Things To Do in Columbus OH

Because it is primarily a political city, many of Columbus's major points of interest are concentrated in neighborhoods that touch or are adjacent to Downtown. You'll find hotels, restaurants, government buildings, and corporate headquarters of the likes of Limited Brands, Nationwide Insurance; right in downtown, you'll find Ohio State University, As for the neighborhoods that abut downtown, there's the bar-and-club heavy German Village/Brewery District to the south; the Arena District, which is a planned development area located north of downtown that contains National Arena, restaurants, and clubs; and Short North, situated just north of Arena District, populated with art galleries, restaurants, gay bars, retail and coffee shops.

Inside Historic Downtown Columbus--As the state capitol and the county seat of Davidson County, many of Columbus's points of interest are historic in nature or otherwise unique to the city. The city has undergone a revitalization in recent years that has resulted in the preservation and presentation of its gems.

Because every trip should begin with a short but fun history lesson, head up by toward the Ohio State University campus and tour Ohio Historical Center and Ohio Village, 1982 Velma Ave. (tel. 614/297-2300; www.ohiohistory.org). The center, operated by the Ohio Historical Society, has over a million items in collection, including a variety of exhibits devoted to Ohio archaeology and history from the Ice Age to current day. It's a modern 25,000 square foot-facility with an archive of both the society and the entire state of Ohio. Exhibits include an examination of the first Ohioans, with artifacts such as prehistoric Native American art, woven goods, pipes, and another focusing on the natural world of Ohio: its plants, animals, climate, geology and geography. Ohio Village, the other part of the complex, is a recreation of a typical county seat town in Ohio during the mid-19th century, open to the public during specific events, which are seasonal and ongoing, such as a vintage baseball festival and a history lesson on ice cream, complete with an old-fashioned ice cream social. Recent exhibits include a look back at controversial Presidential elections-Ohio is a key state during campaign season-and a horticulturally-oriented exhibit that looks at the history of gardening, landscape, and landowning. For those interested in the history of the Underground Railroad, the Center provides information to other sites and historic private homes that were stops for African-Americans escaping slavery. Plan on spending a half-day here. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, and those with AAA membership cards, $3 for children 6 and up; free for children 5 and under. There is a $4 parking fee. Open every day except Mondays and national holidays.

From the Historical Center, head back to Capitol Square to tour the historic Ohio Statehouse, Statehouse Education/Visitors Center, Broad and High Sts. Ave. N. (tel. 614/728-2695; www.statehouse.state.oh.us/), a masterpiece of 19th century Greek Revival architecture. The Statehouse was completed in 1861-using prison labor for the foundation and ground floor-and went through a renovation in 1996. During the renovation, prisoner graffiti was uncovered, and as was common during those days, masons and laborers would sign their names. Research at the archives at the Historical Society found the man to be Ephram Badger, who had been imprisoned for burglary but was later pardoned, thanks to his "service to the state." The building was designed by renowned statehouse architect Nathan Kelly and features many fine details, including hand cut marble from Portugal that makes up the floor of the Rotunda and its 29-foot-wide skylight. On the ground floor, you will find a cafe, museum shop, and the Ohio Government Telecommunications studio, which shows gavel-to-gavel proceedings of the House and Senate and provides educational programming. Free, guided tours begin daily on the ground floor at the education and visitors center, which features the popular map room with an oversize marble map of Ohio. The Statehouse grounds are frequently the site of Civil War reenactments, including an encampment. There is a parking garage open 24 hours underneath the Statehouse. Closed on national holidays.

Walk from one architectural marvel to view many more just south of downtown, in German Village Society, 588 S. Third St. (tel. 614/221-8888; www.germanvillage.com). Here you will find some of the most beautifully restored historic 19th century homes, shops, and restaurants in Columbus. Stop at the visitors' center for a walking tour that highlights how this working class neighborhood grew in the 19th century and became reinvigorated in the late 20th century. For a closer look, opt for the deluxe tour, which takes you through two private homes, or one that goes through the Brewery District, just west of the village. Most of the buildings, whether quaint cottages or ornately detailed Queen Anne Victorians, have limestone foundations. Tours are available for individuals or groups, last between one and three hours, and range from $2-$12 per person. In the fall, Oktoberfest takes over the neighborhood; spring feature a Haus und Garten Tour. The 223-acre neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spend some time in Schiller Park, with its Huntington Garden Promenade, is the frequent site of festivals, special events, and outdoor theater productions.

