Columbus, Ohio is celebrating its 200th anniversary and its status as one of the best travel destinations in the country. The largest city in Ohio and the 15th largest city in the United States has an incredible history and some amazing assets - something those in-the-know already know and something more and more travelers are discovering every day.
According to Experience Columbus, the city is gaining national attention as an emerging destination for visitors and was named among America’s Top 5 Shopping Cities by Forbes. Columbus consistently earns praise as the best of the best in multiple categories. The U.S. Travel Guide ranked the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (http://columbuszoo.org) as the best zoo in America. Parents Magazine ranked COSI (http://cosi.org)as the number one science center in the country. Three baseball publications identified Huntington Park - home to the Columbus Clippers - as the best new ballpark in America.
Columbus has dedicated an impressive amount of outdor space to recreation. Columbus Commons is a 9-acre outdoor park in the heart of downtown that features gardens, walking paths, a carousel, an outdoor reading room with free WiFi, a café and a stage.
Just two blocks south of Columbus Commons is The Scioto Mile - a one-mile stretch of parkland located along the downtown Columbus riverfront. It connects the Batelle Riverfront Park to Bicentennial Park and features gardens, swings, water canals, scenic views of the Scioto River, a 15,000 square-foot interactive fountain, the casual dining café Milestone 229, and a new performance pavilion.
In late 2012, Hollywood Casino Columbus will open with up to 3,000 slot machines, live poker, 70 table games a steakhouse and a buffet restaurant.
In the last 4 years, more than $63,000,000 has been invested in renovations to full-service hotels such as the Hyatt Regency, Crowne Plaza Columbus Downtown, The Westin Columbus, Renaissance Columbus Downtown, Red Roof Inn Columbus Downtown, Holiday Inn Columbus Downtown Capital Square and the Hilton Columbus at Easton.
We enjoyed every minute of our visit to Columbus and look forward to returning. Here are some of our favorite things to see and do in Columbus, Ohio -
Our Favorite Attractions:
Flower Child Vintage Shop
Shopping at the Flower Child is like stepping into a time machine - a really hip and awesome pop culture time machine! This isn't your grandmother's antique shop. Flower Child is billed as "a true vintage department store and museum. From funky furniture, art, and housewares, to the clothes and accessories that match." http://flowerchildvintage.com
Middle West Spirits
Have you ever wanted to see how Vodka is made? Middle West Spirits, located in the Short North arts district of Columbus, is Central Ohio's "award winning 100% grain-to-bottle micro-distillery." Makers of OYO Vodka and OYO Whiskey, MWS offers Public Tours on Friday's at 6pm and a Gallery Hop on the first Saturday each month. http://www.middlewestspirits.com
Brothers Drake Meadery
Mead is one of the oldest known alcoholic beverages dating back to 7000 B.C. and Brothers Drake Meadery handcrafts fine meads with local and high quality ingredients including wildflower honey, fruit, flowers and spices. They offer a full bar that showcases local art and music. http://www.brothersdrake.com/home.html
German Village
Experience Columbus says this "charming 233-acre neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and rightly so, as it's filled with beautifully restored Italianate homes." 19th Century, red brick homes with wrought iron fences line the brick paved streets. More than 1600 buildings have been restored in what been called "the largest private funded historic district on the Natinal Register of Historic Places." http://germanvillage.com
The Book Loft
Located in German Village, The Book Loft is one of the nation's largest independent book stores with more than 100,000 titles in its maze of 32 rooms. The pre-Civil War era buildings once housed general stores, a saloon and a nickelodeon cinema. http://www.bookloft.com/
The Keny Gallery
Keny Galleries is a service-oriented fine art gallery. Areas of expertise include: 1) master watercolors by artists such as Charles E. Burchfield, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, George Luks, Georgia O'Keeffe, John Singer Sargent, Alice Schille, and Andrew Wyeth; and 2) outstanding paintings and works on paper by nationally-prominent artists from Ohio, such as George Bellows, Edward Potthast, William Sommer, and John H. Twachtman. http://kenygalleries.com
Franklin Park Conservatory
Built in 1895, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is situated on 88 acres that house a Conservatory with 400 species of plants from a variety of global climate zones, a Victorian Palm House with more than 40 species of palms, botanical collections, and a $7,000,000 signature collection of work by glass artist Dale Chihuly. Annual exhibitions include The Orchid Forest, Blooms and Butterflies, and Holidays at the Conservatory. http://www.fpconservatory.org
Topiary Park
A walk though the 7 acre Topiary Park in downtown Columbus is like strolling through a living work of art. The park contains a topiary interpretation of Georges Seurat’s Post-Impressionist painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grand Jatte. Located on the grounds of Old Deaf School Park (Ohio School For The Deaf), landscaped walkways wind through topiary masterpieces. Admission is free, and the park is wheelchair accessible. http://www.topiarygarden.org
Segway Tour
Even though we'd never ridden a Segway before, we loved the Segway Tours of Columbus. After a Segway lesson and practice time, our two hour tour let us explore historic downtown, the Scioto Riverfront, the Short North arts district and the Arena District while our guide entertained us with educational and humorous stories. http://www.segawaytoursofcolumbus.com
The Ohio Theater
Stepping into the Ohio Theater feels like stepping into a scene from Titanic. This 1928 Spanish-Baroque masterpiece hosted vaudeville legends like Milton Berle, Ray Bolger, Cab Calloway, Buddy Ebsen, Martha Raye, Jean Harlow, Ginger Rogers, Kate Smith, and Jack Benny. Today, the Ohio Theater offers The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, BalletMet, The Broadway Series and more than 100 CAPA events each year. http://capa.com
Short North District
Billed as "the art and soul" of Columbus, the Short North District is the place to be for art, dining, nightlife, fashion, home décor, and unique gifts. On the first Saturday of each month, a Gallery Hop celebrates art at dozens of galleries, shops and non traditional spaces.
