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What to do in Columbus, OH?

I’ll be in Columbus the last week of October, and I need your recommendations.

What are the must-see spots and things to do? What’s the gay scene like - if there is one? I’m one of those so-called coastal gays who’s never set foot in the Midwest, so I'm ready to explore! I’d also love some snappy day trip ideas, especially if they lead to the Great Lakes.

Help a homo out! Thanks, xoxo!

by Anonymousreply 174November 5, 2024 12:20 AM

I did COSI back in the 80s but they've changed it so much.

The Scioto River area was nice when I went there about 20 years ago.

The Columbus Zoo is world renown.

The Short North is talked about a lot as is German Village.

The local orchestra is popular among some (but not by me).

The state capitol is there if you want to meet a bunch of right wind politicians that have taken over the state.

Route 315 is a scenic & winding road by a creek (or a small river?) that has been built up every decade.

Delaware county (the one north of the Columbus city's Franklin county) has been the fastest growing place in the state for a while now. I was there about a month ago but not long enough to get out anywhere. It sure has changed from when I was there about a decade ago. Lots of traffic & houses with LGBT pride flags on them. I don't recall seeing any the last time I was there (if that tells you anything).

by Anonymousreply 1October 20, 2024 8:45 AM

[quote]What to do in Columbus, OH?

Leave.

by Anonymousreply 2October 20, 2024 8:48 AM

The Billy Ireland Cartoon museum at OSU.

by Anonymousreply 3October 20, 2024 1:28 PM

I was there in April. Surprisingly there was little to do outside of the OSU area. German Village was quaint, a good restaurant (Schmidt's). Everyone at the conference was astounded that in the area there was no ATM, CVS, etc. There was a place called Club Diversity that was fun, very gay in character, but also a lot of straight people.

by Anonymousreply 4October 20, 2024 1:55 PM

The Columbus Museum of Art is worth a visit.

A friend who moved there years ago says that Columbus is the opposite of "It's nice to visit but I wouldn't want to live there"—i.e. if you visit you might be at a loss for interesting things to do; the real quality of life doesn't emerge unless you do the everyday things. But as posters above said, spend time in German Village and the Short North. I like Goodale Park, too.

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by Anonymousreply 5October 20, 2024 2:09 PM

Columbus has zero culture outside OSU football. Get in a car and head up to Cleveland where there is more to do, other than going to gay bars.

by Anonymousreply 6October 20, 2024 2:12 PM

BDF IN COLUMBUS!!! - No not that BDF - Bobs Discount Furniture! Go to their new store at the Polaris Towne Center and eat all the candy, ice cream and cookies for free in their cafe! Fat whores rejoice!

by Anonymousreply 7October 20, 2024 2:38 PM

Club Columbus is actually a really nice bathhouse. A couple of great play areas. Steam room that actually gets up a lot of steam, the hot tub is huge. The sauna is opposite the showers so you can sit there and watch all the hot guys lather up. In seadon they have a good outdoor pool. Lots of free parking. Decent gym too. Newer club too. It’s a freestanding structure that the Club built and is very well maintained.

by Anonymousreply 8October 20, 2024 2:55 PM

I agree with R8 about the bathhouse. I was surprised.

by Anonymousreply 9October 20, 2024 2:58 PM

Jump over to Springfield and have lunch.

by Anonymousreply 10October 20, 2024 3:49 PM

Go to the Short North and German Village as someone else noted; fall is beautiful in Ohio - winter, not so much

by Anonymousreply 11October 20, 2024 7:18 PM

I’m getting the impression Columbus is a larger version of Indianapolis. Is this assessment wrong?

by Anonymousreply 12October 20, 2024 7:24 PM

r12 Start by telling us why you've come to this conclusion.

by Anonymousreply 13October 20, 2024 7:45 PM

I mentioned Route 315 for Autumn leave changes but as curvy as it is, someone might be able to suggest another road for better scenic views at this time of year.

by Anonymousreply 14October 20, 2024 8:24 PM

There's a lot of cornfed dick around OSU.

And Club Columbus can get hot. + as others noted it's a great facility.

by Anonymousreply 15October 20, 2024 11:05 PM

meth.

by Anonymousreply 16October 21, 2024 1:46 AM

[quote] I’m getting the impression Columbus is a larger version of Indianapolis. Is this assessment wrong?

I don't know much about Indy, but during the last election, Columbus was a little blue island in a sea of angry reds. As a person living in the mid-Atlantic & paying ridiculous rent, I wouldn't moving back to Ohio at some point (assuming they don't go full Nazi) because there are world class hospitals, *cheap* housing, and a surprising growing art/food scene. So it's nothing special, but I'd take Columbus over a sprawling hot mess of a place like Dallas

by Anonymousreply 17October 21, 2024 9:11 AM

Yes, without OSU Columbus would be Indunapolis. The native accent is a faint southern twang.

by Anonymousreply 18October 21, 2024 10:40 AM

I dunno. Soul food?

by Anonymousreply 19October 21, 2024 10:57 AM

Columbus is Indianapolis with a large university, but a worse downtown.

by Anonymousreply 20October 21, 2024 12:25 PM

In Columbus, Ohio all seems to breathe freedom and peace and to make one forget the world and its sad turmoils.

by Anonymousreply 21October 21, 2024 12:31 PM

Suicide.

