Visiting Columbus and Central Ohio

Its fall in Columbus with fans crowding the stands at The Horseshoe for Ohio State Buckeye football. With a capacity of over 100,000, Ohio Stadium is the place to be on game days. Dress in Buckeye red and be ready for O-H-I-O to ring through the crowds. Columbus suburbs like Grove City, Canal Winchester and Pickerington liven up fall with community events and central Ohio hospitality. Take a drive west on Interstate 70 for a fall visit to Englewood and the Dayton area. If you're near Dayton on Veterans Day the National Museum of the US Air Force is an ideal spot to honor US service men and women.

Columbus, Ohio’s largest city and the state capital, is beautiful for a fall visit. The Ohio Statehouse celebrates its 150th anniversary throughout 2011. Join the official celebration on November 15th featuring an open house and artists fair. This will be a special day of events, including a showcase of works from Ohio artists and artisans, along with fun activities. Spend the day and enjoy samples of food and wine from across Ohio, browse for that special piece of art, and celebrate Ohio history.

Runners test your training at the 2011 Columbus Marathon on October 16th. Events include a half marathon and walkers are encouraged to participate. Sponsored by Nationwide Insurance, the Columbus Marathon features nearly 100 live bands and entertainment stations to keep the runners and crowds motivated. The start is near the Ohio Statehouse on East Broad Street, with the finish line in the Arena District at the Nationwide Arena.

Enjoy a family Halloween in Grove City at Boo on Broadway. This 2011 event takes place on Halloween, October 31st, in Grove City’s Town Center. Broadway Street is closed and transformed into a spook-tacular destination and Grove City business owners host trick-or-treating kids. Dress in your best costumes and come downtown for a safe and fun Halloween.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the National Museum of the United States Air Force host several special fall events. Near Dayton, the National Museum of the USAF is the world’s largest military aviation museum. Honor US War Veterans on their day, November 11th, with a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum, or on Thursday, November 10th at the special Veterans Tribute. Dayton hosts Veterans Day weekend Operation Welcome Home events, starting with Thursday’s tribute. Enjoy a performance by the US Air Force Band of Flight and a tour of the Southeast Asia War Gallery.

Designated Family Days at the USAF Museum include October 15th, November 19th and December 10th. Get into the holiday spirit with a US Air Force Band of Flight holiday concert the weekend of December 3rd and 4th. Admission is free, but be sure to reserve a ticket for the performance of your choice.

Columbus and Central Ohio Hotel Map