but gained a following after blogging about her family's adventures. This is her fourth book.
Local spots that earned a shoutout, in no particular order:
🍽️ Morgan House, a rustic restaurant inside an 1800s cabin with a sizable gift shop.
- 5300 Glick Rd. in Dublin.
- What to try: A chicken salad sandwich on a croissant with Morgan House soup.
🥩 York Steak House, the last of a bygone chain that's under new management.
- 4220 W. Broad St.
- What to try: A 1-pound T-bone steak or sirloin tips, with extra '70s nostalgia.
🌳 ZipZone Outdoor Adventures, an attraction for adrenaline-seekers.
- 7925 N. High St.
- What to try: A Canopy Tour through the treetops.
🇯🇵 Japan Marketplace, a cluster of six shops with authentic cuisine and groceries.
- 1167 Old Henderson Rd.
- What to try: Belle's Bread, a French-inspired Japanese bakery and cafe.
🕯️ Downtown Grove City, a big suburb with small-town charm.
- The city's Welcome Center is located at 3378 Park St.
- What to try: Create candles at the Chandler.
🇩🇪 Schmidt's, a German restaurant that needs no introduction.
- 240 E. Kossuth St.
- What to try: A cream puff, of course.
🔬 COSI, a science museum where kids learn through "hands-on fun."
- 333 W. Broad St.
- What to see: Ride a bicycle across a high wire for a bird's-eye view.
🎡 Ohio State Fair, a summertime staple for 174 years.
- 717 E. 17th Ave.
- What to see: The butter cow never disappoints.
🐘 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, which has two baby elephants on the way.
- 4850 W. Powell Rd. in Powell
- What to see: Visit during the holiday season and experience Wildlights.
📚 The Book Loft, a massive independent bookstore with 32 rooms.
- 631 S. Third St.
- What to try: Grab a cup of coffee at Stauf's next door before you head inside.
🎭 Ohio Theatre, the historic venue on Cap Square.
- 39 E. State St.
- What to see: "The Book of Mormon" is on stage Oct. 8-13.
🛍️ Tanger Outlets, a premiere shopping destination just north of Columbus with over 80 stores and restaurants.
- 400 S. Wilson Rd. in Sunbury
- What to see: The last Second Saturdays event of the year — with live music, food trucks and street sales — is Oct. 12.
📖 Ohio History Connection, a campus with a museum and Civil War reenactment village.
- 800 E. 17th Ave.
- What to see: You can tour the museum's library and archives by appointment.
🏟️ A Buckeyes game. Do we even need to explain?
- 411 Woody Hayes Dr.
- What to see: Don't head to the concession stands after the third quarter — that's when the band plays "Hang On Sloopy."
💭 Alissa's thought bubble: I'm proud to say I visited 22 of Gleason's recommendations before I even read her book.
- The most recent was Gervasi Vineyard near Canton back in May.
- Next to cross off my list: York Steak House and Grandpa's Cheesebarn, near Ashland. I have no idea how I've avoided them this long.