Looking for a quick weekend away with friends?  Here are some of our top recommendations for how to spend 36 hours in Westerville, Ohio this summer:

Arrive Friday in the late afternoon and check into the beautiful Renaissance Hotel in Westerville. Here you will find everything you need to relax and unwind after your travels.  Take a dip in the indoor pool or enjoy a craft cocktail outside in their beautiful “backyard.” Hungry? The Two-One Restaurant, Bar & Outdoor Patio is the perfect spot to grab an appetizer or small bite.

Next, head to Uptown Westerville for dinner and enjoy the sounds from live musicians throughout the streets of our charming, historic district. Choose from a variety of local restaurants like Asterisk Supper Club or Uptown Deli & Brew.

After dinner, head to Good Vibes Winery or Java Central Cafe in Uptown to enjoy a night cap and live music performances.

Brick walk outside of Java Central Cafe

Saturday morning, rise and shine with the Westerville Farmer’s Market taking place behind City Hall in Uptown Westerville from 9am-12pm. Grab a quick breakfast and coffee at Espresso Air in Uptown before you head into the market.

Following the market, take time to explore Westerville’s collection of boutique shops. Pop into any participating DORA establishment to grab your favorite adult beverage to sip on while you shop. Take note of all the beautiful public art and historical plaques as you stroll. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, hop down to North High Brewing for lunch on their patio.

For the remainder of the afternoon, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained, active, or relaxed – whatever you are in the mood for!

• Pop into Blend Candle Co. in Uptown for a one-of-a-kind experience where you can create your own custom candle, reed diffuser or sugar scrub.
• Check out the Westerville History Museum to learn more about Westerville’s unique history
• Enjoy a beautiful walk through Inniswood Metro Gardens
• Purchase tickets ahead of time for the Uptown Epic Beer Walk which kicks off every Saturday at 2pm.
• Relax with a cigar at the Governor’s Cigar Lounge in Uptown

For the evening, we suggest an outing to the Westerville Golf Center for miniature golf or a Create & Sip class at Uptown Art & Clay (be sure to sign up and purchase tickets ahead of time for this!). Or, if you just want to take it easy, head to Giammarco’s Italian Restaurant on the North Side of Westerville for delicious food and great atmosphere.

On your way out of town on Sunday morning, stop into Delaney’s Diner or the Family Room Coffee and Bake Shop for breakfast.  Both are local favorites situated on the South end of Westerville and close to Interstate 270.

By: Robin Collins