CC Road Trip: Short North, Columbus
If you’re looking for a weekend get-away, I have the most perfect place for you - the Short North Art’s District in Columbus, Ohio.
I know it doesn’t sit on the coast of Cleveland, but we do love a great roadtrip and I wanted to share this one with you!
This summer, Brian and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary by eating, drinking, shopping and photographing our way through this little slice of Ohio…and we did every bit of it on foot.
Read along to see where we stayed, where we ate and where we shopped…
It’s a little lengthy, but I have so much to share!
LE MÉRIDIEN - THE JOSEPH
a Marriott Bonvoy Hotel
Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph
@lmcolumbusthejoseph
620 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio
614.227.0100
This beautiful boutique hotel is part of the thriving Short North Arts District and is just steps from High Street’s acclaimed restaurants, shops and galleries. It was the most perfect place for us to stay during this celebratory weekend. From the kind and gracious staff to the impeccably clean rooms - the incredible art collection featured on the walls to the late night bar - we loved it all!
You can valet your car at the hotel upon arrival and I promise you won’t need to get in it again until you leave. Every bit of what I’ve highlighted below was within walking distance from The Joseph.
SOUL at the Joseph
The Joseph features a curated cafe bar and lounge (SOUL) on the main floor that serves as a coffee and breakfast bar in the morning and a craft cocktail and wine bar at night. I don’t know about you, but I love when there is a nice hotel bar that stays open for nightcaps.
The name SOUL comes from the Short North Arts District’s coined description - “The Art and Soul of Columbus”
ART COLLECTION at the Joseph
In keeping with “The Art and Soul of Columbus,” The Joseph not only features an art gallery on the 2nd floor, but it also showcases artwork throughout the hotel and in every guest room. As a former art educator and arts program director, I personally loved being surrounded by so much creativity.
HOSPITALITY at the Joseph
One of the VERY best things about staying at The Joseph was the staff. Hospitality at its absolute finest. From booking our stay to checking in to then leaving on Sunday, everyone was so kind and helpful.
There was one person, however, that stood out to us and that was Blair - featured in the video below. He was always there to open the door, welcome us, help us carry things, help us cross the street and ALWAYS with a smile on his face. Blair is one of the many reasons we would book at this hotel again. The kindest man.
A QUICK GIFT IDEA…
On Friday evening, we were leaving our hotel room for dinner when I noticed an envelope right outside our door.
My little sister always gives me grief about giving her gifts or doing things for her, but she is always so supportive of me and always checks in on me, so it’s the very least I can do! Well, she found a very sweet way to surprise ME!
A favorite gift of mine is to surprise friends or family with a round of drinks when I know they are out at a restaurant. I’ll make a call, speak to the hostess or owner and pick up the tab. Well, I’m now adding a night at a hotel…especially for an anniversary…to my gift list!
Thank you so much TT!
WHERE TO EAT…
MANDRAKE ROOFTOP
Mandrake Rooftop
@mandrakerooftop
810 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio
614.793.1500
a Bobby George Restaurant
Located 10 floors above it’s sister restaurant, Town Hall, this new rooftop bar is the tallest in Short North and offers beautiful, 270-degree views of the Columbus skyline.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT HERE!
The food was incredible, the views picturesque and the vibe is ultra hip and super relaxed. I felt like I was 25 again and being here was the most perfect way to spend our first night in Columbus. We had so much fun!
Just like Town Hall, your health matters here. They exclusively feature 100% non-gmo, chef-inspired shareable plates, small bites, and the only truly healthy sushi in the world. They use organic produce, cook in non-toxic + clean cooking oils, and feature zero-refined sugars.
Here’s what we ordered & shared… (delicious, delicious, delicious, delicious)
GRASS-FED STEAK TARTARE
smoked aioli | egg yolk jam | crostinis | sherry vinegar
JOE COOL
Patrón Silver Tequila | Pandan Lime Leaf Elixir | Agave | Fresh Lime | Ancho Verde | Black Sea Salt
GRILLED SPANISH OCTOPUS
whipped hummus | olive oil | herb chimichurri
LAND AND SEA SUSHI
spicy crab | salmon | shiso | seared wagyu | house sweet lemon soy sauce | crunchy green onion
THE GUILD HOUSE
The Guild House
@guildhousecolumbus
624 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio
614.280.9780
a Cameron Mitchell Restaurant
What a beautiful space with beautiful food.
You can tell from the moment you walk in the door, that careful consideration was given to this artisan eatery.
The decor is a mix of natural elements and warmth with a classic and contemporary vibe. I was obsessed with their dinnerware and overall tablescape. So beautiful.
The food was thoughtful and delicious.
“We proudly source locally grown ingredients whenever possible. Our chefs collaborate to create seasonal offerings that are regionally and globally inspired, all with artistic technique in an energetic and inviting space. Our wine list includes wines from around the world that are diverse and carefully selected, and our bar chefs craft fresh squeezed juices and spirits with skillful passion.”
