Ohio's only public market is in Columbus and certainly worth a walk through. North Market was first established in 1876 and is home to more than 30 vendors selling a range of products, including fresh meat, produce, baked goods, cheese and flowers. On select Saturdays, a portion of the market is set up outside, and on Sundays in June to October local artwork, furniture, jewelry and more is also on display.

Enjoying a baseball game at Huntington Park is one of recent travelers' favorite things to do. The homegrown Columbus Clippers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians and visitors appreciate the views, the atmosphere and the affordability of games at this ballpark. The park can accommodate 10,000 but most say it's rarely crowded, allowing for visitors to walk around and explore different parts of the stadium. Recent travelers added there's not a bad seat in the house.

This village earned its name from the German immigrants who settled here in the early 19th century. Much of the neighborhood has retained its Germanic roots, evident in the architecture and cuisine found here. For delectable sausage, schnitzel and cream puffs, Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus is the place to go. There's also an annual Haus und Garten Tour and German Village Oktoberfest. And don't worry: You can walk off all that food with a stroll in nearby Schiller Park, named for German poet Friedrich Schiller. The European aesthetic of the neighborhood, as well as its local shops and restaurants (The Book Loft and the Golden Hobby Shop, for instance) make it one of the most charming places in Columbus.

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is filled with flowers, greenery and even Chihuly glass. The attraction's greenhouses are home to more than 400 species of plants found in various climates and regions, including the Himalayas, the Pacific, the rainforest and the desert. Several exhibitions are also scheduled throughout the year, and these range in theme from "Blooms and Butterflies" to "Origami in the Gardens."

After years of organization and environmental rehabilitation, the Scioto Mile opened in 2015 and comprises several acres of parkland. Miles of trails snake along the Scioto River – perfect for strolling, jogging or biking – and the 15,000-square-foot interactive fountain (and its water spouts) at Bicentennial Park attracts young ones while the park's free summer concert series appeals to the adult crowd. The area is also home to a free outdoor climbing wall and the environmental- and conservation-focused Audubon Center. Recent visitors said a visit here can make for a romantic evening, a fun-filled family day or a place for solo reflection and admiration of the city. Travelers add the sunset views are spectacular and that you should remember to bring your camera to capture the moment.

You'll find the open-air shopping district, Easton Town Center, about a 10 miles northeast of downtown Columbus, up I-670 E. Hosting stores like Nordstrom, Coach and Crate and Barrel, the district also welcomes a farmers market on Thursdays from June to August. The complex is home to a number of restaurants as well, which range from fast and casual (Panera Bread and Cosi) to more upscale establishments like Smith & Wollensky and Mitchell's Ocean Club. Come summertime, Easton Town Center hosts several events, including art shows, yoga classes, movie screenings and concerts.

This museum is geared toward kids, but adults don't seem bored by its interactive exhibits either. From a science park and computer simulators to the energy explorers interactive laboratory and live science shows, the Center of Science and Industry (or COSI) is jam-packed with interesting things to do and see. Museumgoers can ride in a space capsule, learn more about ocean exploration technology and "order" science exhibits to work on as a group (three particular traveler favorites). Meanwhile, the COSI Planetarium treats visitors to a presentation on the planets, stars and universe, while the National Geographic Giant Screen Theater shows films on the national parks, Africa's terrain and creatures, and more. 

Even though this museum is not particularly large, visitors say its artwork and exhibits are fascinating. The Columbus Museum of Art introduced a new wing in 2015 with additional gallery space for permanent collections and rotating exhibits. Speaking of traveling exhibits, museumgoers said they appreciated the different collections highlighted, adding that the rotating schedule means new art is showcased every few months. Another perk according to past visitors: the Wonder Room, aimed at engaging children with hands-on activities designed to teach them about art.