From Wikitravel
- For other places with the same name, see Columbus
(disambiguation).
A view of downtown Columbus' skyline from street level.
Columbus [1] is the capital of the American state of Ohio and is located centrally within
the state in the Mid-Ohio
region. Sited in an area where the Rust Belt, Bible Belt,
Appalachia, and the Plains meet, Columbus is a fusion of many
different part of America. It is the home of The Ohio State
University. The combination of Ohio Government and Ohio State
University has fueled amazing growth both financially and
physically in Columbus. It has created a business and research
enviroment that has provided substantial employment opportunities
to the diverse ethnic and local graduates of Ohio State University,
and other academic institutions in Columbus. The Ohio Supercomputer
Center (OSC), is projected to be one of the top 50 supercomputers
in the world and among the top 10 supercomputing academic
centers.
Understand
Named after the Italian explorer who sailed under the Spanish
flag (In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue), this city
is the largest in Ohio in terms of population with 730,657, and the
15th largest city in the United States. With 1.7 million people,
the metropolitan statistical area is the 31st largest in the
nation. Major area employers are state government (as the state
capital), Ohio State University (the largest student population in
the nation) and numerous Fortune 500 companies headquartered here
(Cardinal Health, Nationwide Insurance, Limited Brands, etc.). It
is a day's drive from one half of the U.S. population and is
located at the intersection of I-70 and I-71.
Generally arranged in a really big wheel, Columbus is
the central hub to many nearby cities including (clockwise from the
north):
- Port Columbus International Airport (IATA:
CMH), 4600
International Gateway, ☎ +1
614 239-4083, [2]. Port Columbus is served by all the major
airlines, with direct flights to most major American cities. Aside
from rental cars, the airport can also be reached by the #92 bus,
or by taxi. A taxi ride to downtown is only 10 minutes and will
cost approximately $25. Depending on your schedule and where you
are connecting to, it may be worthwhile to check flights to Dayton
as well, as they are often cheaper.
edit
- Rickenbacker International Airport Passenger
Charter Terminal/2241 John Circle Dr. +1 614 239-4000. [3] Charter
flights.
- Major highways include I-71 & Rte. 315 (north and south),
I-70 & I-670 (east and west), and the outer-belt, I-270. US
Routes 33, 23, and 40 also converge downtown.
- Greyhound Station, 111 East Town St, +1 614
228-2266, [4]. Hours: 24 hours a
day.
- Megabus, +1 877 462-6342, [5]. Service to Columbus from
Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Chicago. Fares start at $1. Buses
arrive and depart downtown Columbus at the COTA Express Transit
Terminal, located at West Spring Street and North Wall Street.
Buses also serve Ohio State University from a stop at the north
side of the Neil Drive loop next to the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion.
Neil Drive is located northwest of Neil Avenue and West 12th
Avenue.
Get around
By bus
The COTA bus service [6] can
take you to most important places in the city, which should be
about 5 blocks away from any conceivable location you need to go
to. This service costs $2.00 for an express bus and $1.50 for a
normal bus. Transfers are free; ask for one from the bus driver
when you pay your fare.
By foot
The entire corridor of High St (US Route 23) from Clintonville
in the North to Merion Village in the South is extremely
pedestrian-friendly, though it does pass through some
less-than-scenic areas, particularly the few blocks between campus
and the short north. Downtown Columbus is a
walkable city with most attractions located within a 20 minute walk
of each other. The Columbus Landmarks Foundation conducts walking
tours, too. [7]
By car
Columbus is a car-centric city, with usage of a car required
outside of the areas directly surrounding downtown. Parking is
extensive (and reasonably priced) at almost all major destinations.
There are many surface lots and garages around the city. There are
only a few areas of the city, like the Short North, where parking
can be hard to come by; those locations all feature abundant valet
parking at an affordable $5 per vehicle. Keep in mind that
U-turns are illegal citywide in Columbus. Downtown
is a short ten minute drive ($20 taxi fare) from Port Columbus (the
airport) via I-670W.
- Adena Conical Burial Mound. AKA Campbell Mound
State Memorial. 20 feet high - 100 feet in diameter. Close to 270 W
and I 70 intersection in Columbus OH on Montgomery St. Woodlands
Period about 1,000 BC - 700 AD.
- Columbus Crew Stadium, Adjacent to Ohio
Historical Society of of I-71. Home ot Columbus Crew Soccer and as
of 2008 a $2 million dollar new stage has been installed to host
big-name concerts. Great location.