North Market
Since 1876, this wonderful public market has been the home to "bakers, candy makers, fishmongers, greengrocers and restaurateurs." It offers fresh produce, meats, poultry and seafood, ethnic food specialties, gourmet groceries, flowers and gifts. The variety is unbelievable and the atmosphere is definitely something special and unique. http://www.northmarket.com
Our Favorite Places To Dine:
Sugardaddy's Sumptuous Sweeties
Who else - besides life-partners Mark Ballard and Tom Finney would have believed that a restaurant serving brownies, blondies and champagne would be a hit in downtown Columbus, Ohio? Sugardaddy’s launched in 2005 and quickly became such a hit that there are now three retail stores and a thriving online store. Sugardaddy's has been named "Best of the Best" by Food Network, crowned winners of Throwdown with Bobby Flay and appeared on such shows as Ellen, The Rachael Ray Show, and Queer Eye For The Straight Guy. There is a good reason Sugardaddy's Sumptuous Sweeties has gained such popularity - their brownies and blondies are delicious!
Barcelona
Located in historic German Village in a 100 year old building, Barcelona features Mediterranean cuisine in a classy decor "inspired by seaside sangria and a walk on the Ramblas." Barcelona offers guests three choices for dining - bar (perfect for "casual conversations with friends"), dining room (suitable for parties of 2 to 20), patio secret garden.(fountains, waterfalls and foliage in a beautiful setting). The Barcelona menus features the "extensive creativity of Chef Paul and authentic Spanish cuisine." http://www.barcelonacolumbus.com
Spinelli's Deli
Spinelli's Deli owners Joe Spinelli and Bill Ward say their mission is to make "happy bellies!' Breakfast is served all day. Menu choices include breakfast sandwiches, soups, lunch sandwiches, salads, pasta, flatbreads and sweet treats. Located in Victorian Village, Spinelli's Deli also offers catering and a mobile food cart. http://www.spinellisdeli.com
Columbus Food Adventures Short North Tour
The Columbus Food Adventures Short North Tour is a 1.5 mile walking tour that begins at the historic North Market and then leads guests on a casual trek with stops "at five eating establishments, sampling some of their signature dishes and hearing their stories." If you love foodie tours as we do, you'll love this! http://columbusfoodadventures.com
Hyde Park
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse offers outdoor dining "with beautiful downtown views on the city’s busiest corner" as well as 6 private and semi-private dining areas, cozy fireplaces and "multiple soft seating areas to relax with friends and associates." Wine lovers will enjoy Hyde Park's collection of more than 50 wines served by the glass and cocktail enthusiasts will enjoy the "Best Martini Happy Hour in Columbus" featuring $4 martinis and cocktails. The menu offers seafood and "aged steaks in a variety of classic and noveau styles." http://www.hydeparkrestaurants.com
Northstar Cafe
Northstar Cafe offers casual cuisine in a unique urban ambience featuring "pure and natural dining, rooted in our Ohio soil." The menu boasts "New American cuisine with a healthful emphasis on organic ingredients." Northstar has three locations - Beechwold, Short North and Easton. http://www.thenorthstarcafe.com
Milestone 229
Located in the scenic Scioto Mile riverfront, Milestone 229 serves chef-prepared classic American dishes, sandwiches, salads, gourmet pizzas, steak, seafood and roasted Gerber chicken. They also offer cocktails, fine wines and beer from local breweries. The chef "chooses many local seasonal farmers to assure the finest and freshestingredients and to support our community.Our menu includes free-range Ohio chicken, Ohio proud beef and produce from local suppliers and herb gardens." Milestone 229 has an amazing view of the 15,000 sq. foot Scioto Mile Interactive Fountain. http://milestone229.com
Level Dining Lounge
Located in the hip Short North District, Level is a "sanctuary of sanity" that serves "fine foods and specialty cocktails." This multi-level establishment is known for its great food and stylish decor. Level's reasonably priced menu offers something for everyone from fries to calamari to calzones to burgers to pasta to seafood to steaks. http://levelcolumbus.com
Pistacia Vera
Located in Historic German Village, Pistacia Vera is a from-scratch patisserie with more that 60 hand-made seasonal pastries and confections created in classic European technique. They have an amazing 12 different flavors of Parisian Macaroons! Indoor and outdoor cafe seating are available. http://www.pistaciavera.com
Explore On Your Own:
Want to explore on your own? Experience Columbus has put together some fantastic themed itineraries that you can use to explore the best of Columbus!
