Posts with tag 'Downtown Columbus OH'

Is it truly time to shake off the winter chill, and welcome the first signs of spring? You bet! The days are growing longer, the temperatures are rising, and the first flowers are emerging from the soil at greenspaces all around Columbus. Whether you're interested in a quiet, tranquil walk, a chance to gaze at gorgeous gardens, or the perfect place for a fun, outdoor family outing, there's certain to be a local greenspace with your name on it. Find your happy place with our guide to 9 of the best greenspaces in Columbus.

John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons

160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

There's always something new to experience when you visit the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons, a popular urban greenspace located in the heart of downtown Columbus. This park offers a little bit of everything, from flowery gardens and community events to a food truck court that features flavors from around the world. It's also home to the unique NEOS Electric Playground, which is certain to be a hit with younger members of the family.

Goodale Park

120 W. Goodale St., Columbus, OH 43215

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With beautiful fountains, a scenic pond, and stunning views of the Columbus skyline, Goodale Park is the perfect place to shake off the winter chill. This is the oldest public park in the city, built on land that was donated by the first physician to practice in Columbus. Along with the scenery, this park has tennis courts for enjoying some outdoor recreation, a playground that is sure to keep the kids entertained, and plenty of lovely places to plan a picnic.

Schiller Park

1069 Jaeger St., Columbus, OH 43206

Ever since the land was first converted into a park in the 1800s, Schiller Park has been a local favorite for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The park is named for German poet Friedrich Schiller, and the scenery just might be enough to inspire you to write some poetry of your own. At Schiller Park, you'll find a peaceful fishing pond, a collection of beautifully maintained gardens, and a wide variety of outdoor recreation facilities for enjoying your favorite sports. Schiller Park is also home to the Actor's Summer Theater, where you can enjoy public performances of Shakespeare during the warm weather seasons.

Columbus Park of Roses

3901 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

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What could be a better way to celebrate the signs of spring than visiting a beautiful rose garden? And the Columbus Park of Roses isn't just any old garden. It features one of the most extensive selections of roses in the entire country, with more than 12,000 specimens when the garden is in full bloom. There are paved paths that make it easy to explore the gardens and plenty of places to snap some great pictures for social media sharing. Be sure to check out the Park of Roses website, where you can see which roses are in bloom before you visit.

Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens

152 Howlett Hall 2021, Fyffe Rd., Columbus, OH 43210

Looking for an educational setting where kids can learn while enjoying the great outdoors? The Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens offer a unique blend of outdoor fun and education. The facility is located on the Ohio State University agriculture campus and is free to visit all year long. Enjoy expansive gardens, native trees, gorgeous greenhouses, and plenty of opportunities to learn more about all of the flora on display.

Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

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When you're in the mood for a lush, scenic outdoor setting with activities galore, it's hard to top the experience at Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. This facility features more than 100 acres of natural beauty to explore, with some of the most stunning gardens that you'll find anywhere. While you're here, be sure to check out the schedule of gardening workshops, educational classes, community events, seasonal farmer's market, and expert-guided tours.

Scioto Audubon

400 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215

For unique outdoor recreation activities in Columbus, it's hard to top all that the Scioto Audubon Metropark has to offer. Scale a massive rock-climbing wall that can accommodate climbers of all skill levels and enjoy a wide range of recreational facilities for playing your favorite sports. There's also a popular dog park on-site, perfect for celebrating the start of spring with your furry friend.

Scioto Mile

233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43215

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In the mood for a full day of visiting some of the best greenspaces in Columbus? Scioto Mile is a beautiful greenspace on its own, and its paved, well-maintained paths connect to eight other greenspaces within the city. The paths wind along the Scioto River, and offer outstanding views of the city skyline. You'll find unique public art exhibits as you explore the area, and may even encounter some free, public performances depending on when you visit. Be sure to come back again in the summer, when kids can enjoy a splash in the interactive Scioto Mile Fountain.

