AAA Destination Guide: Columbus

Hear the Victory Bell ring at an Ohio State University football game.Weighing 2,420 pounds, the bell sounds at Ohio Stadium after everyBuckeye win. Get into the spirit of things by donning scarlet and gray,OSU’s official school colors.Visit the “Umbrella Girl” in German Village,one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. In the1950s, this bronze statue mysteriouslydisappeared from Schiller Park. The villagededicated a new version of the young girl,garbed in traditional Bavarian dress andcarrying an umbrella, in 1996. #Columbus #Ohio
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AAA Destination Guide: Official AAA maps,  
travel information and top picks 
AAA Destination Guide: Columbus includes trip-planning information 
covering AAA recommended attractions and restaurants, exclusive 
member discounts, maps and more.Â Â 
Beckoning visitors to the Midwest with a pleasing mix of down-home 
charm and contemporary flair, Columbus has become the countryâ€™s 15th-
largest metropolitan area. Named after Christopher Columbus, the city 
invites exploration; visitors can even tour a full-size replica of the Santa 
Maria. Other highlights are as assorted as the areaâ€™s past residents. The 
itinerary includes stops at the birthplace of the Civil War general who 
offered Savannah to President Lincoln as a Christmas present; the 
24,000-square-foot complex honoring a Masters golf legend; and the 
former home of an award-winning author and cartoonist who attended 
Ohio State University, one of the largest schools in the country. 
The cityâ€™s diversity also is found in its people and surroundings. The 
legacy of American Indians who once inhabited the region surfaces in the 
names of places and streets and in preserved historic sites such as 
Newark Earthworks. More recently, Black Entertainment Television rated 
Columbus as the top place for African Americans to live. Even within 
individual neighborhoods, diversity manifests itself. Shoppers in the Short 
North district can find an antique Qing Dynasty bench, a pound of Amish 
cheese or an Indian sari. Just next door in Victorian Village, striking 
houses exhibit a collage of architectural styles. Neighboring Italian 
Village, which most likely acquired its name from a prominent church, 
reflects a hodgepodge of ethnic influences, from Irish to Lebanese to 
Greek. And German Village is a great place for wienerschnitzel. 
In addition to the cultural and commercial conveniences this modern city 
affords, Columbusâ€™ historic roots and natural landscapes create a singular 
vacation destination. Home to the renowned Columbus Zoo and 
Aquarium, notable art and science museums and such music-filled 
events as the Jazz and Rib Fest, this flourishing city captivates and 
enlightens, no matter which direction you head. 
Essentials 
Hear the Victory Bell ring at an Ohio State University football game. 
Weighing 2,420 pounds, the bell sounds at Ohio Stadium after every 
Buckeye win. Get into the spirit of things by donning scarlet and gray, 
OSUâ€™s official school colors.  
Visit the â€œUmbrella Girlâ€ in German Village, 
one of the cityâ€™s oldest neighborhoods. In the 
1950s, this bronze statue mysteriously 
disappeared from Schiller Park. The village 
dedicated a new version of the young girl, 
garbed in traditional Bavarian dress and 
carrying an umbrella, in 1996. 
Taste such Mediterranean staples as tabouli 
and baklava, bring home some petunias and 
scour for antiques at the North Market. This public farmersâ€™ market on 
Spruce Street is the last of its kind in central Ohio. 
Grab a burger at the original Wendyâ€™s on the corner of 5th and Broad 
streets. Dave Thomas opened his first restaurant here in 1969, and you 
can peruse the memorabilia while you eat. 
 