How Did They Do That?
Find out “how did they do that” on a special behind-the-scenes tour of Columbus, revealing the tricks on topics as varied as making wine to growing orchids.
NEW: Go Green
Going green has never been so much fun! Explore one of the nation’s most unusual Audubon centers, meet farmers and use herbs in everything from pizza to bath products.
A Taste of Columbus
See for yourself why Columbus is known for its culinary scene. Enjoy cooking classes and dine at local favorites.
Family Fun Getaway
Looking for a vacation that will excite you as well as your children? Columbus is the answer, with entertaining activities that will bring out the child in everyone.
Out in Columbus
The word is out on Columbus. Columbus is “one of the nation’s most underrated gay cities.” The Advocate rated Columbus one of the best places in the country for gays and lesbians to live.
Sweet Romance
Fall in love (or again) on a romantic getaway in Columbus. With relaxing spas, intimate dinners and luxurious accommodations, there’s plenty of ways to get the sparks flying.
Girls Getaway Weekend
Look no further than Columbus for your next girls' getaway weekend. You can tap your creative side by making wine and designing your own T-shirt, relax at the spa and more.
Just the Guys
Kick back with the guys in Columbus. Hit the links, try out microbreweries, and see the Ohio State Buckeyes or one of Columbus’ professional sports teams in action.
Adventures in Art
Experience Columbus' nationally acclaimed arts scene for yourself. Go behind the scenes to meet jazz greats, learn to play the fiddle and create glass art.
It's Reunion Time
Your reunion will be a hit in Columbus. There are plenty of fun ways to catch up and get reacquainted in Ohio's capital city.
Columbus in Bloom
Experience the many flavors, aromas and colors of Columbus. Create your own butterfly garden to take home and use fresh herbs to create culinary delights.
History Comes Alive in Columbus
As Ohio’s state capital and a former stop on the Underground Railroad, Columbus is rich in history.
Celebrate the Holidays in Columbus
With outstanding shopping options and festive holiday activities, you’ll be entertained during your holiday stay in Columbus.
Explore Ohio's Capital City
From vibrant downtown districts to top-of-the-line shopping to a thriving arts scene, Ohio’s capital city offers a wealth of experiences.
Learning is Fun in Columbus
Ohio’s capital city is filled with attractions that allow students to learn in a fun and engaging atmosphere. This is a “class” students won’t want to miss.
Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls
If you'd like to adventure a little outside Columbus for some incredible scenery, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is the perfect place for a romantic or relaxing escape. We loved it. The decor is picture perfect. The food is incredible. The service is extraordinary. Owners Ellen and Terry have done a wonderful job creating such a unique atmosphere. It is a favorite of GLBT travelers for good reason. Though Ohio has yet to recognize the right of all Americans to marry, Ellen and Terry are happy to offer their beautiful rooftop garden for commitment ceremonies. The nearby waterfalls, caves and trails are perfect for birding, sightseeing or hiking. The whole area is a photographer's dream come true! http://innatcedarfalls.com
Conclusion:
We thoroughly enjoyed our Columbus, Ohio experience! The accolades being heaped upon the city are well-deserved. We recommend that you add Columbus, Ohio to your travel plans - you won't be sorry!
Watch our video of Columbus highlights -
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Staff Feature - copyright Sunny Harbor Publishing
Our Favorite Attractions:
Franklin Park Conservatory
North Market
Columbus Food Adventures Short North Tour
Outside Columbus:
