If you’re looking for the perfect spring weekend getaway, Columbus, Ohio, should be at the top of your list. Recently named one of the best big cities in the U.S. and one of the top food destinations by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, as well as one of AFAR’s must-visit picks for 2025, Columbus is a city that’s buzzing with energy, creativity, and flavor. Whether you’re into artsy neighborhoods, farm-to-table dining, or outdoor adventures, this vibrant Midwestern hub has something to surprise and delight every kind of traveler.
Start your weekend in style by checking into The Junto, a standout stay in the heart of downtown Columbus. Whether you’re here with friends, family, colleagues, or a mix of all three, The Junto sets the tone for a memorable trip. With more than 13,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space—including rooftop terraces, stylish ballrooms, intimate boardrooms, and private apartments—it’s equally suited for laid-back getaways or purpose-driven retreats. Overlooking some of the city’s most welcoming green spaces, The Junto blends warm hospitality with a modern, uplifting atmosphere, making it the perfect home base for your spring adventure.
While you’re staying at The Junto, the fun doesn’t stop at check-in. The hotel doubles as a community hub, offering events and experiences that bring people together. Toast to the Class of 2025 with a lively pre-ceremony celebration on the back lawn—complete with live music, lawn games, and plenty of space to toss your cap high. On May 9, swing by Franklinton Friday from 7–9 p.m. and catch the energetic vibes of Dave + Erin on Dueling Pianos, filling the evening with music and good cheer. And if you’re visiting over Mother’s Day weekend, treat mom to an unforgettable brunch in the elegant Franklin Gallery. With a chef-curated buffet, seasonal flavors, and thoughtful details, it’s the kind of celebration that turns a weekend into a lasting memory.
No weekend getaway is complete without great food, and in Columbus, the culinary scene is on fire. Recently named one of the best food cities in the country by Condé Nast Traveler, the city is earning national buzz thanks to its award-winning chefs and vibrant mix of flavors. In fact, three local spots were named 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists, making this the perfect year to book that table you’ve been eyeing. Savor globally inspired dishes at Agni, where Chef Avishar Barua (a Best Chef: Great Lakes semifinalist) is redefining modern dining. Sip your way through expertly crafted cocktails at Law Bird, a semifinalist for Outstanding Bar, or indulge your sweet tooth at Dan the Baker, a local gem recognized in the Outstanding Bakery category. Want to taste even more? Join the top-rated Columbus Food Adventures tour or set out on one of the city’s self-guided culinary trails, like the new Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail.
Spring is the perfect time to get outside and soak up Columbus’ creative energy and natural beauty. Start your day with a stroll through the Scioto Mile, a downtown riverfront park system with scenic trails, fountains, and skyline views. Just across the bridge, the Franklinton Arts District comes alive with galleries, murals, and public art—especially during Franklinton Fridays, a monthly celebration of local creativity. For a dose of culture, explore the renowned Columbus Museum of Art, home to both classic and contemporary works, or catch a show at the historic Ohio Theatre. Prefer to keep it active? Rent a bike, paddle the Scioto River, or spend the afternoon wandering Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where spring blooms, butterflies, and glass art create a colorful escape. Whether you’re into art walks or outdoor adventures, Columbus offers plenty of ways to make the most of a spring weekend.
If you’re looking to get your heart pumping while enjoying the spring weather, Columbus offers numerous opportunities to stay active outdoors. Head to Alum Creek State Park for kayaking, paddleboarding, and miles of hiking and biking trails, all set against a scenic reservoir backdrop. For trail runners and mountain bikers, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park offers challenging terrain and sweeping views of the countryside. It’s also a great spot for a scenic picnic or a peaceful walk through wooded trails if you’re in the mood to slow things down after your ride. And for something a little different, give rock climbing a try at Vertical Adventures’ Outdoor Climbing Wall in Westerville. Whether you’re looking to break a sweat or just move at your own pace, Columbus makes it easy to stay active in the great outdoors.
With its buzzing food scene, vibrant arts and culture, outdoor adventures, and unbeatable spring energy, Columbus is a city that surprises and delights at every turn. Whether you’re exploring neighborhoods, indulging in local flavors, or getting active in the great outdoors, there’s no shortage of ways to make your weekend memorable. And through it all, The Junto offers the perfect home base—stylish, welcoming, and right in the heart of the action. So pack your bags, bring your sense of curiosity, and get ready for a spring weekend in Columbus that’s anything but ordinary.