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What are you doing outside of bbcon 2026 in and around Columbus?

Miki Martin

I know many people plan to arrive early and/or stay later than the conference days to maybe do sightseeing or something. Having moved from the area years ago, I am hoping to see some friends in person. I was also told I should check out The Book Loft of German Village. Does anyone else have any outside plans?

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Rose Colton

Definitely check out The Book Loft but don't miss the other cool restaurants and business in German Village. It's one of our favorite spots in Columbus. We also love the Columbus Zoo, however it is a located a little bit further out of town.

I love a good garden and the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, is beautiful. Keeping with the garden theme, the Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Garden is located within the Ohio State University grounds, free and open dawn to dusk. The Columbus Park of Roses is the largest public rose garden with over 7,500 specimens. With paved walkways and benches, it is another beautiful spot in an urban setting. Last but not least is the Topiary Garden located in the Discovery District near the Columbus Metropolitan Library, it holds 54 sculptures done by James T. Mason and his wife Elaine. It's another free public garden and is designed to bring Georges Seurat’s famous 1884 post-impressionist painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, to life in three dimensions.

I hope you enjoy something outside the box during your time in Columbus!

Miki Martin

Thanks so much for all these suggestions, @Rose Colton! Some, like the zoo and German Village, are familiar to me. I do not recall the garden options, though. Then again, that wasn't really my thing back in the day. 😊

I may have to bring home some desserts from Schmidt's for the family.

Rose Colton

And don't forget to try the local ice cream favorites - Graters vs Jeni's and let me know which you prefer. It's an on-going debate in the state! There's a Jeni's location in German Village.

Jeni's sometimes has a sweet corn flavor that is a must try if they have it!

Laura Easterly

I'm looking at Columbus Museum of Art

Miki Martin

Being in Cincinnati, I am quite familiar with Graeter's and am biased. 😋 I have been hearing about Jeni's, though. Good to know there's one in German Village. I will definitely have to try it. For research purposes, of course.

Miki Martin

I also know a lot of families enjoy visiting the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). I really enjoyed the original location. I haven't been in years since we took our kids when they were younger and had moved to their current location. I'm just excited to be returning to bbcon!

Beth Broomall

Miki are you attending bbcon? I am attending as well. I hope to see you there.

Beth Broomall

I have NEVER been to Schmidt's. We should check it out!

Patti Hommes

I am looking forward to visiting the German Village. Having visited many European towns in the past couple of years I have fallen in love with the quaint village streets and houses!

Chris Fedor

Thanks for the suggestions Rose! I'm hoping I can fit a visit to the zoo in. Decades of watching Jack Hanna on tv makes me want to visit.

Miki Martin

Yes, I am! I was hoping to run into you before we head up there.

Miki Martin

He definitely put a face to the zoo, didn't he! I, too, remember watching him on TV.

Brent Troth

I had forgotten about Graeters! Definitely have to get some while I'm there. Haven't been back to Columbus in 25 years.

Brent Troth

I lived in Columbus throughout the 90s - left when I met my now husband in 2000 and haven't been back in 25 years or so. Looking forward to seeing how my old stomping grounds have progressed. Definitely hitting the Book Loft and Schmidt's. My hubby and our pup are coming with me. We thought we were going to be reliving a childhood memory by going to Arthur Treachers Fish and Chips which was supposed to return to Columbus last year, but we've just learned that didn't happen because the deal fell through. So, we'll have an extra evening to figure out - maybe Donato's!

Angel Lawrence

Will definitely be checking out the zoo!

Angel Lawrence

This may also be on my list!

Angel Lawrence

I started a Pinterest board for Columbus! Looking forward to the zoo and the art museum. I saw areas called the North Shore Market and Short North. Anyone familiar with these? Do you recommend them?

Elizabeth Hall

Thanks for all of the tips, traveling from Wisconsin and hope to come a few days early!

Miki Martin

I was in the area then, as well. Moved to the Cincinnati area in 1998. So much has changed! Donatos is definitely not a bad idea!

Miki Martin

I am not familiar with those areas, although I have certainly heard of the Short North. Its development was around the time I left, I think.

I know a couple of companies are hosting sessions to prep people on attractions. NPact has their webinar on September 23. Prenger Solutions Group has one on September 24.

Austen Brown

Miki - Thanks for the shout out - here's a link to register for the PSG 10-min Insider Preview on Sept 24: https://prengersolutions.com/webinar/psg-insiders-guide-to-bbcon-2026/

Austen Brown

Also looking forward to the German Village, the sites, bookstore, and food!

Sarah Krenicki

My husband and son are tagging along - and we're definitely going to the zoo! Loving the ice cream recs too - that sounds amazing.

A note - my husband is Celiac, does anyone know any good gluten free places he can fully partake in?

Kriste Buck

Is the German Village close to where the conference is taking place?

Miki Martin

German Village is just a couple of miles from the convention center. It's not really close enough to walk, but can Uber/Lyft or take a bus and a short walk. It's been YEARS since I've been there but I know there are some great spots to enjoy.