Blog / Local Area

Blog

All Local Area Activities near Columbus Car Maintenance Used Vehicles Around Town Chevrolet Vehicles Honda Vehicles Auto Financing Ford Vehicles Hyundai Vehicles Mercedes Benz Vehicles Toyota Vehicles Acura Vehicles Audi Vehicles BMW Vehicles Buick Vehicles Car Warranty Chrysler Vehicles Dodge Vehicles Drive Direct Service Ford Trucks GMC Vehicles Jeeps Kia Vehicles Lexus Vehicles Mazda Vehicles Nissan Vehicles RAM Pickups Subaru Vehicles Tips and Tricks Volkswagen Vehicles
Park images | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

Just Down the Road: 4 Favorite Parks Near Columbus, OH

One of Ohio's most beautiful cities, Columbus, OH strikes an excellent balance between metropolitan excitement and relaxing natural areas. If you need a break from the big city, these parks will certainly do the trick. You can stroll, challenge a rock wall, or see some of Columbus' most gorgeous blooms right in the city itself. Your Honda Civic is a reliable ride with a great entertainment system and cruise control, perfect for getting you around Columbus. 1. Goodale Goodale, at 120 W. Goodale Boulevard, is situated in a lovely Victorian area of Columbus and is one of the most historic places in the city. Visitors will find plenty of statues commemorating famous Ohioans and their contributions, lots of green space to explore, and plenty of amenities. It's an excellent place for a picnic, and since it's conveniently located, it's the ideal place to spend a quiet afternoon in a natural and lovely space. more 2. Scioto Audubon Metro Visit Scioto Audubon Metro at 400 W. Whittier Street for some of the city's best birdwatching, walking and biking, and exercising. There's a rock-climbing wall with various obstacles perfect for a fun afternoon fitness with friends, a vast playground for the kids, and a river where you can go canoeing or kayaking. Also, you'll find plenty of parking right around Scioto Audubon Metro so it couldn't be more convenient. 3. Bicentennial Bicentennial, at 233 Civic Center Drive, sits right on the Scioto River and is one of the best spots in the city to enjoy the sunset, take a stroll, see some great public art, and picnic in one of Bicentennial's greenspaces. There are also regular festivals happening at Bicentennial, gorgeous fountains dotting the park, and lots of benches where you can sit and relax. 4. Whetstone If you want to see gorgeous gardens and roses, head to Whetstone at 3923 N. High Street. This incredible place has roses in all different colors and varieties, and it's the ideal place to see in the spring and summer. There's lots of parking, and it's entirely free to visit. Enjoy the flowers, explore the trails, and make the most of this Columbus gem.   Columbus is full of surprises, as these amazing greenspaces prove. No matter where you find yourself in the city, there's never a natural oasis too far away. Plus, many of these spots offer free entry, easy parking, and a way to experience Columbus in a brand-new way. To see the best of Columbus and the rest of the state, you'll need a reliable vehicle. Stop in and see us at Drive Direct and check out our selection of used cars today!