Head back up to downtown, experiences the sights and smells by strolling through North Market, an historic market dating back to 1876, 59 Spruce St. (614/463-9664; www.northmarket.com) Open daily, the open-air market features over thirty unique merchants, fresh and prepared foods you can eat there or take to go, and a producer/farmers market during growing season on Saturdays. Throughout its history, fishmongers, farmers, butchers and bakers have sold their goods here, and it is the only one of four original public markets remaining in Columbus. In 1992 it moved to its current space. It's a culinary smorgasbord: Grab a bratwurst, falafel, or spring rolls, or simply sample the season's freshest produce. Situated just one block north of Nationwide Arena and one block west of the Convention Center. Open Tuesday-Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday 8am-5pm; Sunday Noon-5pm.

Tickets for many local events are sold through Ticketmaster (tel. 614/431-3600; www.ticketmaster.com).

The Performing Arts--There is no shortage of arts and entertainment here. Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (tel. 614/975-2787; www.capa.com/columbus) presents national and international touring artists and classic films, with three venues: one in Columbus, Chicago and New Haven. The organization is noteworthy for saving the historic 1928 Ohio State Theater from being razed in 1969 and has been a pioneer in downtown revitalization. The programming consists of its classic film Summer Movie Series, Signature Series, which brings classic theater programming, and a smattering of comedy, children's, world entertainment and folk, pop, jazz and country music. Now in its eighth season, the Contemporary American Theatre Company (tel. 614/469-0939; www.catco.org) is central Ohio's only professional resident theater company. Included in the repertoire are the best new original plays by playwrights such as David Mamet, American and international classics, new works such as the award-winning play The Exhonerated, and little-known but excellent works from around the world. Columbus Symphony Orchestra (tel. 205/322-6737; www.columbussymphony.com) stages fall and spring classical music productions, special appearances by guest artists (Renee Fleming appeared recently), and a Pops series that includes vocal performances of popular works and special seasonal performances around Christmas and, recently, Celtic music around St. Patrick's Day. Located on the Ohio State University Campus, the Wexner Center for the Arts, 1200 10th Ave. S. (tel. 614/292-3535; www.wexarts.org), a unique multidisciplinary arts venue on the campus of Ohio State University. In addition to gallery space, a large auditorium and small black box theater, film/video screenings, and even a bookshop and cafe, housed under one roof after a recent renovation.

The Bar & Club Scene--To find out what's happening, pick up a copy of the Columbus Alive, or check their website at www.columbusalive.com. There's always a big-name act coming to the Nationwide Arena (tel. 614/246-2000; www.nationwidearena.com), located in the planned development area called the Arena District. Recent headliners include Destiny's Child, the Rolling Stones, and Elton John.

Blues lovers should make a point of stopping by Blues Station, 147 W. Vine St. (tel. 614/884-BLUE; www.onasmusicroom.com), the preeminent Columbus blues joint. Their slogan is "come for the blues, stay for the BBQ"-they're equally known for music and their Southern Memphis-styled menu. It's a large venue with several seating areas, including an outdoor patio. Top regional and national blues acts come through here every night except Sunday and Monday. If a bar with a humidor, light fare and jazzy lounge music is your idea of a fine evening out, try The Lounge at BrownStone, 122 E. Main St. (tel. 614-222-3005;) Another favored spot is the Shadowbox Cabaret, 164 Easton Town Center (tel. 614/416-7625; www.shadowboxcabaret.com), home to an eclectic mix of comedy, theatrical sketches, and live rock-n-roll, Thursday through Saturday nights. The atmosphere is high-energy and they have a menu with appetizers, salads, homemade pizza and a standard bar: "no fu-fu drinks." Oldfield's on High, 2590 N. High St. (tel. 614/784-0477), is a neighborhood bar located between Ohio State and Clintonville that turns into a wild nightspot that is a must for fans of the local music scene-the HooDooSoulBand, appearing on Sundays, is especially revered. There's music nearly every night of the week; regional and national acts come through infrequently. The beer is cheap, the service is speedy, and the wide range of music is tops.