Oct 28, 2024

Wedding Anniversary Trip

For us, celebrations often involve a weekend getaway to enjoy a new or favorite place together. This year marks three years since we celebrated our marriage with family and friends. We wanted to be sure our Giant Schnauzer pup Mitzi could join in since she’s our baby girl, and we love her so much. She also never says no to a car ride!

So why Columbus? We’ve been yearning to explore more of our home state’s capital city after visiting for a friend’s wedding years ago. The timing worked out for us to arrange a trip from our home near Cleveland, and seeing it in peak fall colors was an added treat!

Less than two hours door-to-door, we have noticed Columbus welcomes you in with a place for all, a vibrant culinary scene, and a dynamic place to enjoy neighborhoods and various activities. Condé Nast Traveler just ranked Columbus in its Top 10 Big Cities as a part of their 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Our guide below offers a pet-friendly itinerary for solo travelers and couples alike.

Where to stay

If you’re looking for a place that offers exceptional service and luxurious accommodations, look no further than Hotel LeVeque. The building alone will wow anyone with its Art Deco design and beautiful marble, bronze, and gold lobby. Centrally located and walkable to many Columbus attractions such as the Palace Theatre, Ohio Statehouse, and COSI (Center for Science and Industry), it’s easy to imagine you wished you had known about this sooner!

Hotel LeVeque is part of the Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection. As a boutique hotel, it embraces the building’s history while offering the modern amenities travelers look for. You might notice the theme of the sky as it is a “Beacon of Hospitality” because, in 1927, when the LeVeque Tower was built, it was the fifth tallest in the world. The citadel was seen as a navigation aid for pilots flying through the air!

The rooms at Hotel LeVeque are pet-friendly, and the staff (known as “stars”) are incredibly willing to ensure your stay is as unique as you want. Enjoy comfortable bedding, robes, spacious bathrooms, and ample natural light. The dog bed and bowls were nice touches. Astrology elements are well integrated into the decor. Before you fall asleep, turn the ceiling into a planetarium at night with the bedside galaxy projector!

What to see

German Village

Dating back more than 200 years, you cannot miss the charm of brick houses, brick streets, and the life the German Village neighborhood brings. As friends tell us, it’s a vibe. Be sure to stop and walk around Schiller Park. Again, it is dog-friendly, and the paths are wide for multiple groups. Admire the well-maintained homes and the sculptures around the park. The Umbrella Girl fountain is beautiful and we could sit on a bench and enjoy the serenity there for hours.

Scioto Mile

Take a stroll on one of the most beautiful riverwalks we’ve experienced. While we could only walk a bit of the pedestrian trail with our dog (due to her having a full day of activity), she especially liked the lush grass along the paths. Hotel LeVeque is only a block from Battelle Riverfront Park, one of the many parks within the Scioto Mile. We cannot wait to take more time on our next visit to see more, such as the fountains and swinging benches.

Short North Arts District

We love the variety of businesses the Short North offers. From restaurants to shops to cafes to salons, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Numerous hotels and housing options bring life to this trendy yet established area. Mitzi loved the people watching here and received a lot of love from everyone she met. The neighborhood has also been ranked high in LGBTQIA+ acceptance and representation. Be sure to stop and appreciate the murals found throughout the district.

Where to eat + drink

Fox in the Snow

When you need coffee and a memorable pastry in Columbus, you must stop into one of the Fox in the Snow cafes. The atmosphere is light, and the bakery case showcases some of the most beautiful galettes we’ve seen. We took turns going in to order since we had our dog with us and then took the food to go. Don’t even get us started on the Souffléd Egg Sandwich, which has been named a “Best Breakfast in Ohio” by Food & Wine. It’s worthy of the title, and we’re already dreaming about returning.

Northstar Cafe

Looking for some of the tastiest brunch options around town? Northstar has you covered. They have a few locations around Columbus, but each offers a dog-friendly patio. In fact, the Short North location also has heaters! One of us went in to order at the counter while the other stayed with Mitzi, but that wasn’t a problem as our server brought a bowl of water for her. The restaurant’s interior is beautiful, with deep green tones that we love to see.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

No doubt you’ve heard of Jeni’s, as they have scoop shops in many cities around the United States, and their pints can be found in grocery stores, too. But did you know Columbus is where Jeni first started? Be sure to experience it, for you can take in some unique flavors and items you can’t find elsewhere. Like the L’Affogato, you get to choose a scoop of your favorite flavor topped with Slingshot cold brew! Mitzi was treated to a half-scoop of vanilla, which she devoured.

Land-Grant Brewing Company

The #AllWelcome motto at Land-Grant is one of the best reminders of how incredible a community can be, and it inspires us as patrons and visitors. We enjoyed the beer garden (dog-friendly, of course) while sipping on some craft brews. Rotating food trucks offer a variety that will satisfy most palettes. Ember & Spice made a delicious smash burger when we were there, and the grilled chicken teriyaki bowl from Hai Poke was phenomenal.

The Keep Kitchen & Liquor Bar

Upon entering The Keep, you might feel like stepping into the Roaring Twenties, with a speakeasy vibe, cozy corners, and gas lanterns on the walls. Within Hotel LeVeque, the menu offers modern American fare paired with a drink list of handcrafted cocktails, beer, and wine. Mitzi was exhausted after all the walking, so she took a nap in her crate while we went down to dinner for an hour. Their Espresso Martini was a welcome second wind after a day of adventure. The Steak Frites were very good, and the Scallops were cooked perfectly. We saved room for dessert and took a slice of cheesecake back to our room.

Where to shop?

The Book Loft

Can you imagine where you’d keep 500,000 books? Start with this independent bookseller, which has been open since the 1970s in German Village. Believe it or not, nothing here is used. This bookstore is a destination in itself in Columbus. It has 32 rooms filled with every genre and all the new releases. Prices are incredibly competitive. We look forward to spending more time here in the future, as we are always looking for a good read.

North Market

Public markets are one of the best ways to experience the local food scene while supporting small businesses. We loved the layout and map at North Market in Columbus, OH. Stop here around lunchtime; everyone will find something to eat or take home! Of course, if you stay (or live in Columbus) for an extended time, the fresh meats and produce might make their way into your kitchen-made meal!

SAMSON A Men's Emporium

SAMSON is the ultimate shop for men’s clothing, apothecary, and barware, and it has been a fixture in the Short North for more than nine years. It’s the perfect environment to find a variety of textures, from woven goods to leather. If you name it, they probably have something for you. The styles are classic and timeless. You can even take the store’s scent home as an exclusive Olliver Candle poured no further than right in Columbus, Ohio.