by Anonymousreply 22October 21, 2024 12:43 PM

R13 Most Midwestern cities are generic and interchangeable. They look the same and feel the same.

by Anonymousreply 23October 21, 2024 12:51 PM

Columbus has more gray days than Seattle.

by Anonymousreply 24October 21, 2024 11:54 PM

Probably the worst domestic art museum I've ever seen. The cartooning museum sounds like it might be interesting, though. They used to have one of the best glass art galleries in the US, but not any more. Other than Atlanta, I don't think I've visited a place with less credible online restaurant reviews.

by Anonymousreply 25October 21, 2024 11:58 PM

There’s probably a barbecue restaurant nearby. Ew.

by Anonymousreply 26October 22, 2024 12:07 AM

People in Ohio are overwhelmingly DULL

by Anonymousreply 27October 22, 2024 12:11 AM

OP, we have many outstanding Arby's restaurants in Columbus that one can enjoy.

Seriously, the Riverfront at sunset is a lovely place to view the skyline. Bryden Road in Old Town East has many beautiful old Victorian houses with creative Halloween decorations. Quite a few rainbow flags, too.

Seconding gay-friendly German Village and Merion Village, which make for beautiful walking in the fall--Schiller Park is pretty, too, though be careful about safety at night. Try a visit to the Franklin Park Conservatory.

Caution: Stay away from Linden, Whitehall, and the Hilltop. Not too safe. Also be aware that C-Bus has a strange and chronic problem with random people crashing their cars into buildings. I have no idea why.

Have yourself a whirl, OP!

by Anonymousreply 28October 22, 2024 12:14 AM

Exit it.

by Anonymousreply 29October 22, 2024 1:08 AM

When I went to Grad School at OSU there were three areas that were predominantly gay: German Village (affectionately known as The Swish Alps), Italian Village (The Via Vaselino) and The Short North (Homo Heights).

by Anonymousreply 30October 22, 2024 4:15 AM

Get a load Dorothy Parker at r30

by Anonymousreply 31October 22, 2024 4:24 AM

The men in Columbus eat, drink, bed-hop and watch sports. They have no intellectual curiosity. It has to be loud and dumb.

by Anonymousreply 32October 22, 2024 8:11 AM

I lived there for 6 years in the 90s, so my view may be dated. After having lived in much larger destination cities since, I realise the quality of life was pretty good in Columbus, but true, it doesn't have many things that would uniquely appeal to visitors. It was really gay friendly even back then, and there was never shortage of dick. Fond memories.

by Anonymousreply 33October 22, 2024 8:44 AM

What does Ohio dick taste like?

by Anonymousreply 34October 22, 2024 8:58 AM

Corn and cheese, R34.

by Anonymousreply 35October 22, 2024 9:19 AM

OP here, thanks for the suggestions, everyone! I appreciate the ideas for my upcoming trip.

My bf goes there a number of times a year, but he’s always too busy to take in the sights. So, I’m going to sashay in and check out the city myself since there’s a chance he might be transferred there. Gotta see what I'm getting myself into!

Thanks again!

PS: KEEP THOSE SUGGESTIONS COMING!

by Anonymousreply 36October 22, 2024 11:24 PM

R35 Blue cheese? Or cheddar?

by Anonymousreply 37October 22, 2024 11:58 PM

I lived in CBUS for almost 10 years. Never went to OSU area once. Short North area, Brewery District. Great Gay clubs down town and smaller ones that are a lot fo fun in the outlier areas. The book loft is cool too, a big house converted to a large book store. Good restaurants downtown. Good shopping, both Polaris and Easton area (Easton not in the winter as it is mostly outdoors), Pretty active gay scene there as well.

by Anonymousreply 38October 23, 2024 12:19 AM

If you’re a fat whore you’ll be in hog heaven at Buckeye Donuts on North High Street.

by Anonymousreply 39October 23, 2024 4:06 AM

Columbus having more gray days than Seattle is laughable. I have family in both. Cyndi is playing Columbus on 11/3, Timberlake is in town that night too if you’re still there. Great new steakhouse downtown: Butcher & Rose. Plenty of intellectually curious people in Ohio. These stereotypes are ridiculous. We all read and travel, people. Columbus is super gay, too… second only to Chicago in the Midwest.

by Anonymousreply 40October 23, 2024 4:17 AM

R40 It sounds like you have a great appreciation for Columbus and its vibrant culture! It’s true that stereotypes can often miss the mark when it comes to the diversity and liveliness of a place! Columbus has a lot to offer, from a thriving arts scene to a welcoming community! Cyndi Lauper and Justin Timberlake performing on the same night is definitely a fun coincidence — that’s a solid lineup for anyone still in town! And it’s great to hear about The Butcher & Rose; new restaurants can add so much to the local scene! Columbus being a hub for the LGBTQ+ community is also an important aspect of its identity, showcasing how inclusive and progressive the city is! Do you have any favorite spots or experiences in Columbus that you’d recommend?

by Anonymousreply 41October 23, 2024 5:53 AM

This was COSI in 1999 =

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by Anonymousreply 42October 23, 2024 6:10 AM

Is this host a homo?

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by Anonymousreply 43October 23, 2024 6:15 AM

[quote]Columbus having more gray days than Seattle is laughable.

