Easton Town Center, United States of America - Things to Do in Easton Town Center

Easton Town Center

Easton Town Center, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Easton Town Center is a premier outdoor lifestyle destination located in Columbus, Ohio, that easyly blends shopping, dining, entertainment, and residential living into one busy community. Opened in 1999, this innovative development was one of the first of its kind in the United States, designed to recreate the charm and walkability of a traditional American town center while offering all the conveniences of modern retail and entertainment. Spanning over 1.5 million square feet, Easton Town Center features more than 240 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues arranged along tree-lined streets with wide sidewalks, fountains, and green spaces. The center attracts millions of visitors annually who come to experience its unique atmosphere that combines upscale shopping with casual outdoor dining, live entertainment, and special events. Beyond retail, Easton has evolved into a mixed-use community with luxury apartments, hotels, and office spaces, making it a true live-work-play destination in the heart of Ohio.

Top Easton Town Center

Shopping at Premium Retailers

Explore over 240 stores ranging from flagship department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom to popular brands like Apple, Lululemon, and Anthropologie. The outdoor layout creates a pleasant shopping experience with wide walkways, beautiful landscaping, and seasonal decorations that make browsing a joy year-round.

Booking Tip: Visit during weekdays for smaller crowds and better parking availability. Many stores offer price matching and seasonal sales, so check store websites before visiting. The center is busiest on weekends and during holiday seasons.

Dining at Diverse Restaurants

Experience an impressive array of dining options from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, including The Cheesecake Factory, Brio Italian Grille, and local favorites. The outdoor patios and sidewalk dining areas create a European-style atmosphere perfect for people-watching while enjoying your meal.

Booking Tip: Make reservations for popular restaurants, especially on weekends and during peak dining hours. Many restaurants offer happy hour specials from 3-6 PM. Outdoor seating is weather-dependent, so have backup indoor options during winter months.

Entertainment at AMC Theatre and GameWorks

Catch the latest movies at the state-of-the-art AMC Theatre with luxury reclining seats and premium sound systems. GameWorks offers interactive entertainment with arcade games, bowling, and sports Montenegro atmosphere, making it perfect for groups and families looking for active fun.

Booking Tip: Book movie tickets online in advance for popular films and weekend showings. GameWorks offers group packages and birthday party deals - call ahead for large parties. Matinee movie prices are significantly cheaper than evening shows.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Participate in year-round special events including summer concerts, holiday celebrations, farmers markets, and seasonal festivals. The Town Square serves as the central gathering place for live music performances, art shows, and community celebrations that bring the center to life throughout the year.

Booking Tip: Check the official Easton Town Center website for event calendars and free activities. Arrive early for popular events as parking fills up quickly. Many events are free, but some special concerts or festivals may charge admission.

Exploring the Architecture and Public Art

Take a self-guided walking tour to appreciate the thoughtful urban design, public art installations, and architectural details that make Easton unique. The development features beautiful fountains, sculptures, and carefully planned streetscapes that create an authentic town center feel.

Booking Tip: Visit during golden hour for the best photography opportunities. The center is fully walkable and accessible, with plenty of benches and rest areas. Free parking is available throughout the complex, making it easy to explore at your own pace.

Getting There

Easton Town Center is conveniently located in northeast Columbus, Ohio, just off Interstate 270 at the Easton Way exit, making it easily accessible by car from anywhere in the Columbus metropolitan area and beyond. The center is approximately 15 minutes from downtown Columbus and 20 minutes from John Glenn Columbus International Airport. For those flying in, rental cars are readily available at the airport, or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide direct transportation to Easton. The central Ohio location also makes it accessible for day trips from other major cities like Cleveland (2 hours), Cincinnati (1.5 hours), and Indianapolis (3 hours).

Getting Around

Easton Town Center is designed as a pedestrian-friendly environment where walking is the primary mode of transportation once you arrive. The entire complex is laid out in a grid pattern with clearly marked streets and districts, making navigation intuitive. Ample free parking is available in surface lots and parking garages throughout the center, with covered parking options during inclement weather. The center also offers a free shuttle service during peak shopping periods and special events. For visitors staying at nearby hotels, many offer complimentary shuttle service to Easton, and the walkable design means you can easily move between shopping, dining, and entertainment venues without needing to relocate your car.

Where to Stay

Easton area hotels
Polaris district
Downtown Columbus
Ireland area
Worthington vicinity
Airport corridor hotels

Food & Dining

Easton Town Center has an exceptional dining scene with over 30 restaurants and eateries catering to every taste and budget. Upscale dining options include The Cheesecake Factory, Brio Italian Grille, and Mitchell's Ocean Club, while casual favorites feature Chipotle, Panera Bread, and local Columbus chains like Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. The center's outdoor dining patios create a busy street-side atmosphere during warmer months, and many restaurants offer seasonal menus featuring local ingredients. Food courts and quick-service options provide convenient meals for shoppers, while the full-service restaurants make Easton a dining destination in its own right, often requiring reservations during peak times and weekends.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Columbus

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

The Thurman Cafe

4.6 /5
(6666 reviews) 2

Cap City Fine Diner and Bar

4.6 /5
(4112 reviews) 2

Lindey's

4.6 /5
(2737 reviews) 3

Forno Kitchen + Bar

4.5 /5
(2458 reviews) 2

The Old Mohawk

4.5 /5
(2153 reviews) 2

The Guild House

4.5 /5
(1923 reviews) 3

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

Easton Town Center is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit depend on your preferences and planned activities. Spring through fall (April to October) offers the most pleasant weather for enjoying the outdoor shopping experience and patio dining, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful seasonal landscaping. Summer brings the most events and outdoor entertainment, though it can be crowded on weekends. Winter visits have their own charm with holiday decorations and seasonal events, plus the advantage of smaller crowds and easier parking. Weekdays generally offer a more relaxed shopping experience, while weekends provide the full energy of this bustling town center with more entertainment options and extended hours.

Insider Tips

Download the Easton Town Center app for store directories, parking maps, and exclusive offers from retailers
Park in the covered garages during summer for shade and winter for weather protection - they're free and often less crowded than surface lots
Visit during the first Thursday of each month for 'First Thursday' events featuring live music, special promotions, and extended shopping hours at participating stores

Activities in Easton Town Center