Just south of downtown Columbus lies German Village, one of the most idyllic neighborhoods in the country. Built by German settlers hundreds of years ago, the area is defined by its brick homes and shops, as well as brick-lined streets. Historic charm and modern tweaks exist side by side here. Peruse local businesses that include delicious pastry and coffee shops, the truly unique 32-room Book Loft .

German Village is such a beautiful place to spend a day walking in the fall:

-Have brunch on Lindey's beautiful outdoor patio

-Grab a coffee at Stauf's then peruse the unique and vast selection of books at The Book Loft

-Order a sandwich to-go for lunch from Brown Bag Deli or a gigantic cinnamon roll from Fox in The Snow Cafe to enjoy while you walk around Schiller Park

-Have a traditional German-Style dinner at Schmidt's Sausage Haus (and OMG the cream puffs!)

The Short North Arts District is always creating what’s next. Explore the creative backbone of central Ohio – where the city comes to shop, taste, and discover. Encounter vibrant happenings along High Street, where historic and modern buildings are home to 300+ independent shops, local restaurants, and artful experiences.

Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, the Scioto Mile is an urban oasis comprised of more than 175 acres of lush parkland. Stretching along the waterfront from the vibrant Arena District to the natural beauty of the Whittier Peninsula, our riverfront parks connect downtown to the Scioto River through an integrated system of parks, boulevards, bikeways and pedestrian paths.

Easton Town Center is the Midwest’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination with open-air town squares, fountains, and parks.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art and nature-based exhibitions, and educational programs for all ages. Situated on 40 acres on the eastern side of Franklin Park, the Conservatory features the historic 1895 John F. Wolfe Palm House; 83,000 square feet of glasshouses; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden; and meeting and event spaces. The Conservatory owns the largest collection of glass artwork by Dale Chihuly in a botanical garden and is home to internationally recognized light artist James Turrell’s Light Raiment II, which illuminates the John F. Wolfe Palm House every evening from dusk until dawn.

As seen on National Geographic’s “Secrets of the Zoo,” the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to more than 10,000 animals representing 600 species from around the globe. Of these species, more than 34 are endangered and 11 are threatened, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. For more than 95 years, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has evolved to be a cornerstone of the community and a destination inspiring the appreciation and conservation of many of the earth's most amazing animals.