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I know there’s insane pressure right now to plan the best, most elaborate overseas getaway you can, but summer travel doesn’t always have to be so expensive or complicated.
And if you want to keep things a little more low-key this year, I happen to know the perfect destination for you.
With its incredible sights, dreamy weather, and fantastic food scene, Columbus, Ohio is easily one of the most underrated summer destinations in the country according to The Points Guy, and today, you’ll see just why.
Amazing Sights And Even Better Weather
One major perk of planning a city break in the summer instead of the usual tropical holiday is that you don’t only get to go on amazing sightseeing excursions but you also don’t have to deal with the mind-numbing heat.
And Columbus with its 77°F (25°C) sunny days and cool yet comfortable nights is the perfect example of that.
There’s no better time than now to explore the city’s fantastic attraction scene, which includes the famous Scioto Mile, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the German Village, just to name a few.
A Surprisingly Lively Hub
Don’t let its tranquil, family-friendly facade fool you – Columbus promises to keep every single type of traveler excited and entertained.
Whether you’re a sports fan excited for the upcoming MLS All-Star Game, a music fan eager to sort through the city’s impressive concert calendar in search of your faves, or an art enthusiast who can’t wait to finally see the iconic Short North Arts District, one thing’s for sure – summer in Columbus this year will be anything but boring.
Enjoying Summer On A Budget
Remember how I promised you a low-key, budget-friendly vacation this summer?
Well, the Ohio hub offers just that.
Not only are there so many free outdoor concerts, stunning murals, and outdoor markets that you’ll struggle to fit a pay-to-enter attraction in your itinerary even if you want to, but there are some great reasonably-priced short-term rentals and places to eat in the city, too (though my favorite of the latter would definitely be Scotty’s Cafe).
An Outdoor Lover’s Haven
If you love nature to any degree, you’ll find Columbus to be everything you’d wished for and more.
The one downside to visiting a city during the summer is not being able to take in some stunning greenery – that is, in most places but here.
In the city, you’ll not only get to explore the vast 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 dip in the Alum Creek State Park.
Who said you can’t get both the city break and the typical beachy experience?
The Perfect Destination For The Entire Family
When I said Columbus has garnered a reputation throughout the years as a family-friendly hub, I wasn’t kidding.
Those traveling with little ones this summer will love visiting the Legoland Discovery Center, the famous Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Wilds Conservation Center, and COSI.
Safe to say, your itinerary will be jam-packed.
Plenty Of Amazing Breweries And Restaurants To Discover
Foodies will be happy to learn that Columbus is also home to some amazing restaurants and breweries that you can’t find anywhere else in the U.S.
Hungry?
Why not check out Townhall, Mandrake Rooftop, or Z Cucina di Spirito?
Between the flavors, the service, and the overall ambiance you’re guaranteed an experience that’ll be well worth the money.
If you’re more interested in the local brewery scene instead, you’ll want to tour Land-Grant or Seventh Son ASAP.
Lovely Locals
I could go on for days listing every single thing worth doing and attraction worth seeing in Columbus, but what really sets the city apart from other destinations of its kind is the mind-blowingly welcoming local community.
When you decide to go on a cultural retreat, you generally assume that you’ll be forfeiting that warm, small-town feel that you usually get in more off-the-beaten-path destinations, but with Columbus, that’s not the case.
People here are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure you feel safe, relaxed, and most importantly, at home.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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 within the post.