Topiary Garden Park

480 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215

If you're searching for something that is uniquely Columbus, then a trip to the Topiary Garden Park is definitely in order. What is a topiary garden, you might ask? It's a good question because this is the only garden of its kind in the whole world! The Topiary Garden Park is a recreation of Georges Seurat's painting, "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." But instead of paint, the garden uses sculpted plants and landscaping features to recreate the painting. This is one Columbus attraction that art lovers won't want to miss.

Go Green(space)

Which outdoor oasis is at the top of your list for celebrating the first signs of spring? The diverse, beautiful greenspaces of Columbus are ready to be explored, with family fun waiting around every corner.

Have you had a craving for something sweet lately? Nothing can satisfy a sweet tooth quite like a delicious piece of cheesecake. With a crumbly base, sweet creamy filling, and an endless variety of flavors, cheesecake is truly one of the tastiest treats. Whether you prefer chocolate, caramel, or fruit topping, cheesecake is a dessert everyone can enjoy.

For those of us fortunate enough to live in and around Columbus, we have an endless amount of options for great cheesecake in our area. Below are some recommendations for our favorite places to grab dessert:

Dave's Artisanal Cheesecakes

737 Parkwood Ave., Columbus, OH 43219

For some of the best cheesecake in Columbus, head on over to Dave's Artisanal Cheesecakes. Chef proprietor David Brooks has been practicing the art of cheesecake for more than 30 years. With a robust selection of flavors, this spot in Northeast Columbus is an absolute classic. Dave's offers online ordering, and they even have a cheesecake of the month club. Even if you don't live in our area, they have nationwide shipping available.

The Cheesecake Girl

5354 Center St., Hilliard, OH 43026

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For a great selection of over 20 varieties of cheesecake, stop by The Cheesecake Girl in Hilliard. This shop sells both full-size cheesecakes, mini cheesecakes, boozy mini cheesecakes, and cheesecake shooters. All items are made with local ingredients and baked from scratch. You have to try the White Chocolate Raspberry or the Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll. All orders must be placed online.

Katzinger's Delicatessen

475 S. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215

This New York-style joint is known for their deli sandwiches, but they are also famous for having some of the best cheesecake in town. It's a half-pound slice of cheese and sweetness, and you can choose any fruit topping you like. If you enjoy it, you can even order an entire 10-inch cake to take home. The original Katzinger's is in German Village, but they also have a location in Dublin. Either way, you have to stop by this Columbus staple when you have a chance.

Belle's Bread

1168 Kenny Centre Mall, Columbus, OH 43220

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Belle's Bread is actually a French-inspired Japanese bakery that specializes in all cakes and bread, but it's their baked cheesecake that has quite the reputation around town. All cakes are available by the slice, in round form, or by the sheet. The business actually has a team of 20 bakers that make all products on-site every morning. Online ordering is available. The shop is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm.

La Chatelaine French Bakery and Bistro

1550 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, OH 43221

This gourmet family-owned French bakery has three locations across Columbus, and its menu features a wide range of breakfast foods, pastries, and desserts. The cheesecake is absolutely delicious — order it by the slice or take a whole 9-inch cake to enjoy at home. The store is open daily from 8 am to 3 pm.

Fate Cakes

1360 Cherry Bottom Rd., Columbus, OH 43230

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If you're looking for the perfect cheesecake for a wedding, shower, or birthday, or any special celebration, look no further than Fate Cakes. This specialty cake shop is offering curbside pickup, takeout, and no-contact delivery. Orders can be placed online, and the store is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Portia's Cafe

4428 Indianola Ave., Columbus, OH 43214

This vegan cafe just north of Columbus is famous for its amazing "Cheezecake" that's made with raw nut-and-date crusts and delicious blends of fruit toppings. Available flavors include Berry Berry Mango, Lemon, Chocolate, Coffee, Coconut, Pineapple, Mocha, Chai, and Mint Chocolate Chip. The cafe is open Monday through Saturday 8 am to 9 pm, and Sundays from 8 am to 3 pm.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

8760 Sancus Blvd., Columbus, OH 43240

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Firebirds is a great date night spot for many reasons, but our favorite is their delicious selection of desserts. In fact, their Creme Brulee Cheesecake is actually the talk of the town. This sweet, savory dish is topped with fresh fruit and raspberry coulis and is the perfect way to top off a fine meal.