It may not be as overcast as the Olympic Peninsula, R40, but it's pretty bad. That's what got to me (as a Southern Californian) when I lived in Columbus for a couple years in the early 1990s. I'd mentally prepared myself for cold temps & snow (I'd been skiing in the Sierra & Utah plenty of times!), but no one told me about, and nothing could have prepared me for, the relentless GRAY during winter.

And then there was the oppressive summer humidity (which I was also not "built for" as a Southern Californian)....but, I still loved my two years in Columbus!

If OP had visited a week or two ago, I would have suggested going to the Circleville Pumpkin Show (about 30 minutes outside of Columbus) because it is something else. Someone up-thread suggested Schmidt's in German Village. That's a resounding YES! Or if you're in the mood for burgers while in GV, The Thurman Cafe. And then get to a Graeter's for some ice cream.

by Anonymousreply 44October 23, 2024 9:01 AM

R34 - Ohio Dick Sampler basket available at Hickory Farms of Ohio at a mall near you,

Cleveland tastes like pierogi

Cincinnati tastes like Skyline Chili

Columbus tastes like buckeyes (peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate)

Holmes County tastes like Amish cheese

Portsmouth tastes like opioids

Youngstown tastes like rust

Springfield tastes ‘like chicken’.

by Anonymousreply 45October 23, 2024 9:44 AM

German Village is incredibly atmospheric in autumn and has some excellent bookstores.

There are some very impressive theaters in the old picture palaces of the 1920s.

Some solid Art Deco/Chicago School downtown.

by Anonymousreply 46October 23, 2024 10:43 AM

Must see spots? In Columbus, OH??

There’s a mall with a Cheesecake Factory, if you’re into that sort of thing.

by Anonymousreply 47October 23, 2024 11:41 AM

OP, R28 here again with some more suggestions:

The Drexel Theater in Bexley is worth stopping at for indie movies. Downtown Bexley and the surrounding neighboorhoods are charming to walk through.

I've heard good things about Marcellas Restaurant in the Short North.

If you like antiques, you'll find some cool stores along N. High Street in Clintonville. The Columbus Antique Mall on S. High St. is a wonderful maze of antiques and flea market stuff. It's reportedly haunted, too, so a good Halloween trip.

Thurber House, where author and illlustrator James Thurber lived, is open for tours. Also reportedly haunted.

If you're a doughnut fan and willing to drive 45 minutes each way for a fix, Schuler's has the best doughnuts in the universe.

The parks in Columbus are wonderful: Franklin Park (where you'll find the Conservatory), Schiller Park, Topiary Park, and Goodale Park are my favorites.

I hope you have a lovely time, OP!

by Anonymousreply 48October 23, 2024 12:00 PM

Pittsburgh is worse for gray days than Columbus.

by Anonymousreply 49October 23, 2024 2:03 PM

R40: Columbus boosterism is alive and well I see. Basically you give credit for it delivering what any number of middle sized cities can do. Trying to compare it to Chicago, if only indirectly, is ludicrous.

R49: But Pittsburgh with its hills and old buildings has much more character. And Columbus has plenty of gray days.

by Anonymousreply 50October 23, 2024 3:05 PM

Columbus has only light snowfall so in the winter it’s gray skies and dull brown landscapes.

by Anonymousreply 51October 23, 2024 3:29 PM

It's way nicer than Indianapolis!

by Anonymousreply 52October 23, 2024 3:34 PM

Doo our zoo! We also have a shrubbery garden that perfectly replicates the Seurat pointillism classic Sunday Afternoon. I always enjoyed the field trips to the Ohio Historical Society. Columbus, Ohio. It’s more than you dreamed.

by Anonymousreply 53October 23, 2024 3:48 PM

OP, while you’re in Columbus I hear you can probably go online, access Tubi and watch Anthony Hopkins in Magic.

That’s something.

by Anonymousreply 54October 23, 2024 3:56 PM

Pray for death.

by Anonymousreply 55October 23, 2024 4:18 PM

There’s a tangy old river.

by Anonymousreply 56October 23, 2024 6:05 PM

If you need computer shit they have a really good microcenter....

by Anonymousreply 57October 23, 2024 6:54 PM

Columbus. It's Probably Not What You Were Expecting.

by Anonymousreply 58October 23, 2024 7:43 PM

Columbus. If You Don't Get Your Hopes Up, You Won't Be Disappointed.

by Anonymousreply 59October 23, 2024 7:45 PM

Columbus. It's Cloudy But They Have Donuts.

by Anonymousreply 60October 23, 2024 7:46 PM

Convince the citizens to not vote for the despot running for president.

by Anonymousreply 61October 23, 2024 8:04 PM

Nothing. Stay in your hotel room.

by Anonymousreply 62October 23, 2024 8:07 PM

I had heard some good things about Columbus over the years, but have never been.

This thread seems to be scraping the bottom for anything interesting.

by Anonymousreply 63October 23, 2024 8:10 PM

In Columbus you’ll find the most unremarkable statehouse of all fifty states.

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by Anonymousreply 64October 24, 2024 1:29 AM

R64 Not so fast...

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by Anonymousreply 65October 24, 2024 1:50 AM

So OP what have you come up with based on this thread you made?

