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).

Stacey Frohnapfel-Hasson, MPA, OCPC

Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services

Stacey's Recommendations

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

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

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

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

  • 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 has three locations throughout the city! Additional Recommendation: North Market, Slurping Turtle Ramen.

  • Coffee/Tea or Dessert

    Additional Recommendation: Fox in the Snow

  • Local Attraction

    But also the Park of Roses is really lovely!

  • Easton is great for shopping.

  • 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

James Brill

PGNO Communications Manager

 

James' Recommendations

  • 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. 

  • Coffee/Tea or Dessert

    Additional Recommendation: La Chatelaine French Bakery and Bistro

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

  • Additional Recommendations: German Village, Scioto River Bridge

  • 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

Natalie Alexander
 
Community Prevention Manager

Natalie's Recommendations

Olivia Burris
 
PGNO Intake Coordinator

Olivia's Recommendations

  • Dining

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

  • Coffee/Tea or Dessert

    Additional Recommendation: Parable Cafe

  • Local Attraction

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

  • Personal pick for a must-do while in Columbus
Scott Frost