Anyone from Columbus, Ohio?

[pamrob]

I am planning to attend a conference there in a few weeks and need suggestions/information about the area near the Nationwide Arena.

 

[back4more OH]

There is actually a lot around there now. You definitely will not go hungry. There are plenty of places to eat near there. There is not a lot of shopping downtown. But there are some smaller shops nearby in the Short North. You can also catch a minor league ball game at Huntington Park. It's a nice area. Do you know where you are staying?

 

[DisembodiedGwen]

We go to Columbus for Halloween and usually end up eating at Mozart's Pastries & Cakes for breakfast. I think it is about ten minutes from where you will be. Their waffles are fantastic and everything is homemade. You can go on their site for more info. I think they even have the menu posted on it. I hope that helps.

 

[FireDancer]

I highly recommend the Gordon Biersch restaurant in the Arena District. It is a short walk north from there to the Short North area which is on the way to the Ohio State Campus. In that area you will have a lot of smaller bars and restaurants. I have walked many times from the Arena District up to Short North, just start going north on High St. and once you pass the convention center you are there.

Columbus is a cool town. Enjoy.

 

[disneyismyname]

If you love Sushi go to Asian Gourmet & Sushi Bar! Yummy! It's on Stoneridge Drive...i think across the street from Kroger. Very good and a cool/clean interior!
I would also recommend going to Huntington Park and going to Easton Mall! This is what I usually do when I get a chance to get up to Columbus.

 

[pilotwife_02]

Will you have a car? How long will you be in town? You said you are attending a conference downtown but are you staying downtown? Just trying to figure out where you be so I can direct you on what to do.

Easton is a very nice area and there is a lot to do there at night, shopping, restaurants, bars, entertainment. You can google Easton Town Center and see everything there is to do there.

Also on the north side is Polaris Mall which has some great shopping and restaurants as well.

It really depends on where you are staying.

If you're staying downtown the Arena is fun to walk around.

 

[pamrob]

My biggest issue right now is I don't know where I am staying. The conference is at the Hyatt. I haven't booked a room yet because I am convinced I can find something within walking distance that would be more affordable. I guess since I'm not familiar with the area I'm skeptical about what hotel to choose and that it is indeed a comfortable and safe walk to and from the hotel to the Hyatt for meetings. Any suggestions for hotels?

So far the food suggestions sound fantastic! We won't have alot of free time but we'll definitely need to eat.

I will have a car. Of course parking in a downtown area means crazy parking fees!

 

[Laura]

Tons of restaurants in the Short North. I've eaten at Rosendales, Northstar Cafe, and the Surly Girl recently. They're all great, and each very different. I also love the Happy Greek. Downtown is the Elevator, and just south of downtown are the Brewery District and German Village. There you'll find Schmidt's, Katzinger's Deli and the two locations of the Banana Bean Cafe. I could go on and on and on. Seriously, you could be eating for weeks and not leave the downtown area.

There's also the North Market near the Arena District too.

Be sure to stop by one of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream shops. Hopefully more than once. It's not to be missed!

The Hyatt Regency is right by the convention center (there's also a Hyatt next to the Capitol building), but there's a Crowne Plaza that's well-located to the Hyatt Regency. Being local, I can't help that much with hotels. I don't stay in them. There's a list of them here: http://www.columbusconventions.com/thearea.php

 

[minniebeth]

Like Laura said, being a local, it's hard to recommend a hotel, but I usually use Trip Advisor for hotel ratings and help deciding on hotels and then go to the hotel website directly for internet specials.

All the restaurants mentioned are faboulous and Jenni's Ice Cream is amazing!!
Our favorite shopping is Easton, even if you don't love to shop, it's nice to walk around.

Hope you enjoy your visit!

 

[pilotwife_02]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the North Market!!!

And I've never been, but have heard amazing things about Happy Greek!