- The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside
Dr. +1 614 645-3400, [8].
Columbus' zoo has been rated number one in the country, which also
includes it's golf course, water/theme park and soon-to-be resort.
The zoo has a great collection of endangered species, including
manatees, cheetahs and lowland gorillas. They recently opened the
Asia Quest exhibit with Siberian tigers, sun bears and Pallas
cats.
- Columbus Museum of Art, 480 East Broad St, +1
614 221-6801 (info@columbusmuseum.org), [9]. Free on Sundays.
Has a good restaurant.
- The Greater Columbus Convention Center, [10]. Located
downtown between the Arena District and the Short North, this
convention center houses gaming cons, Sci-Fi cons, teachers
association meetings, fitness expos and almost any kind of large
gathering you can imagine. A Hyatt Regency hotel is built into the
structure and several other hotels are connected by skyway
tunnels.
- COSI, 333 West Broad St, +1 614 228-COSI, [11]. COSI is an amazing museum,
where kids will want to stay forever because of the cool and
interactive science and technology exhibits. Adults love it, too.
The building itself is a massive elliptical building, directly
across the Scioto River from Downtown. It was built around Central
High School.
Franklin Park Conservatory
- Franklin Park Conservatory Beautiful sculpted
gardens and indoor biomes make up this spectacular site. The
conservatory hosts various exhibitions (such as Blooms &
Butterflies each spring with live releases) and has a collection of
Chihuly glass. General William Tecumseh Sherman gave his famous
'War is Hell' speech here.
- Ohio Craft Museum [12], 1665 West
Fifth Ave, +1 614 486-4402, . M–Sa 10AM–5PM Su. 1PM–4 PM. Closed
Sa. Five major exhibitions each year.
- Ohio Statehouse, downtown at the intersection
of Broad and High streets, +1 614 728-2695, [13]. This is the
Ohio Capitol building, built in pre-Civil War time. It still houses
the state legislature. It's open for browsing and they offer free
tours daily.
- Experience Columbus (the convention &
visitors bureau), [14],
has a complete list of attractions.
- Franklin County Veterans Memorial Auditorium
300 W. Broad St. +1 614 221-4341 [15]
- Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 North
High St. +1 614 827-2500. [16]
Attached to Hyatt Regency. Parking for Convention Center is
adjacent to Hyatt. Food Court and shopping. More shopping and
restaurants across High St. Most amenities for convention visitors
are to the North on High St.
- Ohio Stadium 411 Woody Hayes Dr.
[17] Home to OSU foootball.
- Value City Arena at the Jerome Schottenstein
Center 55 Arena Dr. [18] (Take Lane Ave
across Olentangy River.) OSU Basketball, concerts, monstor trucks.
Great facility!!!! All tickets through ticketmaster [19]
- Wyandotte Winery - 4640 Wyandotte Dr. [20], is a family run
winery located in a cozy neighborhood setting in northeast
Columbus. Wyandotte has produced fine grape and fruit wines on
premises for over 30 years. Visit the wine shop and tasting room,
enjoy a taste of the current wine offerings, and browse the wine
related items in the gift shop.
- Wexner Center for The Arts, 1871 N High
St, ☎ 6142920330, [21]. Weekly,
depend on show. One of the
country's leading modern arts centers. The center, named after the
Limited Brands founder Lex Wexner, features world renowned visual
art exhibits (at one time a Andy Warhol installation),
international films, live theater, and modern dance. The center is
conveniently located on High St. in Columbus' University
District. edit
Festivals/Events
These are a few of the larger/major events in Columbus:
- All American Quarter Horse Congress, Ohio Expo
Center/Fairgrounds, Oct. [22]
- The Arnold Fitness Classic Held once a year in
early March at the Columbus Convention Center. Tons of competitions
ranging from martial arts to cheerleading to bench press, plenty of
"fitness babes" and free supplement samples, and speeches from
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. [23]
- Asian Festival At Franklin Park. Annual Event.
May. Food, games, market place, health screening. Great location!
Free. [24]
- Columbus Arts Festival, festival@gcac.org
Downtown Riverfront. June (annual event) Arts, crafts, food, music,
entertainment. Big event. [25]
- Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest, River Front
downtown, July. Expect 500-700,000 people at this fun food and
music event held each year.
