5 Days in Columbus - ideas? (Gahanna, Grove City: hotel, house, neighborhoods)

[Mulva]

My family and I are planning a trip to explore Columbus in October. What are some places to see/visit? We're considering moving there and 5 days isn't a lot of time but we have to start with a visit.

Here are some guidelines:

- we'll be traveling with our kids who are 4 and 1
- we love good food (not necessarily expensive but good quality, tasty stuff)
- we want to explore some suburbs (Worthington, Grandview), hit up some playgrounds, try to talk to other parents

Any ideas to get a sense of Columbus? Any areas to avoid?

Thanks in advance.

[Dewddd]

Since you're traveling with kids (well even if you weren't), I would say The Columbus Zoo should be on the top of the list. Ranked #1 in USA every other year (competition with San Diego). I would also suggest COSI, a fun science center with a lot of hand on activities and kids really enjoy that as well.

I try to get people to go out to Easton when they visit here too, because I really think there is no other shopping or restaurant experience like it.

Before we decided to move our family here, we decided to take a drive and just explore around. I find it's the best way to get a feel for things.

As far as areas to avoid, there arent many. I would avoid the Linden area, near east side, areas like Livingston & Champion near Children's Hospital. Things can get a little dicey in the west side too, but overall there aren't large sections of the city I feel unsafe in if i'm just driving by.

[Supergrrl7]

Oh, October is a good time of year to visit Ohio. It shouldn't be too cold yet. Also, if politics are important to you, you can see the proportion of different party signs in the neighborhoods you are checking out. That worked out well for us in 2004.

In our neighborhood (old worthington) the parks seem to get more action on school days and evenings. We like both Selby park in Colonial Hills and Wilson Hill park near Old Worthington. The Worthington Farmer's Market is a must-see if you might want to live in in Worthington sat 8:00-12:00 The parking gets a little crazy if you are not living nearby though. The outdoor market is still in action until Oct 20th, then it moves inside and isn't as appealing.

The corn Maize in Plain city (though that might be a little hard with a 1 yo) for a little fall midwestern fun., apple picking/ hayrides, COSI and the zoo are both excellent for kids.

Restaurants that are kid-friendly: Northstar Cafe, Knead, Liz Lessner Restaurants (Surly Girl, Betty's, etc), Jeni's Ice cream (next to North Star in Beechwold), if you like ethnic food, check out alt eats columbus for recommendations.

A word to the wise: Avoid the OSU area if there is a home football game scheduled.

If you end up in the Worthington area, I would be happy to show you around if I am available when you are here. It really makes a huge difference to find a neighborhood that is a good fit when you move. We love it here, but it might not be right for your family, iykwim.

[Momotaro]

Depending on what week you are coming.

Circleville Pumpkin show is outstanding. Great food, and small city fun.
The Columbus Zoo and Cosi are outstanding.
I would check out a Crew game if they are playing that week.
Schmidts Sausage House in German Village is good, as well as Katzingers. Go eat and tour around the area.
Check out the North Market, this time of year is great to go.
Check out the gallerys in the Short North on a Saturday if you are here on a Saturday.
Check out any of the Cameron Mitchells Restaraunts, Ocean Club is great if you are going to Easton.
McCormicks and Schmidts is good as well.
A lot of great parks, Big Darby Creek near Grove City is awesome, also check out Highbanks in Worthington.

[rklesla]

Things to do:
Zoo, Ohio Caverns, COSI, Ohio Ren Festival (1 hour away), city parks, and other annual festivals in area.

Places to eat:
Thurman's (American)
Gahanna Grill (American)
Bellacinos (Italian)
Japan Steakhouse (Japanese)
Dane's Drivein (American)
California Pizza Kitchen (American-Italian)
There are so many places to eat here it's embarrassing. My kids love the restaurants above. You could eat somewhere different everyday and probably not repeat for a year.

Places to avoid (sorry for those that live in these areas):
OSU during games.
Hilltop
Whitehall
Children's hospital area
Entire east side within range of main and broad streets inside 270 except Bexley.
New casino district

Most areas are fine. Any area around 270 is good. South north, downtown, German village, upper Arlington, worthington, northwest side are all good areas inside 270.

[Momotaro]

Be wary of the above advice on the Japan Steakhouse. There is no authentic Japanese Steakhouse here, they are all Westernized and terrible.

If you want authentic Japanese, make a reservation at Kihachi or visit Akai Hana.


OP, I am assuming you want to stay away from chains?

[bam989863]

I live in Grandview it is a great area with lots of wonderful restaurants. I would recommend checking out Grandview Cafe and walking around the center of town (Grandview Ave). There is also a farmer's market on Saturday morning and some great coffee shops including my favorite (Stauff's). I love Grandview because of the large number of families living there with young children. My wife and I have a one year old daughter and on any given walk will pass 10-20 people walking with young children.

[Mulva]

Thanks, everyone! This was quite a response. I appreciate all the activities and restaurant suggestions b/c we know nothing about the area.

Supergrrl7 - Great idea about seeing political party signs around as an indicator of who our potential neighbors are. If we stay in the area and you're around, I would love to take you up on your offer. Our dates are 10/24-10/29. I'll be in touch whenever we make our hotel reservation.

Thanks again for all your suggestions and advice!

[cooks50]

Check out milestone 229 resturant great food!