Columbus is Ohio's capital city and the 15th largest city in the United States. For a small city, Columbus has a lot to offer. Once somewhat hidden in the shadows of Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio's capital city has emerged to offer visitors world-class culture, sports, entertainment and a vibe all its own. Chock-full of government landmarks, this city is both historic and modern.
Enjoy a day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Center of Science & Industry or the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden. Or why not check out the Short North district for a unique shopping a dining experience? Spend the weekend savoring celebrated attractions and exploring unique neighborhoods, all served-up in the welcoming, friendly Columbus style.
Click here to visit the Columbus Visitor’s Bureau website to view videos on local attractions and visitor information.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium:
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a non-profit zoo located in just north of Columbus. The land lies along the eastern banks of the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir on the Scioto River. It has a worldwide reputation, and in 2009, it was named by the USA Travel Guide as the number one zoo in the United States.
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The Columbus Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals representing over 700 species and sees over 2.3 million visitors annually. The animal exhibits are divided into regions of the world, with the zoo currently operating eight such regions. In addition the zoo owns an 18-hole golf course, known as Safari Golf Club, Zoombezi Bay, and Jungle Jack's Landing. Both are located just south of the zoo. In total, the zoo owns 580 acres of land.http://www.colszoo.org/ |
Center of Science & Industry:
COSI features more than 300 interactive exhibits throughout themed exhibition areas – Ocean, Space, Gadgets, Life, Little Kidspace, Progress, the outdoor Big Science Park, and the newly opened Lily Pad, a watershed division of Ocean. WOSU@COSI, which is a more recent addition, is the first public broadcasting and science center partnership.
The museum also features exhibit areas that provide experiences for all age levels to combine science facts and learning through play. In addition to its exhibits, COSI has several live shows such as the Electrostatic Generator Show. There is also a seven-story Extreme Screen theater, the Science2GO! retail store, and the Atomicafe restaurant. COSI also hosts traveling exhibitions from other museums throughout the year. http://www.cosi.org/
Franklin Park Conservatory:
Built in 1895, Franklin Park Conservatory is a botanical landmark two miles east of downtown Columbus. It is a premier horticultural and educational institution showcasing exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and a signature collection of work by glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Set within the 88 acres of Franklin Park, the Conservatory houses 400 species of plants from a variety of global climate zones and features a Victorian Palm House with more than 40 species of palms. It is surrounded by botanical gardens and floral displays.
Annual exhibitions include The Orchid Forest, Blooms and Butterflies, and Holidays at the Conservatory. The Conservatory has developed a program of world-class exhibitions by national and international artists.
http://www.fpconservatory.org
Short North:
The Short North is a neighborhood in Columbus, centered on the main strip of High Street immediately north of downtown and extending until just south of the Ohio State University campus area. The Short North is often crowded on weekends, particularly during the monthly "Gallery Hop" and other local and downtown events. |  |
The Short North is heavily populated with art galleries, specialty shops, pubs, nightclubs, and coffee houses. Most of its tightly packed brick buildings date from at least the early 20th century, with traditional storefronts along High Street (often with brightly painted murals on their side walls).
The city installed 17 lighted metal archways extending across High Street throughout the Short North, reminiscent of such arches present in the area in the early 1900s.
Come to shop or join the night crowd for a fun dining, dancing and nightlife experience!
http://www.shortnorth.org/index.asp
