I Asked Our AI-Travel Planner for a Weekend Adventure in Columbus, Ohio – Here’s What It Created

I won't lie, the first time I visited Columbus, Ohio, I just wanted to see our dear friends and Fiona the hippo. There wasn't much else on my radar. But it only took a handful of days in Columbus to discover what makes that capital city so special. It's a bastion of arts, history, and tasty food, I've been dying to get back to. In that adventurous spirit, I was curious what the AI-powered Only In Your State Travel Planner had to say about the city.

Surprisingly, it had a lot to say about a weekend adventure for my spouse and me. The AI planner found a few of the usual must-dos and introduced me to a few new places, including a hotel I have to see.

What to Do in Columbus

As a writer, people are often surprised to learn that I'm not much of a reader. Though there is one type of reading I can't resist—a comic book or graphic novel. And first on our planner's agenda is The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. Believe it or not, it is home to the world's largest collection of cartoons and comics! This inky gem is on the Ohio State University campus, housed in Sullivant Hall. Art and comic aficionados can appreciate the museum, especially its vast collection of original artwork.

There's another piece of unique artwork in Columbus, and the AI planner knew it was a must-see. It's hard to be in the city without seeing it. LeVeque Tower, the second-tallest building in Columbus, will absolutely blow you away. I'm a sucker for anything Art Deco, so this 1920s beauty is anything but a disappointment. While the tower has private residences and Hotel LeVeque, you can go inside to admire its ornate aesthetic. Even the towering exterior of LeVeque is enough to catch your breath, with windows cascading like a waterfall in downtown Columbus. Its visage is something I'm sure most visitors wouldn't expect on their first adventure into this artistically-blessed city. (Though it's too bad the observation deck is gone.)

Where to Eat in Columbus

You might not get to peek over Columbus from the LeVeque observation deck anymore, but that doesn't mean high-in-the-sky views are out of the question. At the coolest rooftop bar in Ohio, Lincoln Social Rooftop, cocktails are served with a side of unparalleled views. Where else can you order sushi and pizza in the city without leaving your table? Guests must be 21 and older, perfect for a romantic weekend or solo adventure away from any young kiddos. That makes this noshery a top-notch recommendation from the AI planner.

Where to Stay in Columbus

My biggest piece of advice for Columbus visitors is to stay downtown. This is one of the most walkable cities in the country, which is why the planner's suggestion to stay at The Junto was so perfect. Probably one of the swankiest hotels in Ohio, this spot comes complete with its own rooftop bar and views of LeVeque Tower so you can admire it from afar. The Junto is also ideal for fellow city wanderers like myself. It isn't in the heart of downtown, yet that doesn't stop the immense walkability from this hotel. Even Genoa Park is only a few blocks away, making this the perfect accommodation for the Columbus Taco Fest!

For those who would rather visit Columbus but escape the noise at night, my favorite recommendation from the AI planner is DogHouse Columbus. The world's first craft beer hotel is roughly 20 minutes outside of downtown in Canal Winchester. This beer-themed hotel is housed within a working brewery; each room has its own epic mini fridge full of beer and beer on tap! Plus, fittingly, it's dog-friendly. While I'm not a beer drinker, I'm utterly fascinated by the concept, and my craft beer drinking spouse would probably love it with our best pal Puggsley in tow.

How Did the AI Trip Planner Do?

Full disclosure: This isn't the first time I've used the Only In Your State AI travel planner. I used it before to see how well it could plan a weekend adventure in Madison, WI. Yet I am once again amazed at how well it was able to make itinerary decisions that weren't all the same old choices. I can't wait to put this itinerary to good use! After all, Fiona's got a brother named Fritz whom I still haven't seen.

This article was made using our award-winning dashboard planner. Feel free to check it out!