Kangaroos | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

3 Outdoor Activities You Can Drive to Near Columbus, OH

The vibrant, thriving city of Columbus, OH is a terrific place to live, do business, and entertain yourself. After spending a long day or week of indoor work, it's great to find a few fun outdoor activities to enjoy. We’ve got some fun ideas for you to check out listed below! Go Zip-Lining Anyone in an adventurous mood will enjoy an afternoon of heart-thumping zip-lining at ZipZone Outdoor Adventures. In a beautiful green area in the north of town, you can ascend to the forest roof for a full canopy zip-lining tour with friendly, professional zip-lining guides showing you the ropes and keeping you safe. more Along with their extremely popular zip-line tours, they have an adventure park with five different treetop obstacle courses that have sixty challenges in all, suitable for most ages. Younger kids aged four to seven can have a whale of a time at the easier Kids Park course. Find ZipZone Outdoor Adventures at 7925 North High Street. Visit the Zoo Columbus has a world-class zoo and aquarium. If you haven't been there yet, consider spending the day exploring this clean and well-laid-out zoo, marveling at wonderful animals such as lions, elephants, bonobos, bald eagles, bears, manatees, gorillas, Tasmanian devils, and many, many more. The zoo has eight clearly mapped and easy-to-navigate sections in all, promising a full day of exploration if you want to see everything. You have the Adventure Cove, Asia Quest, Heart of Africa, Congo Expedition, Polar Frontier, Australia and Islands, and Shores and Aquarium areas. There's a hands-on tide pool, a reptile house, and even a kangaroo walkabout. Visit Columbus Zoo at 4850 West Powell Road. Enjoy a Pedal-Bike Tour An original and memorable way to see the city with friends or coworkers is with Pedal Wagon Columbus, where you and the other tour members all sit around the table of a pedal-powered bike car and pedal to keep the wheels and vehicle moving. You can go on various well-planned cruises around fun parts of the city, including the Brewery Cruise, the Explore Eastern Tour, and the Northern Cap City Crawl. It's a really fun way to celebrate a birthday or team-building event, and it gets you outside to see the city from a unique perspective. You can rent your pedal bike at 848 North Pearl Street.   When you've enjoyed a little sunshine and outdoor fun with one of these terrific activities, visit Drive Direct. We're a long-standing local dealership that's been keeping the drivers of Columbus happy and safe on the roads since 1979. Our knowledgeable team members are on hand, ready to help you pick out a new-to-you vehicle that’s the best fit for your lifestyle needs, from our collection of hundreds of used cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Mexican food | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

Drive Home with Dinner: Pick Up the Best Mexican Food Near Columbus, OH

While you're hiking along the Scioto River's trails or visiting the science and art museums, you'll no doubt have worked up an appetite for dinner! And when you get that hankering for some authentic Mexican food, Columbus, OH won't let you down. There are so many choices for takeout, in fact, that you could potentially spend nearly an entire evening deciding! So let us help narrow down your decision with the following. 1. Cuco's Taqueria Some of the best things come from unassuming places, and this eatery is no different! Don't let the strip mall location fool you--Cuco's has served traditional cuisine for nearly two decades, and locals love it. From burritos, tamales, tortas, tacos, to more, you'll find it all. We like the bistec tampiqueño, the steak a la Mexicana, and the fajita dinner. They also offer family meal kits starting at just $34.95. Ordering online is easy and curbside pick-up is convenient. more 2. Adobe Agave Food goes above and beyond here at Adobe Agave, which specializes in the famous adobe bowls. Start by ordering the chips and housemade salsa and then delve into their bowls, such as the pancho barria bowl, the tres carnes bowl, the al pastor bowl, or the veggie bowl. The house specials also make for a great meal! Try the pollo sabroso, which comes with 2 sides. 3. Chile Verde This New Mexican/southwestern signature spot will have your mouth watering with its quality-cooked dinners and homemade salsas, made from imported roasted red and green chilis from New Mexico! We suggest the green chili crab cakes, the Albuquerque platter, the fire-roasted quesadilla, the fajita salad, the Navajo tacos, or the chile rellenos. Feed your whole family or group of business associates with their party platters. Ordering online is a breeze. 4. El Ranchito You'll want to try a little bit of everything at El Ranchito's! Their chorizo and shrimp empanadas are some of the biggest we've ever seen and are only $9. Also try the fish or pork tacos, which come with a healthy amount of protein and toppings for just $4 a taco, and the enchiladas which are packed with flavor. If you love spicy food, ask for the super-hot salsa. And don't forget the flan for dessert! 5. La Super Torta This is a popular place that locals frequent over and over for their tasty and fresh food. Low prices and large portions definitely do not mean that quality suffers when you order from this joint! Everything from the burritos to tortas is delicious and well-seasoned. They also make their salsas each day, so be sure to ask for one of each, from mild to hot. The homemade tortilla chips are also a must.   These are just a few of the numerous delicious spots available in our beautiful city that’ll sate your cravings with truly scrumptious cuisine. Start making your plans today! Image via pixabay.com