- ComFest, the Columbus Community Festival, at
Goodale Park in June. Music, arts, culture, shopping, fair food,
beer & bare feet. Who's who of Columbus musicians and those
from elsewhere! [26]
- Festival Latino, is held on the downtown River
Front in the middle of June each year. Billed as "The largest
Hispanic/Latino event in Ohio". Lot's of food, fun, entertainment
and feista. Free admission. [27]
- German Village Oktoberfest, South Grant &
East Livingston Ave September.
- Good Guys Columbus Ohio State Fairgrounds,
Over 6,000 rods, customs, classics, muscle cars, street machines
and trucks thru ’72. July.
[28]
- Ohio Expo Center. 717 E. 17th Ave. [29] Home to
The Ohio State Fair. Each month, a variety of
shows, expositions and competitions are held at the Ohio Expo
Center, over 175 events per year. These range from shopping for
antiques to boxing, there is something for everyone at the Ohio
Expo Center.
- Origins International Game Expo Origins is run
by The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) as one of their two
shows for the adventure gaming industry. (The second show, the GAMA
Trade Show, is for game manufacturers and retailers only.) Origins
is specifically chartered to serve adventure gaming in general,
including wargames and miniatures gaming, which tend to be less
well represented at Gen Con and Dragon*Con. Board games, trading
card games, and role-playing games are also popular at Origins. It
is usually compared in size with E3 and GenCon, and is famous for
it's Origin Awards. The Origins Award is commonly referred to as a
Calliope, as the statuette is in the likeness of the Muse of the
same name. Academy members frequently shorten this name to
"Callie."
- Red, White & BOOM, downtown, river front.
Take a bus, traffic is as bad as it gets in Columbus for this
event. Billed as The biggest and best Independence Day
fireworks celebration in the Midwest. July. [30]
- Experience Columbus (the convention &
visitors bureau) [31],
has a complete calendar of events.
- Columbus Blue Jackets - NHL Hockey [32]
- Columbus Clippers - MLB AAA Baseball [33]
- The Ohio State University - NCAA College [34]
- Columbus Crew - Major League Soccer [35]
- The American Whistle Factory 6540 Huntley Rd.
+1 614 846-2918 [36] The
only manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States
- Anthony-Thomas Candy Co. 1777 Arlington Gate.
+1 877 226-3921. [37] Every
Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am. to 2:30 pm.
- Graeter’s Ice Cream Factory 2555 Bethel Rd. +1
614 442-7622 [38]
- The Krema Nut Company 1000 W. Goodale Blvd. +1
614 299-4131. [39] One of the oldest
peanut butter makers still manufacturing in the United States
today! And PB & Jelley Sandwich shop.
- Gentlemen Clubs Gentlemen Clubs are scattered
throughout Columbus and are open to those 18+, and are considered
by most to be acceptable entertainment. Some offer alcohol, some
are BYOB, some are alcohol free. Most all are open to both male and
female, however most only offer male or female entertainers. Expect
to pass through metal detector and provide some form of identity.
Current law does not allow total nudity after mid-night.
- Scioto Downs Two miles south of Route 270 on
Route 23 South (High Street). [40] Harness
racing and betting.
Columbus College of Art & Design
- Capital University, 1 College and Main. +1 614
236-6011 [41]
- Columbus College of Art & Design, 107
North Ninth St +1 614 224-9101 [42]
- Columbus State Community College, 550 E.
Spring St +1 614 287-5353 [43]
- DeVry University Columbus, 1350 Alum Creek Dr
+1 614 253-7291 [44]
- Hondros College, 4140 Executive Parkway,
Westerville. +1 614 508-7277.
[45] Nursing, real estate, appraisal, insurance and other
subjects.
- Ohio State School for the Blind, 5220 N High
St., +1 614 752-1359 [46]
K-12 grades. Excellent resident school for the blind.
- The Ohio State University, 154 W. 12th Ave
(132 Enarson Hall), +1 614 292-OHIO, The largest university in the
nation. OSU is home to one of the most storied football programs in
history. See The Horseshoe (The Ohio Stadium), The Oval, Mirror
Lake. [47]
- Ohio Dominican University Campus, 1216 Sunbury
Rd, +1 614 473-9003. [48]
One of Ohio’s oldest and most respected accredited
universities.