Enquiring minds want to know.

by Anonymousreply 66October 24, 2024 4:23 AM

Scientologists used to camp outin front of Trax II o prey on gays.

by Anonymousreply 67October 24, 2024 10:34 AM

R64, it was co-designed by Thomas Cole and is the only public building of the era to have an artist at the helm.

It is not uninteresting.

by Anonymousreply 68October 24, 2024 12:35 PM

I often forget that this city is larger than Cleveland and Cincinnati.

by Anonymousreply 69October 24, 2024 9:16 PM

Star child

by Anonymousreply 70October 24, 2024 10:57 PM

Fairchilde!

by Anonymousreply 71October 24, 2024 10:57 PM

That's because they annexed the suburbs. Also, most of the state money goes to Columbus.

by Anonymousreply 72October 24, 2024 11:05 PM

In my mind, Columbus is a collection of different gated golf communities and your host meets your car at the main gate and leads you through “lanes” where every house looks the same - faux Tudor or cedar and glass A frames.

by Anonymousreply 73October 25, 2024 12:03 AM

Columbus has an amazing zoo. It is considered one of the top zoos in the entire country. It is where Jack Hanna was director.

by Anonymousreply 74October 25, 2024 12:07 AM

I'm booking my plane ticket now, r74.

by Anonymousreply 75October 25, 2024 4:58 AM

Do Columbus men have hairy white asses?

by Anonymousreply 76October 25, 2024 5:54 AM

Op here, to the DL hive mind, I say thank you for the suggestions and snark. Here's my notes, and absolutely nothing is set in stone -- except the bathhouse.

YES YES YES

Cosi

German Town

Pointillist Park – Husband’s love all things a musical, no matter how flimsy

I've ever thought of a bathhouse while traveling, but now? Game on. Columbus has plenty of German, Polish, and Eastern European stock. Big sausages? Will report back.

Gay bars, natch, always.

I’ll try to catch the autumn leaves if they’re still around. S. California doesn’t give much of a seasonal shift, just tank tops to tees, repeat.

AMENDED

No to antiques or vintage boutiques. Yes to thrift stores like Goodwill, Salvation, and local charity shops. I love treasure hunting there.

NO NO NO

I don’t care about football, futebol, or any sports.

Zoo? Darhling, I’ve bn Safari’ in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, glamping in Ralph Lauren-inspired tents more expensive than the average US homes. I’ve seen exotic animals up close in chauffeur-driven Land Rovers with a fully stocked bar. Zoos are... meh.

I'm not kidding, it was unbelievably expensive, but my best friend won the trip by finding a Golden Ticket after unwrapping a Willy Wonka bar. I got to tag along as her +1, hobnobbing with the .1%.

UNLIKELY

Donuts? Me, no. Husband, yes.

And now something new -apparently, I have to see the Columbus Ohio Gay Men's Chorus. I’ve heard it’s the gayest thing ever! Thanks again guys and gals.

by Anonymousreply 77October 25, 2024 6:15 AM

I think you should look up COSI on their web site as they have a gift shop (or did have one when I went back in the 80s).

They had lots of interactive stuff for folks of all ages.

I went as a school field trip & it was a great way to waste a day.

They had a small planetarium (I think) back then but I wasn't into that sort of stuff as a kid.

by Anonymousreply 78October 25, 2024 6:30 AM

They did not annex suburbs like Dublin and Wothington. And if they were annexing they should have goten the Hocking Hills!

by Anonymousreply 79October 25, 2024 3:12 PM

[quote] Annexation went from just half a square mile in the 1940s to almost 50 square miles being added in the 1950s alone, the vast majority of it occurring after 1953. This rapid expansion of Columbus’ city limits continued through the 1970s, long after Sensenbrenner had left office, and the total area of the city almost quintupled by 1980. During that same period, about 190,000 people were added. The naysayers would have us believe that all of this growth occurred because of annexation, and in this instance, they may, in fact, be correct.

Unfortunately, for them, it's still a third tier city.

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by Anonymousreply 80October 25, 2024 4:48 PM

The entirety of Ohio is a grim Trump-styled nightmare.

Get out.

by Anonymousreply 81October 25, 2024 5:26 PM

The Scioto had some mean and nasty floods back in the day

by Anonymousreply 82October 26, 2024 11:58 AM

So OP are you having any fun?

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by Anonymousreply 83October 30, 2024 1:02 AM

R77 is right to suggest the Topiary Park at the old Deaf School, in which the bushes are, unbelievably, trimmed to represent a 3D version of A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. It's rather pleasant.

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by Anonymousreply 84October 30, 2024 1:12 AM

Are you here yet OP? I live in Columbus and I love it. I hope you have found fun things to do.

by Anonymousreply 85October 30, 2024 1:41 AM

OP here. Took a walk around the city center and German Village today, it’s absolutely charming and picturesque. Planning to explore the city more thoroughly tomorrow!

by Anonymousreply 86October 30, 2024 4:37 AM

Every corner of this Midwestern gem is infused with creativity and opportunity, offering a captivating tapestry of experiences just waiting to be explored. Why look beyond your doorstep when the heart of culinary excellence, a flourishing arts scene, and an engaging community thrive right here in this vibrant treasure of the Buckeye State?

by Anonymousreply 87October 30, 2024 7:43 AM

OP, I'm excited and delighted you're having a good time!

by Anonymousreply 88October 30, 2024 11:44 AM

R87 just goto a tourism grant. All them big words and all.

by Anonymousreply 89October 30, 2024 2:48 PM

Have brunch at Lindey's.

by Anonymousreply 90October 30, 2024 2:50 PM

Discover the dazzling delights of Columbus, Ohio—a sultry siren of sophistication where beauty and brains unite for an unforgettable rendezvous!