 
 
 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â ColumbusÂ 
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Take a tour of a tropical rain forest, the Himalayan Mountains or an arid 
desert at Franklin Park Conservatory, a 12,500-square-foot glass 
structure built in the style of Londonâ€™s Crystal Palace. 
Essentials Map 
Get maps and turn-by-turn directions using TripTik Travel Planner on AAA.com 
 
Essentials Details - Get additional information on AAA.com 
 - GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members 
 
   - Exclusive AAA member discounts available 
1. German Village 
588 S 3rd St  
Columbus, OH 43215  
Phone: (614) 221-8888 
 
2. Franklin Park Conservatory 
1777 E Broad St  
Columbus, OH 43203  
Phone: (614) 645-8733  
 
 
 
3. COSI Columbus 
333 W Broad St  
Columbus, OH 43215  
Phone: (614) 228-1445 
4. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium  
4850 Powell Rd  
Powell, OH 43065  
Phone: (614) 645-3550  
 
 
5. Ohio Historical Center 
I-71 and 17th Ave  
Columbus, OH 43211  
Phone: (614) 297-2300 
 
 
 
6. Graeter's Ice Cream  
2555 Bethel Rd  
Columbus, OH 43220 
Phone: (614) 442-7622 
 
Lift a car all by yourself at COSI Columbus, a science center boasting a 
mix of education and fun. At COSIâ€™s outdoor Big Science Park, the Big 
Giant Lever exhibit lets you raise a 2,437-pound automobile. 
Coo at koalas at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, one of the few U.S. 
zoos permanently housing the marsupials. Like the kangaroo, the koala 
carries its newborn, which is only about the size of a jelly bean, in a 
pouch. 
Watch a newsreel from the 1920s while exploring the 250,000 square-
foot Ohio Historical Center. The expansive collection includes animal and 
plant specimens as well as prehistoric American Indian art. 
Unearth a few gems in the Short North arts district. This urban 
neighborhood on North High Street embraces an eclectic array of art 
galleries, restaurants and hip boutiques selling everything from African 
beads and American Indian jewelry to Indonesian baskets. 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â ColumbusÂ 
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Dip a spoon into a cup of Graeterâ€™s Ice Cream. Heralded as the best ice 
cream around, the creamy dessert is a lasting tradition in the Midwest. 
Try Graeterâ€™s best seller, Black Raspberry Chip, or Oprah Winfreyâ€™s 
personal favorite, Butter Pecan. 
Restaurants 
Whether youâ€™re sightseeing, shopping for 
souvenirs or strolling through such historic 
neighborhoods as German Village, 
Columbusâ€™ restaurants tempt at every turn. 
On the menu are local landmarks as well as 
newer spots creating a buzz in the culinary 
world.  
On the first level of the Miranova office tower is M, a marquee restaurant 
and bar overlooking the Scioto riverfront. Eclectic American dishes 
influenced by European and Pacific Rim flavors include Chilean sea bass 
with shrimp dumplings, veal mignon with shitake mushroom sauce, 
lobster mashed potatoes and fresh sushi rolls. A dynamic wine list 
features selections from around the world. Dramatic lighting, ceiling-high 
sheer curtains and a comfortable outdoor patio are icing on the cakeâ€”
which at M is filled with a liquid chocolate center and accompanied by 
Tahitian vanilla ice cream.  
For another restaurant with a hip and relaxing cosmopolitan atmosphere, 
head to Martini Modern Italian, a storefront eatery in the Columbus arts 
