Meet Columbus 

by Sarah Rice, The Dawes Arboretum

Columbus, founded in 1812, was once navigated by travelers journeying on paths to the West, riverboat canals, and the National Road. Eighteenth- and nineteenth-century immigrants settled in areas like German Village and Italian Village; their Queen Anne-style houses, antique shops, and rich history can still be enjoyed during a visit today.

Nowadays, a stroll through the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a stop at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), and a visit back in time on the brick-paved streets of German Village can fill your day. But—there is more! Connect with the animals at America’s number one zoo, The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, or move from the old country to contemporary Easton Town Center to shop at nationally known stores and indulge in some delicious cuisine. Finish the day with a “gallery hop” around the Short North Arts District or an entertaining show at Shadowbox Live.

A diverse array of activity can always be found in Ohio’s capital city. With a population of over 787,000 covering more than 210 square miles, Columbus is the fifteenth largest city in the United States. Abundant with parks and gardens, shopping, great food and night life, the city offers constant excitement. (Photo credit: Downtown Columbus, Rod Berry)

It’s no surprise Ohioans are enamored with their capital city—Columbus is alive with arts, entertainment, and some of the country’s most innovative food scenes. Investigate four of Columbus' top entertainment districts surrounding the downtown area. Next to the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the Arena District is home to two professional sports teams, the NHL’s Blue Jackets and the MLB’s Triple-A Columbus Clippers; concerts; restaurants; and nightclubs. Take a short walk to the north and you’re in the Short North Arts District, where you'll find more restaurants and nightclubs as well as galleries and boutiques. South of downtown are German Village, the Brewery District, and the Ohio Statehouse.

Spend your days at parks on both sides of the Scioto River, including the Columbus Commons and Scioto Mile on the east bank riverfront which connects a stretch of parks and has an impressive fountain at its southern end. Explore the incredible collections of The Dawes Arboretum, or visit the Topiary Garden depicting one of French Post-Impressionist George Seurat’s famous paintings. For outdoor adventures that include camping, fishing and boating, stop at a nearby Central Ohio state park.

Spend your nights at one of Columbus' performing arts events. Downtown Columbus features three historic theatres—Ohio, Palace, and Southern. Be dazzled by the BalletMet, Broadway Across America-Columbus, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, The Columbus Symphony, or the Contemporary American Theatre Company. World-class visual art surrounds you while exploring the Columbus Museum of Art, the Wexner Center for the Arts, or The King Arts Complex.

Getting to Columbus is easy: over half of the US population resides within 550 miles, and Interstates 70 and 71 take travelers through the capital city. Port Columbus International Airport is served by nine major airlines. (Photo credit: German Village, Rod Berry)

Enjoy the city as it celebrates its bicentennial year.  Innovative and friendly, with a mix of down-home charm and cutting-edge trends, Columbus is the place to visit.  It’s easy to see why this central Ohio city is one of the fastest growing major metropolitan areas.  Columbus welcomes you for the APGA Conference, June 19-22, 2012!