German Village, a great escape

An entire different world exists four miles south of campus. Brick streets, interesting architecture and a community feel make German Village an ideal getaway for the bored-with-campus student. Since the formation of the German Village Society in 1960, incredible re-gentrification has returned German Village into a quintessential escape from urban life. Reaching national recognition and in 1973 receiving placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

German Village is chock-full of fine dining, cheap eats, coffee shops, and a picturesque park. Schiller Park, a respite since 1867, comes complete with fishing pond, outdoor theater, recreation center and basketball courts. Early evenings the park is bustling with runners, walkers, families and dog lovers. The park is often the site of dogs, off leash, running and playing carefully chaperoned by their owners.

The sidewalk surrounding the park is nearly a mile rectangle, great for people who want to gauge their accomplishment. More interesting paths run throughout the park, this is where most roller-bladers get their workout. A hotbed of German immigration, the park was renamed after German poet/philosopher Johann Christopher Friedrich von Schiller in 1903; it had been named City Park.

German Village nurtures the community feel through an Oktoberfest celebration and German Village Haus und Garden Tour, just to name a couple. Businesses are located throughout the village, sometimes collectively creating inner districts of commerce, other times tastefully ensconced between private homes. The outdoor theater is home to Shakespeare in the Park and various other plays and concerts.

Some landmark businesses are The Book Loft bookstore, located next to an equally popular coffee shop, Cup O Joe. Global giant Starbucks has recently invaded the village, upsetting many of the locals; some even organized a protest to the commercialism of their quaint neighborhood.

Half a dozen galleries are distributed throughout the village, interrupting residential streets just enough to add character and intrigue.

Fine dining can be found at Lindeys, a favorite for those seeking classic American fare in a cozy, yet elegant setting. The bar has its own scene, and is often a who’s who of Columbus. Barcelona is another culinary delight, but gravitates toward a trendier atmosphere and clientele. The food is eclectic, not Spanish as the name might imply. The patio has been assessed as the most romantic outdoor dining area in Columbus. G. Michaels is a more recent addition to the village and offers exciting Italian cuisine.

More along a student’s budget are some of Columbus’ best casual and affordable eateries. . At the top of the list is arguably Columbus’ best delicatessen; Katzingers has an extensive selection of incredible sandwiches, cheeses, desserts and breads. The atmosphere is fun, casual and friendly.

For more of a Greek experience, Easy Street Café is the perfect place for either dinner with a group of friends, or a casual date. The Mohawk is another versatile restaurant, but with a more eclectic menu, serving up everything from turtle soup to quesadillas. The historic restaurant is warm with exposed brick walls, a center placed wood bar and low lighting in the evening.

It isn’t difficult to spend a day in the village, walking up and down the historic streets, many of which are brick or cobblestone. Stop into any number of eateries for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Find a good book at The Book Loft and stroll over to the park for an afternoon read. Visit one of many bakeries for that sinful afternoon treat, or retreat to a coffeehouse for some rejuvenation. It would be difficult to not enjoy a day spent in German Village.

Every season offers new community activities and a varied form of quaintness to be enjoyed. Summer concerts in the park, the changing of the colors in the fall, the twinkle of white lights and snow on red brick houses in the winter, and rediscovering the outdoors in the spring, are just some of the reasons why German Village continues to grow and prosper.