Wedding bouquet | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

4 Popular Wedding Venues in Driving Distance of Columbus, OH

If you plan to get married in Columbus, OH, there are many fantastic wedding venues that are ideal for creating the perfect celebration. Take a drive in a Toyota Highlander, a Hyundai Palisade, or a Chevrolet Equinox, and visit some of the best and most popular venues that offer sophisticated and elegant spaces, excellent wedding packages, gourmet cuisine, and attentive staff that will help you turn your wedding dreams into a reality. 1. Brookshire Weddings and Events The fabulous Brookshire Weddings and Events at 405 Greif Parkway in Columbus is a delightful full-service venue with all-inclusive packages and dedicated staff to cater to your every need. The venue provides exquisite cuisine and two spacious suites where the wedding party can get ready for the big day. more Say I do in the sophisticated ballroom with space for 300 guests or on the romantic Ceremony Lawn and mingle with your guests surrounded by scenic gardens with a tumbling waterfall. 2. The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at 1777 E Broad Street in Columbus offers a breathtaking natural backdrop for your wedding celebrations. The John F. Wolfe Palm House, with its lush tropical garden and towering glass ceiling, the rustic yet elegant Wells Barn, the Grand Atrium, and the Veridian, each has a picturesque garden and can accommodate 500 wedding guests. It's a full-service venue that provides on-site catering tailored to your serving style and event coordination to help you create the perfect wedding. There's also a suite where you and your entourage can prepare for your dream celebration. 3. The Blackwell Inn The Blackwell Inn at 2110 Tuttle Park Place in Columbus is a stylish ballroom wedding venue that caters to intimate ceremonies and grand receptions of up to 250 guests. There are two beautiful areas where you can exchange vows. The Grand Ballroom, with its contemporary design, modern lighting, and banquet-style seating, creates an atmosphere of elegant sophistication. The Terrace Patio is ideal if you prefer an open-air ceremony. The in-house wedding coordinator will assist you with all your planning and handle the details to create a spectacular wedding. The Blackwell Inn's catering staff provides excellent cuisine and various serving options. You are also welcome to create your own menu. 4. WatersEdge Event and Conference Venue The nine-acre WatersEdge Event and Conference Venue at 4643 Trueman Boulevard in Hilliard, 14 miles from Columbus, was designed specifically for weddings. The lodge-style venue is on the shores of a picturesque lake and is surrounded by scenic woodlands with indoor and outdoor wedding spaces. Lakeview is spacious with 24-foot vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass, magnificent views over the lake and gardens, and seating for 225 guests. The Cove is a modern, stylish space overlooking the lake, and the elegant Cedar Room is ideal for an intimate ceremony. The venue provides three wedding packages, gourmet cuisine, and relentless attention to detail to ensure your wedding is perfect. Find the ideal venue to walk down the aisle in a beautiful setting and dance the night away in style in the Columbus, OH area! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Coffee | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

