Fun in Columbus?
September 14, 2009 6:50 PM Subscribe
What can I do with my evenings while visiting Columbus, OH?
I am going to be in Columbus, OH from 21 Sep through 25 Sep for training. Anything in particular I should do with my evenings? Does Columbus have anything I just have to experience? I don't have a particular direction in mind so feel free to suggest anything you like.
I am going to be in Columbus, OH from 21 Sep through 25 Sep for training. Anything in particular I should do with my evenings? Does Columbus have anything I just have to experience? I don't have a particular direction in mind so feel free to suggest anything you like.
I was in Columbus this summer and have to agree with Silvertree, there is not much exciting there. One of places we went to that was interesting was an area called Short North there were all sorts of interesting cafes, restaurants, shops and art galleries (I actually bought a painting while there). I'm not sure how much of it is open at night though.
posted by sadtomato at 7:09 PM on September 14, 2009
posted by sadtomato at 7:09 PM on September 14, 2009
I have in-laws in Columbus and I like it a lot, though I'm usually doing family stuff there, not looking around for nightlife. I'd say the most crucial thing you can experience in Columbus is Jeni's ice cream. The Wexner Center is a good contemporary art museum which hosts a lot of cultural events.
posted by escabeche at 7:27 PM on September 14, 2009
posted by escabeche at 7:27 PM on September 14, 2009
Best answer: If you're a foodie, The North Market is open until 7pm Tues-Fri. The local Jeni's Ice Cream is fantastic and must be tried (there's one in the market, and another location in the Short North.) I also like the Lac Viet Market, which just moved in. The owner, Thang Nguyen, is super nice. Under the Upcoming Events, there is a cooking class on the 23rd.
The Short North is a great area to walk around - lots of little shops, bars, restaurants, galleries. I haven't been there at night on a weekday, so I can't tell you what to expect. Like I said above though, Jeni's = my favorite.
The Wexner Center for the Arts is having several events while you're in town. Some films, for example.. Also: "Admission to the galleries is free for everyone starting at 4 PM on Thursdays." There's a free outdoor film for OSU Students (Ed Wood) at 8:30m on the 22nd - I'm sure you could join the crowd. I've gone to their outdoor films before and had a good time.
If you go to the Wexner center, you're right on the OSU campus. I'm biased, but I think it's quite pretty in the evenings and good for a stroll. (Mirror Lake = pretty!) The 20th is move-in day so there might be more traffic and shenanigans (but I've never felt unsafe on campus) than usual.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 7:28 PM on September 14, 2009
The Short North is a great area to walk around - lots of little shops, bars, restaurants, galleries. I haven't been there at night on a weekday, so I can't tell you what to expect. Like I said above though, Jeni's = my favorite.
The Wexner Center for the Arts is having several events while you're in town. Some films, for example.. Also: "Admission to the galleries is free for everyone starting at 4 PM on Thursdays." There's a free outdoor film for OSU Students (Ed Wood) at 8:30m on the 22nd - I'm sure you could join the crowd. I've gone to their outdoor films before and had a good time.
If you go to the Wexner center, you're right on the OSU campus. I'm biased, but I think it's quite pretty in the evenings and good for a stroll. (Mirror Lake = pretty!) The 20th is move-in day so there might be more traffic and shenanigans (but I've never felt unsafe on campus) than usual.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 7:28 PM on September 14, 2009
Best answer: Let's see...
There are tons of touristy stuff that most will suggest, Schmidt's Sausage Haus in German Village is pretty popular, but here are some places that I love in Columbus:
-Buckeye Donuts (24 Hour donut shop near Lane and High on OSU's campus...also, best donuts ever)
-Get a drink at O'Reilly's on High Street (one of the best low-key bars in the city)
-Get another drink at Planks Biergarten in German Village (best biergarden and bartenders in the city. Ask for Matt or Andrea)
-Check out The Short North in the evening to see the beautiful colorful arches and check out the eclectic nightlife (tapas bars and gay-friendly dance clubs)
-See a show at The Basement, The Newport, The LC, Andyman's Treehouse, or Bernie's Distillery.
-Listen to CD101 while you're in town, its a great station (101.1 FM)
-Have some ice cream at Jeni's in Grandview (or the Short North)
-Have some coffee at Cup O' Joe
-Have a Burger at Thurman's in German Village
-Wander around Easton (Apple store, and I think the lego store is opening soon, if it's not already open)
-Buy some books at Half-Price Books or the Book Loft in German Village
-Marvel at the Douche-bags in the Arena District
-Stay away from Downtown proper, it's a dead zone after 5PM (and really, just full of office folks during the day anyway)
If I can think of any more, I'll post some more. I'm from Coluimbus (born and raised) and am currently full of nostalgia and home-sickness since we've moved to Normal, IL.
