Sometimes, there’s nothing better than adding a little variety to your daily routine by becoming a tourist in your own city! When I want to get out and explore, but not travel far, German Village is my go-to destination: It has character, history, fabulous dining and shopping, and a strong sense of identity. Since there are SO many fabulous options of things to do/places to see and visit while in the Village, I hope this list provides you with a solid starting point:
First stop: Pistacia Vera on Third Street. Stop in for brunch as they serve it daily 7AM-2PM. If it’s nice, sit on their streetside patio. Be ready to post a picture to Instagram – seriously, their food/pastries/coffee look as delicious as they taste. Please, please, please don’t leave without trying at least one macaron (the pistacio flavor is a top-seller). Take your time and enjoy this bright + airy breath of fresh air. It’s a German Village favorite for a reason.
After getting fueled up, walk just a block or two on South Third Street to The Book Loft, the coolest and largest bookstore you may ever lay eyes on – in fact, it is one of the nation’s largest independent book stores! There are 32 rooms to peruse! If you like to read and/or explore The Book Loft is for you. Just be sure to allow enough time to get lost for an hour or two. It’s worth it.
Travel northeast a few blocks to East Beck Street and you’ll find the cutest lifestyle boutique, Vernacular. Owners Chelsea Cabot and Kristopher Konieczko (they also own Grandview’s Objects for the Home and Cosecha) handpick their inventory and it shows as they offer unique + stylish clothing, accessories, home decor, and gifts, all sold at an excellent price point. Just know, it will be very hard to leave this store without buying anything 😉 
All this shopping has you hungry again? You’re in luck. German Village has no shortage of delicious spots to grab a bite to eat. On Thurman Avenue, you’ll find Easy Street Cafe, a no-fuss spot to enjoy some delicious fare – they offer a blend of Greek and American fare with anything from authentic Greek gyros, smelts, baklava, saganaki to classic hamburgers and pizza! Their salads are amazing and they also offer brunch 9AM to 3PM on Saturday and Sunday. You’ll be happy you stopped in here after experiencing the service, food, laid-back atmosphere, and price.
Complete your day with a glass of wine + a winery tour at Via Vecchia Winery. They are very well known for their gorgeous space for weddings and corporate events but they also offer public events as well! Owned by Michael Elmer and Paolo Rosi, Via Vecchia was 1 of only 4 American natural winemakers to attend the RAW Fair in London this year. They produce all-natural wines using whole grapes imported from Lodi, California. You can find a full listing of where you can buy Via Vecchia wines in the Central Ohio area here.
Thank you so very much to German Village Society for sponsoring this post!
You can follow my Central Ohio adventures via my Instagram, @girlaboutcolumbus!
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Great picks! Haven’t made it to the book loft yet–need to get there ASAP!
Thanks girl!!! Yes you do!!!!
Love this! This is my neighborhood and I love seeing it through someone else’s eyes!
Thank you, Chelsey! German Village is the best – I’m a bit jealous you live there! 🙂
I keep meaning to go to Pistacia Vera but always get side tracked by something else. Usually jeni’s… And I def need to check out that winery!
Yesss, you have to check out Pistacia! There’s something special about those macarons!
Few things I love more than getting lost in book shops. Perfect way to spend and hour or two or ten
The Book Loft is a must but these are new hipster restaurants and not German Village classics. You can get hipster anywhere. The flavor of the village (both meanings) are Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, The Mohawk and for fine dining Lindsey’s.