5 Favorite Local Coffee Shops in Columbus, OH

There's nothing like a freshly brewed cup of coffee prepared from locally roasted beans to start your day. When you drive through Columbus, OH, you'll find lots of great coffee shops, cafes, and takeout counters with superb lattes, teas, and espresso beverages. 1. Brioso Coffee Brioso Coffee is a trendy, relaxed cafe that serves delicious brewed coffees, espresso drinks, iced drinks, and pastries for your next break or light meal. This shop operates from two locations and features a fantastic selection of quality beans to purchase in-store or online. Brioso Coffee offers premium blends, equipment, and accessories to brew your favorite cup at home. You can also purchase merchandise, including tumblers, mugs, and gift cards. more You can visit one of the cafe's two locations six days a week for breakfast and lunch from Monday through Saturday. You can place online orders for pickup on Brioso Coffee's website or enjoy your favorite espresso in the shop's relaxing dining space. 2. Roaming Goat Coffee This neighborhood coffee house is ideal for enjoying tasty cold brews, lattes, espresso-based drinks, and freshly baked goods from the local Destination Donuts and Pattycake Bakery. Roaming Goat Coffee is a popular cafe for local artists and features a gallery displaying paintings and photography. This small roastery offers an exceptional variety of quality beans, loose-leaf teas, and featured products for purchase. 3. Upper Cup Coffee Upper Cup Coffee offers in-house roasted beans and delicious coffee drinks, espressos, and pastries in a cozy, rustic cafe with friendly service and great music. You'll find this laid-back cafe offers a great selection of light breakfast and lunch fare, including sandwiches, bagels, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and more. Upper Cup Coffee is open seven days a week, from morning to early evening, and takeout service is available. 4. Third Way Café This impressive cafe offers an excellent selection of locally roasted beans, signature lattes, espressos, iced mochas, americanos, and iced brews. You'll find this shop cozy and friendly, with exceptional service. Third Way Cafe features a rental space for private events and corporate meetings, and there's a great variety of merchandise, including apparel and gift cards. It's a wonderful place to meet with friends for a coffee and a good conversation. 5. Stauf's Coffee Stauf's Coffee is a beautifully decorated cafe specializing in small-batch roasted beans and delicious drinks, including pour-over coffee, signature espresso drinks, iced brews, hot cocoa, teas, etc. This cafe offers a spacious interior with lots of seating and excellent service. Stauf's Coffee is open seven days a week, and you can order takeout or purchase coffee on the cafe's website for delivery. You'll encounter excellent cafes and coffee houses when you visit the Columbus area! Enjoy any of these scrumptious choices the next time you’ve got a craving for caffeine! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Nutcrackers | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

3 Top Holiday Shopping Spots Near Columbus, OH

Columbus, OH, offers three holiday shopping destinations where you'll find every type of gift for every budget. German Village, the Discovery District, and the Short North Arts District offer shops with fudge and candy, discounted books, vintage nutcrackers, home décor, art, fashions, jewelry from famous designers, and unique styles from local designers with independent boutiques. German Village German Village includes Schmidt's Fudge Haus and Gifts, The Red Stable, Helen Winnemore's, and The Book Loft. If you're looking for sweet, edible gifts like fudge, truffles, or peanut butter and chocolate buckeye candies, visit Schmidt's Fudge Haus and Gifts at 220 E. Kossuth Street. Then, leave plenty of time to browse at The Book Loft at 631 S. Third Street. You'll find 32 rooms of discounted books, CDs, DVDs, posters, and more. more The Red Stable, located at 223 E. Kossuth Street, features jewelry, fashion accessories, art from local artists, and German-made nutcrackers, pyramids, smokers, and Black Forest cuckoo clocks. Helen Winnemores, located at 150 E. Kossuth Street, is filled with handmade jewelry, blown glass, thrown pottery, gifts made from turned wood, home décor, accessories, and children's toys. Discovery District The Discovery District is home to The Golden Hobby Shop, the Columbus Museum of Art, and Gallery B at Blockfort. The Golden Hobby Shop is located in the Columbus Performing Arts Center at 549 Franklin Avenue. The gift shop accepts a surprising selection of woodcrafts, ceramics, paintings, quilts, and other items created by local senior citizens and sells them on a consignment basis. Located at 480 E. Broad Street, the Columbus Museum of Art gift shop features items related to its current exhibitions, books on art and design, toys for children, jewelry, accessories, and gifts ranging from fun to functional. Gallery B, located inside Blockfort at 162 N 6th Street, offers space for first-time art exhibitors. Visit the gallery often to find new artists for the art lovers and collectors on your gift list. The Short North Arts District The Short North Arts District is located along North High Street just north of the Ohio State University campus – look for the lighted arches crossing High Street over your car's roof. Visit on the first Saturday of any month starting at 3:00 PM for the Gallery Hop. You'll find new exhibitions in the galleries, boutiques serving food and drinks, restaurants hosting exhibitions, and street performers everywhere. Alcoholic beverages are intended for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly and in moderation. Do not drink and drive. The boutiques include curated and handmade items from local creators, new lines, and established brands. You'll find shops offering clothing, accessories, jewelry, home furnishings, and decor. The galleries also offer work from new artists, local artists, and nationally and internationally known artists. You'll find gifts for everyone from adults to kids in this lively, eclectic district. These are just a few of our favorite spots to score some excellent finds when it’s time to knock out your holiday shopping. Visit them and prepare to be satisfied! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Camping | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

