With nearly 25 years of tradition, the Short North is renowned for the buzz of "Gallery Hop." Every first Saturday, thousands of visitors converge on the strip to see new art exhibits and add to their growing collections. With dozens of galleries and non-traditional exhibit spaces, it’s Columbus’ favorite night of the month to celebrate art. Though many shops are open earlier, the Gallery Hop officially starts at 4PM and runs to 10PM with restaurants and bars staying open considerably later. On a typical Hop, over 40 galleries and non-traditional art venues (think restaurants, boutiques, and salons) spotlight the best of established and emerging Ohio-based artists. They also feature the works of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. More about the Short North Art District, Columbus
"Blooms & Butterflies" at Franklin Park Conservatory
March 13 - July 4, 2010
Amid a spectacular showcase of tropical flowers and foliage, "Blooms & Butterflies" transforms the Conservatory into an enchanting butterfly heaven. Take a closer look at these fascinating creatures and enjoy hands-on activities in the Butterfly Discovery Center! And learn even more during daily live Butterfly Releases. Hundreds of butterflies from more than 100 species from around the world arrive at the Conservatory during the exhibition. Every day, dozens of them will reach maturity and come out from their chrysalides to be released in the Conservatory's Pacific Island Water Garden. Don't miss this great exhibit!
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This is the perfect place to live! Better than Hawaii AND Paris! I really love it, and hope all of the United States of America has a FULL DAY to experience the ENTIRE city! Travel.Yahoo.com User
Online Traveler
The Columbus Zoo is a terrific place for both children and adults... this is the zoo where Jack Hanna became famous and the attention has brought a lot of wonderful exhibits and events to the Zoo. They do all sorts of special seasonal events such as Eggs, Paws & Claws at Easter or Boo at the Zoo on Halloween, for a nice place for children to go trick-or-treating at their treat stations. It is a great place to spend a day outside with the family and seeing animals in very well designed exhibits.
IgoUgo.com User
Online Traveler
Columbus has a lot of nice small districts filled with lots of charm (German Village, Victorian Village, Short North and Italian Village.) There is always something to do. Every first Saturday of the month Columbus has an art hop in the Short North District. Local artists show their art and many of the small wine stores have tapas and wines on display. If you are into wine, Columbus has lots of nice boutique wine shops. Columbus has some great little bistro restaurants (Grandview area) and great pubs and bars. It does get a little crazy around OSU football season which I could do without but if you are a guy, I am sure you would love it!
Travel.Yahoo.com User
Online Traveler
This trip was a fast one, so I did as much as I could in short order. Being that I have never been to Columbus, I had mailed away for a visitor's guide, and that in itself was quite helpful. I tried to plan a route from maps online and points of interest. I truly enjoyed the COSI museum and the Titanic exhibit. There are tons of great places to eat and sights to see. North Market on Saturday morning is the place to be for fresh fruits and veggies, as well as many fresh baked goods! IgoUgo.com User
Whether it’s your first trip to Columbus or a return visit, your groups will enjoy our new, innovative experiences. Our immersive experiences will excite and engage the most discerning travelers. Featured below is a sampling of what awaits you in Columbus. Visit ExperienceColumbus.com for complete details.
The Buckeye Hall of Fame Café in Columbus is a must-see for fans of The Ohio State University sports teams. The Hall of Fame Café honors the outstanding Buckeyes inducted into The Ohio State Hall of Fame. The tiles of the Walk of Fame display the names of Hall of Fame athletes, their sport, and the years they were inducted. Lining the walkway is a collection of historic Ohio State memorabilia: Game stubs and programs from yesteryear, autographed footballs and basketballs, players' uniforms and more. More about Buckeye Mania at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café
Topiary Park
Experience this great seven-acre park in downtown Columbus! The Topiary Park is most famous for its topiary interpretation of Georges Seurat’s famous Post-Impressionist painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grand Jatte". Visitors come from around the world to enjoy the unique experience of walking into and through a work of art. In addition to the topiary attraction, visitors will find beautifully landscaped walks, benches, picnic tables and a Visitors’ Center. The Topiary Park plays hosts to several events including Music in the Air, a program of outdoor performances in city parks during the summer; as well as volunteer planting and weeding events. Admission to the park is free, and the park is wheelchair accessible.
More about the Topiary Park
"Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" at the Center of Science & Industry
March 27 - September 6, 2010
The most visited exhibition in COSI’s history sets sail again for a magnificent second voyage featuring nearly 100 new artifacts – 23 making their world debut at COSI. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition will make its way back to Columbus in March. During its first visit to COSI in 2005, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition dazzled hundreds of thousands of visitors. When it returns this spring, it will be expanded and enhanced, featuring dozens of artifacts recently recovered from the wreck site, amazingly detailed room re-creations, and a gallery devoted to Ohio's connections to the historic voyage. Explore hundreds of authentic treasures and interact with costumed characters from that fateful night.