district. Just past the dining roomâ€™s stark white pillars, youâ€™ll see busy 
chefs preparing a wide variety of authentic Italian appetizers and entrÃ©es. 
Specialties include herb-seared tuna with parmesan risotto, shrimp 
scampi served over beef tenderloin and rosemary-cured, orange-glazed 
pork chops. A separate martini bar and an impressive wine list round out 
the dining experience.  
With white tablecloths and an intimate, candlelit dining room, The 
Refectory has been a fine-dining tradition in Upper Arlington since 1980. 
The 19th-century structureâ€”a former church attached to a 
schoolhouseâ€”showcases a world-class wine cellar with more than 700 
selections. Reflecting the classic and contemporary cuisine of the chefâ€™s 
homeland of Lyon, France, the menu features beluga caviar, mild-spiced 
duck and venison with plum bordelaise sauce and lyonnaise sausage. 
Among the tempting desserts are a traditional vanilla crÃ¨me brÃ»lÃ©e and a 
European cheese plate.  
The upscale nautical accents and dark woods at Columbus Fish Market 
will make you think youâ€™ve left port aboard a luxury cruise ship. Serious 
seafood-lovers flock to northern Columbus, where this restaurantâ€™s 
selection of more than 80 seafood items is so fresh, the menu is printed 
twice daily. Fish selections can be prepared four waysâ€”steamed with 
ginger and scallions, grilled, broiled or blackened with Ã©touffÃ©e sauce. 
Other noteworthy specialties include cedar-roasted salmon, hoisin-glazed 
yellowfin tuna and New England clam chowder, along with macadamia 
nut-crusted Florida key lime pie for dessert.  
Just east of Columbus, City Barbeque attracts crowds of diners for its 
down-to-earth Southern specialties, from barbecue chicken and ribs to 
pulled pork and brisket. The simple dining room features wooden picnic 
tables adorned with the necessities: rolls of paper towels and a variety of 
secret-recipe sauces. Made-from-scratch side dishes include such home-
style favorites as greens with pork, corn pudding and baked beans. The 
restaurant also offers carry-out serviceâ€” you can even order a whole 
smoked hog!  
Aromas drifting from Cafe Istanbul also tempt shoppers at Easton Town 
Center. Decorated in the style of a Turkish bazaar, the cozy 
establishment features a wide selection of Mediterranean dishes. Meat 
and vegetable specialties include mousakka, stuffed cabbage and okra 
with lamb morsels. A traditional fish entrÃ©e from Rize on the Black Sea 
includes a choice of salmon, flounder or tilapia broiled in a vegetable 
sauce. The restaurant also makes its own desserts and occasionally 
features live entertainment. For a breath of fresh air, dine on the seasonal 
outdoor patio.  
DestinationÂ Guide:Â ColumbusÂ 
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Other shopping districts keep hungry visitors just as satisfied. Polaris 
Fashion Place is home to Molly Wooâ€™s Asian Bistro, which specializes in 
Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese and Korean dishes. Its comfortable, 
modern Asian dining room is a great place to unwind after a hectic day of 
bargain-hunting in northern Columbus. Although courteous servers are 
on hand to offer recommendations, ordering is still a daunting task with 
such delectable choices as Kung Pao calamari and Mongolian hot pots 
Restaurants Map 
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filled with ginger-sake shrimp and scallops. Enhance these Eastern 
flavors by sampling Molly Wooâ€™s white tea blended with Valencia orange 
peels. 
 