3 Great Camping Spots in Driving Distance of Columbus, OH

The beautiful state parks a short distance from Columbus, OH, are excellent spots to get cozy around campfires, sleep under the stars, and enjoy plenty of outdoor fun. We’ve gathered together a few of our favorite sites to visit for some seriously good times out in nature – read on for more details! 1. Alum Creek State Park Campground Just a short 19 miles away at 3305 South Old State Road in Delaware, Alum Creek State Park stretches out over 4,630 acres and boasts one of the best state park campgrounds in Ohio. Here you can park your RV or pitch your tent at one of 297 campsites in a sunny spot, under a canopy of trees in the woods, or on the shores of the beautiful 3,387-acre Alum Creek Reservoir. The campsites have water and electricity and are close to the restrooms. more The campground also has a well-stocked camp store and a boat ramp. Explore the park on the hiking, mountain biking, and horseback trails that wind through lush maple and beech forests, wet your hook for bass, saugeye, bluegill, walleye, and crappie, and play a challenging game of disc golf on the 18-hole course. You can paddle and boat or relax and catch some sun on the 3,000-foot swimming beach, the largest inland beach in the state. 2. A.W. Marion State Park Campground The small and serene 310-acre A.W. Marion State Park is 30.8 miles from Columbus at 7317 Warner Huffer Road in Circleville. The lovely pet-friendly campground has electric and non-electric campsites, a camp store, ball courts, and restrooms with flush toilets. The 145-acre Hargus Lake is excellent for boating and paddling and is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. More than 12 miles of multi-use trails wind through the rolling woodlands and along the lake shore. 3. Delaware State Park Campground Delaware State Park is a 31.3-mile drive away at 5202 US Highway 23 N in Delaware and offers 1,686 acres of outdoor excitement. The scenic wooded campground has 211 campsites spread out over rolling green lawns under the trees with electricity and water, near restrooms with showers and a laundry facility. You can play basketball, volleyball, tetherball, and disc golf on the nine and 27-hole courses, and your pup can stretch his legs at the fenced-in dog park. There are miles of multi-use trails that cut through the dense forests, wetlands, and meadows and run along the shores of the 1,300-acre reservoir. Rent a boat or kayak from the fully-equipped marina, hook largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and muskie, and laze the day away on the 800-foot swimming beach. Book the best campground six months in advance on the Ohio State Park Reservations website or call (866) 644-6727. Don’t wait – the good spots fill up fast! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Ice cream bar | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

The 3 Best Places for Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt in Columbus, OH