More about "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" at the Center of Science & Industry
Shopping at the Easton Town Center
Easton Town Center is the Midwest's premier destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. With its unique village setting, large public spaces, plazas and abundant free parking, Easton is home to an eclectic assortment of restaurants, entertainment venues, exclusive retailers and a 30-screen movie theater. Enjoy the ever expanding list of the nation’s premier retailers. That’s why over 21-million people visit every year! From Nordstrom and Macy’s to Coach, Apple, Victoria’s Secret, Crate and Barrel, and more, Easton offers a diverse retail mix in an open-air pedestrian friendly setting. So drop by and shop till you well, you get the idea... This is the perfect destination for a great girls getaway!
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Paws in the Plaza
April 1 - December 2, 2010
If a vacation just wouldn't be the same without bringing along Fido, we've got the perfect event for you. Pack up the dog, and maybe even the kids, and head to Creekside Plaza in Olde Gahanna for a day filled with fun. Join other dogs as they bring their owners to stroll through the paths, river walks, pet friendly shops, and visiting vendors and businesses throughout downtown. Maybe you can even make some new friends! Enjoy special treats, free nail trimmings, and more! Moreover, Gahanna offers an abundance of park and green space, unique entertainment, shopping and dining options, located minutes from the Port Columbus Airport and many other Central Ohio attractions.
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Anthony-Thomas Candy Company
Are you a chocolate lover? Pay a visit to an Anthony-Thomas Candy store! The company makes boxed chocolate confections, including buckeyes (peanut butter-filled), truffles, cordials, butter cremes, and chocolate-covered nuts. It also makes candy bars, novelty shaped chocolates, and jelly beans. The company's products are sold in and around Columbus through the company's 15 retail candy stores (Anthony-Thomas Candy Shoppes). The company produces an average of 50,000 pounds of chocolate daily! They also offer factory tours. In 45 minutes or less, view chocolates being produced from copper kettle to final packaging. Finish your tour with a delicious sample!
More about the Anthony-Thomas Candy Company
Barcelona Restaurant at German Village
Tucked away in historic German Village - an authentic global dining experience awaits you - inspired by seaside sangria and a walk on the Ramblas, Barcelona is a culinary fusion of metropolitan chic & Old World European charm. Here you can savor Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine from a weekly changing menu. Enjoy the upscale-casual environment and their extensive award-winning wine list as well as a full bar, semi-private space, live music and one of the best patios in Columbus! Barcelona is a Top 10 ranked restaurant and a proud member of Dine Originals Columbus, a community of independently owned and operated restaurants.
More about the Barcelona Restaurant at German Village
Scioto Downs Racing
For more than 50 years, people of all ages have experienced thrilling harness racing at Scioto Downs! Many of harness racing's superstars - both human & equine - have competed at Scioto Downs, and some of today's standouts call Scioto home. No other night spot in Columbus offers fine dining with the added thrill of top harness racing action right in front of you! Plus, they have simulcasting from the top thoroughbred and harness tracks across the country. Whether you want to spend a casual night on our outdoor Patio, entertain business associates or friends, or dress up for a special night out, Scioto Downs has what you're looking for!
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The Kelton House Museum & Garden
Discover what life was like in the 1860s at the Kelton House Museum & Garden, a restored Victorian house and Underground Railroad stop. “Sophia Kelton” will greet you at the front door and introduce you to “Charity,” the family’s secret - one of many fugitive slaves the family helped on their way to freedom. After the tour, you can discover the 19th century antiques and a Victorian-style garden or join “Sophia” for a traditional Victorian tea. Make sure you stop by, bring your kids, and learn about life in the 19th century! More about The Kelton House Museum & Garden
Enjoy the thrill of riding on a 2nd generation Segway while you discover the charm and history of Columbus. During this two-hour guided tour you will explore miles of peaceful parkland along the Scioto River, the thriving Short North Arts District and historic downtown. As you glide, your tour guide will entertain you with fascinating and humorous stories about Ohio's capital city. You will glide by over 50 sites and attractions including the Ohio Statehouse, Ohio Theater, Laveque Tower, Santa Maria and more. The tour has been featured and praised by local TV stations and magazines. It is the only daily tour of Columbus available.
More about the SegAway Tours of Columbus
Experience the many flavors and aromas of Columbus on this three-day tour.
DAY ONE
See works by the masters at the Columbus Museum of Art, including Monet, Matisse, Picasso, Renoir and O’Keeffe. Eat lunch surrounded by art in the Palette Cafe or sculpture garden. Explore the Short North Arts
District, a hip urban district home to an array of boutiques, art galleries, specialty stores and many of the city’s
top restaurants.
Don’t miss Cook Sorcerer for a wide assortment of pans and utensils, Europia Wine & Spirits or ZenCha Tea Salon, where you can sample teas from around the world. Eat dinner at one of the 40-plus members of Dine Originals Columbus, comprised of locally owned restaurants. Among your choices are the Burgundy Room, where you can sip on wine and enjoy tapas; Alana’s, known for chef/owner Alana Shock’s fresh, inventive cuisine; and Tip Top Kitchen, serving fresh vegetables grown on its roof.
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