OYSTERS
pomegranate granita | cucumber cabernet mignonette | pickled fresno
TEQUILA BLANCO (we think)
tea infused cazadores blanco | fresh herbs | peach
FILET
creamed spinach | baby carrot | potato gratin | natural reduction
GEM SALAD
baby mustard and gem lettuce | parmesan | anchovy lemon dressing | garlic toast
Here’s the fun part…
If you stay at The Joseph, you can enter The Guild House right from the lobby of the hotel.
The Guild House is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The most perfect addition to any hotel…a place to eat anytime you get hungry!
THE PEARL
The Pearl
@pearlcolumbus
641 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio
614.227.0151
a Cameron Mitchell Restaurant
“The Pearl is a well-polished culinary jewel that showcases made-from-scratch food, classically inspired cocktails and an exclusive selection of ales, lagers & stouts. All within one cozy tavern atmosphere.”
We stopped here for brunch on Sunday and I can’t even begin to tell you how incredible their menu is. I had no idea how I was going to choose what to eat. I wanted every single thing. Because of all our eating throughout the weekend, we opted for soup and salad, but we will definitely be back to explore the menu more! (hello Seafood Tower)
*Worth noting: this restaurant is located right across the street from The Joseph, making it a great place to visit for brunch before checking out of the hotel. They are also open for lunch and dinner. *Brunch is only available on Saturday and Sunday
DEVILS ON HORSEBACK
CREAMY CLAM CHOWDER
chorizo dust | oyster crackers
BLODY MARY
house infused vodka | housemade tomato juice |
pepper spiced rim | Miller grenade
GARLIC SHRIMP
smoked tomato | ginger | mint cilantro
HARBOR SALAD
shrimp | crab | scallops | avocado | croutons | bacon | aged ricotta | red wine vinaigrette
BROWN SUGAR PIE
The dessert we didn’t need. We couldn’t even fit it in our bellies, but our server insisted we try. We definitely weren’t mad about it.
Yummmmmmmmm
NORTH MARKET
NORTH MARKET
@northmarket
59 Spruce Street, Columbus, Ohio
614.463.9664
This Original North Market is a 145 year old public market that is a destination for anyone that lives in or visits Columbus.
“Inside you’ll find an eclectic mix of more than 30 independently owned small businesses offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, flowers, specialty food items, international prepared foods & distinctive gifts.”
There is so much here to choose from!
We stumbled upon this hot spot when our daughters played in volleyball tournaments across the street at the Columbus Convention Center each May. The one and only place I grab lunch from when I visit the North Market is Lan Viet. Every. Single. Time.
My order: the grilled chicken rice & noodle bowl with an order of summer rolls. Or two. Or three. I could eat summer rolls every day of my life. This place is such a treat to me. @lanvietmarket_
On this trip, Brian grabbed the blackened mahi-mahi from Coast to Local Market. @coastallocalseafood
*NORTH MARKET BONUS TRIP
Before leaving and heading back to Cleveland, we stopped back at the Market and visited Pastaria to pick up some of their fresh pasta and sauce to take home for dinner. They packaged everything up for us and put it on ice for our trip.
This dish was absolutely INCREDIBLE and I can’t recommend it enough.
Pick-up some of Pastaria’s sacchetti and a container of their spinach and prosciutto cream sauce. (or more if you need more) Holy smokes!!!
A FEW OTHER BARS & RESTAURANTS WE QUICKLY POPPED INTO…
LINCOLN SOCIAL ROOFTOP
@lincolnsocial
SHORT NORTH PINT HOUSE
@pinthouse614
DEL MAR SO CAL KITCHEN
@delmarcolumbus
WHERE TO SHOP…
ROSE BREDL
ROSE BREDL Flowers & Garden
@rosebredl
664 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio
614.222.0930
Tuesday thru Saturday • 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Bricks and plants and starfish, oh my!
If I could move into a space, Rose Bredl would definitely be it! This retail studio is beautifully loaded with fresh flowers, American made products, plants, cards, candles, boots, bags, blankets & pottery. It is pure deliciousness from the front of the store to the back.
The overall feel is vintage garden.
Rose Bredl is also an incredible floral design studio and any bride near Columbus should strongly consider them for your big day. I immediately started following their Instagram account that weekend and I find myself constantly loving all of their posts and stories. Such beauty!
I was able to meet the owner, Mary when we stopped in. She is as beautiful and welcoming as her shop. The name, Rose Bredl is affectionately named for her maternal grandmother who she describes as earthy, old fashioned and feminine.
*This store closes at 3, so be sure to make it one of your first stops.