There's no better way to savor the last days of summer than with a stop by one of the many fantastic ice cream places that call Columbus, OH home. We've narrowed down dozens of options to our top three choices, so read on to discover some delightful spots! 1. Jeni's Jeni's sources their ingredients from local farms, community providers, and grass-fed cows to create a wide collection of scoop flavors that rise above the rest. You can enjoy your cup or cone at eight storefronts located around Columbus, or order online to enjoy from the comfort of your home. Additionally, diners avoiding dairy can safely order the Orange Freeze, the Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns, the Cold Brew with Coconut, the Texas Sheet Cake, and the Lemon Bar. more Enjoy a breakfast-inspired flavor such as the Raspberry Rose Jelly Donut, the Skillet Cinnamon Roll, or the Sweet Cream Biscuits & Jam any time of the day. If you're a fan of fruit, we suggest the Brambleberry Crisp, the Wildberry Lavender, or the Goat Cheese with Red Cherries. Customers in the mood for both a frozen treat and cake are guaranteed to love the Gooey Butter Cake, the Blackout Chocolate Cake, the Buttercream Birthday Cake, and the Wedding Cake. 2. Handel's Handel's is the place to go for extensive variety, nostalgic favorites, and an unbeatable freshness from homemade scoops. Their classics are beloved for a reason, and we enjoy getting a Handel Pop covered in chocolate and a Handel's Banana Split covered in maraschino cherries every time we visit. Treat yourself to a Handel's Hurricane made from their world-famous vanilla soft serve, or go with a smoothie made with fresh fruit and sorbet for a healthier choice. All of Handel's flavors are delicious by themselves in a cup, but you can also take your scoop to the next level with the addition of a waffle bowl, whipped cream, and various toppings. Chocolate lovers should try the Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, while vanilla fans are sure to love the Praline Pecan with a butterscotch ripple. For something a little more unique, we highly suggest the Caramel Corn with Spanish peanuts and the banana-flavored Monkey Business. 3. Graeter's Graeter's has been well-loved for their rich and indulgent scoops, sundaes, and specialty frozen cakes since 1870. Fans swear by their famous chip flavors, and we especially enjoy the Coconut Chocolate Chip, the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and the Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip. When it comes to classic flavors, it's hard to go wrong with the Brown Butter Bourbon, the Maple Cinnamon Crunch, the Oregon Strawberry, or the Chunky Chunky Hippo! Cakes are made from a freshly baked 8'' round cake sliced and filled with more than a pound of your pick of flavor such as the Cookies & Cream Supreme with mini sandwich cookies and the Black Raspberry Chocolate Bliss with marshmallows. If you're more of a pie person, savor the Buckeye Blitz Pie topped with bittersweet chocolate or the Turtle Pecan Pie with butterscotch and almost two pounds of frozen goodness in the center. A delicious scoop (or two!) is waiting at any of these places, and we're positive that you'll love whatever flavor you pick! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Pizza | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

4 of the Best Pizza Joints Near Columbus, OH

Sometimes it seems like all people do is disagree, but one thing that we can all agree on in Columbus, OH is how much we love pizza! There are plenty of great pizzerias here in our town serving up the good stuff for hungry members of our community. If you're looking for the best pizza, look no further than these local businesses! 1. Hounddog's Pizza Hounddog's Pizza lives up to its motto of serving pizza for the people by offering a variety of delicious menu items that has something for everybody! Whether you're dining in and enjoying their relaxed atmosphere or grabbing one of their take-and-bake pizzas to make in the comfort of your own home, you're sure to love what they serve you. more Their Señor Dog pie puts a Tex-Mex spin on the classic pizza that you know and love. Taco-seasoned ground beef and some jalapenos for extra spice come together with salsa, a medley of vegetables, and plenty of cheese to create a winning combination. A side of sour cream helps you cool off this spicy pie for a nice contrast of flavors. 2. Tommy's Pizza Having opened its doors all the way back in 1952, Tommy's Pizza has been a favorite in our town for decades. You'll taste the years of tradition that this place traces its roots to when you bite into your slice here. Their All-The-Way pizza comes with a delicious mix of toppings, giving you all that supreme pizza flavor that you crave. Pepperoni and sausage together with fresh green bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions provide you with a pizza that has the works on it for you to enjoy. Get a slice of rich and creamy cheesecake for dessert to finish your meal with a bang! 3. Borgata Pizza Cafe Authentic Italian food and New York-style pizza make Borgata Pizza Cafe a real treat every time you visit. Whether you're stopping by to grab a pie or getting it brought right to you thanks to their delivery service, the fresh ingredients they use will create a pizza that simply blows you away. Order some bruschetta and Tuscan pesto bread to go with your pizza as the perfect snack on the side while you enjoy your feast of deliciousness. As far as your pie goes, you can't go wrong with their three-cheese White Pizza. The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and feta cheese is a winning combination we kept coming back for. 4. King's Pizza Another spot worthy of submitting a claim to the crown of tastiest pizza in our area is King's Pizza. One thing that helps the flavors here stand out is the hand-tossed pizza crust that serves as the base for your pie. We're big fans of their chicken alfredo pizza, with creamy alfredo sauce and tender chicken topped off with an extra helping of cheese. Great pizza is something that everybody can get behind! The next time you’ve got a craving, check out one of these scrumptious spots for a new twist on an old classic! You may wonder why you waited so long to treat yourself! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Chinese food | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