Work
To provide an idea of the diverse mix of Columbus-based business
activity, the following Fortune 500 headquarters are in
Columbus:
- Cardinal Health
- Nationwide Insurance
- American Electric Power
- Limited Brands, women's and girl's
apparel
- Hexion Specialty Chemicals
- Big Lots, discount retail stores
- The Short North [49] is neighborhood of
galleries, restaurants and cafes lining High Street, which is the
main north-south thoroughfare in the downtown. The Short North lies
just north of the downtown on the north side of I-670. The Short
North runs until about Third Avenue. In 2005, the overpass of I-670
was finished with shops making a "cap" over the freeway with
restaurants and shops. Check out the Gallery Hop the first Saturday
of every month when the galleries stay open late and the streets
and bars are definitely hopping.
- Easton Town Center, 160 Easton Town Center, [50]. A typical "town
center" shopping mall featuring more upscale stores.
- Lennox Town Center Olentangy River Rd., next
to State Route 315 just west of the Ohio State University.
Theaters, Target, Bath and Body Works, Barnes & Noble,
restaurants.
- Polaris Fashion Place 1500 Polaris Parkway.
West of of I-71 @ Polaris. +1 614 846-1500 [51] One of the new
commercial shopping areas, loaded with popular stores and
restaurants.
- The Mall at Tuttle Crossing, Tuttle Crossing
Blvd. at I-270, A 980,000 square foot mall with over 120 stores and
a food court.
- Hey Diddle Diddle Children's Clothing
Boutique, 38
North State Street (I-270 to Westerville Road exit then North 2
miles), ☎ 614 818
5437, [52]. 10-5
M-Sat. Children's Clothing
Boutique serving greater Columbus. In beautiful historic Uptown
Westerville, the charm of the 1800's with the ammenities of
today
edit
- Milk Bar Boutique (Society of Fashionable Savages), 1203 N. High
St., [53]. Urban clothing boutique edit
- Kroger Throughout Columbus. Ask for discount
card!
- Giant Eagle Throughout Columbus. Ask for
discount card.
- Whole Foods Market 3670 W. Dublin-Granville
Rd. +1 614 760-5556
- Meijer Throughout Columbus. Pronounced
"MEYE-er".
Eat
The City of Columbus issues approximately 6,000 licenses for a
variety of types of food vendors, Franklin County issues about
3,000 for the remainder of the County and the suburban area.
Food Safety – In Columbus, starting late May of 2007, all 6,000
local restaurants must post color coded signs that reflect the
results of the most previous inspection by the Columbus Public
Health Dept. Green = passing most recent inspection. Red, yellow or
white suggests you probably may want to reconsider your options.
The law applies to public pools, tattoo parlors, spas, campgrounds
as well as food markets. The sign must be obvious, within five foot
of an entrance.
- Raising Canes, [54]. Five locations in the
Columbus area. Fast food chain that serves excellent chicken
fingers in a tasty dipping sauce. Try the box combos that include
fries, cole slaw, and Texas toast.
- Penn Station, [55]. This chain serves
toasted subs using freshly-grilled meats, fries freshly cut from
potatoes, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
- City Barbeque, [56]. Chain that is primarily in
Columbus, with locations in a few of the suburbs. Incredibly good
pulled pork, with tastes for anyone interested in BBQ cooking.
- Yau's China Bistro This is an unpretentious,
but incredibly good Chinese restaurant located on North High
Street, part of the campus area. Very authentic and reasonably
priced.
- Udupi Cafe Excellent inexpensive South Indian
restaurant, located on 161 between I-71 and Cleveland Ave.
- Mi Mi Cafe 5858 Columbus Square in the
shopping area at Cleveland Ave and 161. Very nice vietnamese
sandwiches and noodle dishes. Iced coffee and billiards too.
- Wendy's headquartered in nearby Dublin, Ohio.
The original Wendy's restaurant was located downtown on Broad
Street, but has closed.
- Aladdin's Eatery, Grandview, High St, &
Dublin locations, Mediterranean fusion. Healthy, fresh, and priced
well.
- El Arepazo, Corner of Gay and Pearl.
Venezuelan faire. Delicous and cheap.
- Yanni's, Cleveland Ave. and I-270. Huge
portions, cheap, good Greek food. Unbelievable desserts.
- Lunch Wagons called loncheras, or lovingly
refered to as "roach coaches" which cater to a Latino labor force,
are becoming a common sight around town and are very popular with
those in the know. Simlar to the lunch wagons so popular in Hawaii,
but with a Latino twist. They are subject to inspection by the
health dept. and should not be feared but enjoyed.
- White Castle Scattered throughout Columbus,
you will find the popular White Castle burger franchise. Fries,
burgers, shakes, breakfast. Most are open 24/7 and offer some of
the most inexpensive eats in town.
