The Best Solo Date Ideas in Columbus, Ohio (Cute Things to Do Alone)

I was on the phone with my friend the other day, who recently made the big move from Ohio to Atlanta, talking about how rough the transition had been for her. As someone who made that same move from New York to Ohio, she knew I understood exactly what she was feeling.

You leave your friends, your family… everything you’ve ever known.

I remember looking around one day and all I saw were cornfields. Like imagine going from big city buildings to farmland and corn stalks. From hopping on the train and being on the go at all times, to living somewhere where if you don’t drive, you’re stuck.

And she said something that hit me, “wow… now you’re the one showing people what to do in Columbus.” And to be honest? It was because I was bored.

I wasn’t used to slowing down like that. I’ve always been on the go, and moving to a new city wasn’t going to change that about me. So I started exploring, with friends, with family, and eventually…by myself.

Because not having someone to do things with? Yeah… that’s not stopping anything over here.

So if you’re in that phase, new city, new routine, or just learning how to enjoy your own company, here are a few solo date ideas in Columbus that I love.

Blossom Flower Bar

I could go on and on about this one.

I’ve always seen girls putting together their own floral arrangements and thought, yeah I need to try that one day, but never actually did. I finally went to one of their workshops and had the best time.

It was honestly such a therapeutic experience. Everyone was so nice and open, the environment was calming, and there was something about slowing down and creating something with your hands that just felt…peaceful.

Lifestyle Pottery

Fun fact, your girl was very much into pottery and ceramics back in high school. My mom still has my little collection of (very questionable but cute) pieces hidden somewhere in her cabinets.

I did a one-on-one refresher class and let me tell you…it was harder than it looked. But also? So fun.

There’s something about focusing on one thing, getting your hands messy, and being fully present that makes this such a good solo experience.

Little Sky Stone

As a 90s girl, you already know anything charm-related has my heart.

I stopped by Little Sky Stone and created a vacation-themed charm necklace, and I’m not even exaggerating when I say this took me forever, because I was so indecisive 😭

But that’s also what made it special.

You get to slow down, pick pieces that actually mean something to you, and then sit and put everything together yourself. It felt really meaningful.

Penn & Beech

This experience actually taught me a lot about myself.

I didn’t realize how specific I was about scents until I started creating my own. You get to smell everything, test combinations, and create a candle that’s completely yours from start to finish.

And there’s something about going home and lighting a candle you made yourself that just hits different.

Maker’s Social

Think: DIY projects + drinks.

Such a fun and creative concept, and I will say, Maker’s Social will definitely have you in your creative bag. There are so many projects to choose from that you can really pick one based on your mood.

And even if you go alone, the environment doesn’t feel awkward at all. Perfect if you want something a little more social but still solo-friendly.

Panacea Spa

Nothing screams “take yourself on a date” more than a spa day.

Since I discovered Panacea a few years ago, it’s still one of my favorite spas in Columbus. It’s the closest I’ve found to the kind of spa experiences I was used to back home.

Sometimes the best solo date is doing absolutely nothing, just relaxing and taking care of yourself.

LIT Life + Yoga

I won’t lie, trying aerial yoga again felt a little outside of my comfort zone.

But sometimes that’s necessary. We love some adventure too. And sometimes it’s about trying something new and challenging yourself a little.

There’s something really empowering about that… especially when you’re doing it on your own.

The Takeaway

If there’s one thing I’ve learned since moving to Columbus, it’s this: you don’t need to wait for people to start enjoying your life.

Many people reach out to me saying they don’t have friends to do these kinds of things with. And I always say the same thing, don’t let not having people around you stop you from doing the things you really want to do.

Especially when you move somewhere new, you might not have anyone at first. I definitely didn’t when I moved here. But putting yourself out there is really key…even though I know it’s way easier said than done.

Some of the best experiences I’ve had came from deciding to just go anyway.

And if I was able to do it, so can you.