Columbus Feeds Your Creative Soul

When you’re hungry for inspiration, Columbus is the answer. Tour the city’s dynamic public spaces, created by the most well-known architects and designers of the mid-20th century. You can also browse eclectic shops and tour beautiful gardens.

About this Road Trip

Take an Architecture Tour

During your Columbus Architecture Tour, you’ll see that Columbus is infused with art and design, including a magnificent sculpture that is the largest of its kind in the country. Large Arch was created by English sculptor Henry Moore, one of the most influential sculptors of the last century. His work frames a unique view of one of Columbus’ architectural gems right across the street: First Christian Church. Your tour will include several churches and public buildings, all created by some of the world’s finest architects. You can also tour the Miller House and Gardens, the mid-century modern former home of the family who started the city’s architectural revolution.

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Citywide Art Displays

There really is art everywhere in Columbus. Be sure to pick up a free art guide at the Columbus Visitors Center, which features glasswork by Dale Chihuly. The moving parts and rolling steel balls of Chaos I capture your attention as you stroll through The Commons, the community’s dynamic public gathering place. Eos, who graces the 5th Street median, looks different throughout the year, depending on how much of her long, flowing skirt is in bloom. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for the city’s “Dancing C” on banners, bike racks and more.

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Fun for Kids

Everyone’s a kid at Zaharakos Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, a 1920s soda shop preserved to its original charm (and deliciousness). You can go fishing at Mill Race Park or start at Blue's Canoe Livery for a canoe or kayak adventure on the beautiful Driftwood River.

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Food & Drink in Columbus

You have to love it when a top-notch dining experience can be discovered outside of a big metro city, and that’s just what you’ll find here. In the heart of downtown Columbus, Henry Social Club has the hip, big-city vibe of a restaurant you won’t soon forget. And that’s just one of the choices for dining in downtown Columbus. You can go ethnic with Flavors of India or Taku Steakhouse or taste the local take on pizza at ZwanzigZ Pizza or 4th Street Bar & Grill. There are also microbreweries ready to have you sample their latest creations.

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Save Room for Souvenirs

Browse eclectic shops as you stroll downtown Columbus to discover locally owned boutiques, artisan wares, an independent bookshop and even a gourmet butcher/wine shop. Don’t miss the gift shop located in the Columbus Visitors Center, featuring artwork, locally crafted jewelry, fashions and books. Nearby is the state’s largest outdoor outlet mall, Indiana Premium Outlets, home to 75 of your favorite designer and name brand stores. And the Exit 76 Antique Mall is perfect for treasure hunters who are looking for unique items to take home. You’ll find more than 600 vendors all under one roof, selling everything from traditional antiques to upscale furniture and jewelry.

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Unique Sleeps

An overnight at The Inn at Irwin Gardens gives you a taste of early 20th century luxury and culture. This 1910 Edwardian mansion has been beautifully restored as a B&B. Even if you don’t stay as an overnight guest, you can experience the beautiful gardens for no charge throughout the summer. Ticketed guided tours of the interior and gardens are also available. If you’re interested in more modern accommodations, you can check into Hotel Indigo, a boutique hotel within walking distance of Mill Race Park, the Fourth Street Entertainment District and the Columbus Visitors Center.

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Map Out Your Road Trip

See the road trip stops on the map below. To customize and save your itinerary, click the list button. Remember: you should contact the destinations for updates.

Check out the activities, destinations, restaurants and lodging options below. You can click to add or remove each stop from your itinerary. Remember to contact each place for the latest updates on openings and hours. Once you've planned your trip, you can print or download your selections.

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Zwanzigz Pizza

At the 2016 Great American Beer Festival, Brewers from across the country poured their suds, competing for the title of America’s best. After the beer dried up, ZwanzigZ…

812-376-0200
zwanzigz.com/

Exit 76 Antique Mall

Conveniently located on I-65 at the 76B exit (12595 N. Executive Drive) in Edinburgh, Indiana, the Exit 76 Antique mall is the finest in the Midwest, with more than 600 vendors offering…

812-526-7676
exit76antiques.com

Miller House & Garden Tour

Miller House is one of the most important mid-century modern residences in the country, often mentioned alongside Fallingwater, The Glass House, and The Farnsworth House as America’s…

800-468-6564
millerhouse.com

Mill Race Park

Landscape Management recognized this 85-acre riverfront park as one of the top 100 parks in the nation for design, reputation, and accessibility. Designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh, and…

812-376-2680
millrace.com