The Carriage Place shopping center in Dublin is home to the Chile Verde 
Cafe. Featuring authentic northern New Mexico cuisineâ€”generally more 
spicy and flavorful than traditional Mexican dishesâ€”the popular family 
eatery serves up enormous helpings of barbecue-grilled fajita burritos 
and spicy Southwestern crab cakes. The zesty salsa is prepared fresh, 
while a large selection of Mexican beers and margaritas are on hand to 
wash everything down.  
Nestled along a row of Grandview Heights stores, Spagio draws attention 
for its blend of European and Pacific Rim cuisine as well as its eccentric 
ambiance. Fascinated passersby gaze through the windows at the dining 
room, where star-lit tree branches and clusters of glowing umbrellas hang 
from the ceiling. The menu runs the gamut from traditional Italian 
antipasto, wood-fired pizzas and potato gnocchi to hoisin-glazed duck 
and Delmonico steak. Adjacent to the restaurant is a wine shop offering 
several thousand bottles of premium wine, a wine-tasting area and a 
cigar lounge.  
Restaurants Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;  
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds 
1. M  
 
2 Miranova Pl, Suite 100  
Columbus, OH 43215  
Phone: (614) 629-0000 
 
2. Martini Modern Italian  
 
445 N High St  
Columbus, OH 43215  
Phone: (614) 224-8259 
 
3. Schmidt's Restaurant  
und Sausage Haus 
 
240 E Kossuth St  
Columbus, OH 43206  
Phone: (614) 444-6808
4. Lindey's  
169 E Beck St  
Columbus, OH 43206  
Phone: (614) 228-4343 
 
5. The Clarmont  
 
684 High St  
Columbus, OH 43215  
Phone: (614) 443-1125 
 
6. The Columbus 
Brewing Company  
 
525 Short St  
Columbus, OH 43215  
Phone: (614) 464-2739
DestinationÂ Guide:Â ColumbusÂ 
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Two-story Schmidtâ€™s Restaurant und Sausage Haus, a German Village 
landmark, has served customers since 1886. The eatery re-creates Old 
World Germany through its signature cuisineâ€”dished up by servers in 
traditional Bavarian garbâ€”and charming dÃ©cor, along with live music on 
most nights. German beers and microbrews complement the restaurantâ€™s 
sausage platters, Wiener schnitzel and cabbage rolls. A buffet also offers 
a large selection of German and American recipes. With all that food, you 
may have to make a separate trip for dessert; choices include apple 
strudel and whopping, half-pound cream puffs.  
Restaurants Map 
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German Village also is home to Lindeyâ€™s. Featuring exciting American 
cuisine, the establishment fashions itself after an Upper East Side New 
York bistro. The dinner menu features jumbo lump crab cakes, linguini 
with shrimp and clams and Lindeyâ€™s signature tournedos of beef. Lunch 
and childrenâ€™s menus also are available daily, while brunch is served on 
weekends. Live jazz plays most Thursday and Friday nights. Stay awhile 
after your meal to sip a Spanish cappuccino or a New Orleans-style hot 
toddy with dessertâ€”and who could resist the tiramisu or croissant bread 
pudding with banana caramel sauce? 
Reminiscent of a â€™40s-style supper club, The Clarmont transports patrons 
to another era. The timeless German Village steakhouse, one of the 
oldest dining establishments in the city, features such highlights as rack 
of lamb marinated in red wine and bacon-wrapped filet mignon with 
gorgonzola cheese, along with a wide assortment of fresh salads and 
seafood. Mouthwatering starters include colossal shrimp cocktail, deep-
fried smelt and the ever-popular cream of tomato soup.  
Restaurants Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;  
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds 
7. The Refectory  
 
1092 Bethel Rd  
Columbus, OH 43220  
Phone: (614) 451-9774 
 
8. Columbus Fish Market 
   
40 Hutchinson Ave  
Columbus, OH 43219  
Phone: (614) 410-3474 
 
9. City Barbeque  
 
5979 E Main St  
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068  
Phone: (614) 755-8890 
 
10. Cafe Istanbul  
 
3983 Worth Ave  
Columbus, OH 43219  
Phone: (614) 473-9144
11. Molly Woo's Asian Bistro  
1500 Polaris Pkwy, Suite 220  
Columbus, OH 43240  
Phone: (614) 985-9667 
 
