Growing up in Lima, my family loved making daytrips a couple Saturdays a month to various towns around Ohio with the intent of trying delicious food and experiencing different attractions. At least one once a month, we went to Dublin—a Columbus suburb where 270 and 33 meet. Dublin has always had an adorable downtown and vibrant local scene, but seeing the growth of this town over the past decade has been impressive. Dublin is the perfect combination of historic and modern appeal and is one of my top recommendations of towns to visit for weekend trips in Ohio for many reasons:
1). Central Location
Dublin is located just Northwest of Columbus, making it a central location for the state. I traveled 1 hour 45 minutes from Akron and when I grew up in Lima, it took me less than 90 minutes to get to Dublin. Dublin is within 2 hours driving time of 80% of the state, making it easily accessible!
2). Bridge Park & Historic Dublin
One of the BEST parts about Dublin is the main districts are next to each other and connected on a beautiful new pedestrian bridge. You can park your car at Bridge Park on a Friday and not have to drive again until departing town. Dublin has great lodging, fantastic dining, nature, activities, and some fantastic coffee shops/bars all within walking distance of each other. For lodging, here are my recommendations based on accessibility and location:
· AC Hotels by Marriott: 6540 Riverside Dr, Dublin OH 43017
· SpringHill Suites by Marriott: 44756 Bridge Park Ave, Dublin OH 43017
3). THE FOOD AND COFFEE!
I WILL travel for quality food, and Dublin has so many amazing food options. In my trips to Dublin this year, I have tried a new place every time and I STILL have places I need to knock off my list! Whether you are visiting with family, on a date with your partner, or on a girls trip, Dublin’s variety of restaurants delivers on food, service, and ambiance. Some of my recommendations include:
101 Beer Kitchen: 7509 Sawmill Rd, Dublin OH 43016
This American Kitchen combines chef-driven food paired with quality, craft beverages. They have a seasonal, rotating menu and are family friendly. They are open for brunch too! My recommendation (Fall Menu): Butternut Squash Pierogi Appetizer and the Fall Grilled Cheese and Soup Entrée
Kitchen Social: 6791 Longshore St, Dublin OH 43017
Truly one of my favorite restaurants in Ohio, Kitchen Social’s Dublin location is their flagship and, in my opinion, their best. I highly recommend making a reservation and coming for either their Brunch or sitting at the bar and enjoying half-price apps and pizza for happy hour! My recommendation (brunch): Cheddar & Scallion Biscuits Appetizer, Breakfast Tacos Entrée, Cinnabiscuits dessert, and the mimosa sampler!
Fox in the Snow Café: 38 Bridge St, Dublin OH 43017
Best coffee and pastry shop in Columbus, hands down. Fox in the Snow features hand poured drinks, rustic pastries, and the best egg sandwich you will ever have. Do not expect Starbucks when going to Fox in the Snow for coffee. They do not feature flavors, but they know how to pull a shot of espresso well. My recommendation: New Orleans Cold Brew, Blueberry Galette (pastry), souffle egg sandwich
North Market Bridge Park: 6750 Longshore St, Dublin OH 43017
North Market is a must visit when visiting Columbus, and now they have a second location in Bridge Park! North Market is over 140 years old and filled with independent merchants, farmers, and entrepreneurs. The community seating in the center allows for you to try cuisine easily from multiple stands and I believe they feature some of the best of what Columbus has to offer. My recommendation: Hoyo’s Kitchen Somali Cuisine. Build your own bowl with either the goat or the safari chicken!
Also, I research restaurants a ton and mentioned earlier I have a list of places I am still dying to try but have not yet, so I wanted to share! My list is based on my own research but also recommendations from close friends and fellow foodies:
The Pearl: 88 N. High St, Dublin OH 43017
Valentina’s Italian: 4595 Bridge Park Ave, Dublin OH 43017
Cap City Fine Diner and Bar: 6644 Riverside Dr, Dublin OH 43017
4). Diverse Activities
From ziplining to concrete corn to Duck Pin Bowling, greater Dublin has a wide variety of fun activities that everyone can participate in! My favorites include:
Dublin Market (Saturdays from May – September)
Cost: FREE
Location: 6741 Longshore Street, Dublin OH 43017
ZipZone Ziplining (Closed until Spring 2024)
Cost: Starts at $59 PP
Location: 7925 N. High Street, Columbus OH 43235
Field of Corn
Cost: FREE
Location: 4995 Rings Road, Dublin OH 43017
Pins Mechanical Games
Cost: Varies from $1 - $6 per game
Location: 6558 Riverside Dr, Dublin OH 43017
It has been so exciting to have witnessed Dublin’s transformative growth in the past decade and it is a great place to visit. Dublin will continue to be at the top of my list of recommendations for trips for people of all ages in Ohio—whether for a day or for a weekend! Be sure to check out visitdublinohio.com to learn more about this awesome Columbus suburb.
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