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I know there’s crazy pressure right now to plan the best, most extensive overseas vacation you can, but summer travel doesn’t always have to be so expensive or complicated.
And if you want to keep it a bit quieter this year, I happen to know the perfect destination for you.
With its incredible sights, dreamy weather, and fantastic food scene, many consider Columbus, Ohio to be easily one of the country’s most underrated summer destinations. The points manand today you will see why.
Great sights and even better weather
A big advantage of planning a city trip in the summer instead of the usual tropical vacation is that not only can you go on great excursions, but you also don’t have to deal with the mind-numbing heat.
And Columbus with its sunny 25°C days and cool but comfortable nights is the perfect example.
There’s no better time than now to explore the city’s fantastic attractions, including the famous Scioto Mile, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and German Village, to name a few.
A surprisingly lively hub
Don’t let the quiet, family-friendly facade fool you: Columbus promises to keep every type of traveler excited and entertained.
Whether you’re a sports fan looking forward to the upcoming MLS All-Star Game, or a music fan eager to explore the impressive city concert calendar Looking for your favorites, or an art lover who can’t wait to finally see the iconic Short North Arts District, one thing is for sure: summer in Columbus this year will be anything but boring.
Enjoy the summer on a budget
Remember how I promised you a quiet, budget-friendly vacation this summer?
Well, the Ohio hub offers just that.
Not only are there so many free outdoor concerts, beautiful murals and open-air markets that you’ll struggle to fit a paying attraction into your itinerary even if you want to, but there are also some great, reasonably priced short term rental and also places to eat in the city (although my favorite of the latter would definitely be Scotty’s Cafe).
A haven for outdoor enthusiasts
If you love nature in any way, you will find that Columbus is everything you want and more.
The only downside to visiting a city in summer is that you can’t enjoy beautiful greenery – that is, in most places except here.
In the city, you can not only explore the expansive Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system (which includes a whopping 20+ parks), but also enjoy a hike through Olentangy Trail or even a refreshing swim at Alum Creek State Park.
Who said you can’t have both a city break and the quintessential beach experience?
The perfect destination for the whole family
When I said Columbus has built a reputation over the years as a family-friendly hub, I wasn’t kidding.
Those traveling with little ones this summer will enjoy visiting the Legoland Discovery Center, the famous Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Wilds Conservation Center and COSI.
It’s safe to say your itinerary will be packed.
Tons of great breweries and restaurants to explore
Foodies will be happy to hear that Columbus is also home to some great restaurants and breweries that you can’t find anywhere else in the US
Hungry?
Why not check out Townhall, Mandrake Rooftop or Z Cucina di Spirito?
Between the flavors, the service and the overall atmosphere, you are guaranteed an experience well worth the money.
If you’re more interested in the local brewery scene, you’ll want to take a tour of Land-Grant or Seventh Son as soon as possible.
Beautiful locals
I could go on for days listing all the things worth doing and things to see in Columbus, but what really sets the city apart from other destinations of its kind is the stunningly hospitable local community.
When you decide to go on a cultural retreat, you generally expect to lose the warm, small-town feel that you normally find on more off-the-beaten-path locations, but that’s not the case with Columbus.
The people here are always willing to go the extra mile to make you feel safe, relaxed and, most importantly, at home.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