12. Chile Verde Cafe  
 
4852 Sawmill Rd  
Dublin, OH 43235  
Phone: (614) 442-6630 
 
13.Â Spagio  
 
1295 Grandview Ave  
Grandview Heights, OH 43212  
Phone: (614) 486-1114 
 
 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â ColumbusÂ 
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Paradise awaits beer aficionados at the historic brewery districtâ€™s The 
Columbus Brewing Company. After a long day of sightseeing, unwind 
with any one of their six handcrafted ales, or order a tasting flight and 
sample them all. The hip, casual eatery offers much more than just suds, 
though. Aside from a large selection of white, red and sparkling wines, 
the Short Street restaurant features wood-fired pizzas, buttermilk-fried 
catfish, pecan-crusted chicken and such Cajun-inspired dishes as shrimp 
served with grits and andouille sausage.  
Attractions 
In a city with dozens of attractions, you may have trouble deciding where 
to spend your time. Here are the highlights for this destination, as chosen 
by AAA editors. GEMs are â€œGreat Experiences for Members.â€ 
After moving to the newly designated capital 
of Columbus in 1816, state officials would 
wait more than 40 years for a finished Capitol 
building. A cholera epidemic, harsh winters 
and other setbacks delayed construction. 
Today, visitors can tour the splendor of the 
Greek Revival-style Ohio Statehouse, which 
features historical exhibits, artistic treasures and limestone from the 
banks of the Scioto (sigh-OH-toe) River. 
Just across the river to the west is COSI Columbus, a AAA GEM 
attraction. Shoot water cannons, drive robotic rovers and travel through 
time at this interactive science center, all while expanding your 
knowledge of the world around you. Live shows and special events add 
to the stimulating atmosphere as you learn about such concepts as 
centripetal force and erosion. 
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, another long-standing city favorite, is 
home to more than 660 species, hundreds of which are threatened with 
extinction. Dedicated to preserving wildlife, the zoo protects such 
endangered creatures as bald eagles and leopards. This AAA GEM 
attraction is one of only three facilities outside of Florida exhibiting West 
Indian Manatees. The marine mammals live in a 190,000-gallon indoor 
aquarium at Manatee Coast.  
Just north of Columbus in the city of Delaware are the Olentangy Indian 
Caverns, a collection of natural caves formed by an underground river 
millions of years ago. Artifacts on display indicate the Wyandot Indians 
sought refuge in these caverns from harsh weather and such enemies as 
the Delaware Indians. Visitors descend a concrete stairway into the maze 
of passageways, some descending as far as 105 feet below the surface. 
At the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in nearby Pickerington, three 
major exhibition halls display an ever-changing collection of motorcycles, 
from a 1912 Indian racer to a 2005 BMW K1200R. Photos, sculptures, 
riding gear, literature and awards illustrate the story of American 
motorcycling through the years. 
Golf is another beloved diversion in Columbus, the birthplace of Jack 
Nicklaus. At the Ohio State University sports complex, the Jack Nicklaus 
Museum lets visitors pore over items related to his remarkable career. Six 
of the golferâ€™s Masters Trophies, his Masters green jacket and his 1975 
PGA Championship wedge are just a few of the mementos. A pictorial 
essay chronicles Nicklausâ€™ record-breaking career. 
Another Columbus son is memorialized at The Thurber House. Author, 
humorist and cartoonist James Thurber lived here with his family while 
attending OSU. Visitors can sit on 1900s-era furnishings, play the 
downstairs piano or touch the typewriter Thurber used while working for 
The New Yorker. 
Just around the corner is the Columbus Museum of Art, sure to inspire 
visitors with its works by Henri Matisse, American painter Edward Hopper 
and Columbus native George Bellows. Norman Rockwell, who painted for 
The Saturday Evening Post for more than 4 decades, is also represented 
in the museumâ€™s permanent collection. Eye Spy, an educational program 
for children, took more than 3 years of research and planning to create. 
 
 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â ColumbusÂ 
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Attractions Map 
 
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Childrenâ€™s toys are the main focus at Mid-Ohio Historical Museum, south 
of Columbus in Canal Winchester. Also known as The Doll and Toy 
Museum, this attraction presents thousands of toys including collector 
dolls from the 1920s, more modern collections such as â€œStar Warsâ€ and 
Attractions Details - Get additional information on AAA.com 
 - GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members 
 
   - Exclusive AAA member discounts available 
1. Ohio Statehouse 
Broad St & High St  
Columbus, OH 43215  
Phone: (614) 728-2695 
 
2. COSI Columbus 
333 W Broad St  
Columbus, OH 43215  
Phone: (614) 228-1445 
 
 
 
3. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium   
4850 Powell Rd  
Powell, OH 43065 
Phone: (614) 645-3550  
 
 
4. Olentangy Indian Caverns 
1779 Home Rd  
Delaware, OH 43015  
Phone: (740) 548-7917 
 
 
5. Jack Nicklaus Museum  
2355 Olentangy River Rd  
Columbus, OH 43210  
Phone: (614) 247-5959 
 
6. The Thurber House  
77 Jefferson Ave  
Columbus, OH 43215  
Phone: (614) 464-1032 
7. Columbus Museum of Art
480 E Broad St  
Columbus, OH 43215  
Phone: (614) 221-6801  
 
 
8. The Topiary Garden  
480 E Town St  
Columbus, OH 43215  
Phone: (614) 645-0197 
 
9. Franklin Park Conservatory  
1777 E Broad St  
Columbus, OH 43203  
Phone: (614) 645-8733 
 
 
 
10. Inniswood Metro Gardens  
940 S Hempstead Rd  
Westerville, OH 43081  
Phone: (614) 895-6216 
 
11. Westerville 
 
12. Ohio Historical Center 
I-71 and 17th Ave  
Columbus, OH 43211  
Phone: (614) 297-2300  
 
 
 
13. German Village  
588 S 3rd St  
Columbus, OH 43215  
Phone: (614) 221-8888 
 
Disney memorabilia, and G.I. Joe action figures. Barbie, who is actually a 
revamped version of a popular German doll named Lilli, also makes an 
appearance. 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â ColumbusÂ 
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Attractions Map 
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Step into a work of art at The Topiary Garden, a botanical depiction of the 
Pointillist painting â€œA Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.â€ 
A local sculptor re-created French artist Georges Seuratâ€™s most 
recognizable work in this whimsical garden of clipped yews. 
A Bonsai collection, exotic orchids and a Pacific Island water garden are 
just a few of the highlights at the Franklin Park Conservatory. The glass 
structure was built in 1895 in the style of Londonâ€™s Crystal Palace. As 
visitors walk through this AAA GEM Attraction, theyâ€™ll find vibrant blown-
glass pieces by artist Dale Chihuly interspersed throughout the natural 
exhibits. 
Attractions Details - Get additional information on AAA.com 
 
   - Exclusive AAA member discounts available 
14. Delaware 
 
15. Motorcycle Hall 
of Fame Museum 
13515 Yarmouth Dr  
Pickerington, OH 43147  
Phone: (614) 856-2222 
 
 
16. Pickerington 
 
17. Mid-Ohio Historical 
Museum-Doll & Toy Museum 
700 Winchester Pike  
Canal Winchester, OH 43110  
Phone: (614) 837-5573  
 
