CEC 2027: CEC in Columbus

CEC’s 2027 Convention & Expo will be held in Columbus, Ohio! Thousands of special education professionals from around the world will come together to learn, share, grow, and connect. But what happens when sessions end for the day? Check out all the amazing food, sights, and adventures that Columbus has to offer!  

See the Sights 

• Ohio Statehouse – A National Historic Landmark, the Ohio Statehouse is a Greek Revival style building with a Cupola that offers beautiful views of Columbus. 
• Bicentennial Park – Established for the United States' 200th anniversary, this park spans 4.66 acres, offering green space and a performance pavilion. 
• The Ohio State University – OSU is a public research university and one of the largest in the United States. Designed by the Olmstead Brothers, best known for their work on NYC’s Central Park, the massive campus offers beautiful architecture to enjoy on a long walk.  
• Scioto Audubon Metro Park – A public park and nature preserve, this green space offers trails, wetlands, rock climbing, sport fields, and more. Originally an industrial site, this area was remediated and now serves as a vital haven for Ohio’s birds.  

Grab a Bite 

Foodies, take note! Columbus has a thriving dining scene, with many culinary superstars originating from the city, like Jeni Britton, founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream and Cameron Mitchell, James Beard Award-winning cookbook author. 

• Lindey’s – This American Restaurant has been voted one of Columbus’ “Top Ten” restaurants for 18 years in a row. This Columbus staple features old-school vibes with delicious food. 
• Speck Italian Eatery – A twist on Italian cuisine, this restaurant started in Delaware before moving to the Buckeye state.  
• The Walrus – This restaurant’s industrial style boasts delicious bites and a variety of craft brews. 
• Kolache Republic – Kolaches are a Czech pastry stuffed with either a sweet filling like fruit preserves or cream cheese, or a savory filling like eggs and bacon. This Columbus staple got its start at farmers markets and pop-ups and is a popular stop for those visiting the German Village. 
• Bonifacio – A Filipino restaurant featuring authentic cuisine. Order off their plated dinner menu on Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday; or enjoy eating communally off of banana leaves from their Boodle menu on Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday. Brunch is served on weekends!  
• Habibi Grill – A Lebanese restaurant located in the Italian Village. Chef Tarek Albast started off running a food truck! Their menu features several vegetarian options as well as favorites such as lamb shank, tabbouli, crispy potatoes, and more.  
• Haveli Bistro - This upscale restaurant offers all your Indian cuisine favorites, plus several fusion options.   
• Bendi Wok N Bar – Taking inspiration from Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese cuisine, this fusion restaurant is a great option for either lunch or dinner and drinks. Stop by while exploring the German Village!  
• Hoyo’s Kitchen – Columbus, Ohio has one of the largest Somali communities in the U.S. Check out some Somali cuisine at this beloved restaurant located in the North Market.  
• Schmidt’s Sausage Haus – Operating for more than 140 years, this restaurant is a Columbus staple. Their “Bahama Mama” sausage on a roll was voted as the official food of Columbus in 2024.  
• Astra’s Rooftop – Enjoy beautiful views of Columbus while enjoying creative meals and cocktails 
• Mikey’s Late Night Slice – Need a bite after a long day of learning and connection? Grab a massive slice of pizza and try one of their delicious specials. 
• Portia’s Cafe –Have allergies? This cafe is fully gluten-free and vegan. 
• Cherbourg Bakery – Stop by for a gluten-free and nut-free treat! 

Essential Dishes to Try in Columbus 

• Cincinnati Chili 
• Cleveland Polish Boy 
• Buckeyes 
• Johnny Marzetti 
• Columbus-Style Pizza 

Experience the Culture 

• Columbus Museum of Art – Home to a mix of art styles and mediums from America and Europe, get lost in beautiful works from Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Edward Hopper, Norman Rockwell, and more! 
• Center of Science and Industry – A frequent flyer on the top lists of science museums in the US, COSI features seven main exhibit areas: Ocean, Energy Explorers, Space, Progress, Gadgets, Life, and the American Museum of National History Dinosaur Gallery. Enjoy their hands-on exhibits, planetarium, and exciting exhibits. 
• The German Village - Guten Tag! This neighborhood was built by German immigrants in the 19th century, and boasts beautiful, historic buildings, German cuisine and breweries, and tons of independently owned businesses. 
• North Market – Established in 1986, this food hall and public market has served an important role as a community landmark with neighbors met, socialized, shopped, and more. Today, the market boasts delicious food and drinks, fresh groceries, flowers, and fun. 

Take a Hike 

• Great American Rail-Trail - The trails that make up this vast system are part of an initiative to use old railways, canals, and more to span the United States. Many cyclists, walkers, and runners use these. The Ohio to Erie trail runs through Columbus and is accessible from the Scioto Audubon Metro Park! 
• Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve - A 775-acre preserve with a beautiful narrow gorge and 10 miles of trails! 
• Hocking Hills State Park – This wildly popular state park is located only an hour southeast of Columbus and is well worth the drive. Go for a hike, try mountain biking, play disc golf, go kayaking, and more!  

Have Some Fun 

• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – 2027 will mark 100 years of this remarkable zoo, featuring a world-class conservation program, and an exhilarating variety of creatures. Take your chance to visit the polar bears, sloth bears, red pandas, zebra sharks, and more.   
• Otherworld – Be transported to another universe at this immersive art installation. With over 40 scenes packed with art, mixed reality installations, and secret passageways, there are tons of ways to have fun and stretch your mind. 
• Stuart Little’s House – Don’t forget to look down! While the story takes place in New York City, Columbus pays homage to everyone’s favorite mouse with the entrance to his home. Located in the German Village, this little (pun intended) sight will surely bring a smile to your face. 
• Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum – Remember Saturday morning cartoons? The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum at the Ohio State University is the world’s largest collection of cartoon and comic-related materials. Check out their collection of millions of comic strips and clips, dive into the history of your favorite characters, or enjoy one of their events. 
• The Book Loft – Located in German Village, this 32(!)-room shop is one of the largest independent bookstores in the country.