Named one of the seven most intelligent cities in the world (yes, the world), this city definitely knows how to attract the right crowd. Heading to Columbus and not sure how to spend your days in Ohio’s capital? Use this list of five Columbus hotspots to help plan your upcoming trip:
1. Short North District
Take a day to stroll through the Short North District. Located immediately north of downtown and just south of Ohio State University, the district’s central location is not the only thing it has to offer.
Known for its array of art galleries, shops, restaurants, and nightlife, The Short North has something for everyone. If possible, try to go during Gallery Hop, an evening dedicated to new gallery exhibits, street performers, and food and drink. The Gallery Hop occurs on the first Saturday of every month. Notable places to try out in the district include the Northstar cafe for breakfast or lunch, Da Levee for Cajun, and Barley’s Brewing Company for a beer, just to name a few.
Image by Kārlis Dambrāns via Flickr
Image by VasenkaPhotography via Flickr
2. Topiary Park
Walk through Topiary Park, modeled after Georges Seurat’s famous painting, A Sunday On The Island Of La Grande Jatte. In the 1990s, the sculptor James Mason, who teaches sculpture in Columbus, recreated Seurat’s original scene using sculpted shrubbery. The use of this method resulted in a recreation which includes boats, a monkey, a cat, 54 people, and a real pond used to represent the river. Conveniently situated in downtown Columbus, this park provides the perfect urban escape.
Image by missrivs via Flickr
3. North Market
Spend an afternoon or enjoy lunch at the North Market. This extensive indoor/outdoor market houses over thirty merchant stands which sell everything from fruits to floral arrangements and artisanal ice cream to Indian groceries. Fan favorites include the ice cream at Jeni’s, the pierogis at Hubert’s Polish Kitchen, and the Bavarian pretzels at Brezel. No chance of you leaving this local hub hungry.
Image by Dustin Tinney via Flikr
Image by Erin Nekervis via Flickr
4. Columbus Museum of Art
Browse the Columbus Museum of Art’s collection which features works by French Impressionists, German Expressionists, and modern 20th century American and European artists. The museum’s permanent collection features works by notable artists such as Hopper, Matisse, Renoir, and O’Keefe. Aside from the permanent collection, the museum also hosts rotating exhibits, which have featured folk art, contemporary art, and photography.
Image by Richie Diesterheft via Flickr
Image by Greg Brock via Flickr
5. Arena District
If you are looking for a night out in Columbus, then look no further than the Arena District. During hockey season, you can catch a Blue Jackets game at Nationwide Arena, and year round you can dine and drink at the surrounding restaurants, bars, and clubs. The bars and venues in the area attract local talent, live bands, DJs, as well as national acts. Any night is a night out in the Arena District.
Image by Friscocali via Flickr
You are sure to enjoy yourself at any one of these Columbus attractions. Whether you are browsing the galleries of the North Shore, attending a concert in the Arena district or grabbing a bite at North Market, you’ll be experiencing the best of Ohio.