Come to Columbus and see why the city is emerging as a fashion and art hub. With all the options for exploring, girlfriend groups are sure to have a good time
It’s no secret that, on occasion, girlfriends just need to get away and have a night out or weekend made especially for them. Columbus, Ohio is a fun city teeming with a lively arts district and plenty of unique shopping and pampering opportunities. Choose Columbus for your next girlfriends package and see what all the fuss is about.
Art Havens
Columbus Museum of Art
1. Hilton Columbus Downtown
Check in for your stay at the Hilton Columbus Downtown, which features a stunning art collection comprising over 150 original pieces by Central Ohio artists. The artwork is displayed in function space, guest rooms and public areas of the hotel, creating a distinctive cultural experience while sparking the imagination.
At the hotel’s Gallerie Bar & Bistro, guests can indulge in happy hour while gazing upon the art.
2. Short North Arts District
Filled with enlightening works of art, the Short North Arts District has everything imaginable, from folk to fine art. The collection of galleries proudly celebrates the artistic heritage of this vibrant city.
Girlfriend getaway groups are invited to spend the evening in Columbus’ Short North Arts District with its wide array of galleries and nightlife. Browse through the Short North Arts District Art Trail online tutorial to learn how to navigate the trail and gain access to attractive deals and offers from businesses in the area.
3. Gallery Hop
Landing on the first Saturday of every month is Columbus’ beloved Gallery Hop, where visitors are invited to celebrate art throughout the evening with street performers, new gallery exhibitions, special events, food and drinks throughout the Short North Arts District.
Thousands of visitors flock to High Street for the city’s favorite night of the month. Gallery Hop starts at 3 p.m. and runs until 10, with bars and restaurants staying open late into the night.
Shop ’Til You Drop
Penn & Beech Candle Co.
4. Glenn Avenue Soap Company
Take a lesson in how essential oils are blended to create custom scents at Glenn Avenue Soap Company. Afterwards, guests can weigh, blend and pour the ingredients for their own beer soap crafted with local brew.
This unique Columbus experience began in Dr. Sandra Metzler’s kitchen after she grew concerned about the risk associated with harmful and artificial ingredients in her family’s skin care products. The shop is dedicated to high-quality products that are safe for both people and the environment.
5. Grandview Avenue
Located just two miles from downtown Columbus, Grandview Avenue is one of the city’s most beloved areas. This walkable, bike-able neighborhood is a hybrid of urban flair and quaint neighborhood warmth.
Independent specialty shops, cutting-edge salons and curated, New York-style boutiques are just a few Grandview Avenue favorites. Pick from dozens of scents and, with help from the experts, hand pour a Penn & Beech Candle Co. candle. The candle needs just over an hour to set, enough time to explore other shops along Grandview.
6. Mukha Custom Cosmetics & Med-Spa
Hop to Mukha Custom Cosmetics & Med-Spa to shop for skincare products that are 100 percent mineral based and free of oil, alcohol, fragrance and talc.
Girlfriends can visit the spa and choose from custom lip glosses, foundations and blushes. The spa also offers a plethora of services, including lash and brow care, dermal therapy, body treatments and bridal services.
Local Favorites
Milestone 229
7. Columbus Museum of Art
Another art-friendly hotspot, the Columbus Museum of Art invites girlfriends on a guided customized tour exploring various collections and exhibitions. Pair it with a special workshop that’ll have everyone taking home a handmade work of art.
Head to the Wonder Room, an experimental, one-of-a-kind gallery with works of art displayed in unexpected ways and custom, hands-on activities designed to inspire creativity.
8. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Get close to exotic plant life at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. If your group would like, couple your visit with a workshop in gardening, cooking, art or wellness.
Visitors can explore over 400 species of plants from around the globe. Take in the beauty of James Turrell’s Light Raiment II light installation, a performance that begins every evening at dusk, or marvel upon the glasswork of Dale Chihuly.
After wandering through the conservatory and gardens, visitors can head to the Garden Café and Food Truck to taste foods using some of the best local and seasonal ingredients, including produce and herbs grown in the conservatory’s garden.
9. North Market
Sweet and savory smells abound at the North Market, home to 35 merchants and farmers sharing cuisine from around the world. Nibble your way around this historic Columbus institution, dedicated to highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of the local community.
With approximately one million visitors annually, the market features butchers, bakers and candy makers who grow, catch, make, produce, cook and distribute their wares.
10. Blowout Bar
Pamper yourselves at the first-class and affordable Blowout Bar. Aiming for convenience and fun, Blowout Bar was created as a place where clients could get professional and reasonably priced blowouts in a beautiful space and atmosphere.
Starting with a hair wash and scalp massage followed by an expert blow-dry method, the salon then utilizes high-powered hair dryers, round brushes and other styling tools to achieve a crisp and finished look ideal for a night out on the town with your closest girlfriends.
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