10 Places To Explore If You’re New To Ohio State
Columbus, Ohio is quickly becoming one of the Midwest’s top cities for millennials. For new students at The Ohio State University, attending college in Columbus is exciting, but also overwhelming. There are so many things to do while living in this city, most of which can be reached by taking COTA, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (which is free for Ohio State students). Here are 10 places to explore in Columbus that are sure to be a good time.
1. Shop until you drop at Easton Town Center.
Easton is Columbus’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment center. You can shop at popular and designer stores, dine at a wide array of restaurants, and watch live shows or movies. Add to this list the beautiful, open-air look of the area, and Easton is sure to please everyone!
2. Admire the old-fashioned architecture in German Village.
The German Village is a great place to spend a relaxing weekend. You can find delicious places to eat such as Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant and The Thurman Café. After eating, take time to admire the beautiful architecture in the neighborhood and visit The Book Loft, one of the largest, quirkiest bookstores in Columbus.
3. Discover the fabulous nightlife in The Short North.
The Short North Arts District is home to an amazing variety of restaurants, cafés, local shops, nightlife, and entertainment. Easily recognizable by the large arches above the street, Short North is a perfect place to go if you want to spend quality time with your friends and/or S.O. on a Friday or Saturday night.
4. Eat your heart out at North Market.
Located in Downtown Columbus, North Market is a food-lover’s dream. Inside the market are tons of little shops that sell candies, breads, desserts, lunch, dinner, etc. You’ll never leave hungry! If you’re looking to try some foreign cuisines while in Columbus, North Market is the place for you.
5. Encounter the animals at the Columbus Zoo.
The Columbus Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country. You will encounter animals from every continent, some of which you have never heard of before, and this is one of the many things that makes the Columbus Zoo so special. This is a great activity for when the weather is warm, but don’t miss the annual Wildlights event that stretches through the Christmas season.
6. Channel your inner-kid at COSI (Center of Science and Industry) Columbus.
COSI is a hands-on science museum located in Downtown Columbus. While visiting this fun museum, you will encounter interactive exhibits, laboratories, and a planetarium. During certain times of year, there are also special live shows and other traveling exhibits that are sure to impress. If you’re feeling courageous, make sure to ride the unicycle that is suspended in the air!
7. Take a stroll through the Columbus Museum of Art.
If you want to get in touch with your more sophisticated side, visit the Columbus Museum of Art. The museum is home to permanent and traveling art exhibits that are sure to take your breath away. Even better, if you visit on a Sunday, your admission will be free.
8. Walk through the beautiful gardens at the Franklin Park Conservatory.
The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden is a garden with indoor and outdoor exhibits that focus on the relationship between art and nature. Take time away from your studies to admire the hundreds of species of plants located at the conservatory. Make sure to add to your calendar the many planned events Franklin Park Conservatory hosts throughout the year!
9. Watch a show at Ohio Theater.
Ohio Theater is a historical venue where you can see symphonic orchestras, musical theater productions, dance productions, and more. The theater is well known for its great acoustics and beautiful decor. If you are looking for an excuse to get dressed up or are trying to plan a special evening, the Ohio Theater is a perfect choice.
10. Go to an event in the Arena District.
The Arena District is the home to Nationwide Arena as well as other restaurants and entertainment venues. At Nationwide Arena, you can attend concerts and shows, along with hockey games for the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets are always looking to give Ohio State students great deals on tickets and merchandise, so be on the lookout!
As you can see, whether you want to eat like crazy at North Market, shop until you drop in Easton, or admire nature at Franklin Park Conservatory, this city has a lot to offer. So, go out, enjoy, and experience Columbus!
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