Polaris Mall
Two hundred stores, a food hall, and plenty of people watching. If you forgot your suit, pop on over.
Sunday noon to 6pm. Mon–Sat 11am–8pm.
The city
Columbus
You're coming to Columbus to party with us, but here are some of our favourite places to check out when we're not together. We think Columbus has great food, so definitely try some while you're here!
Drive times are approximate, from Hyatt Place Polaris, without traffic.
Near the hotel
Locations under 20 minutes away (Polaris, Westerville, and Powell).
Topgolf Columbus
Heated hitting bays, food, and maybe even fun for people who don't play?
Bays can book up on weekend nights. Reserve ahead, or go before 5pm when it is also cheaper.
Uptown Westerville
Four blocks with tons of great food. Cat and Zach highly recommend Northstar Cafe, Highbank Distillery, and Graeter's Ice Cream, but there are plenty of other options to check out as well.
Everything runs ~normal weekend hours.
Fox in the Snow Cafe
Great pastries, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches.
Open 8-3 on the weekends, but be ready for a line.
Nocterra Brewing
A big, warm taproom in downtown Powell. Cat and Zach celebrated their engagement with friends and family at their Audubon location.
Fri and Sat open from lunch to late.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Ohio has 3 of the 5 best zoos in the country and this is one of them.
February hours are 10am–4pm daily. There are some indoor exhibits, but plan for outdoor walking.
Columbus classics
Hopefully worth the extra drive.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
A Victorian glasshouse full of tropical plants. Zach proposed to Cat here in February 2025, so come check out what it would have looked like in person.
Unfortunately, a large number of exhibits are closed for renovation until fall 2027. The rest of the Conservatory is open 10am–5pm. Check their website for special events. Adult admission is about $25.
North Market Downtown
Independent vendors selling some of our favourite foods. Satori Ramen, Marlow's Cheesesteaks, Dos Hermanos Tacos, Buckeye Donuts, and the original Jeni's Ice Cream. Try a little bit of everything!
Sun 10am–5pm, Fri–Sat 9am–7pm. Cat and Zach were very dissapointed to hear that Hot Chicken Takeover closed after they left (coincidence?).
Short North Arts District
This was a constant favourite during Zach's OSU years. Galleries, boutiques, coffee, rooftop bars, and many local businesses; all walkable.
Great place to go out and party, or explore during the day.
German Village and The Book Loft
Brick streets, gas lamps, and 1800s cottages. The Book Loft is a 32 room maze of bookes. Katzinger's Deli is two blocks off if you need a sandwich the size of your head. Stauf's Coffee is delicious.
The Book Loft is open 10am–11pm. Stauf's is 7am-6pm.
COSI
A science museum that both Cat and Zach grew up with (at the Toledo and Dayton locations). Great for kids.
Open 10am–5pm.
Columbus Museum of Art
Strong Impressionist and Modern collections, a many glass pieces (Cat is a big Chihuly fan), and a cafe.
Free general admission every Sunday. Open 10am–5pm.
Otherworld
A Midwest take on Meow Wolf. Interactive/digital art. Fun, but a little expensive.
Adults about $30. Book ahead of time. Open 10am-10pm.
Food and drink worth checking out
Some of our favourite spots in the city.
Graeter's Ice Cream
Jeni's is good, but Cat and Zach both prefer Graeter's. Check out any of their locations (Cat's favourite is the Black Raspberry Chip).
Generally open 11am-11pm
Si Señor Peruvian Sandwiches
One of Zach's favourite spots for a quick bite.
Weird hours, but there are two locations.
Brassica
Local chain serving Mediterranean bowls and wraps. Cat and Zach highly recommend.
Mostly open 11am-9pm.
Dosa Corner
If you've never had South India's dosa before, it's worth a try!
Open 12-4 & 5-8.
Condado Tacos
Another local chain with build-your-own tacos. Always delicious.
Open 11am-11pm.
Lindey's
A great spot if you're looking for a nice dinner or brunch.
Reservations strongly recommended. Open 11am-10pm.