
Columbus-based author, Shawnie Kelley is a travel and food writer who has published five books, including Discover Cape Cod, Insiders’ Guide to Columbus (all three editions) and It Happened on Cape Cod. She also is a Chef Instructor for The Mix recreational cooking program at Columbus State. A passion for history, culture, and cuisine underlies all of her work. She is currently writing a femme-focused journey through France titled, The Woman’s Guide: France, due out in 2026, and an authoritative guide to America’s Historic Hotels: Crossroads of Heritage and Hospitality.
Shawnie is Owner and Travel Director of Wanderlust Tours, specializing in culinary and cultural travel. Her academic background is in Art History and while working for Historic Scotland and English Heritage, she developed an expertise in medieval and Renaissance architecture. She has written dozens of articles about castles, cathedrals, and sculpture which have been published in English Heritage and Historic Scotland magazines and British guide books.
Shawnie lived, studied and worked in France, Scotland, and England for five years during which time she traveled extensively throughout Europe adn Scandinavia. These professional and personal experiences led to the founding of Wanderlust Tours. She now conducts specialized, private, small-group tours, sharing her expertise and intimate knowledge of each destination such as the south of France, cathedrals of England, villages of Tuscany, and the Scottish Highlands.
As a food lover, Shawnie is particularly interested in regional culinary traditions and how food connects us with a culture and with each other. Cooking classes, market tours, and local tastings are a key component to the Wanderlust Tours itineraries. Her philosophy is to support local food and small business both at home and abroad. When in Columbus, she teaches travel seminars and travel-inspired cooking classes. Shawnie is a regular contributor to a variety of history, food and lifestyle magazines such as Midwest Living, Renaissance Magazine, Edible Columbus, Sophisticated Living, and BBC’s History magazine. Watch for the new ‘Discover Guides’ and “Women’s Guides” travel series to be released in the forthcoming years.
Shawnie is originally from Pittsburgh, but moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1997. She attended Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh; The Ohio State University, Columbus; University of Edinburgh in Scotland and The University of Nice. Shawnie is an avid home cook and culinary instructor, runner, herb gardener, and cat lover. Upper Arlington is home.
View this list of travel and cultural seminars if you are interested in having Shawnie speak to your group.
Shawnie also teaches travel-inspired cooking classes around the tri-state area or privately in your home.
TRAVELER
WRITER
FOOD EDUCATOR
Books & Publications




Connect With Shawnie
Instagram @shawniekelley
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