Columbus is the capital of Ohio, and the city where I was born. No one thinks of Columbus, Ohio as a tourist destination, but this lesser-known city has more to offer than you think. If you find yourself in Ohio, consider making a weekend of it in Columbus with these activities:
Cosi
333 W. Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio is home to Cosi, a museum of science and industry,that opened in Columbus in 1963. Parents Magazine even voted Cosi the number one science center in the country. At Cosi, children and parents have their pick of many exhibitions. There is the Adventure! exhibition, which is a 10,000 square ft. adventure maze where young explorers can make their way through the maze, crack codes, and discover the truth to unlock the doors of the observatory. Anew exhibition just opened on May 28, 2011, called Dinosaurs: Explore. Escape. Survive, where children have another 10,000 square foot area to explore dinosaurs with computer simulators, and animatronic dinosaurs.Children can also enjoy Cosi’s famous Space, Ocean, Lily Pad, Big Science Park, Life Progress, and Gadgets exhibitions.
When my parents took me and my sister to Cosi when we were younger, it was magic to us because it was like a whole world in itself that you could escape in. I guarantee your children will love it. Admission prices vary according to age and what exhibits you want to see, but you can check all of Cosi’s rates here. Cosi also offers food, which is eaten in a designated area, and a gift shop where you can buy all sorts of gadgets, toys, and books.
North Market
59 Spruce Street
North Market is a little heaven nestled on Spruce Street that offers you a world of flavors. North Market is a farmer’s market style building , which houses different foods and goods from all over the country and world. You can buy candy from Japan, lunch and spices from India, cheesecake from New York, Polish fare, fresh seafood from fish mongers, and exotic, handmade jewelry- just to name a few. Even though I now live nearly two hours from Columbus, I’ll still drive there to go to North Market. You have to experience North Market to truly appreciate it.
Columbus Museum of Art
480 East Broad Street
Just down from Cosi, on the east side of Broad Street, is the Columbus Museum of Art. This museum holds many unique pieces, including paintings by Cezanne, Degas, Matisse, Picasso, Monet, and Renoir. The Columbus Museum of Art holds these pieces as part of their permanent collection, but features traveling exhibitions, that change, but is currently featuring the exhibitions of Caravaggio, Kota Ezawa, and Stephanie Syjuco. The Columbus Museum of Art also offers art programs, clubs, and lectures for adults, as well as special art programs for teachers and students. They also have a gift shop where you can purchase many art-related items. If you’re in Columbus for the day, check out some pieces of classic art, that you can’t find anywhere else, at The Columbus Museum of Art.
Spaghetti Warehouse
397 W. Broad Street
Now, for the food. If you’re in Columbus, Ohio, you’re going to need a place to eat, and only one place comes to my mind above all other dining options- Spaghetti Warehouse. Many Columbus locals believe that Spaghetti Warehouse exists only in Columbus, but it’s actually a chain restaurant with locations in seven other states. The Spaghetti Warehouse in Columbus first opened in 1978, and is one of Columbus’ most popular restaurants. It’s located in an old ice house, which appears old and dilapidated on the outside, but when you walk through the doors, it’s a historical beauty, complete with trolly cars, and an elevator where guests can dine. Spaghetti Warehouse serves traditional Italian-American dishes, and their homemade sour dough bread and garlic butter is to die for. One of Spaghetti Warehouse’s specialties is their 15 layer lasagna, and homemade spaghetti and meatballs. With its unique historical beauty, and delicious food, Spaghetti Warehouse offers a truly memorable dining experience.
Mozart’s Bakery
2885 N. High Street
The last stop on the list will follow that dinner of 15 layer lasagna at Spaghetti Warehouse quite nicely. Mozart’s Bakery and Piano Cafe is a European bakery that makes more delicious pastries in its cases then you could ever dream of. They offer specialty tortes, petit fours, pastries, cookies, biscotti, and afternoon tea, among many other items. Mozart’s also makes specialty cakes for big events, and weddings. If you go to Mozart’s Bakery, and can’t decide which yummy treats to get, they offer variety boxes that allow you to sample all of the goodies they have to offer. I cannot take a trip to Columbus without stopping at Mozart’s Bakery for some lemon torte cake. It’s definitely a must-stop spot in Columbus, Ohio.
Sources:
cosi.org
northmarket.com
columbusmuseum.org
http://www.meatballs.com/
mozartscafe.com