With its world-class wonders and tantalizing treasures, this titillating town is where enticing elegance meets unbridled adventure, making every visit feel like a forbidden fling.

Embrace the electric energy and seductive charm of Columbus, the ultimate utopia that promises to pamper your passions and ignite your desires—it’s the most important city in the world, and it’s waiting just for you!

by Anonymousreply 91October 30, 2024 5:20 PM

OP here, enjoying a drink at Southbend Tavern, a friendly gay dive bar that, according to the Internet, has a welcoming vibe. Just my kind of place!

by Anonymousreply 92October 30, 2024 10:51 PM

🙏🤣

by Anonymousreply 93October 30, 2024 11:04 PM

Count moles

by Anonymousreply 94October 31, 2024 12:57 AM

Cry cry cry

by Anonymousreply 95October 31, 2024 12:58 AM

Hitchhike to the bus station.

by Anonymousreply 96October 31, 2024 10:21 AM

Speaking strictly from an architect/urbanist point of view German Village and adjacent districts are some of the most successful in the US and can be favorably contrasted with similar neighborhoods anywhere in the world in terms of walkability, tree cover, scale of housing, materiality, historical preservation, park access and visual consistency.

Every time I've visited (family in Columbus), I've taken time just walking around and observing how the original builders created a harmonious and simple streetscape that is endlessly rewarding.

by Anonymousreply 97October 31, 2024 11:41 AM

R97, what do you make of Victorian Village? I love walking down Neil Avenue and just looking at the houses; a friend lives on one of the side streets with the little round intersections.

by Anonymousreply 98October 31, 2024 11:59 AM

R98, Victorian Village is wonderful, but very like other upper-middle-class streetcar streetcar suburb nationally.

German Village is earlier and represents a form of utilitarian/artisan architecture that is still completely satisfying.

by Anonymousreply 99October 31, 2024 12:03 PM

R97 Fuck Paris! Columbus is the true City of Light!

by Anonymousreply 100October 31, 2024 12:19 PM

R100, I realize that "sniffy queen" is a thing.

For those interested in modes of building, Paris is actually not the end-all be-all.

by Anonymousreply 101October 31, 2024 12:46 PM

Fuck you, R101!

by Anonymousreply 102October 31, 2024 1:10 PM

R97 R101

You're trying to imply that the architecture of Columbus fucking Ohio is comparable to that of Paris, which you believe to be overrated.

Columbus fucking Ohio does not possess one single significant building.

You claim that Columbus fucking Ohio offers a world class urban experience on a par with London, NYC, Venice, Tokyo, Boston, etc.

Your arguments are absurd. Your aesthetics are laughable. Your tone is defensive and condescending.

Please go on.

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by Anonymousreply 103October 31, 2024 5:27 PM

R101 Oh wait, I think I know what you mean now.

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by Anonymousreply 104October 31, 2024 5:28 PM

Actually, Columbus makes Cleveland look like Paris.

by Anonymousreply 105October 31, 2024 6:56 PM

I find it fascinating that OP's quaint and utilitarian little thread about stuff to do in Columbus, Ohio has exploded into a kind of quasi-existential, heated debate about midwestern cultural values, the aesthetics of architecture, and urban life more generally.

Just fucking hilarious!

by Anonymousreply 106October 31, 2024 11:01 PM

The architecturally-minded might enjoy a swing through Bexley and its little enclaves like Sessions Village.

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by Anonymousreply 107November 1, 2024 12:10 AM

R103 Has Stated Her Boundaries!

by Anonymousreply 108November 1, 2024 12:12 AM

Columbus has really grown in the last 20 years and indeed is larger than Cincinnati and Cleveland.

As a western PA native who now lives on the West Coast, I sincerely hope that growth results in some direct flights to that area soon. There's no direct flights to anywhere in that whole eastern Midwest or western Mid Atlantic area - from Chicago east there's nothing until NYC and, possibly, DC or Philly. But CMH would be perfect.

by Anonymousreply 109November 1, 2024 12:14 AM

Isn’t that where Peter Falk is from?

by Anonymousreply 110November 1, 2024 12:15 AM

R103, reread both my posts are R97 and R101.

"You're trying to imply that the architecture of Columbus fucking Ohio is comparable to that of Paris, which you believe to be overrated."

I do not believe Paris to be overrated - I said it is not the sole benchmark of architectural taste. And it isn't.

"Columbus fucking Ohio does not possess one single significant building."

This is such bullshit that I don't even know where to begin, but perhaps with the most significant Greek Revival building outside of Washington DC; one of the very rare survivors by Burnham and Root in their Chicago School phase; one of the greatest Art Deco Expressionist towers anywhere in the world: take your pick.

"You claim that Columbus fucking Ohio offers a world class urban experience on a par with London, NYC, Venice, Tokyo, Boston, etc."

I make no such claim.

"Your arguments are absurd."

I point out that German Village is an exquisite example of artisan/builder architecture.

"Your aesthetics are laughable."

Yeah, nah.

"Your tone is defensive and condescending."

