Our workcation in Columbus, Ohio was a perfect balance of work and play, providing us with an exciting and refreshing break from our routine. From attending Brainiac's concert to exploring the vibrant arts scene, enjoying Yellow Brick Pizza, and speaking at The Ohio State University's Wexner Arts Center, Columbus offered us an unforgettable mix of entertainment and relaxation.
24 Hours in Columbus
After our smooth and effortless arrival at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport on Southwest Airlines, we couldn't wait to start our trip. The Turo rental process was straightforward, and we were impressed with the BMW X1 we rented for less than the price of a generic car from a big rental agency.
Our Airbnb at the Book Loft, Sergio's place, was a perfect place to stay during our visit. The unit was spotlessly clean and beautifully decorated, and the host was friendly and accommodating. We were delighted to find out that the price included free parking, a bottle of wine, and sweet treats, making our stay even more enjoyable. The bed was incredibly comfortable, providing us with a good night's sleep every night.
Our first night in Columbus was a culinary experience to remember. We went to Jeff Ruby's, a high-end steakhouse that oozed with speakeasy-style ambiance. We sat in the basement level, where live piano music and singers from the main level bar and restaurant created a charming atmosphere. The juicy burger and perfectly cooked steak were both delicious, and we couldn't have been happier with our experience.
The evening was the highlight of the trip for Justin, a music aficionado and former member of a Columbus-based band, Drunk on Horseback. We made our way to Dayton to see Brainiac, one of Justin's all-time favorite bands. Brainiac was a short-lived band from Dayton that made a significant impact on the music scene in the early 90s. Their lead singer, Timmy Taylor, died tragically in a car accident in 1997, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians to this day.
The Brainiac concert at The Brightside in Dayton was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Despite Timmy's untimely passing, his mother was in the audience, and during the last song, she hugged Justin and watched the band celebrate her son's music 30 years later. It was an emotional and unforgettable experience that reminded us of the power of music and the importance of living life to the fullest.
We ended the night at Oddfellows Liquor Bar, a highly-rated bar in the Short North. The lively atmosphere and great cocktails made for a perfect ending to an already incredible day.
The next day was my time to shine. Speaking at The Ohio State University's Wexner Arts Center on Leadership in the Entertainment Industry to post-graduate students was an honor, and I was thrilled to provide insights into the importance of DEI in the entertainment industry. We discussed the future of the industry and how we can create more equitable and inclusive spaces for everyone. I also shared some practical tips on how we can foster better communication, empathetic leadership, and problem-solving skills. The attendees took away actionable strategies to help them become better leaders and agents of change in the industry.
After my session, we explored the OSU campus, taking in the vibrant arts scene and stunning architecture. Kafe Kerouac, a campus-area coffee shop and used bookstore, was a perfect spot to recharge our batteries. We enjoyed browsing through their extensive record collection and playing some of the games and puzzles they had available. It was a great place to relax and soak up the college atmosphere.
Yellow Brick Pizza was next on our itinerary, and we were excited to see Justin's former bandmate, Faith, who is now the owner. The pizza was some of the best we've ever tasted, and it was located in a cool part of town that's a new mixed-use area, perfect for a leisurely walk. Faith was a gracious host, and it was great to catch up with her.
Our last stop in Columbus was Out of the Closet, a unique thrift store that supports the LGBTQ+ community.
We were impressed with the wide selection of clothing, accessories, and home goods available. The store also had an excellent selection of OSU souvenirs, which our kids were thrilled to receive. We ended up buying some of our favorite anime cups and dishes, and our son's favorite My Hero Academia. It was a fun and unique way to find souvenirs for our family.
Throughout our stay in Columbus, we were impressed with the friendliness of the city's residents and the cleanliness of the city. The Short North neighborhood was a particular highlight, with a diverse mix of restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. The East Market was another must-visit, with a wide variety of food vendors and merchants.
Our workcation in Columbus provided us with the perfect balance of work and play, providing us with a much-needed break from the everyday routine. Traveling for work can be an excellent opportunity to explore new cities, meet new people, and experience different cultures. Mixing business with pleasure can also have significant mental health benefits, particularly for working parents. It's essential to take some time off from work to relax and enjoy some downtime with family or friends.
We highly recommend Columbus as a destination for work and leisure. The city has a vibrant arts scene, fantastic food, and friendly residents. Whether you're there for a conference, speaking engagement, or business meeting, take some time to explore the city, meet new people, and enjoy some downtime. Not only will you return to work feeling refreshed and energized, but you'll also have new memories and experiences to cherish for a lifetime.
Here are some actionable tips for making the most of your workcation in Miami:
Explore local businesses instead of chains: Support the city's unique character and charm by visiting local restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Choose a centrally located and unique Airbnb, like the Book Loft on High Street in the Short North, to experience the city's culture and vibe.
Shop for souvenirs at unique and socially responsible stores like Out of the Closet to find memorable gifts while supporting the community.
Check out Columbus' vibrant arts and music scene to experience the city's creative and lively atmosphere.
Additionally, here are some tips for educating and inspiring the next generation of workers to close the pay gap and fight to change the systemic issues that plague the world of work:
Inspire younger workers to become educated about pay gaps and systemic issues by providing access to resources, training, and mentorship.
Educate on how to advocate for policy changes that promote equal pay and fair labor practices, at the individual level.
Encourage experienced workers to mentor and sponsor younger workers, providing them with guidance, support, and opportunities for growth and development.
Model inclusive, equitable, and fair practices in the workplace, creating a culture that values diversity and inclusion and supports workers of all backgrounds and experiences.
Where did we go? What did we do? What did we eat & drink? What did we wear?
Local Eateries:
Yellow Brick Pizza: https://yellowbrickpizza.com/
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse: https://www.jeffruby.com/steakhouse/columbus
Local Shops:
Out of the Closet: https://outofthecloset.org/locations/columbus/
Kafe Kerouac: https://www.kafekerouac.com/
East Market: https://eastmarket.com/
Accommodations:
Book Loft AirBnB on High Street: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/26961198
Transportation:
Turo car rental: https://turo.com/us/en/car-rental/united-states/columbus-oh/bmw/x1/399272
Southwest Airlines: https://www.southwest.com/
Education:
The Ohio State University's Wexner Arts Center: https://wexarts.org/
Local Entertainment Venues:
The Brightside Music & Event Venue: https://www.thebrightsidemusic.com/
Local Brewery:
Columbus Brewery: https://www.columbusbrewing.com/
Cocktail Bars:
Oddfellows Liquor Bar: https://www.oddfellowsliquorbar.com/
Bands Mentioned:
Brainiac: https://3ra1n1ac.com/
Drunk on Horseback on Bandcamp: https://drunkonhorseback.bandcamp.com/
Punchline Sexlife: https://www.punchlinesexlife.com/
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