Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Photos and opinions are my own.
If you know me, you know I love all forms of travel, including airports. The energy, the planes, the people-watching, the promise of going somewhere new — I get excited just walking through the doors. Flying out of our home airport, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, is one of those times I actually look forward to arriving early. We especially love that it feels like a Columbus experience. At CMH you get a taste of the city’s artwork, its food and drink, and its signature gifts and souvenirs.
Whenever we’re flying out of Columbus, we add extra time to visit the variety of shops around the airport, from the Columbus marketplace to the Astor Park Exchange to Scioto Mercantile.
I especially love wearable gifts that rep the city, so I always gravitate to Columbus-themed T-shirts and hoodies.
And of course you can find plenty of Buckeye gear, plus clothing from our favorite local creator of vintage T-shirts, Homage.
You can also pick up Anthony-Thomas buckeyes and other locally made treats.
If you need an easy meal, a snack, or a pick-me-up, you’ll find fun vending machines spread throughout the concourses.
I count Jeni’s Ice Creams as one of our chief exports, and you can get perfect single servings from the vending machines!
For longer layovers or later starts, I’ll seek out Land-Grant Brewing‘s airport outpost in Concourse B.
Their taproom feels very much like the original Franklinton brewery, from the rough wood accents to the university pennants hanging from the wall.
You can grab a sandwich or a flatbread, or just kick back with one of their signature beers like the Oh Sure IPA.
In the same concourse you’ll also find BrewDog’s airport location. It’s their first U.S. airport bar!
They offer a good mix of beers, from easy-drinking lagers to refreshing IPAs to heartier stouts and porters.
It’s always hard for me to resist their Elvis Juice grapefruit IPA.
It pairs well with an absolutely massive pretzel, served with house pickles, mustard, and beer cheese.
Or a filling cheeseburger served with chips!
I appreciate, too, that our airport showcases local artists and other icons, including larger sculptures, historic displays, and statues.
The Ohio Art League helps curate the Gateway to the Arts, which you can view before security. The rotating exhibition space always features the work of local artists.
For me, airports aren’t just about getting from point A to B — they’re part of the joy of travel. And our hometown airport, which is easily accessible from any corner of Columbus, allows us to enjoy every minute of the journey, long before we’re in the air.
Plan your trip, check on flights or parking, and learn more about all the amenities at CMH at flycolumbus.com!
