| by CURVE Staff

Why You Should Visit Columbus, Ohio This Summer

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A Midwest destination to be proud of.

When you think of Columbus, Ohio, there are probably many word associations that come to mind:  college town, football, Midwestern.  And while those things are true, there’s a lot more to Columbus than just that.  While relatively still flying below the consciousness of the average traveler, Columbus has developed itself into one of the younger and faster growing cities in the nation.  Ohio’s capital and largest city also has a significant and thriving LGBT population and has been noted by other media outlets in the past as an “up and coming” and “underrated” gay city.  Bet you didn’t know that?  I admit, I didn’t either. Learn more here: http://www.experiencecolumbus.com/lgbt

 

When I visited Columbus this past month, I’m not certain I knew what to expect.  What I came to see and experience confirmed many of the things I just mentioned.  The city while still looking and feeling a bit small from one’s hotel room window at the luxurious new Le Méridien property, The Joseph, felt very energized and vibrant on the street level.  Columbus is a city that is much bigger than its skyline view would suggest, and this is due to its people.  There is a general pride and friendliness that exists throughout the city—like much of what you would find in many smaller cities—but coupled with these is a sense of advancement, progressiveness, and ambition for Columbus to be something more than just a college town.  If you venture throughout the city and particularly into neighborhoods such as the popular Short North and German Village districts where there are many restaurants and bars that the gay community supports, you would find a population that is very similar to those in Williamsburg, N.Y., and Wicker Park, Chicago.  There are many quaint and unique indie coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants and bars sprouting up throughout Columbus, too.

 

 

The city is fueled in many ways by the youth who attend its landmark university, Ohio State University, which is why many people who have gone to the university end up staying after they graduate because they are finding opportunities for growth and advancement.  The city still has a long ways to go before it becomes noted as a must-see destination, but as long as it keeps doing what it’s doing, it has a bright future ahead.

 

Things to See and Do…

 

Short North:

The Short North arts district can get quite busy on the evenings and weekends.  There are many different nightlife options available to you.  I would recommend checking out Union Café, which is located on High Street.  It’s a gay bar more skewed toward gay men, but it’s pretty much open to everybody.  You’ll see plenty of queer ladies there too.  It has a diverse crowd, a very large indoor/outdoor space and has a decent cocktail menu. For more information, visit: http://www.columbusnightlife.com/unioncafe2010/index.php

 

Close by Union Café, you will also find Axis nightclub, a multi-level bar that has regularly scheduled drag shows.  One of its stars, Nina West, puts on a drag performance like I have never seen.  She and her stage troop put on an over two-hour performance filled with unique and entertaining theatrical numbers.  It’s a must see!  Be sure to check out Axis’s website for upcoming events: http://axisonhigh.com/

 

The Short North area also hosts a very popular “Gallery Hop” night on the first Saturday of every month.  Basically all of the art galleries and restaurants in the area open their doors to have special showings and events that you can walk in and check out.  It’s highly recommended!  For more information on the monthly event: http://shortnorth.org/arts-galleries/gallery-hop/

 

 

German Village:

The German Village area has historically always been an open and accepting neighborhood where LGBT people have made home for many years.  Walking on its cobblestone streets and around its well-manicured early Americana homes, I very much felt I was in an area out of colonial Boston.  I would recommend exploring the German Village, as an area that will give a sense of the city’s history.  It’s also a pleasant place just to take a stroll on a sunny afternoon if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle.  For more information:

http://germanvillage.com/

 

Another bar I’d recommend checking out during your Columbus stay is Club Diversity (http://www.clubdiversity.biz/).  It’s on South High Street near the German Village.  The bar is kind of tucked away and located in an older house, but it has a great martini menu and a friendly staff.  Like much of the Columbus nightlife scene, it is unpretentious and welcoming to everybody.

 

North Market:

If you like farmers markets, this place is worth checking out.  It’s the oldest and only remaining truly public market in Columbus.  You can buy and sample a wide range of foods and beverages from vendors.  Also for sale are other items including vintage clothing, furniture and jewelry.  Best time to visit is on a Saturday or Sunday.  Check out their site for more information and for special events: http://www.northmarket.com/

 

Where Are The Ladies?

The word is that Wall Street (http://www.wallstreetnightclub.com/) and Slammers are a couple of the popular places for lesbians to go to in Columbus. Although I didn’t get to visit either, I heard through the grapevine that both are weekend hot spots for lesbians and queer women.  Wall Street boasts a great dance club atmosphere for women, particularly the first Friday of every month.  Slammers, on the other hand, is a relaxed lesbian sports bar where you can play pool, listen to music on their jukebox, and eat pizza.  Both come highly recommended.

 

 

One Last Thing…

Also make note that the Columbus Pride Festival is June 19-21 and from what I understand, it is one of the larger Prides in the Midwest.

 

During this summer, if you decide you want to take a weekend trip out of town to explore somewhere new and you don’t know where to go, try Columbus.  It’s an affordable place to visit where you will be pleasantly surprised with what it has to offer.  I know I was.

 

Other Recommendations:

 

Watch the Columbus Pride Festival Video here:

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