Shawnie Kelley - Insiders Guide® to Columbus, Ohio

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INSIDERS GUIDE

Copyright 2006, 2008 by Morris Book Publishing, LLC

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission should be addressed to The Globe Pequot Press, Attn: Rights and Permissions Department, P.O. Box 480, Guilford, Connecticut 06437.

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Text design: LeAnna Weller Smith

Maps by XNR Productions, Inc. Morris Book Publishing, LLC

ISSN 1556-4479

ISBN 978-0-7627-4784-9

Printed in the United States of America

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When I moved to Columbus ten years ago, I vaguely recall someone referring to it as Cowtown (oh wait; that someone was me!), but it didnt take long to realize that Columbus is nothing of the sort. Interestingly, the only cows I have seen do live within city limits, at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Lab, and can be found grazing in a field on the corner of a very busy intersection near the campus of The Ohio State University. Cows aside, Columbus is the antithesis of what I expected.

I was surprised to learn that Columbus, the capital of Ohio, is the 15th-largest city in the country and, with a population of 733,000 falls just 11,000 short of 14th-ranked San Francisco. Columbus is the third fastest growing metropolitan area in the Midwest. This is largely due to its geographical situation and capacity to expand through land annexation. Almost dead center of the state, Columbus was named the capital of Ohio in 1812 because of its centralized location. It was easy for all Ohioans to reach and made sense for it to be the legislative seat of the state. Now, almost 200 years later, the world seems a much smaller place, and Columbus is still ideally situated for travel and business, as it is within a 550-mile radius (or a days drive) of over 50 percent of the U.S. population.

Columbus is a modern, forward-thinking city. You see this in its arts community and its architecture; its business and commerce; its planning and development. Navigating the city is still manageable, given its continuous growth. Columbus was planned from conception and has two ring roads that are cut by a north-south and east-west highway, making it easy to get around. Im no Magellan, but it is difficult to get lost in Columbusespecially if youve looked at a map of the city even once.

Columbus is privileged enough to boast four proper seasons. Summers are beautiful, with billowing clouds floating lazily in the big blue sky, but they are often accompanied by sweltering temperatures and high humidity. Autumns tend to linger, warming up residential streets with flaming trees, reviving harvest festivals, and farmers markets. Indian summer sometimes hangs around well into the holiday season. When winter finally sets in, it is crisp, cold, and often very snowy. Central Ohio is frequently subjected to subfreezing temperatures, so spring is a welcome reprieve despite the rain.

Columbus is a city where neither convertible nor four-wheel-drive looks out of place. Its a city in which you can sport your woolliest winter sweaters as well as your slinkiest summer clothes. If you have an opportunity to experience the four seasons of Columbus, youll find each offers up its own special activities.

When it comes to finding something to do, every week brings some sort of festival, expo, or community event. Sports lovers can take in a Blue Jackets ice hockey game, Columbus Crew soccer, or a long list of Buckeye varsity and club sports. The citys quality visual and performing arts provide arts hounds year-round cultural events and international exhibitions. Families spend many a day at COSI, our science center, and at the world-class Columbus Zoo. Speaking of families, Columbus is a wonderful city in which to raise a family, but its also a great place to be solo or a young professional, given downtowns evolving residential and social scene.

Once you start flipping through the Insiders Guide, youll quickly realize there is a little bit of something for everyone in the Capital City. This guide continues to draw on a wealth of information, both written and spoken, as well as personal experiences. Not every little aspect of Columbus is covered in this guide. The primary objectives are to help make the most of a weekend, introduce those relocating to the area to the diverse dining and shopping opportunities, and suggest new experiences to lifelong residents. As Columbus grows and changes, which seems to be almost daily, so will subsequent editions of this Insiders Guide. I have had a great time discovering the Discovery City and hope you do too.

A few years ago, I learned a friend was coming to work in Columbus and attempted to purchase a travel guide for her, but there was none to be found. After a bit of correspondence with The Globe Pequot Press, it was determined I would write Insiders Guide to Columbus, Ohio. This project is special to me for many reasons, but specifically because it is the first comprehensive travel guide written about the very deserving capital of Ohio. I would like to thank the publisher for investing in this much-needed second edition, and my editors, Amy Lyons and Jennifer Quint, for their gracious support.

My initial point of contact for all research was Experience Columbus, the citys visitors bureau. I would like to express my appreciation to the staff for their input and donation of many images used throughout this book.

I want to extend a huge thanks to Kevin Foy, whom I have been able to count on for the things peripheral to writing this book, including being a chauffeur, photographer, explorer, and for just plain tolerating the whole process.

Amanda Kelleymy sister, best friend, and gastronome extraordinaire. You are among the few people I know who have eaten at more Columbus restaurants than I have. Thanks for generously taking time to read through chapters and giving your sincere opinion. I hope you recognize your continual efforts throughout this edition.

My brother, Jason Kelley, deserves special mention for looking over the legal contracts, giving them his blessings, and reminding me of the strict deadlines I have to meetor else! I thank you, and Globe Pequot thanks you.

My mother, Bonnie Petitto, is always ready and willing to speak honestly (as an out-of-towner) about the descriptions. I am grateful for your ongoing input and loving critiques.

Giant thanks to my sister-in-law, Julie Kelley, for lending your expertise on Kidstuff; goodness knows you have it. Also to master shoppers Kathy Pine and Betsy Foy, for their retail connoisseurship. Special thanks to Dottie Foy and Ron Hoover for their continual support and suggestions. I look forward to exploring new restaurants and festivals with you both.

I want to acknowledge the time and energy of several good friends who have accompanied me in researching various restaurants, watering holes, and festivals for this revision: Andrew VerHage, Andy and Stephanie Patton, Ariana and Bart McIntyre, Chad and Jennifer Vickery, Chai and Andrew LaMoreaux, Janice Glowski, Katie and Steve Nevalos, Ned and Nicole Clark, and Phil and Joy Favret. Thanks for keeping Columbus fun and interesting!