Due Amici

67 E. Gay St., Columbus, OH 43215

Some of the best New York-style cheesecake can be found at Due Amici, an Italian restaurant classic in downtown Columbus. Their dessert menu features a huge piece of cheesecake topped with berry coulis and fresh fruit. If you'd prefer to eat at home, takeout can be ordered online!

Piece of Cake!

Where will you get your sweet treat around Columbus?

Baristas are some of our greatest unsung heroes. Seriously, can you imagine having gotten through this last year without coffee? They're some of our most essential workers, and they hardly ever get thanked. 

Well, now's your chance. Barista day is coming up on March 1st, and it's a great opportunity to support some of our great local coffee shops in the Columbus area. Be sure to thank your barista while you're there, and maybe leave a little something extra in that tip jar!

Mission Coffee Co.

1051 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201

A cozy brick-walled coffee shop and roastery in a reclaimed industrial space, Mission Coffee Co. offers some of the finest coffee in Columbus. Every bean is roasted and brewed to perfection. Their coffees are sourced from all around the world before being roasted in Mission Coffee's local Columbus facility, and their friendly and knowledgeable staff will happily help you choose the right brew for your palate. 

Crimson Cup Coffee Shop

4541 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

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A small local chain with a handful of locations in and around Columbus, Crimson Cup Coffee Shop is a great place to grab a quick cup of coffee when you're on the go. The Clintonville location, just a few minutes from the Ohio State University Campus, even has a drive-through window to save time. Crimson Cup also offers a cool brew bar inside, where various single-origin coffees are brewed by the cup to order.

Upper Cup Coffee Co.

79 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

The folks at Upper Cup Coffee Co. do a seemingly simple thing—find the best coffee beans from all around the world—and they do it incredibly well. Upper Cup started out in 2010 as a wholesale coffee business but opened a retail shop the following year as their coffee quickly gained an ardent local following. This is the perfect place to sit and savor a finely crafted pour-over or a delicately foamy cappuccino. They serve tasty teas and iced beverages too and have a short-and-simple menu of breakfast and lunch staples to go with your drink. 

Roaming Goat Coffee Company

849 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

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This cozy coffee shop in the Short North Arts District is more than just a place to get coffee. It's a real neighborhood focal point, displaying works by local artists and serving pastries from local bakeries. They also serve rich house-roasted coffee and some of the tastiest, frothiest espresso drinks you're ever likely to taste. 

Kafe Kerouac

2250 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201

This High Street Hangout is many things to many people. It's a thriving arts space that often hosts live music and entertainment. It's a quiet place to study. It's a late-night watering hole serving craft beer and cocktails. Above all, it's a great coffee shop. And whether you need a jolt of espresso to get you going in the morning or a strong Irish coffee to help you wind down, Kafe Kerouac is a great, friendly space in which to enjoy it. 

Stauf's Coffee Roasters

627 S. 3rd St. #1060, Columbus, OH 43206

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Stauf's was one of Columbus' first micro-roasters when it first opened its doors, and this German Village mainstay has stuck around to become one of the city's most beloved coffee shops. They offer great gourmet espresso drinks and brewed coffee, plus and beans to-go, with welcoming indoor and outdoor seating areas. Be sure to check out their baked goods too, including brownies, muffins, scones, and even house-made dog treats. 

Global Gallery Coffee Shop

3535 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

With a focus on bringing quality, ethically sourced coffee to Ohio, Global Gallery Coffee Shop is truly a global-minded space. All their coffees are Fair Trade certified, and the coffee shop is involved with a wide range of projects and initiatives, including the Women Crafting Change project. Global Gallery's indoor space is a popular place for students to sip coffee while studying, and the outdoor patio is a great spot to enjoy an iced latte during the warmer months.

Brioso Roastery & Coffee Bar

329 E. Long St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Brioso Roastery & Coffee Bar is one of the best places in Columbus to sample truly unique, flavorful single-origin coffees from all corners of the globe. Their beans are sourced from farmers in some of the world's greatest coffee-producing regions, and then roasted to perfection in-house. You may want to take a bag home with you after you've finished your coffee. Brioso Roastery also offers outstanding espresso drinks and a light lunch menu. 

