HARDI's Guide to Columbus: Eat, Drink and Live it Up in our Midwestern Gem

We are admittedly a little biased in our opinions about Columbus, as it is home to HARDI HQ and many HARDI staffers, so it only makes sense that we're very excited for the opportunity to share it with you! You don't have to take it from us though, Forbes Magazine recently referred to Columbus as a "hidden gem in plain sight."

If you're a HARDI member who's currently registered for our upcoming Focus Conference (or if you're trying to work it into your professional development strategy for the year), take our advice and plan a quick excursion for while you're in town!

Diners, Dives and Delicatessens

Whether you're looking for a ritzy, fine dining experience or a quick get away to a dive bar, Columbus has you covered:

• We'd be remiss if we didn't tell you about Stories on High, the chic sky bar located at the top of the Hilton Columbus Downtown (your Focus Conference home base). It fills up quickly, so book your reservation now!

• If you're looking for another unique upscale rooftop cocktail and dining experience, check out Mandrake Rooftop.

• You can't go wrong by visiting one of the many award-winning Cameron Mitchell restaurants in the area. Known for their unique concepts and exceptional service, any one of these spots will be a hit for your off-site meal with colleagues or friends.

• If you're looking for something a little more relaxed, check out Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails, a long-time downtown Columbus staple. It has the quintessential dive bar feel, but offers excellent and creative comfort food options as well.

• Columbus's Historic German Village is a short Uber drive away from the Hilton Columbus Downtown and is not only an architecture lover's dream, it's home to Pistacia Vera a neighborhood café and bakery offering melt in your mouth macarons and other pastries. While you're in German Village, kill two birds with one stone and check out the award-winning traditional New York-style delicatessen, Katzinger's Delicatessen.

Activities and Sites

• Are you a fan of the arts? You'll certainly appreciate the many moving exhibitions at The Wexner Center for the Arts, "The Ohio State University's multidisciplinary, international laboratory for the exploration and advancement of contemporary art."

• Columbus is home to the beautiful Franklin Park Conservatory, a premier botanical garden and home to the iconic John F. Wolfe Palm House which dates back to 1895.

• If time permits, extend your stay in Columbus and catch the Columbus Crew as they take on Orlando City SC Saturday May 13 at their new stadium.

• Last but not least, COSI is a nationally esteemed science center located across from the scenic Scioto Mile. Fun for adults and kids alike, this 320,000 square foot facility explores STEM and historical topics through interactive exhibits. Its recently opened Tutankhamun - His Tombs and His Treasures offers a once-in-a-lifetime insight into the archaeology of ancient Egypt.

However you decide to plan your trip, we hope that you'll find Columbus a multi-faceted, culturally-rich, and FUN city!