I admit it: When I had the chance to chat with Travel Channel's Samantha Brown at the AAA Great Vacations Travel EXPO in Columbus, OH, last month I had a serious fan girl moment. I have been watching her shows including Great Weekends and Passport to Europe since her debut. And, if I was going to be inspired by a world traveler, she would be the one.
On the expo's last day in town, Samantha was the guest of honor- and I was elated! She talked about making traveling experiences count and easy ways to really immerse yourself in your vacation. She chatted about her twins and how they travel.
The end of her time on the stage for the day was a quick Q&A and I couldn't wait to ask a burning question: Where would Samantha Brown take her kids in Columbus? Yep, that's me with the microphone in the photo above.
These three answers are perfect for first time visitors to Ohio's capital or for families that have visited a dozen times as there's always something new, fun, and delicious!
North Market
Columbus' only true public market remaining, North Market is filled with bakeries, ethnic food vendors, a flower vendor, delis, and coffee bars. A true eclectic place to shop and visit, kids will love wandering the aisles and choosing delicious food offerings.
The Kid and I visited on a Saturday morning just as the market opened and had so much fun choosing donuts from Destination Donuts and gorgeous, colorful macarons at Pistacia Vera.
Franklin Park Conservatory
Samantha Brown is spot on with this pick: if The Kid had her choice of spots to visit in Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory would be high on her list. The indoor and outdoor botanical garden has new, gorgeous displays and offerings every time we make the trip and she can never get enough of the Chihuly displays.
She loves to sit in one of the lower rooms and watch Dale Chihuly create stunning, vibrant glass art pieces compliments of a documentary showcasing his creativity.
If you're in town during the winter holidays, Franklin Park Conservatory is decked to the nines with holiday decorations, plants, and hundreds of poinsettias- and a giant revolving music box!
The Short North
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| Photo Credit: flickr.com/VasenkaPhotography |
The third spot Samantha Brown recommended for families visiting Columbus with children is The Short North and I'm in total agreement. Adjacent to Downtown Columbus' Arena District, The Short North is filled with art, shopping, and great restaurants. Why the recommendation? She said many of the shops are locally-owned businesses- love that! It's always a good idea to support the local economy and businesses in your traveling area.
Did you have chance to see Samantha Brown at AAA Great Vacations Travel EXPO? She was so informative and I plan on taking as many of her tips for travel as I can and putting them to good use.
Did you have chance to see Samantha Brown at AAA Great Vacations Travel EXPO? She was so informative and I plan on taking as many of her tips for travel as I can and putting them to good use.
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