Weekend in Columbus, OH - What to do...
 

This weekend we will be going to Columbus Ohio to attend the Ohio State Fair on Saturday, but on Sunday we have no plans. Wondering if anyone knows what's going on then. Staying in Dublin, OH. Also, has anyone heard of a restaurant called "Smokey Bones"? Is there a good website to go to that has event listings, or any Columbus insiders that know whats going on?

Check these websites to see if something interests you -

www.shortnorth.org
www.digitalcity.com/columbus
www.musicintheair.org

I've heard good things about Alum Creek State Park. Its got a nice lake beach too. Not very far off from where you'll be staying(Dublin,OH). Find more info about this park here -

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/alum.htm

You could also check out the Columbus Zoo if you're interested.

I do not know about this restaurant that you've mentioned. But you should be able to find info/read reviews on digitalcity(link given above). I did a quick search on digitalcity and it did show some records for this restaurant.

Hope this helps. Have fun!

No expert here, but the first ever Wendy's restaurant is in downtown Columbus. Also, the James Thurber house can be toured, I believe.

Cirque du Soleil is also in Columbus this weekend.

Smokey Bones is a chain BBQ restaurant (owned by one of the big national corporate restaurant entities). We have one in Cincinnati and it is okay at best. We tried Hoggy's for BBQ last time we were in Columbus and were disapointed. I've heard since then that City BBQ is the best place for BBQ in Columbus.

I would also recommend Schmidt's if you like German food at all. Their Bahama Mama sausage is legendary as are their cream puffs. The buffet is good to try a bit of different things (good German Potato Salad and Sausage Stew). Obviously not a light meal.

If you have time for it, COSI is a fabulous museum for kids and the young at heart. It is a science & industry museum that was recently totally rennovated and it is really spectacular - very hands on.

The Columbus Zoo is supposed to be tops but we didn't think it measured up to the one we have in Cincinnati. However the zoo is in Dublin so that would be convenient for you, and it is pretty good (just not as good as what we were accustomed). Dublin is a nice town, I think you'll be pleased.

We just went to Columbus for Memorial Day weekend, so I hope this helps!!!

Here's Smokey Bones:

www.darden.com

In addition Darden runs Red Lobster, Bahama Breeze and Olive Garden.

I don't mind that Smokey Bones is a chain. I've just not particularly liked their food the few times I've been.

Schmidt's is in German Village. Also,there is a 34 room book store in German Village that we love to wonder thru!

German Village is agoo dsuggestion if you like German food, but be advised, they do not take reservations and the wait can be long!

A good New Mexican place is called Chile Verde. It is off Sawmill and Bethel and looks like notheing, but has great margaritas and food!

Another good group of restaurants are Oscars and Tucci's. they are in old Dublin and have good wine lists and outdoor seating. WE are going there saturday after Cirque Du soleil (tickets are pricey-$60-70 per ticket).

Last for restaurants, any Cameron Mitchell is good, but can be expensive. For barbeque, I'd opt for City Barbeque or Barley's.

The farmer's marlket in the Short North at the North Market is fun on Saturday morning. There is Sunday Jazz in the Short North at Goodale Park that is fun. starts at noon.

Franklin Park Conservatory is very pretty with a Blooms and Butterflies exhibit. the Franklin Park is very pretty as well.

The book store in German Village is pretty amazing!

If you are a shopper, you should go to Easton on Sunday. Huge outdoor shopping with great shops and restaurants such as Abuelos, Cheesecake Factory, etc. You can search it under Easton Towne Center.

I use AOL City guide to help plan my weekends. (I live here in columbus-have for the past 4 years). unfortunately, there are no other festivals that I'm aware of this weekend.

Last Phantom of the Opera is in town right now as well.

We've been to Smokey bones and it is good, but not really local like Schmidts. I also like the Thurman Cafe in German Village.

I hope you have a good time!

I second Easton Towne Center if you enjoy shopping. There is a good website to give you an idea of how large it is and what stores are there. Great outdoor ambiance.

Like others have said I'd skip Smokey Bones. Just okay...

Our family would pass on Smokey Bones and go to Schmidt's.

Also, I could watch the gorillas at the Columbus Zoo for hours. Their enclosure is excellent for viewing and they are very entertaining (because they act so human)!

We ended up eating both places... Smokey Bones at Easton Town Center and Schmidts (booth) at the State Fair (had a Bahama Mama).

Can anyone give me more info on Oscar's and Tucci's? Price range, address, type of food, what's recommended to eat, etc. Thanks!