Although I ultimately moved to Columbus, Ohio to be with a special someone, I’ve loved this city ever since I first visited when I was a kid. Columbus is a very diverse city with much to see and do. The following are my top favorite places to visit in Columbus.
German Village
During the city’s early development, many immigrants settled here and created living and business districts. These immigrants and the districts that they built for themselves still make up much of the city’s character. The area of Columbus, Ohio known as German Village is one of these districts, and is one of the city’s main historical attractions because it still looks and feels much like it did in its early days. No one visits Columbus without hearing about this place at one time or another. The area was erected in 1841 and was originally called South Columbus. The area was later dubbed German Village due to the many German immigrants who settled there, the most of which came between the years 1840 through 1860. These immigrants came to the United States to escape oppression in their homeland and to start a new life in the United States where they could enjoy liberty and freedom.
These German immigrants preserved their culture by speaking their native language in the schools and churches that they built, and by publishing German newspapers. These immigrants often ran businesses out of their own homes, which mixed business and residential areas, a feature that can still be observed in the area today. Indeed, they enjoyed exceptional success in this area for some time.
The advent of World War I and the Great Depression crippled this community. Campaigns against those of German origin during World War I forced Germans in the area and around the country to suppress their heritage and community bonds. Prohibition forced breweries, one of the main sources of German immigrant income, to close. These circumstances forced many of the German immigrants to move out of the area. The village was almost torn down in the 1950s but in the 1960s Frank Fetch and a small group of neighbors worked to have German Village designated as a Historical Preservation District. The German Village Commission was also established and tasked with monitoring the rehabilitation of the community. Thanks to these efforts, in 1974 German Village was designated on the National Register of Historical Places.
Today, German Village looks much like it did in its prime, with many buildings that were around when the city was first erected still standing thanks to restoration efforts. German Village today attracts many people who live in or are visiting the city. One can find many restaurants, bars, and shops that seamlessly blend in to residential properties, and old fashioned brick roads.
One of my favorite places in German Village is the original Max & Erma’s. This is one of my favorite restaurant chains because of it’s friendly staff and great burgers and the original location offers the best experience out of all.
The Short North
This stretch of High Street was not always the sprawling Arts District that it is known for being today. In the early 1980s the area was dilapidated, and known for crime, drugs, and prostitution. The area was dubbed The Short North by area law enforcement, undoubtedly because this stretch of High Street fell short of the city’s ambitions.
Thanks to restoration efforts, The Short North is now a sprawling Arts District and is host to the annual Fourth of July Doo Dah Parade, which is a major event in Columbus. The Short North is also now known for being a primarily gay area or “gay village.” Many businesses in the area are run by or cater to LGBT patrons and proudly display pride flags in their windows and in their shops. The Short North today is a testament to the resolve in bettering a community. The area has many historical buildings that were first constructed by immigrants during the cities early development.
High Street
Aside from the Short North, High Street has plenty else to offer, especially in the area near the Ohio State University. You will find nice restaurants, bars, and plenty of character near this stretch of High Street. One important thing to note about any stretch of High Street is that finding a parking spot can sometimes be a pain in the ass. Some say to park a ways from the major high street locations and walk, but even this can be risky for you might get towed.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
This is one of the best zoos in the country. If you love animals, you owe it to yourself to visit this place someday. Their Aquarium is worth the low admission fee alone. There is also a great water park called Zoombezi Bay and a golf course across from the zoo’s location.
Downtown
The city of Columbus itself is gorgeous, but if you don’t have business there I would suggest avoiding it at all costs and admiring it from afar due to the traffic.
The convention center under the Hyatt Regency (I call it the stilt building and for a reason.) is one of my favorite places downtown. Of course I only ever go there for conventions. I went there early this year for Ohayocon and had a blast.
Downtown Columbus is also home to the largest fireworks display in the mid-west during Fourth of July celebrations.
Conclusion
I hope this helps anyone that may visit this city someday and I hope you have a fun and safe time if you do.
