Visiting Columbus, Ohio the “Cap City”
While it’s not as speedy as its more popular counterparts, and certainly not as fast as New York City, Columbus in Ohio is viewed as quite a sleepy place, almost a place where people go to relax. But, while this place certainly has a lot to do if you want a slower pace of life, you can take advantage of so many parts of this supposedly sleepy town…
Columbus, even though it gets its name after the famous explorer Christopher Columbus, is known as the “Cap City” because it is the state capital of Ohio. In the past, the Cap City has been known as the sleepy town, but in recent years, the city has become the 3rd-most populous state capital in the United States.
With the growing population, the city has become restless. It has begun to lose the rap of a “sleepy town” and it’s begun to turn into a metropolis. In the city, there are things for everyone from arts and crafts to food tours and even a hopping nightlife.
Engage In The Artistic Activities
You’ve got plenty to choose from to tickle your artistic taste buds, from the Columbus Museum Of Art to the happenings at Columbus Commons. Every year, Columbus Commons is home to the Shakespeare In The Park festival, a free festival that gets you acquainted with the Bard himself!
Besides art, the city has four main theaters and regular opera and ballet performances, including special events by the Columbus Symphony.
For the movie buffs, CAPA (Columbus Association of the Performing Arts) covers the longest-running classic film series in the US with its Summer Movie Series. The event runs for eight weeks showing favorite classic movies, and all interested parties can purchase admission tickets to their favorite classic movies on the CAPA’s site.
Get Some Chow Down You!
If you are an extreme food connoisseur, like the vast majority of us are these days, Columbus has many options to satisfy the pickiest of eaters. Service Bar, the restaurant started by the local distillery Middle West Spirits, provides not just the high octane cocktails you’d expect, but the food is, quite simply, divine. If you like your lamb dumplings with a cozy ambiance, it’s time to come here.
Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, Basi Italia, located in the Victorian Village provides the Italian dishes you’d expect, with the simplest of preparation, but the maximum of flavor. If you think a Parmesan creme brulee sounds strange, wait until you try it!
And, if you are a coffee lover, check out the Columbus Coffee Trail – a collaboration of popular coffee house around the city, providing authenticity brewed coffee. Pick up a coffee trail card at any of the participating coffee houses and experience Columbus in a different light, plus if you visit at least four participating coffee houses you will get a free t-shirt.
Something For Everyone
The great thing about Columbus is that it provides so much for pretty much everybody.
The music scene is alive and kicking, with so many things to choose from, including Rock On The Range, which boasts the heaviest acts in music, from grunge legends Alice in Chains, all the way through to party monster himself Andrew WK! It’s not too far away from the Days Inn by Wyndham Grove City Columbus South if camping isn’t your thing!
If you are more into jazz and ribs, then check out the famous free Jazz and Rib Festival that happens every year in downtown Columbus. You get awesome music, hot barbecue, and free admission…what more can you ask for? This year it is held from July 20-22.
If you are more into nature, the Scioto Mile Park is a great place to visit. It has dozens of miles of multi-use trails that span around the city. Scioto Mile park connects the city and the people to nature. Give the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium a try, where you will get to hand-feed a giraffe, and get a hands-on experience with stingrays.
Of course, we cannot avoid mentioning the Arnold Classic event that is hosted by the big man himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger. If you hadn’t guessed, it’s devoted to anything and everything bodybuilding and is one of Columbus’ big draws. The Arnold Sports Festival runs once a year with the following dates for next year – February 23 – March 3rd, 2019.
Lastly, if shopping is your thing then you have come to the right place. Columbus is the third city behind New York and Los Angels with focused fashion designers. The city is filled with many famous brands, like Tiffany & Co., Express and Louis Vuitton, chic boutiques, independent fashion retailers, and brewing of new upcoming fashion designers. The Short North Arts District has many art galleries, fashion houses, vintage shops, and much more.
The Nightlife
If nothing on this list is catching your fancy, then maybe you’re a night owl? There are plenty of things to do in Columbus, Ohio at night.
The nightlife in Columbus boasts something for everyone, including more than 30 microbreweries, which takes part in the Columbus Ale Trail, where you can certainly get your fill of the tastiest craft ales on offer. If you are looking to dance the night away, there are various dance clubs, including The Clampdown, which is a monthly rock and roll party suitable for people of student ages.
The biggest cliche about Columbus is that it’s a very sleepy place. Based on what’s going on there on a regular basis, it’s not so sleepy after all! Certainly, it gets short shrift in comparison to the more cosmopolitan neighbors, but if you’re looking for somewhere that’s got friendly people, but plenty to do, Columbus should be on your list.
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