- Thurman's, 183 Thurman Ave (about a block east
of High St. at Greenlawn Ave). A bar with the absolute best burgers
in town in the nice German Village area. The Thurman Burger is
loaded with all types of meat, including ham and bacon and globs of
all of your favorite garnishings. The wings are also rumored to be
excellent, but it's difficult to go there and not order one of
their fantastic burgers. Be prepared to wait for a table, though:
the restaurant is extremely small.
- Schmidt's Sausage Haus, also in the German
Village area, head south on High St from downtown, turn left on
Kossuth St. Authentic German sausage, schnitzel, red cabbage, etc.
Don't leave without trying their microbrewed beer, as well as the
fresh-baked vanilla cream puffs (one is enough for two
people).
- Max & Erma's, [57]. The quintessential
'burgers and stuff' sort of place got its' start here, and you can
find one almost anywhere in town, including the original restaurant
in German Village. Adventurers are recommended to try their Garbage
Burger, while those with a sweet tooth should get a pan of cookies
made fresh for them, or try the sundae bar!
- My Momma's Sweet Potato Pies, 813 East
Livingston Ave. +1 614 444-4282 [58] Authentic
sweet potato pie.
- Columbus Brewing Company, just west of the
Brewery District. Fine food at a good price.
- Hunan House or Hunan Lion, Two of the best
Chinese places in the Midwest. The Hunan House in the north side of
town off SR 161/Dublin-Granville, was featured on the Food Network,
though both rest restaurants serve mostly the same food.
- Akai Hana Columbus' most authentic source of
excellent Japanese food and sushi. Located at Henderson &
Kenny, it's a bit hard to find, tucked in a strip mall behind 'The
Ski Shack'. Also provides carry-out. This restaurant is formerly
known as Restaurant Japan.
- Buona Pasta, 2962 McKinley Ave., +1
614-481-8105.[59]. Authentic Italian
food. Pastas/sauces made fresh. Great food and outstanding
service.
- Eddie George's Grille 27, 1636 North High St.,
+1 614-421-2727. [60] Great
American food and atmosphere for watching sports. Located in the
South Campus Gateway. This sports-themed restaurant is owned and
named after the Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State.
- The Blue Nile, 2631 North High St., +1
614-421-2323. [61] Located within
walking distance of the Ohio State University campus. The Blue Nile
serves Ethiopian food, community-style, on a big tray lined with
Injera, a crepe-like bread.
- Dragonfly, [62]. A nationally known,
upscale, 100% vegan restaurant on King Avenue near campus.
- Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse 569 North High St.,
+1 614 224-2204, [63].
Fine Aged Steaks and Chops, Fresh Seafood and Creative Chef
Specialties.
- The Refectory, 1092 Bethel Rd. about 7
miles North of downtown, [64]. Known in Columbus as the
height in fine dining. Elegant, attention to detail and outstanding
service.
- Alana's, 2333 North High Street, ..just north
of The Ohio State University, +1 614-294-6783. [65]. is the best place to
indulge in a nice bottle of wine with dinner, as the mark-up on her
amazing selection is practically non-existant. With a new menu
hand-picked by Alana herself every night and an on-site sommelier
(her husband), Alana's is a great place to enjoy fine food in a
non-pretentious atmosphere.
- Cameron Mitchel Restaurants, [66]. For better or for
worse, a majority of the fine dining in Columbus is owned by the
same parent company. For a predictably pleasant (if unadventurous)
night out you can choose from Molly Woos, The Columbus Fish Market,
M (high-end), Cameron's (steak), or Cap City Diner.
- Spagio, [67]. 1295
Grandview Ave. European and Pacific Rim Cuisine. They have
excellent wood-fired pizzas.
Dives
For the mid-west, Columbus has its share of ethnic and domestic
eateries that shelter culinary artists throughout the city and
offer outstanding meals at sometimes bargain prices, in locations
that may be carry-out only, limited seating or maybe small bars
that offer outstanding food. Places that are well worth the effort
to find, which is part of the adventure.
- The Blue Danube, 2439 North High St., +1 614
261-9308. An Ohio State University institution, it's a cheap
bar/diner with a wide variety of food/drinks, open late. Try the
gravy fries.
- Chef Butcher's Creole Kitchen, 777 E Long St.,
+1 614 228-7588. Creole for the lunch crowd.
- Ena's Caribbean Kitchen, 2458 Cleveland Ave.,
+1 614-262-0988. Limited seating, great food, family operation.