And yours is...?

"Please go on."

Just did.

by Anonymousreply 111November 2, 2024 3:32 AM

R111 I loved the LeVeque. Is that the Art Deco building?

by Anonymousreply 112November 2, 2024 4:38 AM

R112, it is indeed. It is one of a very small number of Expressionist Art Deco structures in the world. It's chief US comparisons would be to the magnificent State Capitol Building in Nebraska and the works of Ralph Walker in New York City and Rochester, NY, particularly the "Wings of Progress" in the latter.

by Anonymousreply 113November 2, 2024 4:42 AM

"Its", just in case R103 decides to shit blood over that.

by Anonymousreply 114November 2, 2024 6:03 AM

As an Ohio native, I'm intrigued that this thread has received so many responses since I would've expected about 5-10 at best before the whole thing died out. Columbus is a very livable place with inexpensive housing, good hospitals, a strong university system that brings a lot of culture to the city & a surprisingly growing food scene. But if I was just passing through, I'd head to Cleveland. You could have a fun, relatively inexpensive long weekend. I think Columbus has it's charms, but it's sort of like that plain girl wearing the clunky shoes- you have to look hard to see the beauty & uniqueness. I was glad to see former Ohio residents weighing with how they enjoyed their quality of life in Columbus since Ohio can seem a bit grim at times.

by Anonymousreply 115November 2, 2024 12:06 PM

R111 You are saying utterly ridiculous things about a shitty third-rate Midwestern town.

"can be favorably contrasted with similar neighborhoods ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD in terms of walkability, tree cover, scale of housing, materiality, historical preservation, park access and visual consistency."

by Anonymousreply 116November 2, 2024 1:26 PM

R115 I like both Columbus and Cleveland. But you're not wrong.

Columbus has a streak of conservatism running through it. Its sister city in many ways is Indianapolis.....Indy is truly beige and boring while Columbus has more colors to it, definitely some really wonderful aspects.....but she's still a bit of a frowning prisspot spinster in some of her corners.

Cleveland, on the other hand, is a drunken bar skank with bleached hair and a nose piercing. But she's warm and funny and a hell of a good time.

by Anonymousreply 117November 2, 2024 1:34 PM

People need to think that where they live is beautiful.

If you are presented with the same flat dull monotony daily, you start to think it is beautiful because your eye just doesn't know any different. Your sense of beauty becomes stunted.

For God's sake, you are in Columbus Ohio. People in hell tell themselves that it's nice and warm where they are.

by Anonymousreply 118November 2, 2024 1:40 PM

Not sure how much "walkability" matters here.

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by Anonymousreply 119November 2, 2024 1:48 PM

[quote] What to do in Columbus, OH?

As many strapping, cornfed OSU lads as you possibly can, preferably one after the other.

by Anonymousreply 120November 2, 2024 1:56 PM
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by Anonymousreply 121November 2, 2024 2:00 PM

Columbus doesn't have anything visually 'iconic'.

There is no structure there that anyone outside Ohio would recognize, or need to.

Nothing in Columbus would be in any Arch survey syllabus.

It looks like a hundred other places.

by Anonymousreply 122November 2, 2024 2:08 PM

I'm kindof glad that Columbus is getting slammed as much as it is here. It usually gets the chipper, boosterish comments that make it easy to simply dismiss. They put up ads in the DC Metro trying to sell it which is odd enough except they never identify any concrete place to visit or reason to go there. I've been there numerous times and always hated it---the restaurants are overrated (Zagat, Yelp, et al are useless here), the art museum is terrible and the traffic seems endless. I recall deciding against Ohio State multiple times for various reasons---the student ghetto area was memorably worse than the usual run down sections of Kent, Athens or Bowling Green---a high school classmate literally lived in a building that opened into a Burger King parking lot. A married classmate lived in married student housing that reminded me of the projects. Te best thing about Columbus, as someone else pointed out, is that it's a step up up from Indianapolis, which is grimmer and even more mindlessly boosterish.

by Anonymousreply 123November 2, 2024 3:14 PM

Architects should be held responsible for the evil done in their building. Therefore I abominate the Nebraska capitol and Goodhue generally.

by Anonymousreply 124November 2, 2024 3:25 PM

Lord you queens are pissy.

Columbus is neither God's oasis on earth nor is it a raging hellfire. It just is.

by Anonymousreply 125November 2, 2024 3:28 PM

R116, yes, I stand by that comment. I'd emphasize it differently.

"Can be favorably contrasted WITH SIMILAR NEIGHBORHOODS anywhere in the world." In other words, urban vernacular or artisan/builder's architecture, which is very rare in North America and not usually intact or well-maintained elsewhere.

I'm not comparing German Village with Paris. Paris was developed under completely different circumstances.

But as you've already proven you know nothing about architecture, it's not a great leap to assume you actually know nothing about Columbus either.

Or perhaps you should show us on the map of Ohio where Columbus touched you.

by Anonymousreply 126November 2, 2024 3:48 PM

OP, I can only tell you *who* to do.

by Anonymousreply 127November 2, 2024 3:53 PM

R126 You are babbling. You don't know what urban vernacular is and it is not at all rare in North America.

There is no one who could take a such a comparison between Columbus fucking Ohio and a world-class city seriously. You sound like a rube.