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 7:29 PM on September 14, 2009 [2 favorites]
There are tons of touristy stuff that most will suggest, Schmidt's Sausage Haus in German Village is pretty popular, but here are some places that I love in Columbus:
-Buckeye Donuts (24 Hour donut shop near Lane and High on OSU's campus...also, best donuts ever)
-Get a drink at O'Reilly's on High Street (one of the best low-key bars in the city)
-Get another drink at Planks Biergarten in German Village (best biergarden and bartenders in the city. Ask for Matt or Andrea)
-Check out The Short North in the evening to see the beautiful colorful arches and check out the eclectic nightlife (tapas bars and gay-friendly dance clubs)
-See a show at The Basement, The Newport, The LC, Andyman's Treehouse, or Bernie's Distillery.
-Listen to CD101 while you're in town, its a great station (101.1 FM)
-Have some ice cream at Jeni's in Grandview (or the Short North)
-Have some coffee at Cup O' Joe
-Have a Burger at Thurman's in German Village
-Wander around Easton (Apple store, and I think the lego store is opening soon, if it's not already open)
-Buy some books at Half-Price Books or the Book Loft in German Village
-Marvel at the Douche-bags in the Arena District
-Stay away from Downtown proper, it's a dead zone after 5PM (and really, just full of office folks during the day anyway)
If I can think of any more, I'll post some more. I'm from Coluimbus (born and raised) and am currently full of nostalgia and home-sickness since we've moved to Normal, IL.
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 7:29 PM on September 14, 2009 [2 favorites]
Oh, how could I forget the Book Loft? 32 Rooms of Bargain Books. I was there the other day for work and it was difficult not to browse forever like I usually do. Open 'till 11pm. German Village in general is a cute area.
I also second Buckeye Donuts - it is the best place in town to people watch if that is your thing.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 7:34 PM on September 14, 2009
I also second Buckeye Donuts - it is the best place in town to people watch if that is your thing.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 7:34 PM on September 14, 2009
Some great stuff has already been mentioned (except that I much prefer Graeters to Jeni's...), so I'll just add: if you're looking specifically for events during that week, Columbus Alive is another great resource.
posted by bluestocking at 7:38 PM on September 14, 2009
posted by bluestocking at 7:38 PM on September 14, 2009
Ah yes, Also check out The Other Paper for listings while you're there. Both The Other Paper and Columbus Alive are scattered throughout the city (in EVERY Cup O' Joe)
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 7:41 PM on September 14, 2009
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 7:41 PM on September 14, 2009
Best answer: Previously 1
Previously 2, but only somewhat related (intellectual life in Columbus)
The Columbus tag in general has great info as well.
posted by lohmannn at 8:11 PM on September 14, 2009
Previously 2, but only somewhat related (intellectual life in Columbus)
The Columbus tag in general has great info as well.
posted by lohmannn at 8:11 PM on September 14, 2009
I've seen some good music at Victorian's Midnight Cafe. It's a bar / diner / music venue at 251 W. 5th Avenue
posted by bottlebrushtree at 8:12 PM on September 14, 2009
posted by bottlebrushtree at 8:12 PM on September 14, 2009
In addition, Columbus Underground has tons of cool info about the city.
posted by lohmannn at 8:13 PM on September 14, 2009
posted by lohmannn at 8:13 PM on September 14, 2009
Please, please go to Hounddog's pizza. It is on High Street, its open 24 hours and the pizza is so AWESOME! (then post about how good it was and make me really jealous because I can't have it until I visit at Christmas.)
Also, North Star for the veggie burger. You can stop by while you are checking out the cool shops in the Short North then get Jeni's ice cream after!
posted by rachums at 8:58 PM on September 14, 2009
Also, North Star for the veggie burger. You can stop by while you are checking out the cool shops in the Short North then get Jeni's ice cream after!
posted by rachums at 8:58 PM on September 14, 2009
Best answer: It would help if you would at least tell us the things you are interested in. Food? Music? Art? Clubs?
At any rate:
-Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team has two pre-season games that week
-Do a whiskey tasting at Barrel 44 in the Short North (as others noted, home to many great restaurants and bars)
-Eat one of the nation's best veggie burgers at Northstar Cafe in the Short North
-One of my favorite places in town, Franklin Park Conservatory, is open until 8pm on Wed. (or go for the Cocktails at the Conservatory event on Thursday)
-Have dinner at Dragonfly Neo V, one of Bon Appetit's top ten modern vegetarian restaurants
-German Village Oktoberfest on Friday night (polka bands, great food, and cream puffs as big as your head)
As others mentioned, the North Market, Wexner Center, and Short North are three highlights of the town.
More events listed at the Other Paper
An interesting dinner (and relatively cheap one) can be had at Banana Leaf Cafe.
It's a family run restaurant that has a 5 course buffet of vegetarian Indian food, all served by the chatty owner who loves to explain all the different dishes and their ingredients.