Daily specials.
- Paradise Foods, 3180 E. Main St., +1
614-236-1599. International dishes for every taste. Restaurant.
Caribbean jerk/curry/brown stew chicken with red beans and rice;
fried, steamed or blackened whiting, perch, catfish, red snapper,
scallops and more (shrimp is also available by the pound). Choose
from full or half slabs of long, center and short bone beef or pork
barbecue ribs. Outside seating only.
- Bodega Cafe, 1044 N. High Street, ☎ 614-299-9399. Located in the Short North district, they have
50 beers on tap as well as a killer happy hour (4-8pm weekdays)
that is half off all their draft beers. edit
- The Winking Lizard in Worthington and on
Bethel sport a good beer selection.
- Victorian's Midnight Cafe at the corner of 5th
& Neil avenues. Non-smoking, a great selection of beers, very
casual. Live music most nights.
- The Arena District, home of The Columbus
Nationwide Arena. Bars include Frog Bear Wild Boar, Brother's,
Gaswerks, and the Lodge Bar, each containing a different
personality and young 20-somethings atmosphere. Cabs are easy to
flag down, parking is cheap, and each bar has incredible happy hour
specials. Don't miss Brothers $1 Thursday mug night, an Ohio State
student favorite.
- The Char Bar across the street from the
Greater Columbus Convention Center is a nicely low-key place to get
good drinks, many different types of beer, and relax.
- The Short North area, on N High Street above
Goodale street combines art galleries with bars. First weekend of
the month is "Gallery Hop" and places are open later.
- Barley's is a microbrewery in the Short North
that is known for its high-quality beers.
- Wyandotte Winery - 4640 Wyandotte Dr., [68] A family run winery
located in a cozy neighborhood setting in northeast Columbus.
Wyandotte has produced fine grape and fruit wines on premises for
over 30 years. Visit the wine shop and tasting room, enjoy a taste
of the current wine offerings, and browse the wine related items in
the gift shop.
- Newport Music Hall, 1722 North High Street (in
the University Area). [69]
Has a rich history where up-in-coming acts play along side with
national headliners.
- Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, 405 Neil Ave.
(formerly the Promowest Pav.) in the Arena District. [70] A
mid-sized venue seating 2,200 patrons indoors and 4,500
outdoors.
- The Basement, 391 Neil Ave. Known for
showcasing local bands.[71]
- Bernie's/The Distillery, 1896 North High St in
the University Area.
Sleep
Columbus is a convention city, with a large well established
business and manufacturing base, as well as an education foundation
that attracts many visitors. Downtown accommodations tend to be a
little more expensive than those scattered near the interstate
exits. But, there usually is lodging available in most price
ranges.
- Cambria Suites, [72]
NEQ of Lyra Dr. & Gemini Dr, +1 (614) 841-9100.
- Hyatt on Capitol Square, 75 East State
St, ☎ +1 614 228
1234,
[73]. edit
- Westin Columbus, [74] 310 S High
Street, +1 888-625-5144.
- Holiday Inn on the Lane, 328 West Lane Ave,
+1 954-484-9290, [75]
- The Lofts, 55 E Nationwide Blvd, [76]. Unique upscale downtown
hotel with 44 distinct luxury boutique accommodations in an
historic building.
- Days Inn Columbus North, 1212 E. Dublin Granville
Rd, ☎ 614-885-9696, [77]. edit
- Rodeway Inn Columbus, 6125 Zumstein Dr, ☎ 614-846-5871, [78]. edit
- Courtyard by Marriott, 35 West Spring
Street, ☎ 614-228-3200, [79].
edit
- University Plaza Hotel & Conference
Center, 3110
Olentangy River Rd., ☎ 614-267-7461, [80]. This full service Columbus,OH hotel is located
near Ohio State University and features 243 guestrooms with 4
suites, a newly renovated ballroom, multipirpose and flexible
meeting facilities.
edit
- 'The Columbus Dispatch - Daily Newspaper" ([81]
- The Other Paper - Alternative/Entertainment
newspaper [82]
- Columbus Alive - Entertainment newspaper
- The Lantern - Student Newspaper [83]
Religious Services
Broad Street in Downtown Columbus is home to a number of
Christian churches of considerable historic and architectural
interest, including First
Congregational United Church of Christ, where Washington
Gladden, a pioneer in the Social Gospel movement, preached from
1882-1918. Both First Congregational and the nearby Catholic
cathedral, St. Joseph's,
offer a range of special services and concerts throughout the
year.
