A guide to hosting friends and family in Columbus

614now Staff

Hosting friends and family can be a difficult jobs.

Pinpointing your loved ones’ interests can be a challenge in and of itself.

Then there’s the actual planning which can be damn-near impossible sometimes.

We know the struggle so we’ve compiled this guide on how to entertain all types of people in Columbus.

Now, get out there and paint the town red…actually, scarlet and grey!

For the Drinker

Curio at Harvest

By definition, Curio means “a rare, unusual, unique or intriguing object.” Call it what you will but this is where to find a top-notch cocktail in Columbus.

This is a truly inspired beverage program slung across a beautiful marble bar top. The Service Bar opened in early October and is located at 1230 Courtland Ave– attached to Middle West distillery set just off of the 5th Avenue and High Street intersection.

Seventh Son Brewing

There are tons of incredible beer options in this city but when hosting a friend, it’s important to also think about atmosphere and we think Seventh’s Sons indoor and outdoor environments are home runs.

For the Introvert

Close quarters

Close Quarters is a new private e-sports training facility and social club at480 West Town Street in Franklinton. The space will act as a hybrid between improving video game skills and physically interacting with others in the scene.

Kingmakers

So technically, you guys would be out of the house but that doesn’t mean you actually have to interact with those weird, awful things called people. Grab a chess board, a few PBRs and do your thing. At least you can say you got off the couch.

For the Creative

400 West Rich Street

The second Friday of every month, 400 West Rich St holds Franklinton Fridays, a time for artists to open up their studios to curious outsiders and really flex their creative muscles. Come explore all that art, science, and the community has to offer.

AR Workshop

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AR Workshop is a DIY craft shop and boutique that offer hands-on classes where customers can use raw materials to create home decor like wood signs, trays, throw pills, Lazy Susans, and much more. It’s like those wine and canvas establishments on steroids.

For the Sporto

Columbus Blue Jackets

March with our men in blue and red at Nationwide Arena. Fist pump to the organ, enjoy local craft cocktails and beers, and be sure to warn your guests about the goal cannon.

For the Lover

The Promenade

Photo courtesy

Would you just look at that view. Grab a swing, his/her hand, and pull up a conversation about how happy you two are to be together in one of the greatest cities in the country. **heart eyes**

Franklin Park Conservatory

The plants are fragrant, extraordinary, and beautiful (psst, that’s your pickup line). The ambiance of the Conservatory radiates romance and will give you two a perfect opportunity to literally stop and smell the roses. Perfect for photo ops, as well.

For the Shopper

Easton

Columbus’ premier outdoor mall with every store to meet your fancy. Super walkable, plenty of food and libation options, and oh so much shopping potential.

Greater Columbus Antique Mall

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Five stories of nothing but stuff. In this massive antique shop, you are guaranteed to find something that will pique your interest—whether it’s a sequence skirt or a vintage Budweiser light.

For the Music Aficionado

Used Kids Records

If this friend of yours has any love for music at all, he or she owns a record player. Hit up Used Kids for new and used vinyl from your classic faves to local newbies.

Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza

After shoving as much coal fired pizza as humanly possible down your throats, spin your chairs around towards the intimate stage where a dynamic performance will soon unfold.

Rumba Cafe

Sundays are a can’t miss night of music at Rumba. Hoodoo Soul band commandeers the stage late into the night with heartfelt, groove that will send you straight into the crowd with your hips shaking.

For the Foodie

There aren’t enough hours in the day, days in a week, weeks in a year, or years in a life to show someone every bit of the most awesome food Columbus has to offer. But here are some of our favorites where the photos do all the talkin’: