There is something special about a weekend getaway. Regardless of the distance traveled, an overnight or weekend stay at a hotel is rejuvenating. It’s a great opportunity to explore a new town, connect with the person you’re traveling with and enjoy new cuisine.
My husband and I had the pleasure of staying at the Renaissance Hotel in Westerville, Ohio. The accommodations are excellent! You can easily hunker down and stay inside for your entire visit. On the other hand, there is plenty to do in the immediate area. Uptown Westerville gives you an adorable option to shop, dine and explore. Additional shopping is plentiful around Westerville. Polaris to the north, which has an IKEA, and Easton Towne Center to the south are short 15-minute drives. For nature enthusiasts, Sharon Woods Metro Park is located a few minutes down the road.
Beautiful Decor
The Renaissance takes pride in providing a unique lodging experience at each of their locations. Westerville’s hotel hones in on that by being tastefully decorated in a modern American lake house design. So many special nautical touches are incorporated throughout the hotel.
We found all of those same special features throughout our room. A large curtain, with a firefly motif, graced one of our walls. I love dragonflies! It instantly reminded me of sitting by the lake and being entertained by their activity. The porthole mirror, the dock cleats and the life preserver all add to the fun.
Dining Options
The hotel’s restaurant offers both room service and full-service dining. We opted to dine in front of the gigantic, big screen and take in the local Blue Jacket’s hockey game. In keeping with the nautical theme, we ordered the lobster mac and cheese and the ahi tuna bowl. They were fantastic! Executive Chef Tyler Tremaine has both presentation and deliciousness mastered.
If you have a taste for bourbon, the restaurant’s menu includes 36 bottles to choose from. Many are distilled right here in Columbus. Whiskey, scotch, wine and beer are available as well. If you prefer a shot of espresso, you’re in luck. A full coffee menu welcomes you morning and night, including many delicious latte variations.
Entertainment Options
In-house activities include a pool, a fitness center, and a pool table. With cold weather looming outside, it is so convenient to workout inside without having to face the elements. (Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the pool and fitness center are open, but do require a time slot.) The rec room housing the pool table has two super cool hanging couch swings that are perfect for relaxing. On nice evenings, you can also sit around one of the firepits that are located by the pond.
Weekend Getaway Excursions
Uptown Westerville is only a seven-minute drive from the Renaissance Hotel. making this lodging location a great choice for enjoying the adorable community. The uptown is loaded with wineries, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
Sunbear Studios and Gallery
We ventured uptown both in the evening and in the morning. Sunbear Studios and Gallery, owned by Meredith Martin, is a great place to stop for art masterpieces. Inside the store, you will find an eclectic array of art created by local artisans. The studio also offers a multitude of classes covering a variety of mediums.
Sunbear Studios and Gallery 22 W. Main St. Westerville, Ohio
Good Vibes Winery
What could be better than having your favorite wine named after your favorite song? That might just be the case if you love LaBamba, Mama Mia, Uptown Girl or any of the other 20+ varieties that are produced and labeled at Good Vibes Winery. Jen Blaser, the owner, provides Westerville with a fun, upbeat product that strikes a chord with almost everyone who walks in the door. Personalized labels are also available for that special gift or memory.
Good Vibes Winery 2 S. State St. Westerville, Ohio
Schneider’s Bakery
A delicious Westerville staple for over 60 years, Schneider’s Bakery is an excellent choice to start your morning. Donuts of all types, along with cookies, cakes, pies and other delectable pastries, greet you as you walk in the door. The bakery’s celebration donut is the biggest one I have ever seen! How fun would a morning meeting be with that in front of everyone? I loved their sign that stated, “Eat more hole foods.”
Schneider’s Bakery 6 S. State St. Westerville, Ohio
As you walk around Uptown Westerville, be sure to take note of the historical plaques that are mounted on various buildings. They give neat tidbits of information and a little insight into Westerville’s history.
A Perfect Weekend Getaway Destination
An overnight or weekend getaway to the Renaissance in Westerville can be just what you need to relax, renew and regenerate. It’s hard for anyone to have delicious food prepared for them, while being surrounded by a great ambiance, and not feel better. Gray skies or blue, this hotel is ready for your arrival.
*Special Note* This hotel is an active participant with Clean the World. Check out their website for more information.
Rensaissance Hotel 409 Altair Parkway, Westerville, Ohio
Want to add more fun to your weekend getaway? Check out these articles featuring Ohio’s Nature Preserves, Extreme Treats and Buckeye Lake.
We have also enjoyed our stays at the Westerville Renaissance.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing.