I’ve spent the last few days writing in the comforts of home - time away from the inner city is blissful and necessary sometimes. Although, I’ve been dormant for too long. Today, it’s time to venture out along my old favorite path.
Unlike the neighboring towns of Cleveland or Cincinnati, Columbus has a fair claim on being the artsiest city in Ohio, even in the midwest (besides Chicago, respectively). From first glance, you may not understand or believe that statement - like any other destination, you must shrug off all stereotypes and dig down deep.
I’m off toward downtown for the afternoon. Leaving my suburb of New Albany - home of Abercrombie, Hollister and Victoria's Secret - I’m greeted with a four lane highway that circles the city. Windows down, music blaring and eyes wide open - this is how I love to experience a drive in my hometown.
Familiar feelings of pleasure and pride well up from within me - those which only a true feeling of home can give. I park next to the river and set off on foot. A straight shot for 7 miles, South to North on High Street reveals the true heart of the city. High-end German and Victorian Village districts exude distant stories of simpler colonial times, with splendid gardens and mammoth, regal estates. It’s like a gardening fashion show everyday in the Summer.
I walk just minutes down the street and I’m in the thick of the arts district. The Short North is full of life - I see hipsters crowded outside the tap-heavy beer haven of Bodega, exquisite looking business men fine dining at the Martini Modern Italia and the mid-day drove of gays on the patios of Hyde Park and Sushi Rock.
Skipping my favorite summer day tradition of stopping for ice cream at Jeni’s, I grab a beer or five from some hipster privy bars and sneak it next door to 83 Gallery. If Columbus is famous for one thing, I hope it’s the art.
I’m buzzed, I’ll walk it off going back to where I parked. With the breeze of the town and a smile on my face, I head home thinking how difficult it will be to ever leave my city. A million trips to the same 7 miles yield a multitude of adventures - there’s always something new in this creative and ever-changing city.
This article was written for mU - 500 words about your hometown.