SAMSON a Men’s Emporium
SAMSON
@shopsamson
694 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio
614.504.8038
Sunday • 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday thru Saturday • 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Okay, I’m just going to come right out and say that Samson is probably the most beautifully curated and merchandised shop I have ever walked into. Honestly, my jaw immediately hit the floor. And although the items are geared towards men, I just couldn’t stop myself from walking around and looking at every single thing. We actually shopped here twice during our stay.
The first thing that impressed me was that it was a men’s store. A beautiful men’s store. There are so many women’s boutiques in the world that it was extremely refreshing to me to see a really incredible spot for men. The clothing, the barware, the bow ties, the apothecary…all impeccably curated.
The other thing that I fell in love with was seeing some really cool vintage pieces displayed amongst the store’s merchandise. It’s always the mix of old and new that captures my soul. Walking into Samson is like walking into a different era. It’s classic, it’s timeless and it’s respectful. *Currently, the vintage pieces are used just for display
We met Johnny and Grant on the floor and the owner, Travis Samson was kind enough to come out and say hello when we visited.
THE SPEAKEASY at SAMSON:
”We like to get to know our customers and make them Friends, so each month or so we like to plan a Thursday night event that we call “Speakeasy at Samson” where we…you guessed it…have some great craft cocktails, beers and bites. We usually include our favorite brands and offer special discounts that you normally can’t find outside of sale seasons along with some fun giveaways. You’ll get to meet our favorite designers and reps do discuss their inspiration and fit styles. They gain as much knowledge meeting you as you do meeting them.”
EXCITING NEWS
After our visit to Samson in July and on the day Travis celebrated 7 years in business, he moved down the street and opened the doors to a brand new storefront.
Can’t wait to check it out when we visit in November!
photo from @shopsamson
HAPPY GO LUCKY Home & Her
HAPPY GO LUCKY
@happygolucky.shop_
787 North High St, Columbus
614.297.1100
Sunday • 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Tuesday thru Saturday • 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Ooh la la! Total Anthropologie vibes here!
Can I just say, I LOVE when I find a fun gift shop! One that carries items that you don’t see in every other gift shop in the world.
Well, here it is! And this shop is LOADED with clothing, gift items, home decor, baby items, jewelry and so much more! We spent a really long time here looking in every nook and cranny at all the wonderfully wonderful things! (and started our Christmas shopping)
I am really looking forward to revisiting this shop and seeing all their holiday goods when we head back in November.
COLE’S PLANTS
COLE’S PLANTS
@colesplants614
726 North High St, Columbus
614.754.7424
Sunday • 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Wednesday & Thursday • 2:00 – 7:00 pm
Friday & Saturday • 12:00 – 7:00 pm
The love of house plants is growing wild everywhere…including Short North!
Stop in this brand new (opened summer 2022) small business to stock up on all of your most favorite house plants, pots, hangers, books and more!
It’s mostly topiaries and succulents in my home right now, but I do have lots of friends who are loading their homes with these beauties. If you’re reading this, be sure to stop here to grab some more!
ANTHROPOLOGIE
THE JOSEPH - ANTHROPOLOGIE STORE
@anthropologie
625 North High Street #100, Columbus
614.224.3512
Monday thru Saturday • 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday • 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
I realize that Anthropologie is not unique to Columbus…that you can probably find an Anthropologie in every corner of every state, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t exciting to walk into one EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
So we did and we found things.
My most favorite items from Anthropologie:
always their mugs *even though I’m busting at the seams with mugs I still buy them!
their candles *volcano scent in the spring & summer *fir and firewood in the fall & winter
their kitchen & pantry items *the dishes, towels, cookbooks…
their jewelry
This store is located directly across the street from The Joseph.
ELM & IRON
ELM & IRON - CLINTONVILLE
@elmandiron
3475 North High St, Columbus
614.824.5611
Closed Tuesdays
Monday + Wednesday-Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm
After you’ve checked out of the hotel and picked up your pasta from the North Market, you must make a stop at Elm & Iron.
For years, I have shopped at the Easton location, but this was my first stop in Clintonville.
Elm & Iron is a home goods paradise. It’s a brilliant mixture of vintage and new items and I always find something here to take home. It’s perhaps why I love this store so much, because it’s exactly how I curate my home…a great mixture of new and vintage.
On this trip, I found an old jar that was perfectly patinaed with dirt and age that now sits on my coffee table “as is.”
If you’re looking for a little inspiration or if you’re looking for something unique to add to your home, I highly recommend stopping here!
THANK YOU!
We absolutely loved our time in the Short North Arts District of Columbus and we sincerely thank Le Meridien - The Joseph for hosting us.
This area has it ALL…
So much actually, that we’re returning next month because (believe it or not) we didn’t even see it all.
Can’t wait to show you more!
xoxo
Erin Stack
Coastal Cleveland
coastalcleveland@gmail.com
*Want to bike the area? It’s another reason to stay at The Joseph…they have bikes there for you to use whenever you like.
What Ohio town should we visit next? If you have an idea, be sure to let us know!