Weekend Recap: Columbus Day Trip 2018

First weekend of the new year and I am already kicking butt on my goals for 2018! Hubs and I decided to take a last minute trip to Columbus before heading back to school for my Spring semester! When we travel we never do too much shopping, we like to visit museums, aquariums, and historical sites along with hitting local restaurants and eateries, and seeing shows or sports teams. Our Columbus trip was a quick one, with only one night and afternoon we were limited in our activities. No shows or games were going on so we hit up two great restaurants, he chose one and I chose the other! We had such a great time just getting away and I even made a quick stop into Trader Joes (closest one to us is in Ann Arbor, MI)! Grabbed some goods I had been wanting to try (everything but the bagel sesame seasoning, white corn tortillas, kombucha, RF coconut milk, and their mixed nut butter) and we visited their Polaris mall. Our next trip won't be for awhile, so I am so glad to have had the opportunity. I am a HUGE breakfast lover, as you will soon see so I picked out this rad cafe in the Victorian Village called Katalina's and my heart and belly couldn't be more happy! 

Right out back this mural being so enticing, of course we had to get some pancake balls! 

The inside was so eccentric & unique. They have a container of permanent ink markers for doodling, initialing, and drawing on any surface in the place! Of course Chris and I wrote our names. 

The coffee was well balanced and strong and we needed the warmth this early in the morning.

Chris & I both got the FAMOUS (and I completely see why) breakfast tacos, his with chorizo and mine with veggie sausage and shared an order of apple butter pancake balls topped with a nice sprinkle of powdered sugar. The corn on the cob was coated in a cheese-y seasoning that was killer. I am most definitely in love with this joint and will be returning. 

For the night we stayed at the Hilton Downtown Columbus that had it's own bar and bistro. This awesome canvas wall art greets you as soon as you walk into the bar. Loved the bright colors and graffiti feel! 

Looking down into the center of the hotel overlooking the bar and bistro area. Love how much art is posted throughout. Very different elements of art and styles. 

Chris picked a german spot to get his kraut & sausage fix! We visited Schmidt's in the German Village.  Great traditional eats and of course he loved the beer selection. 

Nearby to our hotel was the North Market an awesome indoor public market that consists of different merchants selling their goods ranging from fresh meats and fish to spices and hand made chocolate to beer and flower stands. Such an amazing find that we just happened to stumble on while checking out the nearby offerings. 

Of course I had searched on IG for some local macarons and stumbled upon reviews for Pistacia Vera and located it as soon as we checked in. I chose 12 wonderfully flavored macarons to include coconut, lemon anise, gingerbread, buckeye, hazelnut mocha, and pomegranate grapefruit. These delightful treats were so nice and was a great picking for my sweet tooth (teeth lol). 

This amazing painted mural was outside the elevator from our parking garage near the convention center to our Hilton. I love how colorful and vibrant it is. I can't think of anything better to motivate anyone to grow or buy local than seeing the array of fresh and nutritious foods! 

Fresh Chilean sea bass, a fav of mine. My mother buys some for me every year for my birthday, bless her heart. I love seeing fresh meats and seafood out for sale from The Fish Guys. 

Handmade pastas from Pastaria's. 

Great fresh food small market at Little Eater & Provisions. 

Nothing gets me more excited than seeing communities interact around food and culture. This was a great little getaway to enjoy some time together and find some good eats. On another note, I am ready for classes to be underway. I am a creature of habit so when I have structure in my life I am happiest. I love schedules and having places to be, so this week should fly by! Can't wait to share more trips this year with you all!