Where to Find the Best Chinese Food in Columbus, OH

When you have a craving for a plate of sweet and sour pork, lo mein, or shrimp fried rice, you can discover some of the best Chinese food in Columbus, OH, and the surrounding area. There are excellent eateries, takeout counters, and locally owned Chinese restaurants to enjoy all your favorite dishes. 1. Happy House Chinese Restaurant Happy House Chinese Restaurant offers dine-in and takeout options. If you're looking for the standard Chinese fare, you'll find some great dishes, including Mongolian beef, egg rolls, Singapore noodles, and chop suey. Menu items are available all day, including regular chef specials and a lunch menu. There are vegetarian dishes and arrangements for special dietary needs. more 2. Sunflower Chinese Restaurant Sunflower Chinese Restaurant provides a friendly, cozy dining space with all your favorite dishes. You can order a variety of tasty entrees and appetizers, including dim sum, fried rice and noodle dishes, egg rolls, soups, as well as other tasty Cantonese-style options. This diner offers a large banquet room that you can book for parties and special events. 3. Hunan Lion If you're looking for a fantastic restaurant with dine-in and takeout options for your next meal, you'll enjoy Hunan Lion. This friendly fine dining establishment is located in a strip mall and offers affordable, tasty stir-fry plates, noodle dishes, curry, seafood, Thai entrees, and more. Hunan Lion offers a spacious dining room with banquet facilities for corporate events and private parties. 4. Little Dragons Little Dragons is a great local eatery that serves authentic Chinese dishes with lots of vegetarian options. It's the ideal place to visit on your lunch break when the diner offers mid-day specials. There's an extensive menu of reasonably priced entrees, soups, sides, and appetizers. You'll find all your favorite meals and light fare, including various vegan options and a kids' menu. Little Dragons offers online ordering for curbside pick-up and delivery. 5. Yau's Chinese Bistro Yau's Chinese Bistro is the ideal place where you'll find delicious Cantonese food, bubble tea, and smoothies. This fun and casual place has a cozy dining area, and offers vegetarian dishes for those with a specialty diet. Some of the restaurant's favorites include pork and eggplant, fried rice noodles with beef, as well as some truly terrific hot pot dishes. This shop offers a convenient ordering service for delivery and curbside pick-up. 6. Peking Wok This quaint cafe offers a beautiful selection of authentic fare, including egg foo young, lo mein, chop suey, and fried rice dishes. You'll find some great specials during lunch hour, so you can order and pick up at Peking Wok's location in the Franklinton Square Shopping Center. Every dish is served in large portions with plenty of fantastic flavors and additional customization options. You'll love the friendly service and quality food offered at this local gem! There are a lot of terrific Chinese restaurants and takeout counters to order your favorite entree, combination plate, or family special – or maybe you’ll be bold and try something new! Start making plans to visit one – or all! – and who knows, you may find a new favorite spot! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Barbecue | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