One Line Coffee

745 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Nestled in Columbus' Short North neighborhood, One Line Coffee offers small-batch coffees, roasted to order. It's a great place to grab a bag of beans to brew at home, but the shop's warm, welcoming brick-lined interior is the kind of place that encourages you to stay a while. Besides, their hand-poured coffees and finely tuned espresso drinks are worth savoring slowly. One Line Coffee also has a second location in Franklinton.

Fox in the Snow Cafe

1031 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201

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Offering superb coffee and next-level baked goods, Fox in the Snow Cafe is a beloved fixture of the local coffee scene, with three locations around Columbus. It all started at their flagship location in Italian Village in 2014, and the business took off so quickly that additional shops quickly popped up in German Village and New Albany. Food & Wine Magazine ranked Fox in the Snow among the best coffee shops in America in 2019, and folks keep coming back for the amazing coffee and friendly, rustic-chic ambiance.

Pistacia Vera

541 S. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215

Located in historic German Village, Pistacia Vera is a from-scratch bakery that also serves up a delicious cup of coffee. Combinations like a Raspberry Vanilla Latte and Raspberry Macarons are sure to please and keep you coming back for more delectable French pastries and coffee creations. Don't forget to add a chocolate truffle or two to your order. Pistacia Vera is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week.

This Is How We Brew It

We're lucky to live in a city with some of the greatest coffee shops and most talented baristas around. Did we forget to mention your favorite Columbus coffee shop? Let us know in the comments section!

According to noted writer and food critic A.A. Gill, breakfast is a commitment to "a new day, a continuing life." Share that uplifting sentiment throughout February, which has been designated as Hot Breakfast Month.

Do you have tried-and-true breakfast favorites, or do you like variety? Whatever your individual style is, you'll find plentiful options at these great breakfast restaurants around Columbus.

La Chatelaine French Bakery & Bistro

1550 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, OH 43221

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Enjoy a European getaway without leaving Columbus. La Chatelaine French Bakery & Bistro features the food and ambiance of a charming Parisian cafe. Owners Stan and Gigi use recipes passed down in their family for dishes such as French toast made with vanilla brioche. Breakfast isn't complete without one of the delectable pastries and baked goods made fresh onsite. Order online for quick carryout. Breakfast hours are 7 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekends.

Olive & Thyme Mediterranean Cuisine & Cafe 

4519 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

Did you make a New Year's resolution to eat healthier? Try the heart-healthy ingredients and bright flavors at Olive & Thyme Mediterranean Cuisine & Cafe. Their breakfast menu includes traditional dishes such as fatte, made with garbanzo beans cooked in house-blend spices and topped with garlic-infused yogurt. Lovers of classic breakfast can go with eggs scrambled in olive oil and seasonings and an optional side of lamb or beef sausage. Carryout and delivery available. Breakfast is served weekends from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Scotty's Cafe

2980 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43209

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Scotty's Cafe refers to itself as "the best-kept secret in town." But considering the restaurant has been in business since 1989, they're not having any trouble finding customers. Breakfast is served all day, including the specials, which start at just $5.95 for two eggs, toast or bagel, and coffee or tea. The real crowd-pleaser is the French toast, which one delighted customer likened to crème brûlée. Friendly, attentive service adds to the cozy vibe. Scotty's also offers both carryout and delivery. Hours are 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekdays.

RH Rooftop Restaurant

4120 Worth Ave., Columbus, OH 43219 

Fine dining at a hardware store? At RH Rooftop Restaurant, you can have a leisurely brunch before heading downstairs to pick out light fixtures or window treatments for your new home in Columbus. The upscale brunch menu includes items from the regular menu along with tempting breakfast dishes such as RH Scramble, with eggs, crème fraîche, avocado, and chives. Elegance of the food is matched by the luxurious glass and steel atrium setting with fountains and trellised London plane trees. Hours are 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily.

