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The first time I had a chance to go sight-seeing in Columbus, I was completely underwhelmed. Of course looking back on it now, I was in all the wrong places.
Trying to find something to do, I was greeted downtown by barren streets filled with only the occasional businessman.
After grabbing a bite to eat, I was directed to the Columbus City Center. For those unaware, City Center used to be the largest shopping center in Columbus before new developments in Easton and Polaris reduced it to near vacancy.
The impression left me with a sour taste, but as the years have passed, I've come to appreciate a little more this place I temporarily call home.
Whether you're from a small town in Ohio, or a larger city that dwarfs Columbus, there's still much to experience. In many college towns, there really is nothing better to do than tip cows. For starters, a trip down High Street just south of campus leads to the Short North. Filled with art galleries, little boutiques and dozens of restaurants, there's plenty of culture to be had. On the first Saturday of each month the area transforms into a huge block party as thousands flock to Gallery Hop, an event that showcases new exhibits and is a social extravaganza. Likewise, shopping hours are extended at many stores on the third Thursday of every month.
Food enthusiasts can head over to German Village. Schmidt's Sausage Haus offers a great dining experience and their buffet is nothing short of spectacular. If it's a burger you're craving, The Thurman Cafe serves some of the best anywhere. Three quarters of a pound of beef should be enough for most people.
The COSI science museum features themed exhibits good for a lazy afternoon and the Columbus Zoo is open 365 days a year. Surprisingly, the zoo is much bigger than I expected and has a wide variety of animals.
Starting next summer, baseball fans can see the Columbus Clippers in their new stadium, Huntington Park, in the Arena District. Adding to the excitement is the Clippers' new affiliation as the Triple-A club of the Cleveland Indians.
While Columbus might not be able to match up with some other cities, it's more than capable of holding its own. It's come a long way in the past few years, and those looking to escape campus life should take a spin around town.
Jeffy Mai can be reached at mai.9@osu.edu.
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