Your provincial eye has been stunted by a lifetime in such a dismal environment.

There is not one memorable building.

Columbus is torture. It's boring and dull and gray and grinding and filled with fat stupid flyover MAGAts.

by Anonymousreply 128November 2, 2024 4:25 PM

R128, that's a lovely shad of purple you're turning.

Simply look up the entries on the SAH website for Columbus, OH. You can start with the one linked below.

Or maybe you can roll up to the Society of Architectural Historians and scream and wave your trotters at them about how they all have no taste and their mommies dress them funny.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 129November 2, 2024 4:32 PM

R129 When I was little, I had a babysitter from Ohio. She used to belch really loudly while we weren't allowed to. She used to combine cottage cheese and Haley's MO and eat it it every morning. Are you still doing that back there?

by Anonymousreply 130November 2, 2024 4:44 PM

I'm not sure what waving ones trotters would mean. I grew up with running water and electricity.

by Anonymousreply 131November 2, 2024 4:49 PM

But no apostrophes, alas, R131.

by Anonymousreply 132November 2, 2024 4:50 PM

R132 Wait til you see Akron. It will blow your mind.

by Anonymousreply 133November 2, 2024 4:53 PM

Girls! Girls!

YOU'RE BOTH UNBEARABLE CUNTS!

by Anonymousreply 134November 2, 2024 6:28 PM

🌟 Columbus: The Captivating City of Charisma! 🌟

🎉 Step into the Sensational Splendor of Columbus! 🎉 Where every corner captivates the curious and every moment mesmerizes the mind! Forget Barcelona, Paris, and Rome—this electrifying enclave is the ultimate urban utopia! 🌍✨

✨ Unleash your wanderlust in this dazzling destination where gourmet galas, dazzling nightlife, and vibrant vistas collide! 🌆💃 Charming cafés and colorful culture charm the senses while sassy street performances sing the city’s praises!

📷 Snap the sights that shimmer and shine as people from every corner of the globe are clamoring to experience the tantalizing thrill of Columbus! 🏙️💖 Don’t just visit—dare to discover the dazzling difference that makes this vibrant city the pinnacle of perfection! 🌟

💥 Columbus: The must-see masterpiece of modern marvels—join the jubilation, and let the magic of this magnificent metropolis sweep you off your feet! 💥 Where are you, world traveler? Your next adventure awaits in alluring Columbus! ✈️🌈

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 135November 2, 2024 9:30 PM

OP here - Columbus was nice. Thx for all the suggestions .

Now...END IF THREAD!

by Anonymousreply 136November 2, 2024 9:35 PM

*OF THREAD*

by Anonymousreply 137November 2, 2024 9:37 PM

R136 Can you really say that you've traveled if you haven't been to Columbus?

by Anonymousreply 138November 2, 2024 9:50 PM

OP, I'm so happy you had a good time in our fair city of Columbus!

Also happy, however, that you got the heck out before this coming Tuesday, because shit's gonna get ugly if Harris wins, as I pray to the baby Jesus she will.

Please, Jesus, oh please let her win! And please don't let shit get ugly here in C-Bus!

by Anonymousreply 139November 2, 2024 10:34 PM

I'll take R111 (etc.), with their connoisseurship, appreciation for local variation and aesthetic diversity, and epic smackdown of poor logic, over the posters here who want to reduce everything to one standard—or, more likely, just want to parade their cultural insecurities.

by Anonymousreply 140November 3, 2024 2:32 PM

R140 Just stop this. We're not morons. We know and care about how things look.

There is no 'connoisseurship' here at all. This person isn't just exaggerating, but lying, misusing terms she doesn't understand and spewing complete bullshit. She wound up in Columbus and now has to rationalize it publicly.

Blind close-minded red-state know-nothing ignorance. You can have it.

But I understand there are very good donuts in Columbus.

by Anonymousreply 141November 3, 2024 3:04 PM

If you look around and ask, you can find some great Grilled Haitian Pit Bull.

by Anonymousreply 142November 3, 2024 3:06 PM

You can go to Columbus because it's much too late to keep Columbus from us.

by Anonymousreply 143November 3, 2024 3:08 PM

I would absolutely consider living in Upper Arlington.

I liked a lot of the Columbus vibe. Lots of hot guys.

by Anonymousreply 144November 3, 2024 3:15 PM

R141, I am not "stuck" in Columbus. I live in NYC/NYS. I have cousins in the Columbus area.

"Misusing terms I don't understand?" I'm an actual published architectural historian, you frothing weirdo.

Stick your inexplicably rabid hatred of Columbus, Ohio, up your gaping prolapse, assuming the dildo collection leaves you any room.

by Anonymousreply 145November 3, 2024 3:19 PM

Maybe the detractors on this thread are all Michael Feinstein, still desperate for everyone to know how relieved he is to have shaken the dust of Bexley from his loafers.

by Anonymousreply 146November 3, 2024 3:28 PM

R146, I'm at a loss for where the animosity is coming from. If you don't like Columbus, Ohio, fine. Objective study of the place should still be possible.

by Anonymousreply 147November 3, 2024 3:30 PM

R147 Desperate flatland civic boosterism in the EXACT opposite of objectivity.

If you wanna say something patently ridiculous you can go ahead and and say it, but somebody might disagree with you.