Jews can attend services at Congregation Beth
Tikvah, while Moslems can attend the Islamic Society.
Stay Safe
Dial 911 to get emergency (police/medical/fire) help.
Although down somewhat in recent years, crime is still a problem
in certain areas of the city. Most violent crime occurs in areas
that would not be frequented by tourists. Visitors to the area
should be aware that the theft of laptop computers and other items
from automobiles is a common occurrence. Always store valuables in
the cargo compartment of one’s car and make sure it is locked.
Motorists who drink and drive will face stiff penalties if one’s
blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit (0.08). Police
routinely set up checkpoints along major roads where all drivers
must pass through and show their license and registration to check
for intoxicated people.
Vehicles are required by law to yield to pedestrians in
crosswalks. However, the law is not universally followed. Take care
to watch for turning traffic when crossing streets.
Some of the most dangerous areas in Columbus are neighborhoods
around the Port Columbus International airport. When passing
through these areas in a car, it's best to stay on major streets
and keep all windows and doors closed. One shouldn't try walking
there on foot in the evening or after dark. Areas on the East side
of town, past the Downtown areas are similarly dangerous as there
are a lot of drug deals and robberies occurring in dilapidated
neighborhoods there. These areas are usually defined by I71 on the
West, I270 on the East, 161 Dublin Granville Rd., in the North and
I70 in the South.
Neighborhoods in the South Central portion of the city, just on
the inner side of the I-270 outerbelt, are also known to have a
moderate volume of drug-related crimes. Abrubt growth and
urbanization from Ohio's surrounding states to these areas in the
late 1970's is responsible for a high unemployment rate for both
white and black families, thus leading to a lower-class portion of
Columbus. Though this area does not commonly attract tourists, it
is a large intersection of a cross-counrty Inter-state highway
system (I-270,I-70,I-71), along with Rickenbacker International
Airport(RBI), which are known to be common distribution centers for
drug trafficking across the United States.
Traveling through the South-Central and Eastern portions of the
city should be avoided unless necessary. Attractions/businesses are
scarce, due to a large lateral-strung system of housing
developments. Constructed in the late 1970's, to house the many new
coming middle-class families of that era. These various communities
(South gate, Linoln Park, Marion Village, Southern Pines, Scioto
Village) resemble racially-balanced, subtle neighborhoods. However,
increasing gang activity, drug dealing, and semi-organized crime is
prominent in these areas. Especially in the hours of the night when
violence occurs the most. Similar to the east side, lock all doors
and close windows. Avoid traveling by foot if possible. Robbery,
mugging, vehicle theft and other violent crimes are a
possibility.
On the West side of town, a sliver of neighborhoods around Broad
St. and east of I-270 South are relatively safe during the day, but
not at night. Generally, areas outside of the I270 loop (the
Outerbelt) are safer and more peaceful than areas inside. Safe
areas inside I270 include the Arena District, the Short North
District, OSU campus areas, Clintonville, Upper Arlington, much of
German Village and Bexley.
Hospitals
Due to the outstanding care, research and reputation of the
Columbus Medical facilities, Columbus has thriving medical tourism
business that attracts domestic visitors and visitors from all over
the world. Those who accompany patients can expect assistance from
the facilities (if you are insistant and have a little patience) in
the form of long term discount lodging and local transportation to
and from the facility to see the patient.
- Center for Eating Disorders &
Psychotherapy, 445 E Dublin Granville Rd. +1 614
293-9550.
- Childrens Hospital. 700 Children's Drive. +1
614 722-2000.
[84] Mre than six square city blocks with 1.5 million square
feet of space on its downtown hospital and research campus, and is
regarded at the nation’s 5th largest free-standing children’s
hospital.
- Columbus Arthritis Center, 1211 Dublin Rd. +1
614 486-5200 [85] Rheumatoid
arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Fibromylagia, Systemic Lupus
Erythematosus, Polymyositis, Sjogrens syndrome, Scleroderma,
Vasculitis, Gout and Osteoporosis. Top and one of few Ohio
facilitities!
- Columbus Community Hospital, 1430 S High St.
+1 614 437-7800.
- Doctors Hospital, 1087 Dennison Ave. +1 614
297-5917.
- Grant Medical Center, 111 S Grant Ave. +1 614
566-9000.
- Ohio Hospital Of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry, 880 Greenlawn Ave. +1 614 449-9664.
