A Short but Sweet Escape to Columbus, Ohio

This past July, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Columbus, Ohio with my son for a Nike-sponsored basketball tournament. As Ohio's state capital, Columbus pleasantly surprised us with its laid-back charm and spacious urban planning - a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of coastal cities. Here's our little travel diary from this underrated Midwestern destination! First Impressions 🚗💨 The moment we drove into the city, we noticed how peaceful and well-organized everything was. The highway system is extensive yet never felt congested - we cruised through town without encountering any traffic jams (a true luxury for any traveler!). The city's layout radiates outward from downtown, with wide tree-lined streets and a mix of modern and historic architecture. OSU Campus Tour 🎓🌳 No visit to Columbus is complete without seeing The Ohio State University, one of America's premier "Public Ivy" institutions. Even during summer break, the campus impressed us with its: Massive 1,900-acre grounds (bigger than some small towns!) Beautiful mix of Gothic and modern architecture State-of-the-art athletic facilities (perfect for our basketball trip) The iconic Ohio Stadium, aka "The Horseshoe" 🏟️ We particularly enjoyed strolling through the South Oval area, where the historic Orton Hall's bell tower marks the university's oldest section. Filipino Food Adventure 🍛 Near campus, we discovered a delightful Filipino eatery called Bonifacio (1577 King Ave). For about $20 per person, we enjoyed: Classic chicken adobo with garlic rice Crispy pata (deep-fried pork knuckle) Ube halo-halo for dessert 🍧 The flavors transported us straight to Manila! Why Columbus? 🤔 What makes this city special is its perfect balance: ✅ Big-city amenities without the chaos ✅ Thriving food scene (from German Village to Short North) ✅ Surprisingly good public art installations ✅ Easy navigation and parking Final Thoughts 💭 While we came for basketball, we left with memories of a city that embodies the best of Midwestern hospitality. Columbus may not be on every tourist's radar, but its comfortable pace, green spaces, and cultural offerings make it ideal for family trips. We're already planning our next visit to explore the famous Columbus Zoo and Scioto Mile! Travel Tips: Summer is perfect for avoiding student crowds at OSU Rent a car for maximum flexibility Don't miss the North Market for foodie finds #ColumbusOH #MidwestTravel #OSUCampus #FilipinoFood #FamilyTravel #OhioAdventures 🏀🌳🍽️