The Short North
Let’s kick things off in The Short North, arguably Columbus’s trendiest arts and entertainment district. This neighborhood has completely reinvented itself from a forgotten area into a buzzing gallery hub lined with colorful murals, eclectic boutiques, innovative restaurants, and hopping bars. You won’t find the same old tourist traps here – the Short North prides itself on local flavor through its indie storefronts and boundary-pushing creativity.
The Short North’s unofficial “main street” runs along High St between Downtown and The Ohio State University campus. Every summer, the Short North hosts its iconic Gallery Hop where patrons can wander the strip checking out art exhibits while sipping cocktails and enjoying live music along the way. Even outside of special events, it’s a lively scene overflowing with youthful energy – especially after the sun goes down!
German Village
For a slice of authentic small-town Americana, head just south of downtown to discover German Village. Strolling through this historic neighborhood is like stepping back into the 1800s thanks to its postcard-perfect brick cottages, towering trees, and idyllic village greens. This Old-World charm can be experienced all along tree-lined streets like Beckley Street – spectacularly preserved as they were 175 years ago.
Despite its vintage allure, German Village is far from sleepy. This area hosts favorites like the German Village Coffee Shop and the iconic Book Loft, one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores. During holidays like Valentine’s Day and Christmas, the village goes all-out with enchanting light displays and celebrations. Guests can even take tours through the historic homes to learn more about German Village’s heritage. It’s no wonder the district made the list as a Great Neighborhood by the American Planning Association!
Franklinton
Once an industrial area fallen into decline, Franklinton has undergone a full-blown urban renaissance in recent years. The presence of affordable renovated spaces has attracted an influx of artists, startups, and new dining concepts to the area. Walk along West Town Street to discover creative co-working spaces popping up next to third-wave coffee roasters and hip new breweries like Antiques on High.
Much of Franklinton’s appeal lies in its mixed bag of old and new – from a wide range of architectural styles and buildings reimagined for modern use. Check out the 400 West Rich complex, which combines state-of-the-art workspaces within factory walls that produced furniture over a century ago. It all comes together to create an authentically “Columbus” vibe of resilience and reinvention in this up-and-coming district.
Downtown
At the heart of Columbus beats an energized urban core teeming with activity and entertainment around every corner. Downtown offers an impressive range of sights, sounds and flavors for visitors to experience – from the family attractions of the Scioto Mile to the dynamic craft cocktail scene of the Arena District. It’s where you’ll find towering modern architecture standing side-by-side with historic landmarks like the Greek Revival-style Ohio Statehouse.
Museum buffs may want to schedule some extra time downtown. Slam a unique local craft brew at the Brew Dog brewpub before taking in world-class exhibits at the Columbus Museum of Art. Sports fanatics get plenty of action rooting on the NHL’s Blue Jackets at the Nationwide Arena and exploring interactive displays at the baseball-centric National Ballpark Museum. Late-night revelers keep the spirit alive long after dark at a bevy of upscale lounges, vibrant dance clubs, and lively hangouts like the compact North High Street Corridor, aptly nicknamed “The Short North’s Short North.”
Olde Towne East
Don’t let the hip happening areas overshadow the more low-key Olde Towne East neighborhood, with its neighborly charm and well-preserved homes that make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. This quiet enclave was once an independent village outside Columbus that has lovingly maintained its sense of “Smalltown, Ohio” character.
Strolling the tree-lined streets offers glimpses of incredible architectural gems spanning styles like Greek Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne. Stop at The Old Mohawk (one of Columbus’s oldest restaurants) for a taste of classic homestyle cooking in a preserved 1920’s setting. Get the full romantic experience by taking a horse-drawn carriage tour of Olde Towne East provided by Byrd Slave Carriage Service – a truly special way to take in the ambiance of this unique historic district.
Grandview Heights
Just northwest of downtown sits the charming community of Grandview Heights, highly desirable for its family-friendly vibe and distance from the hustle and bustle of the urban core. Don’t mistake it for purely residential, though – this neighborhood boasts a lively town center along Grandview Avenue lined with popular local boutiques, coffee shops, and trendy dining destinations.
Some favorite spots include The Wine Bistro for sampling wine flights and seasonal bistro eats and The Craftsmen which serves up Asian fusion cuisine in a fun and funky environment. In the evenings, catch live music acts at beer halls like Barley’s Brewing Company or toast the sunset on the patio of the Tremont Road Gastropub. Grandview Heights goes all out for holidays like the 4th of July too, with spectacular fireworks displays and a community parade you won’t want to miss.
The Brewery District
Despite its small geographic size, you’ll find huge amounts of personality packed into the Brewery District near German Village. This compact historic enclave preserves the legacy of the area’s prominent brewing history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The iconic brew houses and industrial architecture have since been reimagined into restaurants, pubs, and entertainment venues galore.
Don’t miss sipping beers paired with elevated gastropub fare at The Brewerie or grabbing a thick slab of Chicago deep-dish at Plank’s Bier Garten. You can even take a tour through the still-operating Brewers Yacht Club where old-school brewing methods are kept alive by craft beer enthusiasts. With new brewpubs and concepts continuously coming online, the Brewery District perpetually stays fresh and hip for Columbus revelers.
The Short North’s Sister – Italian Village
Edgy yet artsy, Italian Village shares much in common with its adjacent Short North environs. However, this little neighborhood carves out an identity all its own with a funkier feel and a strong sense of community pride. It’s where you’ll find bohemian coffee shops nestled next to chic fashion boutiques and where colorfully painted Victorian homes intersperse between grungy dive bars and vegan cafes.
Highlights abound for Italian Village explorers, like strolling past the larger-than-life Menghi’s mural depicting a cosmopolitan woman after grabbing baked goodies at the neighborhood favorite Auddaughter’s Bakeshop. Or fill up on a top-notch brunch at Kihachi Grill before catching some live local tunes at RumBa Cafe. The area overflows with trendsetting creative energy that’s sure to intrigue any artsy free-spirit.
Book a Bus With Us
It’s easy to see why so many locals and visitors find Columbus so captivating – from the familiar charm of old-town areas to the boundary-pushing nuances of its revitalized districts. If you’re planning your own Columbus neighborhood journey, don’t stress about transportation logistics. Party Bus Columbus provides a comfortable and stylish solution to shuttle you seamlessly from neighborhood to neighborhood.
We offer an extensive range of luxury buses from compact minibuses that can nimbly navigate tight urban streets to full-sized motorcoach rentals keeping parties of 50+ together. Picture cruising through neighborhoods like German Village while reclining in plush seating and staying connected via WiFi. Your professional drivers handle your transportation so your only job is to take it all in. Ready to explore Columbus? Give us a call at 614-591-0565 – we’ll handle the rest!