Columbus is not a sad place. You just need to know where to look.
posted by imposster at 9:29 PM on September 14, 2009
At any rate:
-Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team has two pre-season games that week
-Do a whiskey tasting at Barrel 44 in the Short North (as others noted, home to many great restaurants and bars)
-Eat one of the nation's best veggie burgers at Northstar Cafe in the Short North
-One of my favorite places in town, Franklin Park Conservatory, is open until 8pm on Wed. (or go for the Cocktails at the Conservatory event on Thursday)
-Have dinner at Dragonfly Neo V, one of Bon Appetit's top ten modern vegetarian restaurants
-German Village Oktoberfest on Friday night (polka bands, great food, and cream puffs as big as your head)
As others mentioned, the North Market, Wexner Center, and Short North are three highlights of the town.
More events listed at the Other Paper
An interesting dinner (and relatively cheap one) can be had at Banana Leaf Cafe.
It's a family run restaurant that has a 5 course buffet of vegetarian Indian food, all served by the chatty owner who loves to explain all the different dishes and their ingredients.
Columbus is not a sad place. You just need to know where to look.
posted by imposster at 9:29 PM on September 14, 2009
I went to the Surly Girl Saloon for the first time not long ago with friends; it's in the Short North. Very good drinks and a fun atmosphere.
Second Easton; it's where I spent most of high school.
Graeter's is far superior to any other Columbus-area ice cream.
Do you like science? I've always loved COSI, Columbus's science museum. (Not really a late night thing, but hey...)
Do you have any overlap with the weekends? It's right in apple season right now and that's always my favorite thing to do in the fall. I recommend Lynd's Fruit Farm. And then you could do a corn maze!
posted by olinerd at 4:43 AM on September 15, 2009
Second Easton; it's where I spent most of high school.
Graeter's is far superior to any other Columbus-area ice cream.
Do you like science? I've always loved COSI, Columbus's science museum. (Not really a late night thing, but hey...)
Do you have any overlap with the weekends? It's right in apple season right now and that's always my favorite thing to do in the fall. I recommend Lynd's Fruit Farm. And then you could do a corn maze!
posted by olinerd at 4:43 AM on September 15, 2009
Response by poster: I completely missed the previous threads. Thanks lohmannn.
I was a little vague on purpose imposster. I want to hear what other people really enjoy doing, in case it was something I hadn't thought of myself.
Thanks for the great suggestions so far.
posted by Silvertree at 6:25 AM on September 15, 2009
I was a little vague on purpose imposster. I want to hear what other people really enjoy doing, in case it was something I hadn't thought of myself.
Thanks for the great suggestions so far.
posted by Silvertree at 6:25 AM on September 15, 2009
Because I do care that much for my local ice cream, the lowdown on Graeter's and Jeni's (both of which I love dearly... I alternate them.)
Jeni's made and found in Columbus - they make a point of locally sourcing goods. All of their ice cream tastes exactly like what it is called (example: Sweet Corn and Black Raspberry. Tastes exactly like it, and though you wouldn't think it would work for ice cream... it does.) It is much more experimental and a great place to try something different when you're in the mood, or when you're just visiting and won't get the chance again. Flavors change often and the atmosphere is very cute. (Flavors. Test them in store. Word to the wise, Queen City Cayenne is not a fake name. It is super hot!)
Graeter's is from Cincinnati, and can be found mostly in Ohio and somewhat in Kentucky. Has absolutely delicious, typical flavors you would find in an ice cream store. The chip ones come with huge chunks of good chocolate. I like it for when I want a classic ice cream experience. (Flavors. Toffee chip, black raspberry chip, butter pecan = my favorites.)
posted by Solon and Thanks at 3:35 PM on September 15, 2009
Jeni's made and found in Columbus - they make a point of locally sourcing goods. All of their ice cream tastes exactly like what it is called (example: Sweet Corn and Black Raspberry. Tastes exactly like it, and though you wouldn't think it would work for ice cream... it does.) It is much more experimental and a great place to try something different when you're in the mood, or when you're just visiting and won't get the chance again. Flavors change often and the atmosphere is very cute. (Flavors. Test them in store. Word to the wise, Queen City Cayenne is not a fake name. It is super hot!)
Graeter's is from Cincinnati, and can be found mostly in Ohio and somewhat in Kentucky. Has absolutely delicious, typical flavors you would find in an ice cream store. The chip ones come with huge chunks of good chocolate. I like it for when I want a classic ice cream experience. (Flavors. Toffee chip, black raspberry chip, butter pecan = my favorites.)
posted by Solon and Thanks at 3:35 PM on September 15, 2009
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Unfortunately I can recommend little beyond that. I spent a week in Columbus a few years ago (training other people, actually) and it was kind of a depressing place. Sorry, Columbus residents.
posted by selfnoise at 7:04 PM on September 14, 2009