- Ohio State University Medical Center 410 W.
10th Ave. (Towards Olentangy River) +1 800 293-5123. [86] Ohio State
University Medical Center is one of the largest and most diverse
academic medical centers in the country.
- Dodd Hall 480 Medical Center Dr. (at west side
of University) +1 614 293-5123
[87] Ranked among the top 10 for rehabilitation by U.S. News
& World Report. The place for recent brain
injuries and muscle atrophy treatment.
- James Cancer Hospital 300 W. 10th Ave. +1 800
293-5066. [88] Rated as one of
“America’s Best Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report.
- Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital 452 W. 10th
Ave. +1 614 293-5123.
[89] Adjacent Ohio State University Dorothy M. Davis Heart and
Lung Research Institute.
- Mount Carmel, 793 W State St. +1 800
225-9344.
- Riverside Hospital. 3535 Olentangy River Rd.
+1 614 566-5000. [90]
Consistently named the hospital of choice by central Ohio
residents.
Law Enforcement
In the Columbus area, you will find a variety of Law Enforcement
that includes Ohio State Patrol, Columbus Police, Franklin County
Sheriff, local Police depts., in Dublin, Westerville and other
local municipalities to name a few. Usually, they are what one
would expect from law enforcement as far as being professional,
polite and helpful. They are well trained and compensated, very
good at crowd control and traffic control. Be polite, respectful
and you will have few problems with them. Most have cameras in
cars, do not offer any bribes of anything and keep in mind you are
likely being video recorded.
Smoking
Ohioans passed "SmokeFree Ohio" ballot measure in 2006 banning
smoking in most public areas with very few
exceptions. Some hotels, motels, or other lodging facilities may
have special smoking rooms that are permitted under the new law.
The law forbids restaurants and bars from allowing smoking on
premises, unless they have an outdoor patio. Some private clubs,
such as AmVets, Eagles, Moose, and similar establishments have been
slower to enforce the smoking ban, especially in the outskirts of
the city.
- Experience Columbus is the convention &
visitors bureau. [91] 1-866-397-2657.
Experience Columbus runs two visitor information centers that are
stocked with brochures and have knowledgable staff that can help
you stay, play, dine, and shop:
- Easton visitor information center: 188 Easton Town Center,
Columbus, Ohio 43219 +1 614 416 8080. Located on the first floor of
the Easton Town Center mall; two free parking garages are located
on either end of the mall.
- Downtown visitor information center: 277 W Nationwide Blvd,
Columbus, Ohio 43215 +1 614 221 6623. Located on the corner of
Nationwide Blvd. and Neil Ave. in the Arena District; parking is
free for the first fifteen minutes in the lot across the
street.
- BuckeyeSoul.com maintains a list of African
American related events for the Columbus area. [92]
- Stauf's:, Grandview Village [93] Possibly the best coffee
place in Columbus.
- The Coffee Table, North High St, near Goodale
Park in the Short North.
- The Waiting Room, North High St, near 1st
Ave.
- Cafe Kerouac, North High St, near Northwood
Ave. A funky neighborhood coffee shop that also has books and
magazines.
- Cup O' Joe, Several locations throughout the
city including North High St, German Village, Bexley and Olentangy
River Rd. Coffee roasted by Stauf's.
- The ShiSha Loungue, 2367 N. High St, Cafe,
hookah bar, live music, DJs
- Panera, the nation's largest free WiFi
provider, has many locations in malls, on High St, and in the
suburbs.
- Scottie MacBean's, location in Worthington on
High St.
- Arena District, [94]
Anywhere in the green spaces of the Arena District.
Longaberger Basket Headquarters Building -
Newark
- Newark - The site of many
prehistoric earthworks and some interesting architecture, 45 minute
drive North East.
- Deer Creek State Park and Resort &
Conference Center, 3,100 acres of nature within a 45 minute drive
from downtown, 22300 State Park Rd. No. 20, Mt. Sterling, +1 877
678-3777 or +1 740 869-2020, Fax: +1 740 869-4059.
- Wayne National Forest is
a 45 minute drive to the southeast.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton is about
a 2 hour drive. Go north on I-71 and then go east on US-30 into
Canton.
- Cleveland is about a 2 hour, 15
minute drive north on I-71.
- Cincinnati is about a 1 hour, 45
minute drive south on I-71.
| This is a usable article. It has
information for getting in as well as some complete entries for
restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this
article, but please plunge forward and help it grow! |
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