Where to Find the Best Barbecue in Columbus, OH

The right barbecue can satisfy your hunger and introduce you to new flavors. If you're craving some great BBQ, then you're in luck when you travel to Columbus and the nearby areas! We're going to look at where you can go to find the best barbecue in and around the Columbus, OH area. B&K Smoke House Serves Some of the Best Barbecue in Columbus, OH B&K Smoke House is known around the area for its simple, no-frills barbecue that is sure to satisfy even the most seasoned of barbecue fans. The restaurant is famous among both locals and travelers for its unique approach to smoked meats and barbecue sauce. The restaurant has received much acclaim from local publications; they even received Columbia Gas of Ohio's Customer Spotlight in April 2020. more On the menu, at B&K Smoke House you can expect to enjoy some tender smoked meats and timeless sauces. Make sure you try out one of the restaurant's combos, such as pulled pork sandwich combo, which includes a sandwich, a side dish, and a drink. This combo is one of the best ways to try out the main courses at the restaurant, as well as a legendary side dish such as baked beans, coleslaw, or potato salad. Smoked On High BBQ Keeps Things Simple and Timeless If you don't want to have any lingering hesitations about choosing the right BBQ restaurant when you're in town, then Smoked On High BBQ is the place for you. The menu here won't bring you and your group any surprises. This is classic American barbecue food at its best. Try out a smoked brisket to sample the classic flavors of the chefs here. Make sure you pile on some tasty side dishes as well. If you can't make up your mind, be sure to try the South High Sampler, which includes five of the restaurant's signature smoked meats. Ray Ray's Hog Pit Clintonville Is a Local Staple for Good Reason A bit outside of Columbus, you'll find Ray Ray's Hog Pit Clintonville. Ray Ray's isn't the fanciest place in town, but the food is well worth the visit. As a local fixture in town, the menu at Ray Ray's Hog Pit carries everything you might expect; from smoked ribs and brisket to sausage and chicken, there's great barbecue here for everyone. City Barbeque and Catering Provides Fresh and Diverse Flavors City Barbeque and Catering is a great spot for tourists to try if they're not familiar with barbecue. The menu is clear and simple here. What stands out is the quality of the food. Everything is prepared with fresh ingredients and smoked to perfection. Try out some of their sharable side dishes such as cheesy bacon fries to make the perfect addition to your main course. As you can see from the list that we've outlined above, you have plenty of great choices to pick from when you're in the area and you're craving some BBQ. We hope you can try out one – or all! – of the restaurants in our amazing city!

Museum | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

7 Fantastic Museums in and Around Columbus, OH

You won't find a more varied and eclectic mix of museums to visit than in Columbus, OH. There’s no shortage of themes to explore, and something for everyone no matter your interest or curiosity! Check out the top facilities in the area to spend an entire day with your family. Center of Science and Industry More commonly known as COSI, this museum has a rich history dating back to its opening to the public in 1964. Standout exhibits include Big Science Park, and the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery (very popular with kids!) There is also a mix of classic and virtual exhibits, a giant screen theatre, a planetarium, and a very unique Atomic Café to stop for lunch where it's encouraged to play with your food! more National Veterans Memorial and Museum The National Veterans Memorial's purpose is to honor the legacy of the courageous men and women who serve the country; it also serves to connect, inspire, and educate all visitors. One of the newest facilities in the area, a walk through the landscaped Memorial Grove is an absolute must, with its beautiful elm trees and rooftop sanctuary. Various exhibits provide first-hand viewpoints from the front lines of combat war veterans through letters and photos. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens This 88-acre complex is an absolute treat for visitors as the greenhouses and gardens take you on a journey across so many different landscapes from the desert to the rainforest. There are more than 400 species of plants in the gardens, including a spectacular Palm House, which is a popular location for local weddings. Perfect for the entire family, there’s also a two-acre adventure course for children to explore and appreciate Ohio's landscape. Columbus Museum of Art The Columbus Museum of Art specializes in sculptures, paintings, photography, and glasswork from American and European artists across the 19th and 20th centuries. There are plenty of community events held year-round in the atrium such as festivals, performances, and lectures. A museum store that has many fun and functional gifts to purchase will complete your experience here, and admission is free on Sundays! Orton Geological Museum The Orton Geological Museum is a hidden gem located on the Ohio State University campus. It’s a research facility that specializes in geological preservation, housing more than 54,000 specimens. You can explore rocks, minerals, and fossils from around the world – and even from outer space! Dinosaur enthusiasts will love it here with the newest display of a 24-foot-long early Jurassic dinosaur fossil – and best of all – admission is free. Ohio History Center The Ohio History Center is all about the history of Ohio itself, spanning from sports to the changing geological state landscape. Interactive exhibits pull you into the inventions and innovations over the years, and the role that pop culture has played at different periods. Ohio Village is located in the same complex and is a living history museum that takes you back to village life in Ohio in the late 1800s. Jack Nicklaus Museum Golf enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy visiting here, located in the heart of The Ohio State University sports complex. Columbus native Jack Nicklaus's career achievements are showcased, with more than 2,000 pieces in the vast collection in this 12,000 square-foot historical facility.   Try something different to shake up your routine and visit one or more of these fantastic sources of knowledge!

Contact Us

Fill out this form below and we'll contact you shortly
*Required Fields