 
18. Motts Military Museum  
5075 S Hamilton Rd  
Groveport, OH 43125  
Phone: (614) 836-1500 
 
19. Wahkeena  
2200 Pump Station Rd  
Sugar Grove, OH 43155  
Phone: (740) 746-8695 
 
20. Sugar Grove 
21. Lancaster
 
22. The Sherman House Museum 
137 E Main St  
Lancaster, OH 43130  
Phone: (740) 654-9923 
 
 
23. The Works: Ohio Center for 
History, Art and Technology 
55 S First St  
Newark, OH 43055  
Phone: (740) 349-9277  
 
 
24. Newark 
 
25. Newark Earthworks  
455 Hebron Rd  
Heath, OH 43056  
Phone: (740) 345-8224 
 
26. Wagnalls Memorial  
150 E Columbus St  
Lithopolis, OH 43136  
Phone: (614) 837-4765 
 
27. Lithopolis 
 
Another tranquil spot is the 150-acre Wahkeena nature preserve in Sugar 
Grove. Wahkeena is an old Yakima Indian word meaning â€œmost 
beautiful,â€ and these forested sandstone cliffs merit the name. Along the 
nature trails, hikers may come across native orchids, 26 types of ferns, 
countless birds and such wildlife as the state animal, the white-tailed 
deer. 
A scenic nature preserve surrounds lovely plantings of daffodils, daylilies 
and more than 2,000 species of plants at Inniswood Metro Gardens in 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â ColumbusÂ 
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Westerville. Once headquarters for the Anti-Saloon League, the leading 
group for prohibition in America, Westerville was known as the â€œdry 
capital of the world.â€ 
In nearby Lancaster is The Sherman House Museum, birthplace of 
General William Tecumseh Sherman and his brother, U.S. Senator John 
Sherman. The house museum contains family mementos and period 
furniture. Named Tecumseh after a Shawnee Indian chief, General 
Sherman led his army on the famous March to the Sea, carving a path of 
destruction through Confederate Georgia during the Civil War. 
Civil War weapons, American Indian art pieces and a mastodon are just a 
few of the artifacts youâ€™ll see at the Ohio Historical Center, the flagship 
museum in the Ohio Historical Societyâ€™s statewide system of historical 
sites. The 250,000-square-foot center houses three permanent exhibits 
and a 280-seat auditorium. The neighboring 1800s Ohio Village is open 
during signature events, including games of the Ohio Village Muffins and 
the Lady Diamonds, teams that play vintage baseball according to 
Victorian rules. 
Traditions also run deep at German Village, a historic downtown district. 
St. Maryâ€™s Catholic Church, built in 1868, may be the focal point, but the 
villageâ€™s charm is reflected in small cottages with wrought-iron fences 
along tree-lined brick streets. Around Third Street, restaurants and shops 
keep travelers satiated during a day of sightseeing, offering everything 
from sauerbraten to specialty cheese and European housewares. 
Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, The Works: Ohio Center for 
History, Art and Technology stirs the creative spirit. Wander the Art 
Works Gallery for inspiration, take a class on glass blowing or become a 
scientist in the first floor laboratory. Thereâ€™s always something new to 
discover at this innovative center in Newark. 
Also in the vicinity is the Newark Earthworks, three major segments of 
earthen enclosures built by Ohioâ€™s prehistoric peoples. Experts speculate 
that the Great Circle, nearly 1,200 feet in diameter, was a ceremonial 
hub. The 50-acre Octagon Earthworks and the square Wright Earthworks 
most likely served religious and social purposes. 
South of Columbus, the Wagnalls Memorial in Lithopolis displays 
memorabilia relating to the Funk & Wagnalls Co., publisher of dictionaries 
and encyclopedias. The former estate houses two Norman Rockwell 
paintings that served as covers for the companyâ€™s early publication, The 
Literary Digest. The attraction also exhibits art from other former Funk 
and Wagnalls illustrators as well as a collection of Chinese keepsakes. 
Events 
In addition to its many cultural and historic landmarks, this destination 
hosts a number of outstanding festivals and events that may coincide 
with your visit. GEMs are â€œGreat Experiences for Members.â€ 
Events around Columbus range from the traditionalâ€”the cityâ€™s 
Independence Day celebration, Red, White and Boomâ€”to the not-so-
usual Circleville Pumpkin Show, which features a 400-pound pumpkin 
pie. Visitors who stay out late at these happenings shouldnâ€™t fret. As 
humorist and Columbus native James Thurber wrote: â€œEarly to rise and 
early to bed makes a male healthy and wealthy and dead.â€ 
