One day trip, two impossibly charming *and* delightful destinations in Ohio’s most darling downtowns. Sounds like fun, right? This is what’s on the docket when you visit German Village, Ohio, and spend the day dining, shopping, and experiencing two of this town’s top attractions.

German Village is a quite possibly the most adorable neighborhood in Ohio. It's a slice of the Old Country complete with charming, locally-owned shops, housed in historic brick and Tudor-style buildings, all in a walkable downtown.
Schmidt's Sausage Haus/Facebook
Even better? Two of this village's most historic and acclaimed attractions are next to one another, making it easy peasy to enjoy an afternoon wining and dining in German Village, Ohio.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
Craig Winter/Google Local
(But instead of wine, a frothy pilsner is in order, because, Germany.)
Our day begins at The Red Stable, a gift shop in the heart of German Village that's housed in a former horse livery. This "little red barn" harkens all the way back to German Village's earliest days, and over the years it's served as a wagon repair shop, ice house, and a service station.
Pete Stolle/Google Local
I think you'll agree, however, that this red barn's current iteration as a gift shop is its best role yet. Step inside and you'll be surrounded by all sorts of handmade wares and locally sourced goods that make for an utterly delightful browsing experience.
The Red Stable German Village Souvenirs & Gifts, 223 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
The Red Stable/Facebook
You might think of purchasing a stein or two, which would certainly be a befitting souvenir from your day trip, because...
The Red Stable/Facebook
...we're headed to Schmidt's Sausage Haus next!
Schmidt's Sausage Haus/Facebook
There's no restaurant in Ohio more authentically German than Schmidt's. Sit down and order a round of pretzel nuggets while you peruse the menu.
Schmidt's Sausage Haus/Facebook
Will you order a bratwurst and sauerkraut, or perhaps schnitzel and potato salad? Decisions, decisions.
Schmidt's Sausage Haus/Facebook
One decision I need to make on your behalf is to order the German Chocolate Cake. It's unbelievably rich yet also impossibly light, and the coconut-pecan frosting is heavenly.
Schmidt's Sausage Haus/Facebook
Post-meal/food coma, definitely go for a stroll around German Village -- it's the European way, after all. And if you find yourself *back* at The Red Stable, well, I wouldn't blame you!
The Red Stable/Facebook

German Village is a delightful slice of the Old Country in the heart of the Buckeye State, and it’s one of my favorite weekend getaways in Ohio. I’ve stayed in several VRBO rentals in this neighborhood, and this charming townhouse (with its own speakeasy!) is at the top of my list of places to stay next.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles

Explore Ohio

Featured Addresses
German Village, Columbus, OH, USA