Let’s take a break from all things furniture and interior design and explore the home of T.Y. Fine Furniture–Columbus, Ohio.
The state capital of Ohio, Columbus, is a bustling metropolitan area that’s not all concrete and pavement. This Midwest gem is a haven for culture enthusiasts, boasting an abundance of beautiful museums, breathtaking green spaces, and vibrant cultural centers. You’ll be amazed at the variety of things to do in this city.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Columbus, Ohio:
Explore Short North Arts District
When you find yourself in Columbus, don't miss out on the vibrant and captivating Short North Arts District, where you can truly immerse yourself in the local scene and discover endless possibilities.
The Short North Arts District in Columbus, Ohio, is a lively, urban neighborhood complete with art galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars. It is home to hundreds of businesses, which are mostly locally owned and operated.
You can also find the Wexner Center for the Arts here, a top contemporary art museum in the country.
Here are some of the things you can do in the Short North Arts District:
- Explore the galleries. Aside from the Wexner Center for the Arts, the area features dozens of galleries that display a wide range of artwork, from mixed media and photography to paintings and sculptures.
- Shop at the boutiques. The Short North is great for finding unique and stylish clothing, jewelry, and home goods.
- Dine at the restaurants. This area has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, serving everything from gourmet dining to fast food.
- Enjoy the nightlife. The district is a lively place to be at night, with a variety of bars and clubs to choose from.
Stroll Around German Village
When you’re in Columbus, don’t miss the charming and picturesque German Village. While Short North Arts District is more modern and contemporary, this neighborhood is a bit quainter and more idyllic.
The historic neighborhood, nestled just south of downtown Columbus, was established by a wave of German immigrants in the 19th century. The neighborhood is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, including brick townhouses, churches, and shops.
The best way to explore this Ohio village is to take a walking tour. There are a number of walking tours available, which will take you through the neighborhood and tell you about its history and architecture.
If you want a dose of natural scenery, you can also head to Schiller Park, which is just within the village.
Bike or Walk Along the Scioto Mile
If you want to include a few outdoor activities in your itinerary, then check out Scioto Mile. It’s a 145-acre urban oasis in downtown Columbus, Ohio, that stretches along the Scioto River (thus, the name).
Aside from the biking and walking paths, Scioto Mile has nine parks, each with unique features, such as Scioto Audubon Metro Park, Dorrian Green, and Genoa Park.
You can do a wide range of outdoor activities in the Audubon metro park, so you should visit this area first. The park has a very large, free outdoor climbing wall that goes up 35 feet high. You can also go fishing and canoeing here or take your dog out for a run in the new 1.5-acre dog park.
Check out COSI
Very near Genoa Park and Dorrian Green is the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), an interactive science museum and one of the most popular attractions in downtown Columbus.
The museum’s permanent exhibits cover a wide range of scientific topics, including the human body, the natural world, technology, and space exploration. COSI also hosts a variety of temporary exhibits, as well as special events and programs.
Visit the Columbus Museum of Art
The Columbus Museum of Art is a popular art museum in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Its permanent collection includes works by well-known artists like Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Mary Cassatt.
The CMA is accessible to the public and provides a range of educational programs and events. Plus, it has a separate art gallery called The Pizzuti. This museum has been part of the Columbus Museum of Art since September 2018. Nestled in the vibrant Short North and Victorian Village neighborhoods, this three-story gallery sits on the eastern edge of Goodale Park.
Try the Local Food at North Market
North Market is a historic public market located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. With a rich heritage dating back to 1876, it's among the oldest public markets in the state and home to dozens of independent merchants.
The market is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It is a great place to find fresh, locally sourced food and to support small businesses. As you wander through this lively marketplace, take a moment to people-watch and immerse yourself in the pulsating heartbeat of Columbus’ culture.
Catch a Show at the Ohio Theatre and Southern Theatre
The Ohio Theatre and the Southern Theatre are two historic theaters located in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. They are both owned and operated by the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA).
The Ohio Theatre is the largest of the two theaters, with a capacity of 2,791 seats. It was built in 1928 in the Art Deco style and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The theater has hosted a wide variety of performances over the years, including Broadway shows, concerts, and operas.
Meanwhile, the Southern Theatre is the oldest surviving theater in central Ohio. It was built in 1896 and has a capacity of 925 seats. Initially intended for theatrical touring productions, it was later adapted for silent films, vaudeville, and various events. The structure underwent a series of changes through the years and was unused for two decades.
After being restored to its original splendor, the Southern Theatre has become a well-liked destination for concerts, comedy shows, and other live performances.
Go to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a horticultural institution located in Columbus, Ohio. It is home to a variety of plant collections of about 400 species, including orchids, cacti, succulents, and tropical plants.
The conservatory has the largest collection of glass artwork by Dale Chihuly in a botanical garden. It also features James Turrell's Light Raiment II, which lights up the John F. Wolfe Palm House every evening.