This City Sunday – Columbus, Ohio

Smack dab in the middle of Ohio, half way between Cleveland and Cincinnati, sits the state capitol, Columbus.

The first time I ever visited Columbus, I stayed in, what ended up being, a shady hotel about 20 minutes north of downtown, and I wound up eating dinner at a Max & Ermas because by the time I found any decent food, I was starving. That didn’t detract from my first experience of Columbus though. My aunt always said that she met the friendliest people in Columbus, and even though I haven’t traveled enough to know, I’d have to agree that Columbians are pretty friendly.

Much like Cleveland, there are a lot of memories and nostalgia attached to Columbus so whenever I visit, I always have a great time. Home to Ohio State University, the city calls for the attention of young adults. High Street, in particular, is lined with bars and restaurants stretching from the university area down to German Village, and Newport Music Hall is a favorite of mine for seeing a live show.

During the summer, you can catch some live outdoor music at the Columbus Commons or sign up for a game of outdoor dodgeball courtesy of the local “Y”. For some shopping, visit the Short North Arts District or the Easton Town Center. When football season comes around at the finish of summer / fall, be sure to catch a Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium. As a die-hard University of Michigan fan, it’s guaranteed to be one of the best games of the season when the Buckeyes come to town.

When you plan to visit, chances are you’ll be driving in from out of town or flying and renting a car. If you stay downtown with no plans of venturing anywhere else, a car isn’t necessary as you can get anywhere you’d like by foot, but if you need to get to the suburbs, it’s best to have your own set of wheels. As for accommodation, I suggest couchsurfing or staying at the downtown Marriott. Unfortunately, Columbus doesn’t have any hostels so the roof over your head will either be free of charge or a bit of a dent in your wallet.

Should you wind up in Columbus, let your stay there be a relaxing evening on the town with some friends. Columbus doesn’t offer enough for you to overdo it so let it be a place to hang out and take a step back to reflect on your travels.

“This City” Sundays will introduce you to a new city every week, showcase what I’ve learned and  love about that city, and attempt to persuade you to visit on your travels.