If you're planning a trip to Columbus, Ohio for this year's OSU-Michigan game on November 24th, staying in a vacation rental is a great option! You'll be close to the action but will have a home base where you can barbecue, hang out with your college buddies, and explore the neighborhoods of Columbus.
Here are our five favorite neighborhoods in Columbus where we think you will enjoy renting a vacation home for the game. We chose these rentals for you based on their proximity to bars, restaurants, and OSU. (No worries, we also understand that depending on which side you're on, you may or may not want to be in OSU fan territory!)
Click here to see all the vacation rentals in Columbus that are available during game weekend!
Where To Stay In Columbus For The OSU-Michigan Game In 2016
1. University District
Staying in the Ohio State University district is an experience like no other. On game day Lane Avenue, the main road connecting cars and foot traffic to Ohio Stadium, transforms into a fan frenzy, as students, alumni, and families come from across the state of Ohio to join in on the fun. Bars up and down Lane Avenue host tailgating parties and students prepare for the game at their apartments with friends. Food stands and buckeye souvenirs stores open for fans early, often before many students are even awake, in anticipation of the day’s festivities. Check out this 1-bedroom apartment in North University District and you’ll be in the center of the action!
Click here to see all the vacation rentals in Columbus that are available during game weekend!
2. Short North District
One of the trendiest neighborhoods in Columbus, the Short North is known for its nightlife, casual bars and restaurants, and arts scene. The best part about staying in this neighborhood is its proximity to High Street, the main road in Columbus, and its public transportation system. Staying in this neighborhood gives you the option of going out to eat and drink in walking distance of your rental and then taking a short 10-minute cab ride or 30-minute bus ride to the game. In fact, you may end up liking the neighborhood so much you’ll want to catch the game at on of the nearby bars. Try Arch City Tavern or Bernard’s Tavern and watch the game where the locals (who don’t have tickets) do. Stay in this beautifully restored Short North home and be close enough to all the entertainment the neighborhood has to offer.
Click here to see all the vacation rentals in Columbus that are available during game weekend!
3. Downtown Columbus
Want to go to the game but stay in the sleek, up-and-coming downtown of Columbus? Check out this two-story deluxe king room with a view of the Scioto River. Get a room with two queen beds so you and your friends can enjoy the game together, or choose a king size bed and treat yourself for the weekend. Downtown Columbus offers visitors the Scioto Mile, an urban oasis made up of 175+ acres of parkland, pedestrian paths and bikeways. It’s home to North Market, an indoor bazaar where over 30 permanent restaurants, produce farms, and craft vendors from around Ohio open shop 7 days a week. After you’ve watch the Buckeyes beat the team in blue, check out the Columbus Bluejackets team take on an NHL opponent at Nationwide Arena or see what event is taking place at the Columbus Convention Center. There’s always something happening downtown, and it’s just a short 8-minute cab ride on the highway or 45-minute bus ride to Ohio Stadium.
Click here to see all the vacation rentals in Columbus that are available during game weekend!
4. German Village
Get away from the noise of the city and stay in historic German Village, a neighborhood just south of downtown. This neighborhood was settled in the 19th century by a German population that made up nearly one-third of the population in Columbus. Named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, German Village has maintained and renovated many original buildings and has become a delightful place for visitors to walk up and down cobblestone brick streets. It is located just over 5 miles from Ohio Stadium or about a 45-minute bus ride on public transportation. Before or after the game, while you’re out exploring the German-style architecture of storefronts and houses, head to Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant for some authentic German eats. Their sausage and sauerkraut are big hits among customers, and they’re also rumored to have the best cream puff in Columbus. When you’re stuffed, walk to nearby Schiller Park, a 23-acre park located right in the middle of German Village. The Ohio State Fair was held at this park in the 1860s, and it is the second oldest park in the city. You can even stay at the Schiller Park Guesthouse, where a boutique experience awaits!
Click here to see all the vacation rentals in Columbus that are available during game weekend!
5. Grandview Heights
Grandview Heights is an up-and-coming neighborhood for young adults and families alike. The draw to this neighborhood is that it is off the main drag of High Street, but close enough that a cab ride wouldn’t be unreasonable. Before the big game, head to Stauf’s Coffee Roasters for some outstanding brew, or buy a bag of their in-house-roasted beans to take home. You can even smell all the different roasts before buying! After the game, if it’s particularly cold, consider catching a flick at the Grandview Theater and Drafthouse. You can relax with one of 40 beers on draft and watch the rotating movie the theater has selected. Or, keep the excitement from the game going and stop by Woodland’s Tavern for some live music and some seriously cheap eats. The front patio contains a fire pit and seating, so if it’s not too cold yet, this is a definitely a place to spend the evening. Even with all these choices and more, Grandview Heights is still just a 12-minute cab ride or 25-minute bus ride. Check out this hotel on Tripping.com with free Wi-Fi, free parking, and an indoor pool!
Click here to see all the vacation rentals in Columbus that are available during game weekend!
This article was written by Julianne Aiello.