With the arrival of spring comes the Asian Festival and its ethnic fare of 
spring rolls, sushi and satay. The May event includes cultural displays, 
martial arts performances, cooking demonstrations and an open market 
selling exotic Asian goods. 
The Memorial Tournament in late May epitomizes the rich history and 
traditions of golf. Started in 1976 by Columbus native Jack Nicklaus, the 
PGA Tour event takes place at Muirfield Village Golf Club in nearby 
Dublin. A portion of the proceeds benefits Ohio charities. 
The Haus und Garten Tour, a AAA GEM Event, takes place in German 
Village in late June. Visitors tour eight houses and four gardens 
embodying the neighborhood revitalization efforts of the German Village 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â ColumbusÂ 
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Society. Festivities include gardening demonstrations and a watercolor 
competition. 
The 10-day Lancaster Festival brings together a diverse mix of 
musicians; past performers have included R&B singer Aretha Franklin, 
trumpeter Doc Severinsen and country singer Gary Morris. The visual 
arts are represented during ArtWalk on the first Friday of the July event. 
If thereâ€™s one donâ€™t-miss festival in town, itâ€™s the Columbus Jazz and Rib 
Fest in late July. Some 400,000 people bring their bibs to this AAA GEM 
Event, which boasts performances by premiere jazz artists and local 
bandsâ€”plus 50 tons of barbecued ribs. After 
chowing down on the award-winning food, 
take a break and relax to mellow tunes. 
The Columbus Recreation and Parks 
Department produces a series of events 
during the summer called â€œMusic in the Air.â€ Festival Latino in June 
attracts growing crowds with Latin American music and food as well as 
educational workshops and cultural performances. 
Traditional and modern music and dance are highlights of the 3-day 
Dublin Irish Festival, a AAA GEM Event in August. Cultural draws include 
Irish storytelling and English Civil War re-enactments. 
August is also time for the Ohio State Fair, one of the biggest state fairs 
in the country. More than 800,000 people attend this 12-day event, which 
has been offering midway rides, livestock shows, celebrity entertainment 
and funnel cakes since 1850. 
Stand on the sidelines to cheer thousands of runners in the Columbus 
Marathon in October. Ranked as one of the top U.S. marathons, the 
course is mostly flat with a clover-leaf design, looping through downtown 
and the surrounding suburbs. 
The All American Quarter Horse Congress, considered the worldâ€™s largest 
single-breed horse show, attracts more than 650,000 people to the Ohio 
Expo Center each October. Events include professional bull-riding shows, 
horse-judging contests and educational lectures. 
In November, the Columbus International Festival promotes international 
peace and understanding through multicultural exhibits and 
performances. A Parade of Nations is held daily, and visitors can taste 
tantalizing dishes from more than 80 countries. 
From mid-November to early January, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 
presents Wildlights, a winter wonderland featuring light displays, holiday 
activities and an ice skating rink. 
Things to Do 
Shopping 
Columbus, the home of the original regional shopping center, is a natural 
for discovering bargains and hard-to-find items. While the bulk of 
shopping is done at five suburban mallsâ€”Eastland, off I-70 and Hamilton 
Rd.; Easton Town Center, off I-270 exit 33 at Easton Way; The Mall at 
Tuttle Crossing, off I-270 and Tuttle Crossing Blvd.; Polaris Fashion 
Place, off I-71 and Polaris Parkway; and Westland at W. Broad Street 
and I-270â€”specialty shops are sprinkled throughout the area. 
Among the offerings youâ€™ll find at the North Market, which has been in 
operation since 1876, are ethnic cuisines, flowers, cookware and gift 
items. On Saturdays during the growing season (May-October), more 
than 20 farmers set up shop. Saturdays also feature live music, and 
festivals are held throughout the year. The market, 59 Spruce St., is open 
Tues.-Fri. 9-7, Sat. 8-5 and Sun. noon-5. The market is also open Mon. 
9-5, but this is an optional day for vendors, so you may not find as many 
as you will on the other days of the week. 
College Traditions, 286 W. Lane Ave., and Conrads College Gifts, 316 W. 
Lane Ave., carry Ohio State University memorabilia for avid Buckeye 
boosters. German Village, a restored 19th-century German community on 
3rd Street south of I-70/I-71, has antiques, books and baked goods.