And if all you can do is then spin up about dildos and gaping prolapses, I think we have a better idea of the intellect and taste level that we are dealing with.

by Anonymousreply 148November 3, 2024 3:51 PM

They think people in Yellow Springs are radical.

by Anonymousreply 149November 3, 2024 3:59 PM

[quote] There is no 'connoisseurship' here at all. This person isn't just exaggerating, but lying, misusing terms she doesn't understand and spewing complete bullshit.

I know enough about architectural history to recognize connoisseurship and specialist knowledge when I see it—and to recognize name-calling and superficial taste-parading when I see it.

by Anonymousreply 150November 3, 2024 4:00 PM

I provided a professional website created by accredited historians full of detailed information about the city's architecture.

I provided my own specific examples.

Your insistence that Columbus is some sort of arid wasteland is actually bizarre, you clearly have no idea what "urban vernacular" means in this context (hint: it doesn't mean 'whatever the neighborhood happens to look like'); and your rage levels suggest some form of mental imbalance.

That is all.

by Anonymousreply 151November 3, 2024 4:01 PM

Ohio is a square that sags in the middle, just like its people.

by Anonymousreply 152November 3, 2024 4:02 PM

What's round on the ends and high in the middle?

by Anonymousreply 153November 3, 2024 4:04 PM

R153 my sophomore year.

by Anonymousreply 154November 3, 2024 4:05 PM

What’s wrong with Columbus? I like Columbus. It doesn’t have quite the same cultural life as Cleveland, but still its not bad. I was last there about a year ago. Spent the night fucking at Club Columbus, then went to breakfast and an urban hike through German Town. I will head back in the spring to do the zoo. Yesterday I dropped a friend off at tbe BOE in Cleveland to vote. I had some time to kill so I drove to the art museum nearby. Parked on the street near the entrance. Rabin, saw a special exhibit, then chilled out at a coffee house in a restored mansion near the museum, picked my friend up and we headed to lunch at the historic west side market. So easy to get around. I looove Cleveland, but Columbus I’d always worth a look see.

by Anonymousreply 155November 3, 2024 4:10 PM

Ohio was relatively urbane in 1980. But then the recession of 1982 bought unemployment off 25% and more, and people with any sense started leaving. Cincinnati was the first domino to fall to republican madness, followed b y Toledo and Akron. Youngstown held out a bit because of the mob, and Dayton didn't fall until NCR tanked and the money was still pouring into Wright-Patterson, but by 1990 Cleveland and Columbus were the only progressive places left except for a few college towns. And Columbus was only progressive on gay issues, not on economic issues. Will to come back from the darkness? It seems to be taking steps in that direction.

by Anonymousreply 156November 3, 2024 4:23 PM

R155 There's nothing wrong with Columbus. You can compare to Cleveland. You cannot compare it to a world-class city.

by Anonymousreply 157November 3, 2024 4:34 PM

West Virginia R153?

by Anonymousreply 158November 3, 2024 4:47 PM

R158 O-high-O

by Anonymousreply 159November 3, 2024 9:06 PM

I loved the Short North when I visited there in the late 90s.

Sadly it's been de-gayed to a certain degree and is way more corporate, sterile and gentrified.

by Anonymousreply 160November 3, 2024 9:24 PM

So soon after your trip to the banlieues, OP?

by Anonymousreply 161November 3, 2024 9:31 PM

If Columbus is such an unequivocal wasteland of provincial dullards, bland architecture, and mindless civic boosterism, why are we still in heated debate after more than150 posts?

Those of us who live here recognize its failings (the art museum is, as a poster above noted, pretty terrible), but love its history (German Village, the Ohio Theatre), quirky vibes (Old Towne East and Clintonville) and progressivism.

by Anonymousreply 162November 3, 2024 9:32 PM

R162 Zzzzzzzzz.......

by Anonymousreply 163November 3, 2024 10:03 PM

[quote]the art museum is, as a poster above noted, pretty terrible

Fuck you, R162!

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 164November 3, 2024 11:42 PM

Speaking of museums in cities in Ohio, the Cleveland Museum is an amazing world class museum. Even the bitter fat cunt who keeps complaining about Columbus on this thread would be amazed at what the Cleveland Museum of Art offers.

by Anonymousreply 165November 4, 2024 1:20 AM

R165, The Toledo (Ohio) Museum of Art is almost equally astounding.

Ohio cities punch well above expectations for art museums - the Columbus Art Museum is the weakest of the lot, ironically.

by Anonymousreply 166November 4, 2024 1:23 AM

Toledo also has an important art museum. Those industrialists had the pick of the European collections.

by Anonymousreply 167November 4, 2024 1:24 AM

Jinx, R166!

by Anonymousreply 168November 4, 2024 1:25 AM

Toledo's Art Museum is a gem, inside and out.

by Anonymousreply 169November 4, 2024 1:53 AM

R165 I love the Cleveland Museum.

by Anonymousreply 170November 4, 2024 3:03 AM

Columbus? Bring a good book.

by Anonymousreply 171November 4, 2024 3:41 AM

We were in Dayton this summer.

by Anonymousreply 172November 4, 2024 6:13 AM

I don't understand why people waste their time and money going to Europe.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 173November 4, 2024 2:49 PM

Someone just needs to put this thread out of its misery.

Muriel? How about it?

by Anonymousreply 174November 5, 2024 12:20 AM
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