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About Columbus

About Columbus

Welcome to Columbus, Ohio! The 2025 Conference is located  in the middle of the vibrant Columbus Downtown and the Arena District. There’s no shortage of dining options, sightseeing activities, and local attractions that make Columbus unique. 

Check out the galleries and recommendations below for insight into “must-see” or “must-do” activities during your stay this July, courtesy of members of the 2025 Conference Steering Committee and the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO).

Explore Columbus Visitor GuideAttendee Savings Pass

Stacey Frohnapfel-Hasson, MPA, OCPC

Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services

Stacey's Recommendations

  • Speck Italian Eatery
    Dining

    Absolutely delicious Italian food, just two blocks south of the Hyatt Regency.

  • Jeni’s Ice Cream at North Market
    Coffee/Tea or Dessert

    So, so yummy! Tons of weird flavors and many great shops in the North Market. Don’t miss it!

  • Franklin Park Conservatory
    Local Attraction

    This is beautiful year-round, Chihuly glass throughout the indoor conservatory, butterflies, gorgeous plantings, landscapes and active kids’ spaces too! Short Uber ride.

  • Easton Town Center
    Shopping

    Love to shop here! All price points, store types & kitschy shops, AMC Movies, wonderful variety of dining. Medium length Uber ride.

  • Bicentennial Park
    Personal pick for a must-do while in Columbus

    Beautiful, safe sidewalk along the river, art, restaurants, bars, and a huge fountain that you’ll need to drag the kids away from! Walk south on High St. and turn right – can’t miss it.

Amanda DeVita

PGNO Project Assistant

Amanda's Recommendations

  • Habaneros Fresh Mexican Grill
    Dining

    Habaneros Fresh Mexican Grill has three locations throughout the city! Additional Recommendation: North Market, Slurping Turtle Ramen.

  • Belle’s Bread
    Coffee/Tea or Dessert

    Additional Recommendation: Fox in the Snow

  • The Zoo!
    Local Attraction

    But also the Park of Roses is really lovely!

  • Easton Town Center
    Shopping

    Easton is great for shopping.

  • Kenny Centre!
    Personal pick for a must-do while in Columbus

    This space has a colorful array of shops, including Belle’s Breads – a super cute and fun Japanese Bakery with authentic Japanese breads and confections.

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    My favorites are the Strawberry Bear Bread, the cream puff, and the Yuzu Tart. I also love their Japanese crepes!, Tensuke Market – where you can get rice balls and bento boxes for a meal on the go, Mochi Ring – a yummy Korean corndog place , and J-Avenue – a novelty item store selling things from high quality Japanese stationary to Korean skincare to cute collectables! It’s my favorite place to bring friends and family when they visit.

Jesse Woodrig

PGNO Director of Clinical Programs

Jesse's Recommendations

  • Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
    Coffee/Tea or Dessert
  • Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
    Local Attraction
  • The Book Loft of German Village
    Shopping
  • Schmidt's Sausage Haus
    Personal pick for a must-do while in Columbus

James Brill

PGNO Communications Manager

 

James' Recommendations

  • Fiery Sky Asian Kitchen
    Dining

    Additional Recommendations: Chuan Jian Hao Zi Chinese, Aangan India Bistro, The Rail, Ampersand Supper Club, Hyde Park, The Pearl, Cap City Diner. The Short North (restaurant and bar area), Akai Hana Sushi, Yoshi’s Japanese Restaurant. 

  • Tous Les Jours Bakery
    Coffee/Tea or Dessert

    Additional Recommendation: La Chatelaine French Bakery and Bistro

  • Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
    Local Attraction

    Additional Recommendations: The Columbus Zoo, North Market Downtown, Columbus Museum of Art

  • Easton Shopping Center
    Shopping

    Additional Recommendations: German Village, Scioto River Bridge

  • The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
    Personal pick for a must-do while in Columbus

    This is a great day trip with incredible sculptures and beautiful plants. 

Kennidy Pitman
 
PGNO Administrative Assistant

Kennidy's Recommendations

  • Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
    Dining
  • The Coffee Vault
    Coffee/Tea or Dessert

    Dessert: The Peach Cobbler Factory.

  • Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
    Local Attraction

    Additional Recommendations: The Columbus Zoo, North Market Downtown, Columbus Museum of Art

  • The Sunbury Outlets
    Shopping
  • The North Market 
    Personal pick for a must-do while in Columbus
Natalie Alexander
 
Community Prevention Manager

Natalie's Recommendations

  • Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
    Dining

    Additional Recommendation: Fox in the Snow

  • Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
    Local Attraction
Olivia Burris
 
PGNO Intake Coordinator

Olivia's Recommendations

  • The Pearl
    Dining

    Additional Recommendations: Lavash Cafe, Cap City, Hudson 29, Hounddogs for pizza!

  • One line coffee
    Coffee/Tea or Dessert

    Additional Recommendation: Parable Cafe

  • The Zoo
    Local Attraction

    Additional Recommendations: Columbus Museum of Art (free on Sundays & Thursday nights during the summer!), Franklin Park Conservatory.

  • Easton
    Shopping
  • The Book Loft!
    Personal pick for a must-do while in Columbus
Scott Frost

Scott's Recommendations

  • Katalina's
    Breakfast
  • Katzinger's Delicatessen
    Lunch
  • Watershed Kitchen & Bar
    Dinner
  • The Red Stable
    Shopping
  • National Veterans Memorial & Museum
    Attraction