Katalina's 

1105 Pennsylvania Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

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Southern sass meets Latin flair at Katalina's, a funky cafe housed in a 100-year-old former gas station that's been featured in USA Today's 10Best. The main event at breakfast is the spectacular pancake balls. These fluffy spheres of goodness are stuffed with your choice of Nutella, dulce de leche, or pumpkin-apple butter. Katalina puts her own spin on migas, scrambling the eggs with crema, crushed Shagbark chips, and housemade spiced pepitas. The patio is open for dining seven days a week, plus carryout and delivery are available. Katalina's is open daily from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Stav's Diner

2932 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43209

When you want comfort for your stomach and your soul, head to Stav's Diner. As you walk in, the owner (yes, his name is Stav) will extend a warm greeting from behind the counter where he's preparing orders. In addition to a menu of classic breakfast dishes, Stav's offers rotating daily specials. One recent special was the Polish Cowboy, an omelet with kielbasa, green pepper, mushrooms, onions, and Swiss cheese. You can also order ahead for curbside pickup. Hours are 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekends.

Northstar Cafe

951 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201

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Farm-to-table is more than just a trendy dining concept. Northstar Cafe uses locally-grown and artisan-produced products as part of its commitment to the environment and the community. The sweet potato hash adds a vegetarian twist to the classic breakfast dish with roasted beets, arugula, and red peppers. Several items can be made meat- and dairy-free, and the smoothies are a healthy breakfast on their own. Order online for curbside pickup. Northstar is open daily from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Jack & Benny's Old North Diner

2563 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202

Does the term "gut-buster breakfast" automatically cause you to salivate? If so, then longtime Columbus favorite Jack & Benny's is the place for you. Their Gut Buster is a towering stack of hash browns, potato pancake, bacon, ham, egg, sausage patty, and cheese topped off with country gravy and toast. Still not enough? Go for the James Buster Douglas, which doubles the portions. With dozens of omelet, pancake, and burrito options, there's a breakfast to suit any size of appetite. Jack & Benny's is open for dine-in and carryout. Hours are 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekdays.

HangOverEasy

53 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

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Despite the clever name, you don't have to suffer from the previous night's overindulgence to enjoy the amazing breakfast dishes at HangOverEasy. Menu items bear names that follow the same quirky sense of humor, such as Walk of Shame, a breakfast sandwich served on a grilled, glazed buckeye donut. Their oatmeal pie pancakes with buttercream icing are the stuff dreams are made of. HangOverEasy has a second location on the Ohio State University campus. Order online for carryout or curbside pickup at both spots. Hours are 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekends.

Emmett's Cafe

744 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43206

Owners Ben and Michael Kelley wanted Emmett's Cafe to reflect their passion for their home town. Named after their young nephew, Emmett's has a distinct charm and personality that more than fulfills their mission. The One-Handed, a breakfast sandwich with prosciutto, egg, cheese, and rosemary aioli, is well-suited for dining on the go. Another customer favorite is the breakfast burrito, with ups the ante by adding tots, avocado, and salsa. Visit the website to order for contact-free carryout. Emmett's is open daily from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Which Came First?

So where do you stand on the eternal breakfast debate: break the yolks for a scramble, or go sunny-side-up?

Founded in 1812 with the intention of making it the capital of Ohio, Columbus was always destined for greatness. Over the last two centuries, as Columbus has grown to become the most populous city in the state, it has developed a rich tradition of historical and cultural significance.

Heritage Treasures Day on Monday, January 11 is a perfect occasion to cherish the legacy of Columbus with a visit to these local historic sites.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

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The glory of nature is on full display at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Visitors can explore 13 acres of gardens, seasonal displays, and art exhibits, including a collection of glass works by noted artist Dale Chihuly. Kids and adults alike are fascinated by the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, which features an apiary, rose pavilion, and berry house. The John F. Wolfe Palm House, located on the grounds, dates back to 1895. Admission is $19 for adults and $12 for kids ages 3-12. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.

Columbus Museum of Art

480 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

Founded in 1878 under the name Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, the Columbus Museum of Art has a long tradition of making great art accessible to the local community. Their extensive collection of American and European works focuses on contemporary art, folk art, glass, and photography. Families love "Think Outside the Brick," CMA's annual spring exhibit of LEGO® creations, including a giant model of Columbus. Entrance fee is $18 for adults and $9 for students and kids ages 4-17. Tickets must be purchased in advance. CMA is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursday.

German Village

588 S. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215

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A simple trip across a highway bridge transports you to old-world Europe in a matter of minutes. German Village is no commercially-created tourist attraction. This historic district was settled in the mid-1800s by German immigrants, who at one time made up one-third of the city's population. The lack of high-rise buildings and driveways are features from the days of quaint, close-knit neighborhoods where people walked everywhere and homes were often occupied by multiple families. Many of the streets still bear the original brick pavers. The sights and sounds of German Village are well worth multiple visits.

Ohio Statehouse

1 Capitol Sq., Columbus, OH 43215

A trip to the Ohio Statehouse serves a two-fold purpose. In addition to serving as the central location for the business of governing Ohio, the building is a stunning example of the Greek Revival style of architecture that was so predominant during the 18th century. Between stretches of bitter winter weather and struggles for funding, construction took 22 years. The Statehouse finally opened for legislative activity in 1857 and the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Visitors may take self-guided tours weekdays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center

260 N. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Housed in an authentically restored 1908 engine house, the Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center uses interactive programs to offer entertaining and educational lessons on fire safety. Displays of firefighting apparatus throughout the years trace the development of equipment as it has become safer and more effective. Boots the Fire Mouse is on hand to greet kids as they enjoy the play area. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children. The Museum is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Hanford Village George Washington Carver Addition Historic District

800 Alum Creek Dr., Columbus, OH 43205

Hanford Village was incorporated in 1909, but its true prominence came in 1946 with the development of the George Washington Carver Addition. This suburb of Cape Cod houses was marketed to African-American veterans of World War II. As a result, these men and women and their families had the opportunity to settle in a thriving, supportive middle-class neighborhood. Some members of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen made their home in Hanford Village while stationed at nearby Lockbourne Army Air Force Base. 

Short North Arts District

886 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201

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Short North Arts District, nestled between downtown Columbus and the OSU campus, is a hip neighborhood of colorful murals, trendy boutiques and hot restaurants. The district is also home to a slice of Columbus history in Victorian Village, the neighborhood's residential area. One of the more notable examples of Victorian architecture is Sells House, built by one of the owners of the Sells Circus, leading to the nickname "Circus House." Nearby is Cocoa Manor, another whimsically-named house that was home to the owners of Anthony Thomas Candy.

Shrum Mound

3141 McKinley Ave., Columbus, OH 43204

In pre-Columbian times, the Adena culture was a group of Native American societies living in Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana that shared a number of ceremonial rituals. Shrum Mound in Campbell Park is one of the last cone-shaped Adena burial mounds remaining in Columbus. The mound itself is 20 feet high and 100 feet around, named for the family that donated the land, while the park is named for James E. Campbell, governor of Ohio from 1890 to 1892.

East Broad Street Historic District

1234 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205

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See how "the other half" used to live with a trip to view the homes in the East Broad Street Historic District. Most prominent among these elegant houses is the Old Governor's Mansion, also known as the Lindenberg Mansion after the man who originally built the residence. Another landmark is the High Victorian-style Kappa Gamma National Headquarters, constructed in 1852.

Kelton House Museum & Garden

586 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215

While Kelton House Museum & Garden is a striking example of art and architecture from the 19th century, the site has a much greater historical importance. The home of Fernando Cortez and Sophia Stone Kelton served as a stop on the iconic Underground Railroad. Fugitive slaves found a haven in these waystations on their journey toward freedom. Grace Kelton, granddaughter of Fernando and Sophia, bequeathed the home to the city of Columbus for educational use. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for college students and $3 for K-12 students. The museum is closed in January, but make plans to visit when they reopen on Thursday, February 4.

Sign of the Times

What modern Columbus site do you think will become part of the city's history for future generations?